Firefighters Gaining Upper Hand On Valley View

SPOKANE — Firefighters are working diligently to contain the Valley View Fire. Crews are still dealing with hot spots after flames ripped through the Dishman Mica area Thursday night, torching 1,200 acres and 13 homes.

Early morning reports indicated that eight homes were lost but that number jumped to 13 by late morning. Fire officials say as many as 10 to 15 more have severe heat damage.

Fire officials say only a few hot spots remain, but firefighters have a line around the entire fire. On scene commanders say that some areas of the evacuation zone may remain closed for up to another 24 hours.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes in the Ponderosa neighborhood at noon Friday, and just after 4 p.m. access to homes along Glenrose Road was opened to homeowners only.

As of Friday afternoon 150 fire personnel were still on site working on containment. Two bulldozer crews were also on the scene Friday. 

Early reports indicated the fire was human caused, but fire officials are not confirming that. The spot where neighbors say they saw the first smoke and flames is just off Eastern Road.

Fire investigators are leaning toward human caused because there are no downed power lines in the area, no transformers damaged, and no lightning in the area.

About 150 firefighters from nearly 40 different agencies remain on site as of Friday afternoon. Some have worked 12 to 15 hours straight, but no homes are in danger at this point.

Firefighters are thankful for cool temperatures and light winds though there is concern the winds may possibly pick up later Friday evening.