Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/20/2006
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5807 N. Division Apt. 32
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 12:51 am December 20, 2006 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 5807 N. Division on an apartment fire. The first fire crew on scene reported light smoke coming from a 2nd floor apartment. Upon entering the apartment they were met with a kitchen fire and heavy smoke. Both adults in the apartment at the time got out on their own but the female resident complained of smoke inhalation and a tightness in her chest. She was transported to Holy Family Hospital in Spokane Washington. The Fire Department responded 3 Engine companies, 1 Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs. A quick knock down of the fire prevented it from getting into the structure and the fire was contained to contents of 1 apartment. Red Cross was called to assist the apartment resident as the apartment sustained significant heat and smoke damage. All other apartment residents in the building were allowed back into their apartments shortly after knocking the fire down. 25 Firefighters were on scene about 30 minutes when the fire was reported contained. There were no Firefighter injuries. Fire damage to the kitchen was significant with heat and smoke damage throughout the apartment. The fire will be looked at by an investigator but initial impression is a fire caused by combustible materials on the kitchen stove and a burner on. It cannot be overstressed the importance of not leaving a kitchen stove unattended when in use.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Combustables unattended on a kitchen stove that was turned on.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the kitchen, heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the apartment. Confined to one apartment in the building
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given