For Immediate Release:

January 31, 2020

Contact:

George Hedebeck

Captain, PIO

Spokane Valley Fire

(509) 319-6078

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Spokane Valley Firefighters Fight Mobile Home Fire

Neighbors help with garden hoses after seeing flames

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Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded this afternoon to a report of a structure fire in the 3400 block of North Donwood, off Barker Rd. A total of eleven apparatus and support vehicles responded, including five fire engines and 2 ladder trucks.

Firefighters on Engine 5 from the Sullivan station arrived at the single family residence within seven minutes of the first 911 call to find a mobile home with smoke and flames extending from the rear of the home, and neighbors using garden hoses to help hold the fire from spreading. Crews deployed fire attack hoses and used coordinated efforts with secondary arriving units to extinguish the blaze. Remaining crews performed a simultaneous search of the inside. After being assured the residents were not home at the time of the fire, more information was shared about a pet. Crews went back inside, with minimal visibility, and refocused the search, finding a small dog under a bed. Despite oxygen, and advanced efforts, the animal succumbed to smoke injuries. There no other firefighter or civilian injuries reported.

Initial reports to dispatch were from neighbors who saw flames, called 911, and knocked on doors to alert anyone inside. These citizens also used garden hoses to slow the rate of fire growth. The cause is currently under investigation; however, damage was extensive due to the construction materials and methods used in mobile homes and the intensity of the fire on arrival of fire units. Red Cross is on scene assisting with short term relocation and needs for the family.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents to be safe and smart when assisting prior to the arrival of the fire department. Use Caution, Call 911 to get help coming, and NEVER go inside to search for people or animals.

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, classified as an ISO Class 2 department by the Washington Survey and Ratings Bureau (WSRB).  SVFD is one of four accredited departments in the state and the only department with distinction as an ISO 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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