Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5707 N. Freya
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On 5/22/07 at 8:20 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department sent 3 engine companies, one pumper ladder company, one ladder company and two battalion chiefs to a fire inside the Safeway warehouse located at 5707 N. Freya. The first in fire crew discovered a fire in the kitchen that was mostly extinguished by a sprinkler head that had activated. Crews examined an exhaust fan that was nearby for any signs of fire extension and found none. There were a total of 19 firefighters that responded on this fire but most crews were turned back quickly as the fire was kept small by the operating sprinkler system. The fire was caused by someone who had set a cardboard box full of paper towels on top of the stove in the kitchen. A burner on the stove was in the "On" position. It is not clear at this time why this burner had been activated and the situation is still under investigation. Fire damage was kept to a minimum and the business will continue to operate. Some minor water damage did occur from the sprinkler. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately one hour afterward, to assist with water and debris cleanup.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Improperly placed combustibles on top of a heating element.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Some minor damage was sustained to the ceiling above the stove from the fire. There was also some minor water damage to contents from the activated sprinkler head.
DOLLAR LOSS: 200.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given