Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bruce Moline
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 608 N. Maple
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On December 28th, 2008 at 12:02 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 5 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 608 N. Maple. This originally was reported as a possible transformer on fire as it was near a power substation and the caller was viewing this from a distance away. Engine 3, the first to arrive, could tell as they approached the area that this was more than just a transformer burning as there was a significant amount of dark colored smoke in the air. They immediately asked for a full alarm and upon arrival, discovered a wooden storage shed that was burning right next to a commercial warehouse and office facility. It was then reported that a person may still be inside the storage shed. A rapid primary search was begun along with an interior fire attack. The fire was impinging on a large metal garage door next to the storage shed and ladder crews began to force entry to the interior of the warehouse to prevent any further extension of fire. The fire was successfully kept out of the warehouse. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire and completed their searches in 15 minutes. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time however the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is currently investigating its source. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this fire. The storage shed and its contents received heavy damage. The warehouse garage door sustained heat damage. A total of 26 firefighters responded on this blaze.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wooden storage shed received heavy fire damage. The warehouse and office facility garage door sustained moderate fire damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given