A fire caused serious damage to a lower South Hill home today while the homeowner was outside on his porch.
Spokane firefighters responded just after noon to 4228 E. 16th Ave to report of flames showing from the roof, Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer said.
Firefighters quickly arrived to find flames showing from all of the eaves of the home. Schaeffer said the fire appeared to start in the rear or south side of the home and made its way into the attic where it spread horizontally throughout the roof.
Compounding firefighting efforts were three or four layers of shingles, including old wooden shake shingles, that remained under the metal roofing. Crews were expected to take hours to make sure the fire smoldering in the old wooden shingles was out, Schaeffer said.
The homeowner, an elderly man with a walker, was outside when he noticed fire. He went inside his house, turned off the breaker box and got out unhurt, Schaeffer said.
Markings on the rear of the home indicated that fire either started on the home’s exterior or possibly worked its way down from the attic. Investigators were on the scene to determine the cause, he said.
“We had significant fire in the attic. It was a pretty dangerous situation with a lot of fire above the crews,” he said. “The occupant does have family he will be staying with. We are going to board up the house.”
