Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/3/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1822 W. Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 6/3/07 at 8:01 P.M. units of the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 1822 W. Gardner. First arriving fire crews found a one and a half story wood framed home converted to apartments with smoke coming from the front eaves and windows. There were separate homes on each side of this building that were extremely close which caused great concern for firefighters as the fire could have easily spread to these homes. Firefighters then 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 apartments. The fire was contained after approximately 15 minutes and both homes that were near the fire were spared. It was confirmed later that this building has been vacant for 2 months. A total of 24 firefighters on 7 apparatus responded on this blaze. The temperature at the time of this fire was 95 degrees and this extreme heat can take a toll on firefighters rather quickly. Firefighter's protective clothing is heavy as is the breathing tanks that they wear. Add to this ambient heat from the weather, heat from the fire and arduous work and you have a large potential for heat related injuries. At this fire an additional crew was called in to provide for increased relief needs. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Fire crews remained at the fire for 2 hours performing cleanup and making sure "hotspots" were completely extinguished. An SFD investigator has determined this fire to be arson in nature as a melted plastic gasoline container was found on the wooden steps leading down to the basement. SFD investigators will continue to work on this incident and the public is urged to call the investigation division at 625-7052 if they either witnessed any suspicious activity or have information concerning this fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire was determined to be arson.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit received heavy fire damage and another received moderate fire damage. All units received smoke damage and the basement received some minor water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given