Fire damages apartment building

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3004 N. Crestline
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Early Monday morning at 12:42 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 3004 N. Crestline. Engine 15 from the neighborhood fire station at Wellesley and Crestline was the first to arrive within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire enveloping the second floor of a two story apartment building. An early call for additional fire companies was made given the large volume of fire and smoke coming from the structure. Within minutes these resources arrived and assisted in the extinguishment of the fire. A rapid thorough search was coordinated on the second level of the building and at the same time, a ventilation crew was vertically venting the flat roof overhead for the fire crews inside involved in the extinguishment and search efforts. Two adult occupants were found to be safe outside of the structure and all the other neighboring occupants were able to safely evacuate. A rapid knockdown of the flames was achieved after 20 minutes. Fire crews were then busy with overhaul work which consists of searching out all areas within the building for hot spots. A top to bottom secondary search of the entire complex was also begun to confirm reports that all occupants were out of the building.

The Red Cross arrived to assist the occupants with shelter and belongings. The Spokane Fire Department assisted in making transportation arrangements for the occupants to stay in a nearby hotel. There were 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs on the first alarm. The fire was then upgraded which brought another engine company to the scene. Shortly after this, a second alarm was struck sending an additional engine, pumper ladder and ladder company to the fire. Two apartment units suffered damage in the blaze with most of the damage confined to the apartment where the fire originated. The cause is undetermined at this time; however the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department has been searching for a cause since the early morning hours and will be at the incident site throughout much of the day. One firefighter sustained a shoulder injury while on the roof top engaged in ventilation. He was treated and released from Deaconess Hospital.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit received heavy fire, smoke and structural damage including damage to contents. An adjacent apartment unit sustained minor fire damage and moderate smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 34
MUTUAL AID: None Given