Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 9:35 a.m.
The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to an apartment fire in the 200 Block of East Nora Avenue at 5:28 PM (12/9/23). Spokane Regional Emergency Communications received multiple 911 calls reporting an audible fire alarm and smoke on the third floor of the building. Additionally, the 911 callers indicated the presence of people screaming and attempts by occupants to evacuate the building while firefighters were already en route.
Fire companies arrived on the scene within four minutes of dispatch. They observed smoke emerging from the third floor, with an adult victim leaning out of a third-floor window, appearing in distress. Firefighters acted decisively, placing ladders on all floors and multiple sides of the building, ready for potential rescues.
One victim was removed from the unit where the fire originated. This individual suffered smoke inhalation but was promptly attended to by SFD Paramedics and AMR. The occupant was not transported to the hospital. Firefighters entered the building quickly and extinguished the fire in minutes, limiting damage primarily to the bedroom where it started.
The post-incident investigation revealed that smoke alarms had sounded up to ten minutes before the 911 call. The occupant had initially attempted to control the fire using a fire extinguisher provided by the building owner per the State Fire Code regulations. However, when the situation escalated and smoke continued to build, 911 calls were finally made. This delay in notification contributed to the smoke proliferation and risk to the building's occupants. The cause and nature of the fire remain under investigation by SFD.
This incident underlines the critical importance of immediately exiting a building when a fire alarm sounds and calling 911. The prompt and effective response of the Spokane Fire Department played a crucial role in saving both lives and property yesterday evening.
