fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/11/2006
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 239 W. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At 10:56 AM on December 11, 2006 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire at 239 W. Cleveland. The first crews on scene reported a lot of smoke coming from the residence and upgraded the fire to a "working fire" which added another fire apparatus and an investigator to the incident. The fire, which is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department, was aggressively attacked and with coordinated ventilation was quickly brought under control. Firefighters also did a complete search of the house to make sure nobody was inside. Fire crews remained on scene until the investigation was completed. Nobody was home at the time of the fire and the resident was eventually contacted. There were no civilian or Firefighter injuries. Four Engine Companies, two Ladder Trucks, one Pumper Ladder, one Rescue unit and two Battalion Chiefs responded for a total number of 30 fire personnel. One incident occurred at the fire scene that the Spokane Fire Department needs the assistance of the public on. During the active firefighting a private vehicle heading east on Cleveland ran over the fire hoses going into the house for fire attack. This is not only illegal but dangerous to citizens trapped in the fire as well as the safety of the Firefighters inside the fire. Our primary means of fire attack and protection is the water in those hoses. When a vehicle runs over the hose damage can result to the point of stopping the flow of water at the nozzle.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department
DAMAGE EXTENT: West wall, interior and exterior, part of the roof and significant fire damage to about 1/5 of the second floor. Smoke damage throughout the second floor
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given