Two firefighters injured in Lincoln Heights Shopping Center fire, roads closed

SPOKANE, Wash - Two firefighters were injured as the Spokane Fire Department responded to a fire at the U.S Bank in the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center on the South Hill.

"One was knocked down by the roof and the other two were able to pull him out to safety. They are all walking around and doing okay," said Justin de Ruyter with the Spokane Fire Department.

According to SFD, employees of the U.S. Bank building said they could smell smoke and believed the fire was in the attic.

Responding crews reported black smoke and flames from the building and quickly called a second alarm, making more resources available.

"First alarm is about 30 firefighters on scene. Once we deplete that then we go to a second alarm. We reserve that for advanced first," said, de Ruyter.

At one point, firefighters called "mayday" when the roof of the building collapsed.

The fire burned for more than three hours. Afterwards, the building continued to smoke from the leftover debris.

De Ruyter said they expect the fire to smolder through the night and into tomorrow.

SFD will remain on the scene through Tuesday.

"We're going to investigate," said de Ruyter. "We want to get to the bottom of how this fire started. Obviously this building is a complete loss. So we want to get down to what happened."

Roads in the area of 29th and Regal Street will be closed for several hours. Specifically, between Regal and Vermont and Mt Vernon Dr. from the McDonald's to The Vault Cannabis Shop.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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