Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5231 W Navaho
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 6, 2008 at 3:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Kirsch responded to a reported residence fire at 5231 W Navaho. Residents reported a fire present in the interior wall of their home to SFD Dispatchers on 911. They stated that their smoke detectors were activating and they had discharged a fire extinguisher towards the fire, however it did not appear to affect the rapidly growing fire. The resident's neighborhood fire company (Engine 17) was on scene within 5-minutes and reported a fire in the interior of the home with high suspicion that the fire had spread to the attic. Additional engine companies laid a supply line from a nearby hydrant and assisted Engine 17 in gaining access to the fire and extinguishing it. Ladder companies provided ventilation, overhaul and salvage in coordination with the engine's efforts.

The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being extinguished within 45 minutes and damage being limited to specific areas of the home. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters and the residents are temporarily staying with family.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Investigators are on scene currently.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the residence. There appears to be moderate structural damage with variying levels of smoke damage throughout the home. The family of seven (two adults and five children ranging in ages from 6 years old to 16 years old.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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

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