Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/10/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2126 W. Grace
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On 10/10/07 at 5:33 A.M. members of the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a garage on fire at 2126 W. Grace. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fully involved garage that was not attached to the house but near an alley and power lines. A rapid advancement of hose lines was conducted and the fire was found to be burning not only the garage but also burning through power lines. This created an extremely hazardous situation as the power lines were energized with electricity and they had dropped on a metallic fence which created a dangerous situation for neighbors and bystanders. Fire crews immediately sealed off both ends of the alley and prohibited anyone from entering this area. A call was put in to the Avista company to respond. Firefighters had this fire contained after 15 minutes but the long process of mop up and overhaul would carry on for a longer period of time. A tenant who lives in the adjacent house was using the garage for a work space and had been using candles to help illuminate the area inside in order for her to do her work. The candles had been placed in a combustible plastic holder and then she had returned to the home to retire for the evening, forgetting that the candles were still burning. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens that if you must use candles, keep them in sturdy holders that are non-combustible and keep a clearance of at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Never use candles in bedrooms, people fall asleep and fires happen. And finally, never use them in rooms that are unattended by an adult. Luckily, nobody was injured in this fire. A total of 22 firefighters on 4 engine companies, 1 ladder company, a pumper ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs fought this blaze.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Candles left unattended.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given