Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/26/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4814 N. Magnolia
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On 8/26/07 at 6:18 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a pumper ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a fire inside a dwelling located at 4814 N. Magnolia. Fire crews found smoke coming from the main floor and a number of windows upon arrival. An immediate offensive attack was conducted inside the structure and it was discovered that the fire was involving the entire kitchen and was rapidly extending towards other areas of the home. Two adults and two children were at home at the time of the blaze and all made their way out of the dwelling to safety. The fire was effectively contained after approximately 10 minutes. Overhaul was begun after a thorough search of the interior was accomplished. This activity involved fire crews shoveling out burned debris, inspecting areas with their thermal camera, and extinguishment of hot spots in order to declare the fire totally out. Fire crews remained at the house for 2 hours completing these tasks. This fire was fought by 20 firefighters. The cause of this fire was cooking grease that overheated on the stove. The grease suddenly ignited and then spread rapidly to the wooden cabinets above. Once the wood caught fire, the fire grew hotter and spread throughout the kitchen area. The home sustained significant smoke and heat damage. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind homeowners that keeping a fire extinguisher inside the home is a good idea. Know where it is kept, and make sure it is easily accessible. The kitchen area is a good place to keep an extinguisher as cooking fires are one of the most common types of fires inside dwellings.
PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire was caused by grease used for frying that overheated inside of a pan and then ignited, spreading to wooden cabinets above the stove in the kitchen.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Major heat damage to the entire kitchen. Moderate to major smoke damage throughout the dwelling. The contents inside the home that were affected by the fire consisted of clothing, furniture, belongings and keepsakes.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given