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SVFD RESPONDS TO TWO RESTAURANT FIRES AND ONE CO ALARM IN TWO DAYS
For Immediate Release:
March 9, 2020
Contact:
Julie Happy
Community Affairs Manager
Spokane Valley Fire Department
509.892.4155
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SVFD RESPONDS TO TWO RESTAURANT FIRES AND ONE CO ALARM IN TWO DAYS
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS IN BOTH FIRES ACTIVATE KEEPING DAMAGES TO A MINIMUM
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACTIVATION SAVES ELDERLY WOMAN
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1. Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded early this morning around 3:30 a.m. to a fire at the Longhorn Barbeque Restaurant on North Argonne Road. Both Spokane County Fire Districts 8 and 9 responded to provide Auto Aid to SVFD.
The fire started outside, behind the building in the back of the restaurant. A worker at the Maverick station located next to the restaurant noticed the fire and called it in to 911.
The fire spread up the exterior wall and into the attic where the sprinkler system activated and helped to put the fire out and minimalize the damage to the building. Crews also arrived on scene and were aggressive in containing the fire to the exterior wall and attic.
Preliminary investigations suspect that someone was trying to cook behind the building. There were materials that resembled something used to make a small cooking platform as well as the food items being cooked.
“We are seeing an increase in these types of fires in the area,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers. “We ask citizens if they see any illegal burning activity that they call and report it. As we go into warmer months, we want to make sure we keep our community safe from the dangers illegal burning can quickly cause.”
2. SVFD crews responded to a cooking fire yesterday, March 8, at Vaqueros Restaurant on East Indiana. This was an internal kitchen fire. Restaurant workers were preparing beans at the restaurant when the fire occurred. Sprinklers also activated at this restaurant keeping damages to a minimum. The restaurant was able to have fire and life safety systems (fire suppression and alarm backup) both up and running within 2 hours allowing the restaurant to re-open.
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported in either incident.
“Sprinkler Systems save lives and money,” said Spokane Valley Fire Assistant Fire Marshal, Brett Anderson. “We are seeing a dramatic difference in the amount of damage a building and property sustains where there are sprinkler systems in place versus buildings where they are not.”
3. Crews also responded to a CO alarm call this morning on E Saltese Road. An older woman called in saying that an alarm was going off inside her home. When crews arrived on scene they found the occupant outside and an audible alarm going off inside the home. The woman stated she felt fine. Crews evaluated her condition and found her non-symptomatic.
Firefighters entered the home and activated the air monitor to investigate the source of the alarm. As they entered the front bedroom where the alarm was going off, the air monitor alarmed with a reading of 36 ppm. Crews evacuated the house and notified Avista who arrived and took over the scene.
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.
