Firefighters quickly contain apartment fire in East Spokane

 

Firefighters quickly contain apartment fire in East Spokane
Cause under investigation

Last night at approximately 6:09 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2700 E. block of Sharp Ave. on a report of a commercial structure fire. 

 

The first arriving engine reported light smoke visible from the first floor of a six unit, two story apartment building. Crews immediately initiated fire attack while other arriving units secured water supply, gained entry into the structure to check for any extension of the fire and conducted a search of the interior to ensure no one was inside. Firefighters discovered a mattress on fire in one of the lower apartments. Crews were able to contain the fire to the room of origin and extinguish the fire within five minutes of the first firefighters arriving on scene

 

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported.

 

A bedroom sustained moderate smoke and fire damage. The cause of the fire is under investigations by the Spokane Fire Special Investigation Unit.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Fire Marshal lifts restrictions on outdoor recreational fires for the City of Spokane

 

 

Fire Marshal lifts restrictions on outdoor recreational fires for the City of Spokane

The burn restrictions that were implemented in July for outdoor recreational fires were lifted effective this morning at 8 a.m., by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal. In ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits are authorized in the City of Spokane for recreational use. Approved fuels for use include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas. Debris disposal is not authorized at any time.

 

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

 

• Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.
• Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.
• Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.
  • Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

• Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet for campfires and fire pits).
  • For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures for portable fireplace appliances. Be safe and use good judgment.
  • For one and two-family dwellings, follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. Be safe and use good judgment.
• Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.
• Safe wind conditions (no more than 7 mph) must be present.
• Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

 

Note: Burning may be temporarily restricted by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency due to increasing fine particle (smoke) levels and air stagnation. Check current status at https://www.spokanecleanair.org/current-burning-conditions.

 

Fires not meeting the above listed requirements, fires considered unsafe or fires otherwise restricted will be required to be extinguished. As always, bonfires or pig roast type fires must receive an inspection, pre-approval, and a permit from the Spokane Fire Department. Outdoor fires for disposal purposes are illegal in the City of Spokane at all times. Failure to comply with recreational fire regulations are subject to a Class 1 civil infraction, which carries a $536 penalty. A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor. That person can face additional penalties of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Two houses destroyed after early morning house fire

 

Two houses destroyed after early morning house fire
Cause under investigation

One resident was treated for smoke inhalation and two firefighters sustained minor injuries after a house fire in the 100 block of E. Sinto Ave. The firefighters were transported to a local hospital and released following evaluation.

 

Just after 2:00 a.m., multiple Spokane Fire Department units responded to the reported house fire. First arriving companies found a well involved 1-1/2 story structure with fire extending to a 2-1/2 story structure immediately to the west, as well as a small detached garage to the east. Large columns of smoke and flames could be seen from as far as the South Hill neighborhood.

 

“The quick action by arriving police officers and our firefighters to strategically minimize the threat and save lives is why this aggressive fire wasn’t more of a tragedy,” says Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.

 

The fire was upgraded to a second alarm to add additional resources to the incident. The fire destroyed the two homes and a detached, single-car garage received minor damage.

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist multiple displaced residents.

 

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit and the Spokane Police Department are working to determine the cause of the fire.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Media Advisory: Spokane Fire Department conducting training (photo opportunity)

 

 

Media Advisory: Spokane Fire Department conducting training (photo opportunity)

 

Today, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) will be conducting simulated fire operations at the former Spokane City Credit Union (901 W. Shannon Ave.). Members of the media are invited to attend from 10 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m.

 

The Spokane City Credit Union is allowing SFD to use the structure for training purposes before demolition is completed.

 

Continuing education for fire departments is essential as it produces well-prepared crews, enhances safety, improves operations and increases efficiency. 

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Cause of N. Ruby St. house fire ruled accidental

 

Cause of N. Ruby St. house fire ruled accidental

The cause of a fire that damaged a home in the 1600 block of N. Ruby St. on Thursday has been ruled accidental.

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit say a box of items was placed on a stovetop, the knob to the stove was unintentionally bumped turning it on and the box of items ignited. The fire spread throughout the kitchen and through a window to the exterior of the home.

 

The home was not occupied at the time fire, but a family was in the process of moving into the house. The fire caused damage to the first and second floor and smoke damage throughout the home.

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org