Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 4:40 p.m.
Spokane, WA-- Spokane Firefighters were dispatched to 2323 W College Ave at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, for a reported fire to a detached garage at this location. Firefighters arrived to find fire consuming a portion of the exterior with an extension into the garage. Thick, dry vegetation between the house and garage was also burning but was quickly extinguished before it could spread further. During the fire, the power line going into the house was compromised and fell onto the garage, limiting full extinguishment activities until Avista Utilities could respond to de-energize the line.
While firefighters were waiting on the power company, the resident reported smoke coming from her basement. Firefighters made entry into the home and found a small fire hidden in the walls near the electrical panel. Firefighters quickly opened the walls and extinguished the fire, keeping it limited to one area of the basement.
A fire investigator was summoned to the scene as there were reports from neighbors of fireworks going off just prior to the fire. The cause of the garage fire was determined to be fireworks-related, while the fire inside the house was caused by a power surge in the service line going into the home when the line was damaged by the garage fire. Fire damage was limited, but there was extensive damage to the electrical service inside the home. Loss is estimated at $30,000, while the value saved was $375,000. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.
Anyone with any information regarding the person(s) that were in the area lighting fireworks prior to the fire is encouraged to call Spokane Fire Special Investigations Unit at 509-625-7120.
