Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013018391
Date of Incident: 05/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:At 2:20 P.M. Thursday, May 2nd, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1837 E. 8^th Avenue in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within five minutes and reported a one and one-half story wood frame house with heavy fire visible on the back of the house and heavy smoke inside. The homeowner reported there was no one else in the home, and fire crews searching the house confirmed that. The fire was knocked down within thirty minutes, but overhaul of the burned and fire damaged areas continued for more than six hours. Fire crews will continue checking on the house throughout the evening to assure there are no hidden pockets of fire remaining. Damage to the house was extensive, with fire damage to the rear exterior, as well as finished living areas in the basement, main floor and the second floor. In addition, the house sustained considerable smoke and water damage throughout. The house will be uninhabitable until extensive repairs can be made. Five adult occupants of the house are being assisted with temporary housing by the Red Cross. One firefighter sustained a puncture wound to his hand during overhaul operations. He was treated by paramedics at the scene and returned to work. In all, thirty-one fire department personnel responded on nine trucks and two command vehicles.

Cause:An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit determined the area of origin of the fire to be outside a ground level back door. The exact cause is still under investigation, but it is considered to be accidental in nature.

Damage:Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $100,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 31

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

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