Fire displaces four residents

On 02/14/08 at approximately 1828 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1228 W Chelan upon report of a structure fire. First arriving Fire Department units found a 1 ½ story, wood-frame, duplex, heavily involved in fire. Fire was evident in the rear or south portion of the residence. Fire Department members advanced pre-connected hose-lines into the south side of the structure, advanced to the second floor and soon had the fire under control. While the fire was being extinguished, other firefighters, searched the 1st and 2nd stories for possible victims, and ventilated the roof to allow smoke to escape the building. The fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes but SFD crews remained on to scene assure extinguishment for about another 4 hours. A total of 28 firefighters on 10 trucks initially fought this blaze with many other crews rotating into the scene to assist with overhaul and to provide security throughout the night. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or tenants of the residence. Significant fire damage was evident to the south stairway of the residence and to most portions of the second floor. The first floor had moderate water damage. Four tenants were displaced from the duplex with the Red Cross assisting each.

Cause :
The cause of this fire is still undetermined and under investigation. Investigators were on scene during the evening hours and will return in the morning to continue the origin and cause determination.

Damage :
Damage was extensive to the south stairway as well as to most of the 2nd floor. Water damage was evident on the 1st floor.