Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 12:45 p.m.
At 9:20 a.m. today, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a call regarding a bedroom fire at the Larchmont Apartments, a ten-unit complex located at 1428 West 10th Ave. Emergency operators at the 9-1-1 center relayed information to responding firefighters that the occupant of Apartment #10 had detected a fire in her bedroom. Swiftly gathering her phone and dog, she evacuated the building safely. Other residents reported black smoke in hallways visible from the exterior and noted that additional occupants were also evacuating.
Battalion Chief 1 was the first on the scene within four minutes, reporting visible smoke on the exterior from the third floor. Engine 4 and Ladder 4 were tasked with ensuring the evacuation of all occupants on the third floor and extinguishing the fire. As more firefighters arrived, they secured a water supply to the nearby fire hydrant, deployed additional hose lines, and ensured the complete evacuation of the building. The fire was promptly extinguished, resulting in significant damage to the affected apartment and moderate smoke and water damage to other units and hallways.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and damage estimates are not yet available. However, the value saved is expected to be substantial in comparison to the damage and loss. Officials are assessing the habitability of all units, with at least one unit currently deemed uninhabitable. Fortunately, no injuries to the public or firefighters were reported. Smoke alarms were present and activated appropriately.
?Spokane Fire emphasizes the importance of closing doors when evacuating a building during a fire. This includes not only the door to the fire room but, more crucially, the door to the public hallway, stairways, and exit doors. Closing doors helps contain the fire to adjacent rooms, limiting oxygen supply and aiding firefighting efforts. Moreover, closing doors along evacuation routes reduces smoke and heat, enhancing the chances of occupants successfully evacuating without assistance or rescue from firefighters.
