Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2801 N Napa
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and fire apparatus to 2801 N. Napa at 9:52 PM, Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, on a reported warehouse fire. A large column of black smoke was visible on the horizon as fire rigs were nearing the location, as the first responding rigs got closer they could see a large amount of fire coming through the roof of a metal-clad wood/framed warehouse. Within minutes a 2nd alarm response was requested and additional fire crews and equipment were added to the response. When crews arrived on scene the fire had already heavily involved much of the structure. As fire crews worked to force entry into the locked warehouse, other crews began laying water supply lines and fire hoses to be able to be in position to advance those hose leads inside the building once entry could be made. While this work by the crews was going on outside, the fire inside continued to grow in size and intensity. As doors were finally forced or cut to provide entry into the structure the decision was made to not risk injury, or possibly more serious risks to the firefighters, by attacking this fire from the outside. Large volume water delivery devices were brought into play from the perimeter of the building and the fire was gradually knocked down. Damage to the warehouse and its contents was considerable. With the help of Spokane Police Officers who were at the scene and a helpful citizen with a pick-up truck, a number of fiberglass boats stored up against the fire building were removed from danger to areas of safety away from the building. There were no reports of injuries to any of the firefighters at the scene or to any civilians. Ten pieces of fire fighting apparatus and two Command vehicles delivered 40 firefighters to the scene of this large fire. Fire investigators from the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were at the fire as it burned during the night and will be on scene today as soon as the sun rises to begin their task of determining a fire cause. Fire watch companies were at the scene during the night to insure that the fire was completely extinguished and to provide security for the scene as well as for the contents of the heavily damaged warehouse.



PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is curently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Very heavy damage to the building and to the contents of the two businesses located in the structure. Complete damage estimates have yet to be determined.
DOLLAR LOSS: 250,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 40
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE