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

Family of three escapes house fire

Incident #:  2011036899
Date of Incident:  9/12/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 12:39 AM, Monday, September 12th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported attached garage fire at 8117 N. Meghan Street, in the Five Mile neighborhood. Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe arrived first on scene and upgraded the incident to a working fire, reporting heavy smoke and fire involving three cars in the driveway and heavy fire in the garage, with fire extending into the two-story wood framed house. The three occupants who were asleep in the house at the time of the fire escaped uninjured prior to the fire department's arrival. As fire crews arrived, Chief Donahoe assigned them to the multitude of tasks needed to bring the fire under control, including: roof ventilation, multiple fire attack lines, and extensive overhaul. Fire had extended from the garage and up interior walls to the second floor bedrooms and the attic, creating a difficult and labor-intensive operation for the fire crews. As a result of the extraordinary efforts of the fire crews the house was saved, but there was still extensive damage to the structure and its contents. Most of the roof was lost and the entire house and contents suffered extensive smoke and water damage. In addition, a total of five vehicles were destroyed. The family of four is being assisted by the Red Cross. In all, two ladder trucks, five engines, a heavy rescue and two Battalion Chiefs, for a total of 29 firefighters, worked at this fire. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night and into the morning, working on stubborn hot spots and assuring complete extinguishment. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
This incident is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, who will comb through the debris and conduct interviews to determine the cause.

Damage:
Damage to the structure and contents, including the five vehicles, is estimated at $300,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $300,000

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