Fire Press Release

3 year old injured at first fire of year

Incident #: 2012000052
Date of Incident: 1/1/2012
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 1, 2012 at 05:46 AM 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 707 E. Illinois Ave. Firefighters under the direction of Lt. Darryl Wisniewski from Station 2 arrived within 4 minutes to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the home. The fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional ladder and engine were added to the incident. Lt. Wisniewski made immediate contact with the family living at the home and verified that everyone was accounted for and out of the structure. The family's 3 year old daughter sustained heavy burns to both of her legs. The child and parents were immediately transported to SHMC by ambulance. Pre-connected hoselines were advanced into the front of the home to confine the flames to the rear portion of the structure and extinguish it on both floors where it was burning. Initial visibility inside the home was poor for the firefighters advancing hoselines and searching. Both ladder companies at this incident were deployed to provide for ventilation. A coordinated effort of firefighters knocked the fire down and brought its progression under control within 20 minutes. The extensive fire damage and its investigation will keep firefighters on scene for a good portion of the morning following up with the fire's final extinguishment. The 3 year old fire victim is currently being treated for extensive 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The cause of this fire is still under investigation at the time of this media release. Additional information will be made available when the investigative process is complete.

Cause:
At the time of this media release, investigators are still working at the fire.

Damage:
Heavy damage to rear portion of the home's fisrt and second floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $75000

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