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Four related arson fires

Incident #: 2014009271
Date of Incident: 02/22/2014
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
 
At 02:05 AM, February 22, 2014 the Spokane Fire Department responded companies to 2404 North Columbus on a reported structure fire. Spokane Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived on scene and reported a single family dwelling with fire involved in vegetation impinging on the structure. While in route Spokane Ladder 2 reported a second fire at 2607 North Hogan involving an out building fully involved behind this address. At this time the two responding Battalion Chiefs divided the incoming Fire companies to the separate incidents along with calling in additional resources and the Fire Investigator. While the North Battalion Chief was in route to the second incident he discovered a third fire at the intersection of Helena and Fairview which was a couch fully involved next to a detached garage. Then a fourth fire came in at 1703 East Liberty which involved garbage cans set on fire. A 5^th fire call came in at the intersection of Lacrosse and Pittsburg which was reported to be vegetation on fire. This incident was not confirmed in the darkness of night and is being investigated at this time along with the other four incidents. These five incidents taxed the resources of the Spokane Fire Dept during the early morning hours of February 22^nd. Fortunately all of the fires except the incident at 2607 North Hogan were found in the incipient phase and quickly extinguished. All of these fires were dispatched within a few minutes of each other. The Spokane Police Department did an excellent job assisting the Fire Department in setting up a perimeter and searching for a suspect. No injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is actively investigating these four confirmed incidents and they have been declared arson.There is not a confirmed suspect at this time.

Damage:
There was very light fire damage to the soffit area of the roof associated to the home at 2404 North Columbus. The outbuilding at 2607 North Hogan is a total loss along with the partial loss of an exposed automobile. The fire damage at the other 2 confirmed incidents involved the destroyed couch and plastic garbage cans only.

# Firefighters Responding: 37

Dollar Loss: $ $10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Dept.

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

Duplex Fire at 3420 E. Liberty

Incident #: 2014008610
Date of Incident: 02/18/2014
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
A working smoke detector alerted residents of a north side duplex to a developing garage fire today.  Residents were alerted around 11:00 AM and found a well developed fire in an attached garage.  911 was called and the Spokane Fire Department dispatched six fire apparatus and 20 firefighters to the incident.
Engine 8’s crew, under the direction of Lt. Dan Awbery arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of leaving their station.  Lt. Awbery reported a large duplex with heavy dark smoke coming from the east unit and garage area.  Engine 8’s crew immediately stretched a hose line to the fire unit to attack the spreading fire.   Upon Station 2’s arrival, Command was transferred to Ladder 2’s officer who upgraded the incident to a “working fire” and called for an addition company.   Firefighters advanced hose lines inside the structure while other firefighters were assigned to search the duplex and to verify occupant safety.  Additional incoming units were assigned to secure a hydrant water supply, and provide for ventilation.  The quick response and decisive actions by the first arriving firefighters brought this hot fire under control within 15 minutes.   Crews were on the scene for several hours removing debris and making sure the fire was extinguished.  A total of 28 firefighters participated in the extinguishment of this fire.
There were no injuries at this incident.  3 tenants of the involved fire unit have been displaced due to heavy fire and smoke damage to their unit.  The fire damage was confined to this one unit.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Cause:
Still under inverstigation.

Damage:
Heavy fire damage to the garage and half of one of the duplex units..

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 50,000

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