Welding Sparks Trigger Home Fire, Explosions

Spokane firefighters were dispatched at 12:22 p.m. on Monday, July 6, to the 500 block of East Kedlin Avenue after multiple callers reported a carport fire and explosions, according to the Spokane Fire Department. Responding crews saw a large column of smoke and upgraded the call to a working fire, the department said. Spokane County Fire District 9 crews arrived within five minutes and found heavy fire involving a shed, a deck and the home. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 15 minutes and no injuries were reported, the department said. ### How did welding turn into a house fire? Fire investigators determined the blaze was accidental and was caused by welding sparks that ignited nearby combustible materials, the Spokane Fire Department said. The department said the fire smoldered undetected for about 20 minutes before it ignited the deck and spread rapidly into the home. (my.spokanecity.org) The Spokane Fire Department said the incident is a reminder that hot work such as welding can ignite materials before flames are visible. The department advised people to clear combustibles before starting, keep a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby, and remain on scene for at least 30 minutes after finishing to check for hidden fire. (my.spokanecity.org) ### What were the explosions neighbors heard? The explosions reported by bystanders were caused by paint cans and compressed gas cylinders stored in the shed, according to the Spokane Fire Department. The department did not report any larger blast or structural collapse tied to the incident. KXLY reported that the fire caused an explosion at the home on Monday afternoon and cited the Spokane Fire Department as saying calls came in shortly before 12:30 p.m. about a carport fire with explosions heard. (my.spokanecity.org) ### How much damage did the fire cause? The home sustained significant fire, smoke and water damage, the Spokane Fire Department said. (my.spokanecity.org) Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to the neighboring residence, limiting damage there to melted vinyl siding caused by heat exposure, according to the department. Multiple hoselines were deployed while crews searched the home to confirm all occupants had escaped, the department said. (kxly.com) Firefighters then cut ventilation holes in the roof to improve interior conditions and extinguish hidden fire in the attic. ### Who was displaced by the fire? Two adults, two dogs and four cats were displaced by the fire, according to the Spokane Fire Department. (my.spokanecity.org) The department said the American Red Cross was contacted to assist them after the blaze. No injuries were reported, the department said. The agency did not identify the residents by name in its public account of the fire. (my.spokanecity.org) ### What happens next in the investigation? Tuesday, July 7, was the date the Spokane Fire Department published its account of the fire and its determination that the cause was accidental. (my.spokanecity.org) That public statement did not mention criminal findings or cite negligence by name, but it did say investigators had identified welding sparks as the source of ignition. The Spokane Fire Department’s next public record in the case is its July 7 incident summary, and any further updates would be expected to come from the department or city officials. The Red Cross response for the displaced residents was already underway as of that statement. (my.spokanecity.org)