Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 4:31 p.m.
Spokane, WA-- Spokane Firefighters were dispatched to 5521 N. Madison St. for a reported house fire at 9:52 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023. The first company to arrive at the scene reported a one-story single-family resident with a basement, with a moderate amount of smoke coming from the attic vents. The ladder truck company forced entry into the front door and found the seat of the fire to be coming from the kitchen, fire started on the stove and had spread to cabinets and furnishings in the kitchen. An initial knockdown of fire was completed by this crew with a water-based fire extinguisher, and they then started to complete a primary search.
Even though the house's sole occupant met the firefighters on their arrival and stated that everyone was out, the ladder company still completed a search of the residence per normal procedures. The first engine company arrived and deployed a fire attack hose line to the kitchen, completing the extinguishment process and reducing the amount of smoke being produced. An additional ladder truck crew arrived and cut a hole in the roof to evacuate the smoke and toxic gasses from the attic space.
The fire was caused by unattended cooking, fire damage was limited to the kitchen with a moderate amount of smoke damage to the rest of the first floor of the home. One adult male is displaced by the fire, American Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist him with temporary living arrangements or other needed services. Avista Utilities also responded to the scene to shut off electrical and gas service to the residence.
The fire loss was $75,000 while the value saved was $525,000. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Early notification and quick response by Spokane Fire are credited with keeping this fire confined to the kitchen.
The occupant stated that he was in the basement of the home when the fire started, said he started smelling smoke, and heard crackling noises which alerted him to the fire. He then safely escaped through a basement window and called 911.
Firefighters reported hearing one smoke alarm activating upon entry, but with a fire of this size, multiple alarms should have been alerting. Spokane Fire would like to remind residents that if they have questions or need assistance with smoke alarm-related issues, and live in the SFD service area, to contact the SFD Community Risk Reduction Office at 509-625-7000, or email SFDSmokeAlarms@Spokanecity.org.
