Fire engine destroyed while fighting Old Trails Fire in Spokane

SPOKANE, Washington - (KIFI) - A fire engine for Spokane County Fire District 10 was a total loss while out supporting operations fighting the Old Trails Fire, the District confirmed in a Facebook post.

While no firefighters were injured in the incident, the damage was a result of fast-moving fire.

The fire engine driver was traveling to refill the engine's 2,000-gallon tank so it could continue to supply water to firefighters, as the fire's location made access to hydrants impractical.

According to the operator, road and atmospheric conditions deteriorated rapidly en route to the refill, and visibility was significantly reduced. The engine’s front tire partially entered a roadside ditch, and while the driver tried to move the vehicle out, the engine moved farther into the ditch and became immobilized.

The operator was able to exit the vehicle and began inspecting the undercarriage; however, rapid spreading fire began to move in. Since the vehicle could not be moved, it was consumed by the fire and is considered a total loss.

The Fire District says the engine driver was not injured but was sent for medical evaluation as a precaution.

The District says while its priorities remain ensuring the fire engine operator's well-being and protecting the community, it is working to secure funding to replace the fire engine.

They also said they are grateful the driver is safe, and the loss of the engine underscores the hazardous and rapidly changing conditions firefighters encountered while working to protect lives and property during the Old Trails Fire.