ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/5/2006
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 115 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at 10:19 AM, two Spokane Fire Department companies; one Engine and One Ladder from Station 4 were dispatched to an automatic alarm sounding at 115 West Riverside, the Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Church. Upon arrival, the company officer began investigating the cause of the alarm when a working fire in the foyer area of the Riverside entrance was discovered. The alarm was immediately upgraded by Acting Lieutenant Groe to a first alarm-working fire. Fire Chief Bobby Williams responded from the immediate area and assisted the initial crews by helping them stretch supply line and coordinate their efforts. After a large amount of smoke developed from the bell tower of the church and the potential for rapid fire spread was realized, a second alarm was requested. The second alarm resulted in Fire Dispatch assigning one Rescue Company, two Pumper/Ladders, eight Engines and two Senior Ladder companies under the direction of Battalion Chief Ken Kirsch and Bruce Moline. Arriving Firefighters assisted the Station 4 companies and initiated an aggressive interior attack focusing on confining the fire to its area of origin in the foyer while simultaneously confirming that all occupants of the church were evacuated and accounted for.
Engine and Ladder companies were successful in controlling the fire within 30-minutes. Ladder and Rescue companies worked diligently to protect and overhaul the church's property while also providing forced positive pressure into the building to clear the atmosphere inside. Companies were assigned on all of the building's floors to coordinate searches and locate hidden areas where fire potentially could have traveled. In all, nearly forty (40) Firefighters and Chief Officers were utilized to mitigate the incident. There were no injuries to civilians; however a Fire Officer was injured during a ladder company assignment.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire remains under investigation by SFD Investigators; however it has been ruled incendiary. The local office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been notified. The Spokane Fire Department is asking for anyone that may have information regarding this incident to please call 509-625-7052.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The main area of damage is located in the foyer. The contents near the origin of the fire and adjoining areas sustained significant damage and the entire building received varying levels of smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 40
MUTUAL AID: None Given
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