Spokane: Smoking Fire Displaces Two Residents on West Gardner Avenue
Washingtoner/10293875

~ Spokane, WA- A porch fire broke out at a residence on the 2500 block of West Gardner Avenue yesterday afternoon, prompting a quick response from local firefighters. According to Justin de Ruyter, the Spokane Fire PIO, the incident occurred at approximately 4:09 p.m. and was reported by neighbors who were attempting to extinguish the flames with garden hoses.

Upon arrival, Engine 1 and Battalion 2 found a 1½-story home with visible flames coming from the roof. Additional fire crews arrived shortly after and immediately began a coordinated interior search while others worked to ventilate the structure by opening portions of the roof and ceiling. The fire was successfully controlled within 20 minutes, but not before causing significant damage to the home.

During the incident, one adult sustained a knee injury while helping to run a hose to the house and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The American Red Cross was also contacted to assist two displaced adult residents with temporary housing.

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After conducting an investigation, fire officials determined that the cause of the fire was due to a lit cigarette being dropped onto the ground by a neighbor. The ground was covered in a fine layer of Cottonwood pollen which quickly ignited and spread through nearby shrubbery and onto the porch before eventually reaching the home's interior.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the heightened risk of fires during wildland fire season. According to de Ruyter, fine fuels like Cottonwood pollen can easily ignite with even just a small spark. He urges caution when using smoking materials and advises constantly monitoring them while burning and properly extinguishing them in certified receptacles or containers.

As we enter into wildland fire season, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of potential fire hazards and take necessary precautions to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.

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