Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/29/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2019 W. Boone
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 4/29/07 at 12:09 A.M. units of the Spokane Fire Department responded on a report of a structure fire at 2019 W. Boone. First arriving fire crews found a two story wood framed home with fire traveling up the outside of the building and spreading to another home next door. Both homes were occupied and firefighters had to force entry through a door in order to find and remove a tenant that remained inside. There were two occupants inside the neighboring home and they safely exited on their own. Firefighters rapidly stretched hose lines and used axes and chainsaws to ventilate the roof above for the purpose of confining the fire. At the same time a search effort was coordinated to make sure everyone was out of the involved homes. Fire crews achieved a "knock down" of the fire after approximately 15 minutes. After the fire was contained, crews then began to search out the entire area of involvement for hidden embers and this effort included more cutting with saws and digging to make sure the fire was completely extinguished. A "fire watch" engine crew remained on the scene into the early morning hours. A total of 21 firefighters on 6 apparatus responded on this blaze. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Red Cross arrived to assist the displaced tenant and made arrangements for her lodging. An SFD investigator reported to this incident and at this time, the fire has been determined to be arson. It appears that a fire was set in a pile of roofing material that was on the ground and next to the house. SFD investigators will continue to work on this incident and the public is urged to call the investigation division at either 625-7052 or 625-7053 if they either witnessed any suspicious activity or have information concerning this fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Arson.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Two dwellings were damaged in this fire. The first home at 2019 W. Boone received heavy damage to the wood exterior, structural framing memebers, walls and roof. The second home sustained heavy damage to the exterior vinyl siding.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given