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LIBERTY LAKE APARTMENT FIRE HAS MINIMAL DAMAGE THANKS TO WORKING SPRINKLER SYSTEM
For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2020
Contact:
Julie Happy
Community Affairs Manager
509-892.4155
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LIBERTY LAKE APARTMENT FIRE HAS MINIMAL DAMAGE THANKS TO WORKING SPRINKLER SYSTEM
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Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded to a call last night at 5:57 p.m. The fire alarm company used by Bitterroot Apartments called alerting dispatch of an apartment fire in Liberty Lake. The call identified smoke and visible flames at the Bitterroot Apartments. Another caller located at the apartments identified that they thought a Barbeque was on fire and that they believed the sprinkler system may have extinguished the fire.
Spokane Valley Fire Station Number 3, located in Liberty Lake arrived on scene first with Engine 3. They found a 2 story apartment with light smoke showing from the second floor. Crews investigated, made sure the fire was fully extinguished, and opened windows for ventilation.
The Spokane Valley Fire Investigator arrived on scene shortly after the fire was extinguished fully. His investigation yielded that the apartment fire began with cigarettes being disposed of in a cardboard box which then ignited. The cardboard box and the origin of the fire was on located on the exterior second story covered deck. Fortunately, this deck was protected by an automatic sprinkler. The sprinkler activated saving anyone from being harmed, the building from any damage, and the displacement of residents.
“Fire sprinklers are an effective method to mitigate fire damage,” said Spokane Valley Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers. “And, they allow individuals the opportunity to escape a burning structure. A structure without a sprinkler system lessen your chances of getting out of a burning building Put into perspective, you have about a 50% chance when compared to over an 80% chance in a structure with a sprinkler system.
“Sprinklers work!” said Spokane Valley Fire Inspector, Brett Anderson after his investigation.
The building is under fire watch until suppression systems and alarm systems are back in-line.
Spokane Valley Fire Department is seeing an increase the past few months of fires caused by improper cigarette disposal. Flammable containers include plastic coffee cans, cardboard coffee cans, cardboard boxes, plant soil, and any other flammable container. Clean metal paint cans are recommended to properly dispose of used cigarettes.
For more information visit spokanevalleyfire.com or call 509.928.1700 and speak to a Community Risk Reduction Specialist.
About SVFD
Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Spokane County with a combined population of 125,000 across 75 square miles. SVFD firefighter crews which include paramedics and EMT’s, responded to more than 17,487 emergency calls in 2018.
Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; and has a class 2 WSRB rating as given by the Washington Survey and Ratings Bureau (WSRB). SVFD is one of four accredited departments in the state and the only accredited department with distinction as a WSRB class 2.
For more information about Spokane Valley Fire Department, visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.
Follow us @spokanevalleyfire on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
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Did you Know?
- You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.
- You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
- Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.
- We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.
