Spokane: Early Morning Residential Fire Started by Space Heater Injures One
Washingtoner/10239199

~ On the morning of November 16, 2023, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a house on fire in the 1200 Block of East Olympic Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found pressurized, heavy smoke showing from the eaves of the one-and-one-half-story house. A resident had attempted to extinguish the fire through a vent pipe using a garden hose and an adult male was found in the yard who had reportedly fallen while exiting the house and was injured.

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The SFD quickly evaluated victims and implemented a coordinated attack strategy that resulted in searching 100% of the structure and extinguishing the fire in less than 10 minutes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Justin de Ruyter, Spokane Fire PIO, commented on this incident: "This is a stark reminder of the importance of functional smoke alarms in residences and the risks of combatting fires without professional training. We appreciate our community's support and remind everyone to prioritize 'Close Before You Doze' mindset for bedroom doors and maintaining working smoke alarms inside and outside of each bedroom."

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