Firefighters Battle 2nd Alarm Condominium Bldg Fire
Spokane Valley, Wash. – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 6019 E. 6th Avenue, Bldg K, shortly after 8:30pm, last night. The first SVFD unit on the scene observed smoke and flames coming from the roof of the three-story apartment-type structure and upgraded the incident to a working fire, bringing more resources to the scene. Due to the location, several of the initial arriving units were resourced via automatic aid from the City of Spokane and Spokane Fire District 8. The fire was again upgraded, by the first arriving Battalion Chief, to a second alarm fire. This brought manpower and resources to a total of seven engines, four ladder companies, and over 45 firefighters. Two brush trucks were also requested to protect the large slope of dry grass and brush immediately to the north of the fire building, and prevent spread in that direction.
Firefighters were eventually forced to take a defensive approach to the fire, working only from outside the structure to extinguish the fire. Due to safety concerns, firefighters are currently unable to enter the structure and will be on scene throughout the night to make sure the fire is completely out, and assist investigators with scene preservation and overhaul.
Initial 911 calls indicated smoke and flames from multiple doors and windows, and an evacuation in progress. There is no information on the status of working smoke detectors at this time.
A total of 22 apparatus, command and support vehicles responded to the scene, including Spokane Fire Department, and Spokane County Fire Dist. 8 crews and the Sheriff’s Department for traffic control and building evacuation. One firefighter was treated but not transported for a heat related injury.
The fire cause is currently under investigation. Initial damage to the building is reported to be more than 12 individually owned condominium units. With rapid and coordinated fire attack, firefighters contained the fire to the western end of the three story building and kept the fire from spreading to the adjacent 48 units in the same building. Red Cross is on scene assisting with relocating the affected residents.
Any further information will be released by the Spokane Valley Fire Dept. Prevention Division.
Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents to quickly evacuate any structure when smoke or fire is present, and call 911. Additionally, working smoke alarms save lives.
Spokane News posted this incident Live as it happened and that can be found HERE