Driver Survives Spokane Fire District 10 Tanker Fire

Initially, Spokane County Fire District 10 did not publicly release the news about the burned tanker truck.

   Spokane Valley Fire District Loses 2,000 Gallon Tanker to Fire

Spokane County has ten dedicated fire districts, much like we have several in Benton and Franklin County. District 10 serves the West Plains area, which includes Airway Heights and regions by the Spokane Airport and Fairchild AFB.  That’s where the Old Trails Fire began, and then spread north and east.

When the Old Trails Fire broke out August 1st. and was found to be arson, and suspect Aaron Farinacci was arrested in connection with starting the blaze.

While battling the fire, SCFD 10 had one of its 2,000 gallon tankers near the fireline.  Tankers were used against the blaze because hydrants were either unavailable or impractical.  As the driver made his way along the road, smoke, atmospheric and road conditions deteriorated rapidly, visibility was nearly zero.

  The Truck Slid Into the Ditch

As the driver struggled to move forward he felt the right front tire slide into a small shallow ditch alongside the road.  As he tried to extricate it, it became more stuck. After climbing out the engine died, and as flames raced toward the vehicle he was forced to flee.

The flames consumed the vehicle, but the operator was able to escape.

 Why Didn’t District 10 Immediately Release the News?

According to SCFD 10 Officials:

“During the first week following the fire, Spokane County Fire District 10 chose not to emphasize the loss of the apparatus out of respect for the significant property losses experienced by members of our community.”

 This image is the same model of the 2,000 gallon tanker truck, according to SCFD 10.

this is same model that burned—SCFD 10 MEdia

SCFD 10 says they have already begun the process to procure funding to replace the unit, more details about that process will be coming soon.