Spokane County fire engine destroyed by flames during Old Trails Fire

A Spokane County fire district’s fire engine was completely destroyed during the Old Trails Fire as it went up in flames while supporting firefighting operations.

Spokane County Fire District 10’s (SCFD) fire engine, which can carry roughly 2,000 gallons of water, was operating as a water tender because the fire’s location had made access to fire hydrants impractical, SCFD announced.

During the incident, the engine’s operator was traveling to refill the engine so it could continue to supply water to other apparatus fighting the fire.

Road and atmospheric conditions deteriorated quickly while he was traveling, which significantly reduced visibility, according to the operator.

Spokane fire engine became stuck in a ditch, consumed by the fire

The engine’s front tire got partially lodged in a roadside ditch, and the operator attempted to correct the engine’s position, but the vehicle moved further into the ditch and became immobilized.

The engine’s operator was able to safely exit the vehicle and was inspecting the undercarriage when the engine shut down entirely. The fire spread quickly and ultimately consumed the engine, which was considered a total loss.

The operator was uninjured and was sent for a medical evaluation as a precaution.

SCFD noted that it chose not to report the loss of the engine during the first week following the fire out of respect for the significant property losses experienced by community members.

The department said its immediate priorities are the operator’s well-being, community protection, and support for the ongoing emergency response.

“Spokane County Fire District 10 is grateful that the operator was able to exit safely,” SCFD stated. “The loss of the apparatus underscores the hazardous and rapidly changing conditions firefighters encountered while working to protect lives and property during the Old Trails Fire.”

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