Spokane Firefighters investigate electrical fire at Spokane Arena

This evening, April 21, 2008 at 1914 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Spokane Veterans Arena after being called by the Arena's security personnel regarding a small electrical fire. The Fire Department dispatched 3 senior ladders, 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, 1 heavy rescue rig and two command officers (a total of 30 firefighters).

The arriving fire crews from stations 1 and 4 were promptly met by Arena Facility Personnel. The Arena Personnel identified the problem as an electrical short in some of the mechanical tracking leading to the large reader board at the west end of the facility. The electrical power supplying this tracking had been shut off and locked out at the panel. A fire command was established and firefighters staged their apparatus while Company Officers confirmed the location of the electrical short and the actions taken at the facility.

A Lobby Control was set up and an Interior Division established to coordinate the facility's intercom communications and air handling systems. Fire Officers determined that the small electrical fire was out and used Infra-Red cameras to verify that there was no potential for extension.

The Spokane Chiefs were playing at the time of this incident. Having confirmed that there was no risk to the hockey fans or players the building was not evacuated. Fire crews used the ceiling "catwalks" and a "man lift" to perform a secondary check between the periods in the hockey game. Not finding any safety hazards the Fire Department turned the facility back to its security personnel.

There were no injuries at this incident. The Spokane Fire Department would like to thank the Arena's engineers and security personnel for their professional assistance during this incident. Damage was confined to some electrical wiring and will be repaired by certified electricians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical short.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Will need to be determined by a certified electrician.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

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