SPOKANE, Wash. — Everyone was able to return home after a small fire that was sparked inside one of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington buildings in downtown Spokane that forced dozens to evacuate this weekend.
On Saturday morning, the Spokane Fire Department and the American Red Cross responded to the fire inside the Donna Hansel Haven on Second Avenue in downtown. 50 people and staff had to evacuate the building.
“We’re very thankful that everyone made it out safe and there were no injuries,” said Catholic Charities director of communications Dave Meany.
Catholic Charities says the fire was caused by an e-bike inside the building on the third floor.
“The lithium battery on the e-bike sparked a small fire that activated our sprinkler system,” Meany said.
Restoration crews were working Sunday morning on the third floor to get the water out. Catholic Charities says people living on the second and fourth floor of the building were able to return to their homes Saturday evening.
Because there was a concern of potential hazardous odors in the air left from the battery, Catholic Charities says the Department of Health inspected the building Saturday before people were allowed inside.
The third floor suffered the most damage. The 17 people that lived on that floor were able to return to their homes Sunday.
It is unclear if e-bikes were allowed inside the building prior to the fire, but Catholic Charities says they will most likely have to review its policy and may make adjustments.
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