SPOKANE, Wash. – One person has been transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out inside an apartment complex on Spokane’s South Hill.
On Friday at 11:39 P.M. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC 911) first received a report of a couch on fire in an apartment building in the 3100 block of Mt. Vernon Street which grew to a report of the building on fire.
Fire crews arrived within minutes and found one of the units on the upper floor of the building pouring out with smoke.
Due to the smoke, visibility was challenging, and many of the building’s residents were evacuated safely to the parking lot.
One person from the apartment complex where the fire originated from already evacuated safely however, their dog was still trapped inside. Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and District 8 firefighters successfully rescued the dog from the apartment. The dog sustained severe burns and was transported to a Veterinary Clinic for treatment.
During the rescue, a firefighter got bit by a dog and was also transported to the hospital for treatment.
The fire was out in 15 minutes however due to the hoarder conditions within the apartment, firefighters were on scene for hours, making sure the fire was completely out.
The fire’s cause is under investigation and the cost of damages hasn’t been determined yet.
SFD wants to emphasize the dangers of hoarding and how hoarding conditions can impact firefighting efforts:
Obstructed Access and Pathways: In hoarding situations, an accumulation of items can block windows, doors, and internal pathways, making it challenging to safely enter the building to combat the fire and conduct rescues. Clear paths are crucial for firefighters to move equipment and navigate through a structure. Increased Fire Load: A large amount of accumulated materials, often combustible, can provide more fuel for the fire. This condition can lead to a more intense and faster-spreading fire, making it more difficult to control and extinguish. Compromised Structural Integrity: The excessive weight of hoarded items can compromise the structural integrity of a building. Floors and ceilings may be weakened, increasing the risk of collapse, which poses a significant danger to both the occupants and the firefighters. Hidden Dangers: Hoarding conditions can conceal hazards like faulty wiring or blocked vents, which may contribute to the start of a fire and make it difficult for firefighters to identify and address these hidden dangers during firefighting operations. Ventilation Challenges: Effective firefighting often involves ventilating a structure to release heat and smoke. Hoarder conditions can hinder this process by blocking windows and other ventilation points, resulting in reduced visibility and higher heat, which are dangerous for firefighters. Difficult Search and Rescue Operations: In a hoarding environment, the sheer volume of items can make searching for and rescuing occupants or pets difficult. Firefighters have to navigate through clutter, which can be time-consuming and hazardous, especially in low visibility conditions created by smoke. Prolonged Overhaul Process: The overhaul phase, which involves searching for hidden areas of heat and ensuring the fire is entirely out, can be prolonged in hoarding situations. Firefighters must dig through and often remove large quantities of debris, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
