SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

Urban Interface Fire

Incident #:  2011024322
Date of Incident:  6/22/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday June 22, 2011 at 1:47 PM, 4 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Brush Engines, 1 Engine and 1 mutual aid Tender under the direction of AC Schaeffer and BC Sabo responded to an Urban Interface Brush Fire at 5807 South Windstar. Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke emendating from 1/2 acres of medium to heavy brush burning. The incident started alongside the steep hills near South Shelby Ridge Street and burned uphill towards South Windstar. Although the fire was slow moving, first arriving companies quickly assessed the need for additional ground crews due to the steep terrain and access problems by brush engines. As more companies were called into action, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance to homes above the fire. With relatively slow wind speeds being 5 mph, a relative humidity of 35%, and the temperature at 85 degrees, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. Due to the strong efforts of 19 firefighters, this fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Cause:
The cause of the fire was investigated and determined to be incendiary and related to juveniles playing with fire. The juveniles were identified and parents contacted by SFD Fire Officials.

Damage:
1/2 acre of wooded terrain.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 19

Dollar Loss: $0

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