Spokane: Saturday Evening Apartment Fire Displaces Two Occupants
Washingtoner/10260319

~ On the evening of June 8, 2024, a fire broke out in a six-unit apartment building on the 500 block of South Elm Street in Spokane. The Spokane Fire Department was immediately dispatched to the scene after receiving a report of smoke inside the structure.

According to the SREC dispatch, all occupants had been safely evacuated from the building and smoke was visible from the exterior. Ladder 4 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and reported seeing smoke coming from the roof and gable vents of the two-story building. Meanwhile, Engine 4 began preparing to attack the fire with a hoseline.

As more companies arrived on the scene, they secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and started cutting holes in the roof for ventilation. Interior firefighters initially found smoke in one unit but soon discovered heavy fire in the attic and knee wall spaces on the second floor. Thanks to their quick response and efforts, they were able to knock down and control the fire within an hour, preventing it from spreading to other structures.

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After conducting an investigation, it was determined that an overloaded circuit in the building's historic wiring was responsible for starting the fire. The estimated damage is $200,000, but $100,000 worth of property was saved due to the firefighters' actions. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters during this incident.

The American Red Cross was called in to assist with housing for two adults who were displaced by the fire. Photos taken at the scene show Ladder 4 entering the building and smoke billowing from its roof. The Spokane Fire Department PIO Justin de Ruyter has confirmed these details and urges residents to be cautious when using old electrical systems.

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