Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/22/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 704 S. Arthur
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: This afternoon, Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 1712 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched fire apparatus to a reported house fire at 704 S. Arthur St. Fire Dispatchers reported to the responding fire crews that the callers were not sure if everyone was out of the burning structure.

The first arriving fire crew, Engine 7 arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of their dispatch. The Engine's Captain reported heavy smoke coming from the entire front of a two story wood frame residential home/duplex. It was still uncertain if there was anyone inside the structure. Engine 7's crew immediately advanced a hose line, attacking the fire inside the first floor of the large 2 story duplex. They passed command to Ladder 1 and requested that the next arriving crews perform an immediate search of the home/duplex for occupants.

Ladder 1's company officer assigned crews to search and ventilate the structure. The interior fire crews were reporting fire in the basement, first and second floors and in all areas of the attic. An aggressive fire attack was made in all these areas, while search crews continued to look for occupants.

The duplex was found to be unoccupied and the fire was brought under control within 25 minutes. However, crews continued to dig out hidden fire for the next 2 hours. 7 fire apparatus and 26 firefighters responded and were used in the first 2 hours of this incident. No injuries were reported from civilians or firefighters. Fire crews will be on the scene throughout the night in order to make sure the fire is out.

The design and remodeled areas of the duplex provided additional challenges for final extinguishment of this fire. Many of the interior walls and the entire ceiling area on the second floor had to be opened to gain access to the burning fire. A good portion of the roof also had to be removed by hand as fire had progressed between several layers of roofing.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire cause is under investigation at this time. The official pronouncement will be made by investigators after all evidence and interviews have been reviewed.


DAMAGE EXTENT: As stated earlier, there was extensive fire damage throughout the entire duplex, more than likely leading to a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given