Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, jderuyter@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 1:12 p.m.
At approximately 10:52 a.m., Spokane Fire Department crews were dispatched to the 1700 block of East Hartson Avenue following reports of grass and trees burning on a hillside. Firefighters arrived on the scene within five minutes and encountered a wind- and slope-driven fire rapidly advancing uphill, with one structure immediately threatened.
Recognizing the potential for escalation, incident commanders promptly requested additional support from Spokane County Fire District 8, Spokane Valley Fire Department, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Thanks to a coordinated multi-agency effort, the initial fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, and crews began mopping up hot spots. During this phase, nearby residents alerted firefighters to a second fire — this time in the backyard of a home in the 1700 block of East 8th Avenue.
Firefighters quickly redeployed to the new location, where they discovered flames spreading across two residential backyards and posing an immediate threat to a home and shed. Crews quickly contained the blaze, successfully preventing further property damage.
The second fire has been attributed to embers carried from the initial hillside blaze, though the overall incident remains under investigation. Spokane Police were requested to respond to the scene to interview two individuals reportedly seen in the area at the time, as observed by neighbors. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and damage was limited to fences and debris.
The Spokane Fire Department reminds residents of the ongoing risk that embers from even distant fires can pose to urban neighborhoods. For information on how to safeguard your home and property, visit the Department of Natural Resources Wildfire Ready website.
