In a harrowing morning for the Spokane Fire Department, two firetrucks lost control and slid downhill while responding to a fire alarm in Northwest Spokane.
According to KREM, a Thursday morning incident saw two Spokane firetrucks sliding down an icy hill, causing damage to the trucks, nearby vehicles, and a local home, thankfully without resulting in injuries.
The first incident occurred when a truck from the Spokane Fire Department was making its way to a fire alarm. It began sliding on the icy surface of the hill at West Rowan Avenue and West Fleming Place, heading dangerously towards a house on North Greenwood Boulevard.
Inside the house at the time was one resident who, fortunately, remained unharmed as the truck neared. A city engineer later assessed the home and confirmed that there were no major structural damages, allowing for continued occupancy which provided some relief amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, the firefighters aboard the first sliding truck were unscathed. In response to their precarious situation, they requested assistance. However, the situation escalated when the second firetruck, sent for help, also lost traction on the same icy hill.
Community Reaction and Vehicle Damage
The second truck’s uncontrollable descent led to collisions with two unoccupied vehicles parked along its path. These vehicles suffered moderate damage as a result of the impact, further complicating the morning's events.
Jordan and Kayte Johnson, who were nearby with their three children, witnessed the first truck's slide. Jordan Johnson described the tense moment, "The next thing you see is just the fire truck barreling down towards the edge of the house, and all I thought was just that the kids were in the car." This harrowing experience highlighted the potential disaster narrowly averted.
Kayte Johnson reflected on the incident with relief and gratitude, stating, "It was an accident, like, for sure, no one's fault, and we're just super grateful that God protected our kids and our family, and we feel like that, just like an edge of protection from him."
Impact on Fire Department Operations
Following the incidents, assessments revealed significant damages to both firetrucks involved. The first firetruck was deemed out of service indefinitely due to the damages sustained, while the second is expected to undergo repairs before it can return to service.
This duo of accidents not only highlighted the challenges faced by the fire department during adverse weather conditions but also the risks associated with emergency responses on icy roads.
The Spokane Fire Department is currently reviewing the incidents to implement strategies that could prevent similar occurrences in the future. As of now, thanks to the city engineer’s prompt inspection and the absence of any injuries, the community and the fire department are focused on recovery and procedural reviews.
Lessons and Future Precautions
This string of events serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by icy conditions, particularly for emergency vehicles that must navigate such hazards under time-sensitive pressures. The Spokane community has been reminded of the unpredictable nature of winter roads and the inherent dangers they present to both rescuers and residents alike.
City officials alongside fire department leadership are expected to address this issue by looking into more comprehensive training for winter weather driving and exploring enhancements in vehicle equipment to improve traction and stability during similar conditions.
The residents of Northwest Spokane and the fire department alike hope that these measures will avert future hazards, ensuring safer responses and lessening the risks faced by both emergency personnel and the public during such critical times.
