Spokane Country Fire District 4 protected homes near the railroad tracks from the fire.
During dangerous Red Flag conditions, a fire broke out near Margaret and J Streets, posing a serious threat to the nearby suburban and wildland areas. Upon arrival, crews first reported the flames around 2 feet tall.
Shortly after noon today, August 27th, a fire broke out near the intersection of Margaret and J Streets under treacherous Red Flag conditions, putting the surrounding suburban and wildland areas at risk. With winds gusting up to thirty-seven miles per hour and sustained speeds around twenty-three miles per hour, the fire’s rapid spread concerned the responding crews. First reported just before 1pm, flames were observed reaching up to two feet tall as firefighters arrived on the scene.
Located between the railroad tracks and the west end of J Street, the fire threatened the nearby Habitat for Humanity housing development, bordered by wildland.
By 1:30pm, firefighters reported having successfully knocked down the flames, preventing further spread. As a precaution, J Street west of Margaret was closed to traffic while crews worked to fully extinguish the fire and complete cleanup operations.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Trains typically traverse these tracks in the morning and evening. It is unlikely that a passing train might have sparked the blaze.
The Red Flag Warning in effect, which indicates elevated fire risk due to weather conditions, is set to expire at 8pm Tuesday, August 27th.
