Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 8:35 a.m.
The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to a house fire today (11/23/2023) at approximately 3 PM. The incident, which occurred in a one-and-a-half-story single-family dwelling, was quickly brought under control by the responding units.
Reports of an injured occupant while en route prompted the dispatch of an additional AMR ambulance to the scene, bringing the total to two. Upon arrival, SFD crews observed smoke issuing from the back of the house. They immediately deployed a hose line and simultaneously conducted a search for any occupants.
The investigation revealed that unattended items on a stove had ignited, causing a kitchen fire and filling the house with thick smoke. Fortunately, the lone occupant had evacuated the house before SFD's arrival and did not require medical attention. The fire was quickly extinguished, preventing significant damage to the home and its contents.
Firefighters did not find a working smoke alarm in the home, and no alert was raised during the incident. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Community Safety Reminder: Preventing Kitchen Fires
Because of this incident, the SFD would like to remind residents of the importance of kitchen safety. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires, as noted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). We urge the community to stay alert and remain in the kitchen when frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food. It's also crucial to keep flammable items away from the stovetop and maintain a 3-foot, kid and pet-free zone around cooking areas.
This event serves as a reminder of the vital role of attention and safety practices in preventing fires. A working smoke detector is essential in every home to provide early warning during a fire.
