Bus Fire In East Central
Incident #: 2013000095 Date of Incident: 01/01/2013 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
On Tuesday January 1st, 2013 at 1:07 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2106 E. Broadway. Engine 7 from their station located at 1st and Magnolia in the East Central Neighborhood was first to arrive and found a fully involved 40 foot bus converted into a living space. Hose lines were stretched rapidly to confine the flames and to develop a water supply off of the nearest fire hydrant. The bus was parked near a travel trailer and a structure used as a shop and office. Flames were now shooting through the roof of the bus so additional attack hose lines were placed to prevent the further spread of fire to these neighboring exposures. Both occupants that lived in the bus narrowly made their way to safety and were not injured. The fire was knocked down after the arrival of the first engine company in 13 minutes. The shop next to the bus and travel trailer were effectively protected and did not sustain any damage. Spokane Fire Department investigators were soon on the scene and began their investigation. Avista’s electrical division was also on the scene and examined the overhead wiring that was partially involved in the fire. A total of 25 firefighters responded on this fire. AMR ambulance stood by the scene in the event there were injuries to civilians or firefighters. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of this fire was due to combustibles placed too close to a wood burning stove. The bus was a total loss.
As fire crews responded to this fire, it was reported that one of the occupants was making repeated attempts to retrieve belongings from inside the bus. The Spokane Fire Department cautions the public in this action and reminds everyone to exit the occupancy as quickly as you can and once out, stay out. The occupants in this fire were very very lucky they were not seriously injured. Many injuries and fatalities have occurred after re-entry of occupants. Please plan and practice an exit drill for your occupancy in case of fire. Make sure everyone understands the plan and knows where to meet once out of the structure so a "head count" can be taken. Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order and test them regularly.
Cause:
Combustibles placed too close to a wood burning stove.
Damage:
The converted bus was a total loss. This includes the bus, contents within the bus, and some wiring insulation overhead.
# Firefighters Responding: 25
Dollar Loss: $ 40,000
Other Agencies Responding:Avista's Electrical Division
End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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