Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/30/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 10101 North Nevada
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Friday, March 30, 2007 at 2:33 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 6 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius responded to a commercial structure fire at 10101 North Nevada in the Golds Gym Complex.

First arriving Firefighters were initially dispatched to an automatic alarm at the address. When the first company arrived they encountered a multiple story office/gym complex with a working fire on the second floor of the Essence Spa. The alarm was immediately upgraded to include the resources mentioned. After forcing entry on several security doors, crews stretched multiple handlines and were able to access the burning structure and begin an aggressive attack on the fire. Positive pressure ventilation and the removal of windows was necessary to remove heat and products of combustion from upper floors and the large space on the first floor. It took 30 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the spead of fire from the unit of origin and prevent additional damage to the adjoining buildings. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. Investigators are on-scene conducting interviews and examining physical evidence.
DAMAGE EXTENT: At the time of this release, firefighting efforts have ceased, however companies will be on scene most of the afternoon performing salvage, overhaul and assisting the Fire Investigators. Damage to the second and first floor of the Essence Spa is considerable. A damage assessment is expected this afternoon and we will follow up with that information as it becomes available.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given