SPOKANE, Wash. — A fast-moving fire tore through Spokane’s Northwood neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, destroying several homes and forcing hundreds of families from their residences near Upriver Drive and Argonne, just east of the city near Sekani Park.
Northwood resident Ryan Van Doren watched the fire approach his home through footage from his Ring security camera. Firefighters managed to stop the flames before they reached his house, leaving it with only a smoky smell inside and retardant on the exterior.
“Surreal doesn’t really do it justice. You always think, ‘It can’t happen to you,’ and then you’re in the middle of it,” Van Doren said.
Van Doren credited firefighters with protecting his home and his neighborhood.
“They’re doing God’s work. And, you know, He’s using them as angels to protect this community, protect our neighborhood,” Van Doren said.
Despite his relief, Van Doren expressed grief over what his neighbors lost.
“It’s just sickening, it’s disheartening to see those homes as they were,” Van Doren said.
Van Doren and his family are staying with relatives in town while they wait to return to their house. He said his home came through the fire largely unscathed.
“I believe prayer still does work. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever,” Van Doren said.
Hundreds of other families in the area remained displaced Wednesday evening. Law enforcement began allowing residents back into affected neighborhoods Wednesday afternoon on a limited basis to collect essential personal belongings.
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