Bio-Fuel Garage Fire

Incident Date: 6/15/2010
Issuing Officer: Faith Mueller
Incident Location:  3500 block of South 13th
Incident Type:  Bio-Fuel Garage Fire

Narrative:  At 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, June 21,  4 Engines,
1 Ladder, 1 Medic company and Command Staff responded to a reported residential garage fire.

First arriving companies found a heavy volume of black smoke and flames in the alleyway with flammable liquid running down the alleyway and into the street.  The incident was upgraded to a Hazardous Materials response and three of the department's Class B foam apparatus were dispatched to the incident.

As the flammable liquid traveled down the alleyway it ignited a nearby recreation vehicle and adjacent detached garage.  Due to the large volume of fire and potential for increased fire spread, masterstreams were deployed to extinguish the main body of the fire.

Crews also worked diligently to minimize any environmental impact related to the bio-diesel.  The storm drains were diked, absorbent pads placed and Class B foam was applied.  The Hazardous Materials team completed an assessment of the flammable liquid and then conferred with the Department of Ecology.

Damage Estimates:  $75,000.00

Fire Cause:  Undetermined