Fire Press Release - Spokane Family is burned out of their home - No mention in the media!

Issuing Officer:

Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

2/9/2008

Incident Address:

2654 N. Walnut



Spokane, WA 99205

Structure Fire

On February 8th, 2008 at 3:10 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 2654 N. Walnut. Fire crews found a wood frame home with fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. A simultaneous attack, consisting of hose lines inside, ventilation crews on the roof, search teams inside and backup crews, were deployed and effectively, the fire was cutoff and contained after 25 minutes. The home had been occupied by a family of 5 and all were able to escape the house. There was a large population of pets inside the home consisting of cats, dogs, lizards, chinchillas, birds and rabbits and all were spared as most of them were on the first and basement levels. The Spokane Fire Department Community Assistance Resource Team (CARES) arrived along with the Red Cross and assisted with the family in making arrangements for lodging, clothing and food. The entire second floor suffered damage from fire and smoke. The roof was cut open to relieve the atmosphere below of heat and smoke, and some of the floor and wall in the bedroom on the second level was also breached in order to seek out and extinguish any hidden fire that remained. A thermal imaging camera was used to assist with this operation. There were a total 19 firefighters that fought this blaze. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the fire appears to be electrical in origin. A fire department investigator was called to the scene.

Probable Cause:


Electrical wiring underneath the bedroom floor.

Damage Extent:

Heavy fire and smoke damage to both second floor bedrooms. Clothing, furniture, children's toys and keepsakes were all damaged in this fire. The structure suffered some water damage as well.

Firefighter Response: 19

Dollar Loss: $96,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

END OF RELEASE

For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002