Fire Press Release

South Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2011051778#
Date of Incident: 12/24/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Saturday December 23rd 2011 at 03:54, four engine companies, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Jones responded to a Structure Fire at 2303 East Mission. Firefighters arrived to find smoke emitting for the roof eves of a single story duplex. The first engine company reported heavy fire in the basement of the affected unit. Companies made a complete search of both the 2303 and 2305 addressed units of the duplex. The 50 year old male occupant from the affected unit suffered smoke inhalation but made it out of the building prior to the Fire Departments arrival. He is being treated at Holy Family Hospital. Three adults, one child and a cat were assisted out of the adjacent unit by Firefighters making the primary search. The fire was under control within 30 minutes but crews remained on scene for approximately four hours to make sure the fire was completely out. It should be noted that both Duplex units did not have a working smoke detector on either the basement or the first floor and the Spokane Fire Dept installed the required smoke detectors prior to leaving. The 4 occupants in the adjacent unit next to the fire were able to move back into their home with no fire or smoke damage. The male occupant in the fire affected unit will be residing with friends until major structural repair,Chimney repair, smoke damage and electrical issues can be rectified.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit has determined that the fire was caused by a defective chimney with a wood stove insert. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens to have their chimney inspected and cleaned each year prior to use. These occupants were very fortunate to escape this fire especially without working smoke detectors.

Damage:
There is structural damage from the fire in the basement and first floor, along with smoke damage throughout the affected unit. The Chimney is in need of replacement or major repair. The adjacent duplex unit was protected from any fire or smoke damage

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $30,000.00

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002