Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4822 N. Nelson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Just before 11:30 am Friday December 18, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 4822 N. Nelson. Upon arrival of Engine 15 the first apparatus on scene they reported smoke coming from apartment 6 on the second floor. They initiated a fire attack using a 1 ¾" pre connected hose line once a second apparatus was on scene. Additional crews were used for ventilating the smoke out of the apartment, setting a rapid intervention team and checking for extension of the fire beyond the room of origin as well as looking out for the needs of all residents of the apartment building. The additional crews arriving where to include 2 more Engine Companies, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue crew and 2 Battalion Chiefs. The fast attack on the fire kept the damage confined to the contents in the bedroom where the fire originated and kept the fire out of the structure. The apartments on both sides and the apartment above the fire were checked for extension and none was found. The air quality was checked in all of the apartments for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. All air samples were found to be within safe limits. Red Cross was contacted to assist 1 adult and 3 children living in apartment 6. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. One concern which is not determined to be the cause of the fire was clothing and combustibles up against a baseboard heater. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind people during the heating season to be very careful with all heating devices and keep combustibles away from all equipment used for heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to contents of bedroom and smoke throughout the apartment.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE