DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2027 E. Upriver Drive
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On Sunday November 8th, 2009 at 8:43 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire involving a condominium at 2027 E. Upriver Drive. It was reported that the occupant believed there was a fire in or near her condo because she could smell smoke and her smoke detector had woke her. The occupant could not see any flames but did report that the smoke was getting worse. She called 911 and then evacuated her condo and waited for fire department arrival. The first arriving engine and ladder company reported that they had a smoke condition inside the unit but they were having difficulty locating the source of the fire because of increasing smoke conditions and diminished visibility. A quick check of the attic space above including adjacent neighboring condos confirmed that the fire was elsewhere. As this effort was progressing, other crews were busy evacuating the other occupants that remained throughout this particular wing of the complex. They also accessed the roof with an aerial platform in case vertical ventilation operations were needed. Through the use of their thermal imaging camera, and rapid advancements of hose lines, fire crews were able to pinpoint the fire in the kitchen behind an appliance enclosure. The fire was quickly extinguished and soon overhaul and cleanup operations began. A total of 20 occupants were safely evacuated from this fire and all were allowed to return after the fire operations were completed. The fire was confined to various appliances, wooden cabinetry, wiring and wallboard. The fire is under investigation at this time by the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department and will continue tomorrow, 11-09-09. Smoke detectors do save lives. The occupant had said that she was first awakened by the activated detector alerting her. Had her detector not been in working condition, the outcome could have been much worse. This was a positive outcome for all. Please keep your detectors in working condition and practice exit drills in the home.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor heat damage to kitchen cabinetry and walls. Moderate smoke damage throughout condominium. Heavy heat damage to appliances.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
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