Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, July 17, 2023 at 8:13 a.m.
On Friday, July 14, 2023, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to 2302 East Mission Avenue to a report of a house on fire. While fire companies were en route, SREC dispatchers updated firefighters that 911 callers believed the house was still occupied. The first fire company arrived within 4 minutes and found a large home heavily involved in fire on the back side and copious amounts of smoke showing. The smoke was dense enough to prevent traffic on Misson from passing by.
First-arriving firefighters immediately entered the structure to search for victims while others stretched hoselines to the seat of the fire. As additional resources continued to arrive, additional tasks necessary, such as vertical ventilation and salvage, were quickly completed. Two occupants of the home were identified, evaluated by SFD Paramedics, and refused transport by ambulance. They told investigators that they escaped before the Fire Department's arrival. A third victim was identified as a civilian rescuer that reportedly drove by the address and noticed the fire. The victim told investigators they pulled over nearby when seeing the fire and went inside to look for victims. The victim complained of shortness of breath from smoke inhalation. They were treated by SFD Paramedics and transported by AMR to definitive care. No other information is available about the civilian's condition.
The fire was under control in 15 minutes due to quick action by the first alarm companies. Firefighters successfully kept the fire's damage contained to the area of origin, preventing a devastating loss. The home and property and content value is estimated at over $450,000, and damage from the fire was limited to $100,000.
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Entering a burning house poses an extreme risk to your life, the lives of those around you, and our firefighters. Flames, toxic smoke, collapsing structures, and intense heat can cause severe injuries and likely death.
Stay Outside, Stay Safe: Under no circumstances should you attempt to enter a burning building to rescue people or belongings. Instead, move to a safe distance and encourage others to do the same. Allow the firefighters to do their job. People entering buildings on fire often become victims in need of rescue.
Alert Us: If you believe people may be trapped inside a burning house, notify the Fire Department. Provide any information that could assist them in their rescue efforts, such as the number of people involved, their possible locations, or any specific details that could aid in their rescue.
Remember, firefighters are specially trained to handle these emergencies. They have the necessary equipment, skills, and experience to rescue and combat fires. As a responsible citizen, you must prioritize your safety, support emergency services, and keep others informed.
Let us work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay out of burning buildings!
