Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/26/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1627 West Mansfield Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 10:34 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Steve Sabo and Bob Green responded to a commercial structure fire at 1627 West Mansfield Avenue.


The first company arrived within 4-minutes and reported smoke and flames showing from the roof of a two-story "tax payer" structure. Arriving engine companies stretched multiple handlines to the second floor from a street-level stairway while the first-in ladder company used their apparatus ladder to reach the fire and perform ventilation. Additional companies were also utilized to evacuate remaining tenants from units below the fire and escort them safely to the street.


It took 24 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. There were no civilians or firefighters injured throughout the operations.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was concluded to be accidental and determined to be misuse of a torch during a roofing repair by workers.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Structural damage is moderate and Red Cross has been notified to assist the temporarily displaced tenants.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given