fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Leavenworth
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/13/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 501 W Auburn Crest Ct
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99224

NARRATIVE: At 1735 hours on July 13, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire with seven fire apparatus, three command vehicles, and 24 personnel. First arriving units found a two story structure with fire showing at the peak of the roof and rapidly moving through the attic. No ooccupants were home at the time of the fire and witnesses reported a lightning strike to the structure. Fire units advanced a hose line to the second floor of the home as ladder personnel opened the roof to ventilate the attic. Remaining crews conducted a search of the structure for reported three family pets in the home and pulled ceilings to open the attic space for extinguishment. Crew brought the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes and began salvage operations to protect the homeowners property from further damage from water. Fire crews simultaneously performed overhaul operations to assure complete extinguishment of the fire.
One firefighter was transported by fire department vehicle to Deaconess Medical Center for evaluation after debris fell on him during firefighting operations. He was returned to duty with no injury. No civilian injuries occured at this incident. Two of the family cats were removed from the structure by firefighters, while a third cat was not found inside the home.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The probable cause of the fire was determined by witness statements to be a lightning strike to the roof of the structure.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Unknown at this time
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given