Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 3:18 p.m.
The Spokane Fire Department has been busy over the past 24 hours, responding to three reported working fires.
The first fire was reported on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 12:24 p.m. in the 2800 block of East Sharp Avenue. SREC dispatch informed responders that they were in contact with the occupant, who reported a kitchen fire and confirmed that everyone had evacuated. Engine 8 arrived in under four minutes and found a one-story residence with smoke from the back of the home. Firefighters quickly stretched a hoseline to the kitchen and extinguished the fire before it spread beyond the room of origin. Other firefighters confirmed the residence was evacuated and checked for fire extension into the attic.
A fire investigator determined the fire was accidental, caused by the stove top being accidentally turned on, leading to the cupboard above igniting from the convective and radiant heat. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. Damage is estimated at $75,000, with the property value saved being $250,000. The American Red Cross was called to assist in temporary housing for one adult female.
The second fire occurred in the 300 block of East Pacific Avenue at 6:07 p.m., with callers describing black smoke from the rear of a home. Engine 1 arrived five minutes after dispatch and found a shed in the backyard on fire, with flames spreading to nearby trees. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire with minimal damage. This fire was determined to be incendiary, and investigators are following up on suspect information.
The final fire was reported at 4:57 a.m. today by neighbors who noticed a fire in the residence next door. A male subject walking in the 1900 block of East Marietta Avenue saw a column of smoke and ran to the affected home, knocking on doors to alert any possible occupants.
Tower 2 arrived in less than four minutes and reported smoke coming from a 1 1/2-story duplex. Firefighters quickly forced open the doors and searched for occupants while other firefighters deployed hoselines to extinguish the fire found in the basement and first floor.
The duplex was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. Damage estimates are not yet available, but smoke damage was extensive, making the residence uninhabitable at this time.
The fire is considered suspicious, and fire investigators are being assisted by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit, Spokane Police Department Major Crimes, and Spokane County Fire District 4, along with their accelerant detection canine “Chardonnay.”
