Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1434 W. Indiana
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On December 17th, 2008 at 4:50 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department sent 6 companies of firefighters to a fire in a dwelling located at 1434 W. Indiana. Fire crews were confronted with a fire that was burning on the outside of the home and traveling vertically towards the second level next to the chimney. The fire was rapidly extinguished with hose lines on the outside while crews on the inside were quickly checking for any occupants that remained. Both tenants were able to escape on their own, safely. After this was confirmed, fire crews then began to check for hotspots that may have extended to other unseen portions of the house. The fire was declared out after 45 minutes. The occupants will be able to stay in the home as the damage was minimal. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department and it appears at this time that it was caused by embers from the fireplace that communicated through the brick and mortar to the outside wall where it burned 2 X 4 studs, insulation and both wood and vinyl siding. There were no injuries to either firefighters or occupants. The Spokane Fire Department would like to offer the following winter fire life saving tips:

.Install a smoke detector on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10 year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.

.Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.

.Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.

.Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.

.Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a device, like a hand-held dryer, evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories. (UL).

.Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.

.Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

.If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.


PROBABLE CAUSE: Possibly caused by embers that escaped the fireplace through holes or cracks in the brick and mortar and lodged in the wall on the exterior side of the house. The fire is currently being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The exterior vinyl and wood siding as well as the insulation and stud wall all received damage from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 4,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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