SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department has completed its investigation into one of the largest fires Spokane Valley has handled in recent years.
More than 60 residents were displaced from the complex, and 16 units were completely destroyed in the blaze.
The investigation concluded that the fire originated on the exterior balcony of the complex, though the official cause is listed as undetermined.
SVFD conducted a thorough investigation using drone video footage, photographs, and evidence collected at the scene. This evidence allowed investigators to determine a rough origin location for the fire.
“It was definitely out on the exterior on the balcony where the fire started. And so with that, you determine what sources in the area could have caused the fire,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Ken Johnson.
Investigators systematically ruled out potential causes based on what they discovered at the apartments. Barbecues were eliminated as a source because they were found in the off position. Electrical outlets were also ruled out since nothing was plugged into them at the time of the fire.
“The barbecues were ruled out because they were found in the off position. Electrical outlets, there wasn’t anything plugged into the outlets so you can rule those out. So that leaves, undetermined whether it was smoking,” Johnson said.
Investigators interviewed residents and witnesses who lived near the fire’s origin point. Those interviews proved crucial to narrowing down the cause.
“We did have witnesses state that they were, you know, both floors did have people that were seen smoking on those levels,” Johnson said.
Several environmental and structural factors contributed to the rapid spread of the fire across the complex. The hot weather at the time of the fire accelerated its spread, and the complex’s proximity to a wildland area also played a role in how quickly the flames advanced.
Additionally, the balconies at the Eagle Rock complex did not have sprinklers installed at the time of the fire because sprinkler systems were not required for balconies under current building codes.
The fire department also faced significant challenges in fighting the blaze due to the complex’s location on a hillside. The terrain made access difficult for firefighting crews.
“The driveways are smaller, the parking areas are smaller. So a lot of the crews had to park and hike in,” Johnson said.
Deputy Fire Marshal Johnson emphasized the importance of proper cigarette disposal, particularly for residents who smoke on balconies or patios. He warned against using potted plants as ashtrays, noting that the moisture in soil can actually contribute to the spread of fire rather than extinguish it.
“If you do smoke, potted plants are not the place to put out a cigarette,” Johnson said.
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