Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:08 a.m.
On September 1, 2023, at 5:25 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department received a report of a structure fire in the 1800 East Block of Empire Ave. Dispatchers provided additional information that a neighbor reported they could see flames and smoke from a vacant house in the neighborhood but were unsure of the actual address. Fire Engine 15, stationed in the Hillyard Neighborhood, arrived on the scene within minutes of the initial dispatch and reported an outbuilding ablaze in the alley between Providence and Empire. Tower 2, from the Logan Neighborhood, arrived shortly after and immediately initiated a primary search of the structure to ensure no occupants were trapped inside.
Firefighters found that the outbuilding was connected to the main residence at the rear of the property, and after quickly extinguishing the exterior fire, they found that the fire had extended into the residence and breached the eave line, penetrating the attic space. With fire in the attic, some firefighters were ordered to the roof to cut ventilation holes for the heat and smoke built up in the space so that firefighters below could safely open up ceilings and use hose lines to extinguish the remaining fire.
The home was vacant at the time of the fire, which limited content loss, but there was an estimated $50,000 in damages to the structure while firefighters successfully preserved property valued at $269,000. Our dedicated responders' quick and efficient actions limited the fire's progression to the outbuilding and a small portion of the attic space with no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
The fire is currently under investigation, but it is considered to be suspicious. Nearby residents reported seeing a transient fleeing the scene shortly after the fire started and have reported recent problems with transients squatting in the outbuilding. Investigators from the Spokane Fire Special Investigations Unit would like to hear from anyone with any information leading up to this fire that they have yet to speak with. Investigators can be reached at 509-625-7120.
The Spokane Fire Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of our community and would like to thank the neighbors who reported the fire and the dedicated responders who acted swiftly to control this dangerous situation.
