SPOKANE, Wash. — An investigation is underway after an left nine people, one infant, two dogs and a bunny displaced on Tuesday.
At 11:53 a.m. on April 9, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to 1203 West 8th Avenue for reports of an apartment building on fire. When crews arrived, they saw heavy flames coming from the top floor.
Firefighters searched the building and rescued two dogs and a pet rabbit from the blaze. One man was transported to the hospital with moderate smoke inhalation and light burns.
SFD said the fire was put out in 30 minutes. It caused extensive fire damage to the top floor and smoke and water damage throughout the building.
The Red Cross was called as SFD confirmed the entire building was uninhabitable. Avista was also called to disconnect the gas and electrical services to the building.
Fire investigators from the Special Investigations Unit continue to investigate the cause of the fire and are gathering damage estimates.
“The Spokane Fire Department would like to encourage its citizens to always have a plan for evacuating their residences in the event of a fire and to have a predetermined meeting location outside the structure. This plan facilitates thinking clearly in a stressful situation, helps keep track of who has exited the structure, and, more importantly, helps firefighters focus on areas to search if someone is still trapped inside,” SFD said.
