DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1608 E. Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: Early Saturday morning on April 3rd, 2010 at 3:28 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 1608 E. Mission. This building is known as the River Ridge Apartments. Engine 8 from the neighborhood fire station at Mission and Rebecca 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 an additional fire company was made given the large volume of fire and smoke coming from the structure. A rapid fire attack using Engine 8 and Engine 1 with hose lines coupled with a rapid search for occupants using Ladder 2, was coordinated on the second level of the building. At the same time, a ventilation crew consisting of Ladder 1's crew was cutting open the flat roof overhead for the fire crews inside involved in the extinguishment and search efforts. Two adult occupants along with their three children were found to be safe outside of the structure. A rapid knockdown of the flames was achieved after 20 minutes. The fire was confined to the apartment unit on the second floor and portions of the roof. 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 apartment unit was totally destroyed as were most of the contents inside. The apartment unit below the fire sustained water damage from the extinguishing effort.
The Red Cross arrived to assist the occupants with shelter and belongings. In addition to the 5 occupants displaced by the fire, there were 5 occupants in the apartment unit next door and two occupants in the apartment unit below that were also displaced by the fire.
There were 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs on this alarm. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department remains on the scene and is currently working towards finding the cause of this fire. Given the advanced fire conditions found upon arrival, the time of night, and the large life hazard in this type of occupancy, the fire was kept relatively small and the majority of the apartment complex was saved. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Fire crews remained on the scene for hours afterward checking hotspots and making sure the fire was completely out.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The apartment unit was completely destroyed by fire and most of the contents which consisted of furnishings and clothing were also consumed. The apartment unit below sustained some water damage and the apartment unit next door received some forcible entry damage because of firefighters efforts to gain access, ventilate and search for occupants. The roof sustained moderate damage from the fire and vertical ventilation actions.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
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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