Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 3:43 p.m.
At 5:21 this morning, Spokane Regional Emergency Center dispatchers alerted the Spokane Fire Department to a fire at the Viking Tavern at 1221 North Stevens Street. Multiple callers reported flames on the porch at the front entrance and a sizable smoke column. Engine 3 arrived four minutes later and confirmed a heavy volume of fire at the entrance. Firefighters quickly knocked down the exterior fire and forced entry into the business to ensure no interior extension.
A fire investigator used security camera footage to determine that the fire was caused by improperly disposed smoking materials in a planter box. The video captured the planter box smoking throughout the night until it ignited shortly before witnesses reported the fire. Loss estimates are $40,000, but thanks to the quick actions of firefighters, a significant amount of property and contents were saved. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.
The Spokane Fire Department reminds citizens to dispose of all smoking materials appropriately. Use a non-combustible metal container with a lid and soak the materials in water. Cigarettes discarded in an ashtray should never be thrown directly into a garbage can but should first be placed in a non-combustible container and wetted with water.
Improperly disposed of cigarettes in pots with soil is a common cause of preventable fires, often smoldering for hours before igniting, as demonstrated by this morning's incident. If you smell fresh smoke, even a slight intermittent odor, suspect a smoldering exterior fire nearby and investigate. If you need assistance or discover a smoldering fire, call 9-1-1 so firefighters can ensure complete extinguishment.
