Spokane: Apartment Fire Prompts Evacuation Assistance, No Injuries Reported
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~ Spokane Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire on West 5th Avenue

Yesterday afternoon, firefighters were called to the Sky View Apartments on West 5th Avenue after reports of black smoke coming from a window. The Spokane Fire Department Public Information Officer, Justin de Ruyter, confirmed that the call was received at 12:48 p.m.

Upon arrival, Engine 1, Truck 1, and Truck 4 found visible black smoke coming from a unit on the main floor that was undergoing renovation. Additional calls to 911 revealed that several residents on the upper floors were unable to evacuate due to thick smoke in the common hallway.

The crews wasted no time and quickly gained access to the unit where they successfully extinguished the fire. However, due to heavy smoke and a compromised location, two occupants needed assistance to escape. Firefighters used supplied air-breathing masks to escort them safely out of the building.

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Once outside, the two individuals were evaluated by AMR paramedics and found to be in stable condition with no need for medical treatment. An investigation later determined that the fire was accidental and caused by a stovetop being turned on with combustible materials placed on top. The fire damage was contained to the area of origin but smoke affected multiple hallway walls. Fortunately, no residents were displaced as a result of this incident.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents about the importance of closing doors during a fire. This simple action can significantly slow down fire growth and protect occupants during evacuation, especially in multi-family buildings with shared hallways. In this particular case, although interior escape routes were compromised by smoke, the quick response and efficient firefighting efforts prevented the flames from spreading into the hallways. This ultimately prevented a potentially more dangerous situation.

Residents are urged to always be cautious when using stovetops or any other heat sources in their homes and ensure that combustible materials are kept away. The Spokane Fire Department also encourages residents to have working smoke detectors in their homes and to have an evacuation plan in case of emergencies.

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