Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 8:20 a.m.
At 2:37 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2900 block of West Riverside Avenue for multiple reports of a brush fire spreading into the trees. Engine 4 arrived within four minutes, reporting a fire covering an area of approximately 100 by 50 feet involving grass and trees. As firefighters were working to contain this blaze, a second fire, with a visible smoke column, was reported across the street. This prompted the request for a 2nd Alarm brush fire response, bringing in additional resources from the Spokane Valley Fire Department, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The second fire quickly grew, burning an estimated 3-5 acres of grass and brush on a steep hillside, with The Ridge Condominiums at the top of the slope. Firefighters began attacking the fire from below, while other firefighters positioned at the top of the hill to protect the condominiums in the fire's path. Fortunately, the fire was stopped at the condos' irrigated lawn, preventing damage and saving property valued at over $4.5 million.
The rapid fire spread was fueled by the prolonged seasonal drying of natural vegetation and the steep terrain. However, the lack of strong winds, light fuels with minimal spot fires, well-maintained defensible space around the condos, and the swift response from multiple agencies all contributed to successfully containing this dangerous fire without damaging property or causing injuries to the public or firefighters.
Firefighters will continue reinforcing containment lines, extinguishing smoldering areas throughout the night, and patrolling the burned area for hot spots over the next few days.
Early in the incident, before firefighters arrived, multiple reports were made about a suspicious male in the area, who witnesses believe may have been responsible for these fires. The fires are under investigation in collaboration with the Spokane Police Department, as both are considered suspicious and related. No suspect information is available at this time, but investigators continue to interview witnesses and seek surveillance footage from the area.
The Spokane Fire Department reminds the public that although cooler temperatures and potential precipitation are forecast for this week, strong winds are expected this weekend. Combined with our seasonally dry natural fuels, these weather conditions often lead to extreme fire growth and behavior.
If you observe suspicious activity, please report it to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 or call 9-1-1 if you believe the situation is an immediate threat. Anyone with information regarding today's fires is encouraged to contact Crime Check or the Spokane Fire Department's Arson Tip Hotline at (509) 625-7199.
