A couple of fire press releases...

SSUING OFFICER: BC Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/29/2006
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5802 S Meadow Lane
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At approximately 0220 hours on November 29, 2006 the Spokane Fire Department received a 911 call for a reported house on fire at 5802 S Meadow Lane. Six fire apparatus consisting of 2 Ladders, 3 Engines and 1 Rescue vehicle responded to the fire.
This residence is located in an area that some distance from city fire hydrants so an additional fire apparatus from Fire District 8 was requested to Tender Water.

Access to this residence was provided by a gravel road approximately 3/4 mile off the main road (Meadow Lane). This access road was uphill and covered with snow and ice. Responding Fire Officers anticipating problems with the road requested 3 additional "four wheel drive" Brush Engines to negotiate the road. The "four wheel drive" vehicles were used to shuttle equipment and Fire Fighters up the road to the fire.

The first crews to the home reported fire in the walls behind the wood stoves on the first and second floors. These walls were covered with stone and brickwork slowing access to the fire. Hand tools carried up the hill by the Fire Fighters were used to force open the masonry walls. Garden hose lines belonging to the home owner were used to knock down the fire until hose lines from the Brush Engines could be brought into play. The home owner also provided the ladders and tools he had on site for use to the Fire Fighters. His efforts lead to a positive outcome in the extinguishment of this fire.

There were no injuries to any of the residents of the home. The residents were not displaced from their home. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time. Early indicators are pointing towards the area around the wood stove.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Exterior wall on the first and second floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 34
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 8

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/29/2006
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1303 East Illinois
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, November 29, 2006, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 5:13 AM to 1303 East Illinois. The first fire crews on-scene reported smoke showing from the front door of the structure and from the eaves. Firefighters discovered fire in the attic of the residence above the kitchen and an aggressive interior fire attack was initiated. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no injuries to the occupants or firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Investigator Tom Oliver.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the kitchen and attic space with smoke damage through out the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 32
MUTUAL AID: None Given