Great Pictures from the Columbia Stairclimb!

Click the title above to see some great pictures of the Columbia Stairclimbin' Spokane Firefighters! Thanks to Jennifer, Jesse's wife, for the fine work. Also, if anyone in the media is interested in these pictures, here's what Jen has to say:

As you may know, On March 4th, 2007 in the Columbia Center in Seattle Washington, was the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb.
As a Washington State photographer I was allowed access to the event.
If you are interested in licensing any of these photos, please contact me.
Jennifer Raudebaugh
jennjess99@comcast.net

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/4/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 611 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On 3/3/07 at 10:22 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 6 fire companies and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported garage fire at 611 E. Gordon. Upon arrival, fire crews found a detached garage behind a residence with significant fire showing from inside. Fire crews immediately attacked the fire with hose lines and at the same time, protected nearby structures, conducted search operations inside the garage looking for anybody that could be inside, coordinated water supply, assembled backup crews and provided ventilation to let the hot smoke and fire out in order for crews to get inside the garage quicker. The fire was successfully contained and controlled in 20 minutes. On scene examination and interviews with the homeowner revealed that the cause was improperly discarded hot ashes from a wood stove that were placed inside a cardboard box inside the garage. The garage sustained major damage and a significant amount of contents being stored inside the garage also received major damage. Fire crews were busy for over two hours conducting "overhaul" operations which is the phase of the fire where every hot spot, ember, or visible smoke is investigated and extinguished. This often is a very arduous task because crews have to tear apart walls and ceilings to get to the source of the heat. Thermal infrared heat cameras were used to help accomplish this task. The incident was turned back over to the homeowner at 12:45 A.M. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this incident. The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that ashes can often appear to be out. However, they can hold in heat for a long period of time and must be dealt with in a safe manner by placing them in a non-combustible container and removing the container from other nearby combustibles.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Improperly discarded hot ashes from a wood stove. The ashes were placed inside a cardboard box inside the garage.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Major heat damage to the metal clad wood frame garage structure. Major heat and smoke damage to a large amount of contents inside the garage. Contents included personal items and a gas fired heater.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Mayor Hession's memo re: fully staffing Stn 15...

Interesting that the newspaper says "hiring an additional 4 firefighters," instead of "bringing back 4 of the 53 positions lost due to the layoffs." Also, there's never a mention that Hillyard, before the layoffs, had 6 firefighters dedicated to its protection, whereas there are now only 3.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman, Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/2/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1730 W. 26th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: At 11:48 pm on Wednesday March 1, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire in a 26 foot Air Stream trailer at 1730 W. 26th. The owner states that the trailer blew up and the Fire Department found the trailer fully involved upon arrival. A Fire Investigator was called due to a suspicious fire across the street in a vacant mobile home the previous week. Currently the fire is under investigation. 23 Firefighters responded on 3 Engines, 2 Ladder trucks, 1 Rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs which is a normal 1st alarm assignment for this area of Spokane. There were no injuries or deaths of Firefighters or civilians. If anyone has information regarding this fire please call the Spokane Fire Department and request Captain Smathers or Lieutenant Greg McLatchey
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss on the 26 foot Air Stream trailer. Minimal amount of burn damage to the house and the fence on either side of the trailer.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given