Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/8/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3923 E Pratt
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 03/08/07 at approximately 1157 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3923 E Pratt upon report of a structure fire. The first arriving unit on the scene found heavy smoke coming from a one story, wood-frame, single-family residence. Smoke was evident from the eaves, front door, and chimney areas of the structure. E-7 crew members advanced a pre-connected hose-line in the front door of the structure and found fire advancing up the stairway from the basement. Fire crews continued to fight their way down the stairs and extinguished the main body of fire in the northwest portion of the basement. Other assignments completed during this fire incident included crews advancing a back-up lead to protect E-7 crew members, firefighters ventilating the basement and first floors of the residence, search of the first floor and basement areas for possible life hazards, and the check of areas of the first floor for extension of fire. No extension of fire was found on the first floor.

A total of 23 firefighters on 9 apparatus battled this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported. The main body of fire was extinguished within approximately 20 minutes with crews remaining on scene for approximately 2 more hours to assure extinguishment. Fire damage was confined mainly to the basement area of the residence, with smoke damage evident to both the basement and first floors.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. Fire investigators are still analyzing the scene, and information surrounding the incident. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Capt. Mike Zambryski at 625-7052 during normal business hours.
DAMAGE EXTENT: A family of five occupied the residence. The fire was discovered by one of the young adults occupying the home. The main body of fire, at the time of discovery, was in the north-west portion of the basement. This is an area containing a hot water heater, softer water unit, the electrical panel for the residence, among other items.

DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given