DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 173 E. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On October 5th, 2008 at 9:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 173 E. Cleveland. Upon arrival, fire crews found a home that was well involved in flames. It was confirmed quickly that all of the occupants had made it safely out of the home. Firefighters conducted a quick aggressive interior attack on this fire using hose lines, chainsaws, pike poles, axes, thermal cameras and self contained breathing apparatus. Once inside, crews reported that the roof was considerably weakened because of the fire which limited their time inside to aggressively fight the fire. At the same time, crews were on the roof attempting to "ventilate" out the hot smoke in order to assist the crews inside. An order was given to withdraw the firefighters out of the building and off of the roof. A knockdown of the fire was accomplished after 30 minutes of firefighting. A significant amount of fire remained beneath the roofing material and in the void spaces that kept firefighters busy for the rest of the morning. Members from the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit arrived and began their investigation of the fire. A total of 23 firefighters responded to this alarm with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. There were no injuries. After on scene interviews were conducted, it was determined that this fire was caused by a 9 year old male playing with a lighter. The boy had ignited a curtain inside the home which spread the fire to the rest of the house. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to never leave lighters or matches within reach of children. They should be kept in a secure location. Nationally, "youth set" fires result in over 300 deaths and 2,000 injuries annually, and 300 million dollars in property damage and more than 400,000 incidents annually. The house and contents sustained heavy fire damage and is not livable. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene to assist the family with lodging, clothing and food.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Junvenile fireplay caused by a 9 year old male playing with a lighter.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home received heavy fire damage and was destoyed.
DOLLAR LOSS: 160,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
No comments:
Post a Comment