 |
Firefighters knocked down a blaze that burned three floors of the historic Arbor Crest Winery Cliff House mansion on Wednesday.
Spokane Valley Fire personnel responded around 4 a.m. and found the fire already fully involved, with flames shooting out the windows on the top floors of the structure, also known as the Riblet mansion, which overlooks the Spokane Valley at 4705 Fruithill Road.
Fire crews exit a top window of the historic Arbor Crest Cliff House around 6:15 Wednesday morning. The cause of the blaze is believed to be a power strip located in the first-floor office area. Photo by: Mike Huffman
Over 40 Spokane Valley firefighters responded, as long as units from Spokane and Fire Districts 8 and 9. Shortly after 6 a.m., the fire was well under control and crews were exiting the building.
The mansion’s distance from the main road made getting water to the fire somewhat problematic, according to Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson. On-scene crews had problems getting to water, as the nearest hydrant was over a half-mile away.
Thompson characterized the damage to the interior as “extensive” but no dollar amount was given.
Crews remained at the winery for the reminder of the day to control potential hot spots.
The three-story Florentine mansion was built in 1924 by Royal Newton Riblet and is surrounded by an arched gatekeeper’s house, sunken rose garden, terraced flower and herb gardens and a life-sized checkerboard.
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars purchased the National Historic Landmark in 1985. Regular wine tastings occur and concerts are held on the mansion’s grounds in the summer months.
|
|
By
Mike Huffman
