Justin de Ruyter, PIO
Monday, June 24, 2024 at 10:47 a.m.
At 5:55 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the 1600 block of West Water Avenue following multiple reports of smoke in the area. Responding firefighters upgraded the incident to a working fire due to the visible smoke column across the city. Engine 4 and Ladder 4 arrived within five minutes and reported one home fully involved in flames, with the fire extending to a neighboring house with moderate involvement.
Firefighters from Engine 4 began attacking the fire at the initial home while Ladder 4 firefighters conducted an interior search of the second home. At 6:03 a.m., a second alarm was requested, bringing additional firefighters from around the city and the Spokane Valley Fire Department to the scene. Avista Utilities was also called to the scene due to the main home’s service line burning through and falling to the ground near the front of the homes.
It took firefighters approximately 40 minutes of extinguishment and ventilation operations to bring both fires under control. There were no reported injuries to the public or firefighters. Fire investigators are currently on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Damage and loss estimates are not yet available. The American Red Cross was requested to assist with housing for four displaced adults, two from each home.
