Fire Press Release

Fire damages several buildings

Incident #: 2013031038
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 2:30 in the afternoon of July 13, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported detached garage fire at 3132 S. Manito Blvd, in Spokane’s Manito Neighborhood. The first units on scene reported a two-car detached garage fully involved with a car inside. Neighbors stated that there may have been a victim inside the garage, so crews began advancing hose leads with the intent of attempting to locate and remove the possible victim. Fortunately, the homeowner, who was thought to be the victim, was identified outside the structure. He did suffer first and second degree burns to his hands, and was treated by Spokane Fire Department paramedics at the scene. Crews then directed their efforts to confine the rapidly spreading fire. In addition to the primary garage fire, a storage building, a neighbor’s house and garage, and the house associated with the primary garage were burning or beginning to burn. Because of the large volume of fire, the number and type of structures exposed to the fire and the burn victim, a second alarm was called. In all, 43 firefighters on 9 engines, 2 pumper ladders, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue truck and 2 battalion chiefs responded to this incident. The main body of fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. Crews worked aggressively to cut off and extinguish fire in the exposed structures. All fire was extinguished within one hour, but crews remained on scene for 3 more hours completing overhaul and final extinguishment. One firefighter suffered a hand laceration and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. He was later released from the hospital but was not allowed to return to work until further follow-up by a physician.

Cause:
The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and determined to be accidental.

Damage:
The primary fire garage was a total loss, with the exposed buildings receiving varying levels of damage. The house at this address sustained damage to the siding and roof, as well as smoke and water damage throughout the interior. It will not be habitable until repairs can be made. One vehicle was destroyed and one was heavily damaged. Damage to the multiple structures and vehicles is estimated at $100,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 43

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, American Medical Response for medical transport.

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