Three House Fires in 24 Hours Keep Spokane Firefighters Busy
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~ Spokane Fire Department Responds to Three Working Fires in 24 Hours

The Spokane Fire Department has been kept busy over the past 24 hours, responding to three reported working fires. According to Justin de Ruyter, the Spokane Fire PIO, the first fire was reported on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 12:24 p.m. in the 2800 block of East Sharp Avenue.

Upon receiving the call from SREC dispatch, responders were informed that the occupant had already evacuated and confirmed a kitchen fire. Engine 8 arrived at the scene in under four minutes and found a one-story residence with smoke coming from the back of the home. Firefighters quickly took action by stretching a hoseline to the kitchen and extinguishing the fire before it could spread beyond its origin. Other firefighters also checked for any signs of fire extension into the attic and confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated.

After conducting an investigation, it was determined that the cause of the fire was accidental. The stove top had been accidentally turned on, causing convective and radiant heat to ignite a cupboard above it. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported for either firefighters or civilians. However, damage is estimated at $75,000 with property value saved being $250,000. The American Red Cross was called in to assist one adult female with temporary housing.

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The second fire occurred at 6:07 p.m. in the 300 block of East Pacific Avenue when callers reported seeing black smoke coming from a home's rear area. Engine 1 arrived at the scene five minutes after dispatch and found a shed in the backyard on fire with flames spreading to nearby trees. Firefighters acted quickly and were able to contain and extinguish the fire with minimal damage.

Upon further investigation, this fire was deemed incendiary and investigators are currently following up on suspect information.

The final fire was reported early this morning at 4:57 a.m. by neighbors who noticed smoke coming from the residence next door. A male subject walking in the 1900 block of East Marietta Avenue saw a column of smoke and immediately ran to the affected home, knocking on doors to alert any possible occupants.

Tower 2 arrived at the scene in less than four minutes and reported smoke coming from a 1 1/2-story duplex. Firefighters quickly forced open the doors and searched for any occupants while others deployed hoselines to extinguish the fire found in the basement and first floor.

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Fortunately, the duplex was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. However, extensive smoke damage has made the residence uninhabitable for now. The fire is considered suspicious, and investigators are being assisted by various agencies including Spokane County Sheriff's Office Forensic Unit, Spokane Police Department Major Crimes, and Spokane County Fire District 4, along with their accelerant detection canine "Chardonnay."

Related photos have been released by the Spokane Fire Department showing firefighters in action at each of these incidents. The department urges residents to always be cautious when using stoves or other heat sources in their homes to prevent accidental fires.

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