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SVFD RESPONDS TO TWO FIRES LATE LAST NIGHT
For Immediate Release:
September 23, 2019
Contact:
Julie Happy
Community Affairs Manager
Spokane Valley Fire Department
509.892.4155
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SVFD RESPONDS TO TWO FIRES LATE LAST NIGHT
BOTH FIRES WERE UPGRADED TO A WORKING FIRE
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Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded last evening to two fires in the 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. hours. Both fires were structure fires including one on Indiana Avenue at the Oxford Inn and Suites and one on Jackson Avenue at Sunrise Place. Approximately 40 apparatus and support vehicles responded in total to both fires.
Firefighters responded to the call on Indiana Avenue around 9 p.m. after a call into 911 reported smoke coming from a kitchen. Crews arrived at the fire and discovered smoke from an oven had moved into the hallway. Smoke was clearly evident on the first and second floors. The building fire alarm had been pulled and the building had been evacuated before crews arrived.
Crews investigated and found a fire in the wall behind the commercial stove. Fortunately, they were able to quickly keep the fire contained to this area and maintain minimal damage. The fire did not get hot enough to deploy the sprinkler system. With the ability to extinguish the fire quickly, the smoke damage was contained to just the first and second floors. Crews vented the building and established safety.
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported. The fire is under investigation though no suspicious activity is suspected.
Firefighters responded to the second call on Jackson E Avenue around 10 p.m. after a call into 911 reported smoke and flames coming from a double wide manufactured home in space 34. Division Chief Mike Charter arrived on scene first. From the road, the fire appeared to fully engulf the home. Upon approach, there was significant smoke that concealed all aspects of the fire. Inspection revealed, one side of the home was actively burning from the ground to the top of the home. The other side was clear of fire. The fire was upgraded to a working fire. All occupants had evacuated the trailer and crews were able to begin a defensive attack on the home and an offensive approach on the other exposures.
The fire started in the carport which was attached to the west side of the home along the long side of the house. Crews worked from the outside to extinguish the fire cutting open the eaves on the fire side of the home, holes on the gabled end, and a hole in a wall for better access to the interior. Manufactured homes present a safety risk and crews typically work from the outside in to maintain safe working conditions. The separation wall between the attic and the interior of the house, kept the fire from fully engulfing the entirety of the home.
Crews worked on the fire until approximately 11:30 p.m. and ended with a safety survey being completed. Clean up of the area ensued and a fire watch was put in place around 12:30 a.m.
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported. Residents of the home were able to shelter with other neighbors.
The causes of both fires are under investigation.
“Fire District 9’s E94 also responded to the Jackson E Avenue incident under the new AutoAid Agreement,” said SVFD Division Chief Mike Charter. “This is the first fire response under this agreement and it performed as it was intended. We want to thank Fire District 9 and Engine 94 for their help. This is a great partnership that worked out very well last night.”
The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents to have a home safety inspection completed to check all fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms for functionality and that there is adequate placement throughout their home. Approximately, two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed in the living areas on every floor of your home. Smoke detectors more than ten years old should be replaced. If you have questions or want a free home inspection call your Spokane Valley Fire Department, 892-4153 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com
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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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.
