DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1923 E. 6th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Monday November 22nd, 2010 at 6:16 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded on a house fire located at 1923 E. 6th. First crews on the scene found a large wood frame home, 1 ½ stories tall with flames and smoke coming from the rear. Based on this information, the alarm was upgraded to a "working fire" which brought an additional company of firefighters. An offensive strategy was declared and crews moved in to investigate the source of the fire. While this was taking place, ventilation crews were busy accessing the roof in preparation of vertical roof ventilation. A search team was assembled along with a backup crew and a floor by floor search was executed. The flames were discovered to be in a wall and also in the attic space. Aggressive roof ventilation by ladder crews helped confine the fire while the fire attack teams below with hose lines, pike poles and axes effectively knocked down the fire. The ladder crews cut holes over the fire area which drew the fire inward and prevented any further horizontal travel of the fire throughout the attic. The search team completed their task and reported that all occupants were out of the home, safely. There was one tenant that occupied the home and this person will be taken care of by friends and relatives. The knockdown of the fire was achieved 28 minutes after receiving the alarm. A total of 29 firefighters responded on this fire and some of them will remain on the scene throughout the day completing their final overhaul work on the building. The cause of this fire is unknown at this time but is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy damage to the home's attic and roof including ceilings, walls, and furnishings.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29
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
