Saturday, August 14, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2217 E Sprague Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On 08/14/2010, at 1:21 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue, and two chief officers to a reported fire in an abandoned house located at 2217 E Sprague. First arriving company SE7, which is located in the East Central neighborhood, reported smoke and fire showing from a 1 story, wood constructed, residential structure. This same structure had suffered a fire in April and was currently boarded up and posted "not for occupancy" by the Fire Prevention Division. However there had been reports that the structure was being frequented by homeless citizens which necessitated a thorough search be undertaken. One victim was located outside the structure by first arriving crews and he was treated on-scene by SFD medics for smoke inhalation before being transported to Valley Hospital . This fire presented several challenges to firefighters due to the fact that all the openings were boarded over, the main fire was located in the basement, and there had been a previous fire which had damaged the structure. A coordinated effort was undertaken to protect the searching crews which included removing the plywood over the doors and windows, placing hoses between the searching crews and the fire, and removing smoke and toxic gasses. Fortunately no other victims were found and the fire was extinguished. Two additional engines were called to the scene to assist with the overall effort. Crews remained on-scene for several hours to locate and extinguish hot spots. One firefighter suffered a dog bite to his hand while treating the smoke inhalation patient and was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The structure suffered severe damage to the basement and first floor, with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
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

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