Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 8:52 a.m.
The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) swiftly contained a potentially catastrophic fire on November 26, 2023, at 6:25 AM behind 903 East Pacific Avenue (Business Name: All-Star Fence).
Upon receiving reports of an attended fire, the nearest fire company was dispatched to address what was initially reported via 911 as improper outdoor burning. However, upon arrival, the company officer witnessed a 20-foot-high column of fire dangerously close to the commercial building. Recognizing the severity, the incident commander upgraded the response, summoning eight fire companies, including three ladder companies, five engine companies, two Battalion Chiefs, and a safety officer.
The firefighters faced significant tactical challenges due to the building's one-way access via a dead-end road and security fencing. Demonstrating their expertise, several companies forced entry through these barriers to combat the exterior blaze, while others penetrated the building's security measures to stop the fire from spreading into the insulation and threatening the structural integrity.
Remarkably, the combined efforts of over 30 firefighters managed to extinguish the fire and conduct a thorough search for any victims within 15 minutes of their arrival. Their tasks included deploying hundreds of feet of supply and attack hoses, accessing the building's roof with ladders, and breaching multiple security measures.
Investigation into the incendiary nature of the fire is ongoing and led by the Spokane Fire Department. Despite the intense fire and escalating situation, property loss was remarkably limited to just $10,000, thanks to the SFD's swift and effective response. The value of the property and contents saved is estimated to exceed $1.5 million.
