Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 12:07 p.m.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, at 10:41 pm, Spokane Fire Engine 18 was dispatched to a smoke investigation in a mobile home in the Contempo Mobile Home Park, 1207 East Lyons Ave. A neighbor walking by the unit saw light smoke, called 9-1-1, and upon firefighters' arrival, alerted them to the fact that an elderly invalid male lives at the location.
Firefighters discovered moderate heat and heavy smoke conditions upon making entry into the home and quickly initiated a search for victims. Additional engine companies arrived, stretched a fire attack hose line, and secured a water supply to the hydrant. Responding ladder truck companies ventilated the home of smoke and toxic gasses and assisted in confining the fire to the room of origin.
No victims were found during the search, and firefighters later learned from family members that the occupant was not at home at the time of the fire. Unfortunately, two cats perished in the fire, but firefighters saved a pet turtle. Interior damage, including smoke damage, was significant, but no values were given. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no injuries were reported.
This fire was unique because of the tightly sealed construction of the mobile home, the fire was actually deprived of oxygen available for combustion, which limited its development after a certain point. Fires like this can be hazardous when doors or windows are opened, allowing a fresh air supply and oxygen delivery to support combustion. The timing of openings and the water application are crucial to not allowing for the rapid growth of fire when oxygen enters the fire environment. Fortunately, firefighters were able to quickly locate the seat of the fire after making entry and apply water to cool down the environment below its combustion temperature.
