From the WTF Watch Desk: In 1982, a Spokane warehouse roof collapsed after firefighters opened a skylight over a ventilation-limited fire, killing Firefighter Paul Heidenreich and injuring others.
Why this deserves the fire service’s attention
A roof can feel stable while structural members are critically heated, and ventilation may rapidly change fire behavior.
What remains open
The prepared record supports the facts and relevance stated above. Firefighter WTF is not manufacturing a tactical finding where the source material does not establish one; updates will follow verified official information.
This report reflects information available on September 13, 2026. Developing items will be updated when official information changes.