City of Spokane, WA

03/20/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/20/2023 12:39

Fire at WSDOT Camp

Fire at WSDOT Camp

Julie Humphreys, Communications Manager, 509.625.5868

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:28 a.m.

SPD responds to a major explosion and fire at WSDOT Camp

This morning 3/17/23, shortly after 12am, patrol officers were in the area of East Sprague and heard a loud explosion. They arrived immediately on scene at E. 2nd Ave and S. Ralph St. to discover smoke and a large fire coming from the northwest corner of the WSDOT Camp. Officers observed a tent fully engulfed in flames and propane tanks shooting up into the sky. Flames and smoke could be seen from miles away and the explosion could be heard througout the city. Officers assisted two people, who were in the tent at the time of the explosion, to a safe location and began rendering aid prior to medics arriving. A female suffered significant burns and a male also suffered numerous burns. Both were transported to an area hospital.

The Spokane Fire Department arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire investigators say the cause of the fire is human cause, accidental. The investigation revealed that the two victims were transfilling propane tanks in the tent where a propane heater was in operation. Leaking propane from the transfill filled the tent and caused the explosion and subsequent fire. Firefighters remained on scene after the fire was extinquished to deal with multiple propane tanks at the scene that were still releasing propane.

This was an extremely dangerous situation with the multiple propane tanks at the scene of the fire, and dozens more on site. Both police and fire note this incident could have been far worse as all residents of the camp were placed in danger.

Contact Police

For in progress crimes and emergencies call 911

To report a non-emergent crime contact:

To provide crime activity or suspect information that doesn't require immediate action contact:

For general police email contact:
[email protected]

For nuisance reports, including code violations (i.e. illegal camping, substantial litter in yards or alleys, graffiti, land use violations), parking complaints, and road condition issues contact:

  • My Spokane: 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489)
    Call Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, or report online.

Media Relations Contact

Cpl. Nick Briggs
509.835.4568
[email protected]