Monday, December 13, 2010

E-Board Election Results

Congrats to Thad Frater and Jason Archibald for their reelection/election to the Local 29 E-Board. For specifics, check your e-mail.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3919 S. Tekoa St.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 0330 this morning, Friday, December 10, 2010, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 3919 S. Tekoa St. The first crew on-scene reported a heavy volume of fire visible at the rear of the single story house. Fire was also beginning to extend to the semi-detached garage. The first fire crew extended hoses to the rear of the structure and began knocking down the exterior fire. Unfortunately, fire had already extended into the attic and was burning through the roof. As other crews arrived on-scene they began the process of searching for victims, interior fire attack, roof ventilation, and opening ceilings to access the fire. The adult female occupant and her young daughter had escaped the house prior to arrival of the fire crews. As firefighting operations were in full swing, power lines to the house dropped and electrically energized the metal rain gutters, causing one firefighter to receive a shock. He reported no lasting ill effects and continued working at the scene. Due to the energized rain gutters, efforts to extinguish the fire from the roof were delayed until Avista arrived to disconnect power servicing the house. Once crews were able to return to the roof, a coordinated extinguishment effort from the roof and from the interior resulted in a successful knockdown of the attic fire. Crews remained on-scene for nearly four hours completing the extensive overhaul, which included cutting away and removal of nearly half of the roof structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the structure was extensive, including removal of a large portion of the roof. There was no interior fire damage, but there was extensive water, smoke, and overhaul damage. The occupants will be unable to live at the house until extensive repairs are made.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

In time for the Holidays. New Local 29 clothing items!








Come down to the union office to buy some new Local 29 threads, man. Call ahead to make sure someone is there first. These may be door busters but don't bust the door, buster.

Check out the hip new designs! All made in the USA, of course, so you will spread holiday cheer without the nagging "gosh, how can I be having fun when I know my shirt was made by slaves" feeling.

Deck the halls now! Bow to the Holly! Doooooooo ittttttttttttttt!!!!!

Monday, December 06, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1906 West Pacific Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday December 5, 2010 at 6:13PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth responded to a reported apartment fire at 1906 West Pacific Avenue.

The first company arrived within 3 minutes and reported a two-story apartment with smoke and fire showing from the front of the building. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the affected unit and immediately searched for victims while other companies confined the fire to the unit of origin. It took 24 Firefighters working in frozen conditions just 15 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one unit and prevent it from spreading into the adjoining unit and roof and ceiling areas.

No civilians were injured in the incident; however one firefighter was treated by on-scene Firefighter/Paramedics for a medical emergency and transported to a local hospital definitive treatment.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident remains under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Firefighters have remained on scene protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. One unit was damaged due to the fire and another which is located directly below received damage from water.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2015 W. Mansfield
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their fire apparatus to 2015 W. Mansfield at 12:11 hrs. on Thursday, Dec. 2nd, 2010, on a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire companies, E4 and L4 from the Browne's Addition neighborhood Fire Station, reported smoke showing out of the gable vents at the front and the rear of the house. They quickly donned their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and immediately entered the building with a charged hose lead to try and locate the source of the increasing smoke. While those two fire companies went about their work inside the structure other arriving fire crews were given additional assignments that included: securing a water supply, interior search and rescue, roof ventilation, opening walls and ceilings on the second floor, shutting down the electric and gas utilities, covering furniture on both floors with protective tarps, and deploying the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) for fire fighter safety. The source of the smoke was found to be a smoldering type fire which had been burning undetected in the attic space below the roof. The fire appeared to have been burning for quite a while in the attic since some of the structural members in the attic and under the roof had been burned half way through. In order to get at this stubborn fire the fire fighters had to cut open the ceiling and the walls of the apartment on the second floor and they had to remove much of the still smoldering insulation in the attic and dump it outside of the building. There were no reports of any injuries to the tenant of the second floor apartment or to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The tenant of the first floor apartment was away at work when the fire occurred. Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the tenant on the first floor and her three young children with temporary lodging. The two apartments will not be able to be occupied until substantial structural and electrical repairs can be made to the upper unit. Fire damage at this building was confined to the attic space and some of the ceilings and walls of the second floor apartment. Smoke damage was limited to the top floor apartment. The first floor apartment was not damaged. Thirty one fire fighters were delivered to this fire scene by four engines, two senior ladder trucks, one pumper ladder, one heavy rescue apparatus, and three Command Vehicles. The cause of this fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit (SI

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by members of the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable fire damage to the second floor apartment and the attic as well as the underside of the roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/24/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 543 E Princeton
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 543 E. Princeton at 23:25 hrs. on November 24th, 2010, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, from the Hillyard neighborhood, reported light smoke issuing from above the closed front door and the roof overhang. As that company was entering the unlocked structure to begin an investigation, other apparatus began arriving on scene to assist them. Two fire crews then began an interior search of the building looking for any occupants who might be inside and attempting to locate the source of the increasing smoke. After a minute or two the crews inside reported by radio that they had located a room toward the rear of the house where they were encountering a lot of heat and heavier smoke. While one of the interior fire crews continued searching for possible victims, the other crew attacked the fire in the room and got a quick knock-down on the flames which were rapidly consuming a futon-type bed in that room. Outside of the structure later arriving fire companies were securing a water source in case additional hose lines were going to be put into service, taking a back-up lead inside to protect the crews already inside, evaluating the structure's roof for laddering and possible vertical roof ventilation, and setting up the State mandated Rapid Intervention Team for possible fire fighter rescue. The fire was contained to the room of origin and the residents were finally located across the street at a neighbor's home. One of the residents had sustained some minor burn injuries while attempting to put the fire out before fire fighters arrived on scene. That tenant was treated at the scene by Fire Department Para-Medics and EMTs and was transported to a near-by Hospital by family members for further treatment. There were no reports of any other civilian injuries and there were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene. The fire damages were confined to the room of origin and the contents of that room. There was some collateral damage to the interior of the home from the water used to extinguish the fire, and there was smoke damage to the rest of the building and to the contents therein. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigations Unit. Fire fighters on scene noted that the residence did not have any smoke detectors present and before they left the scene they installed a working smoke detector for the safety of the residents.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by SIU members.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage limited to room and contents, water damage to floors and floor coverings, smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1923 E. 6th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Monday November 22nd, 2010 at 6:16 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded on a house fire located at 1923 E. 6th. First crews on the scene found a large wood frame home, 1 ½ stories tall with flames and smoke coming from the rear. Based on this information, the alarm was upgraded to a "working fire" which brought an additional company of firefighters. An offensive strategy was declared and crews moved in to investigate the source of the fire. While this was taking place, ventilation crews were busy accessing the roof in preparation of vertical roof ventilation. A search team was assembled along with a backup crew and a floor by floor search was executed. The flames were discovered to be in a wall and also in the attic space. Aggressive roof ventilation by ladder crews helped confine the fire while the fire attack teams below with hose lines, pike poles and axes effectively knocked down the fire. The ladder crews cut holes over the fire area which drew the fire inward and prevented any further horizontal travel of the fire throughout the attic. The search team completed their task and reported that all occupants were out of the home, safely. There was one tenant that occupied the home and this person will be taken care of by friends and relatives. The knockdown of the fire was achieved 28 minutes after receiving the alarm. A total of 29 firefighters responded on this fire and some of them will remain on the scene throughout the day completing their final overhaul work on the building. The cause of this fire is unknown at this time but is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy damage to the home's attic and roof including ceilings, walls, and furnishings.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Friday, November 12, 2010

Fire Press Release Two fer


ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 840 West Cora Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 12:06 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Cornelius, responded to a Structure Fire at 840 West Cora Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the third floor of a three-story apartment building containing 12 living units and office space. The first arriving Chief requested a second alarm at 12:11 AM that brought three engines, a Senior Ladder and two AMR Ambulances with an AMR Supervisor to the scene. A third alarm was requested at 12:19 AM adding two additional Engines and off-duty command staff.

Finding a working fire in two units and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarpaulins within the structure and making judicious use of firefighting hose streams to stop the fire's progress. Pumper Ladder 13 immediately laddered the roof and created a trench cut above and next to the apartments involved in fire. The well coordinated effort of the firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire's cause remains under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Though loss from the fire was limited to a total of three apartment units and some office area, the need to secure the building's utilities rendered areas of the building temporarily untenable. A total of three families living in the affected residential apartment units were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 52
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9


For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at http://www.spokanefire.blogspot.com/

END OF RELEASE




ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 619 E. Rowan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, November 9, 2010, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 10:37 PM to 619 E. Rowan on a reported structure fire with flames showing from the house. The first crew on-scene reported smoke and fire showing at the front of the one story, wood framed home. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the front of the structure while additional fire crews completing search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters. The home, which was vacant at the time of the fire sustained fire damage to the front bedroom of the home with smoke damage through out the structure. Seven fire companies with 20 Firefighters and 2 Chief Officers responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours. Fire crews remained on scene through out the night to assist the fire investigator in determining the origin and cause of the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor and crawl space of the home with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Monday, November 08, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bill Donahoe/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1819 W. Rockwell
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Monday November 8th, at 01:25 AM, the Spokane Fire Dept. responded 4 engines, 1 ladder company, 1 heavy rescue along with 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1819 W. Rockwell. Engine 13, from the North Hill neighborhood was first on the scene and reported light smoke coming from the front door of the split level home. E-13's officer also reported the 3 occupants were accounted for and outside the home. The fire was located in the kitchen and was quickly extinguished. Other crews were assigned to check for extension of the fire and to ventilate the structure. There was extensive fire damage to the kitchen and light to moderate smoke damage throughout the home. The 3 residents are residing elsewhere because of the smoke damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries reported by the occupants or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Being investigated by The Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Fire Press Release Three fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1302 South Westcliff Place
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99224

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday November 2, 2010, at 10:11PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Senior Ladders, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Jones responded to a Structure Fire at 1302 South Westcliff Place in West Spokane (Indian Canyon Apartments).

Responding to an initial report of a car fire, the first company arrived within 7-minutes to find several vehicles and a garage well involved, with flames rapidly extending to nearby automobiles and an adjacent 2 story apartment building.

As additional personnel were summoned, firefighters established a water supply and commenced a swift and well-coordinated attack on the flames. A second alarm was requested at 10:25 primarily due to lack of access for equipment, water supply and the projection of the fire threatening nearby structures. As additional resources arrived companies were utilized to protect residential belongings in nearby apartment buildings and limit the spread of fire from the primary apartments and well-involved garage.

Due to the quick knock-down by the first alarm companies, the second alarm resources were cancelled while enroute and utilized for City coverage and handled other simultaneous incidents. No injuries were reported in this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire's origin was isolated to a vehicle parked minutes earlier at the garage/carport location. The specific cause of the fire has yet to be determined by Spokane Fire Department's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The effort proved synergistic, with the flames extinguished in just 20 minutes. Damage was limited to multiple unoccupied vehicles, garages, and a portion of two apartments with smoke impacting two adjacent dwelling units.

DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 10


For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE


ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 607 East Houston
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 3:31PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 engines, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Moline responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 607 East Houston in Spokane's North Side. Firefighters responding to a report of a fire in an apartment arrived within 4-minutes from the neghborhood fire station to find heavy fire showing from the second and third story of a 70' x 100' three story apartment building. Swiftly forcing entry into multiple apartments and assisting occupants to safety, Spokane Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the apartments in close proximity to the working fire on the second and third floors. A second alarm was issued a 3:40PM and subsequent third alarm at 4:01PM that brought an additional three Engines, two Senior Ladders and off-duty command staff.

Finding heavy fire in two floors and the attic/roof, arriving firefighters commenced an aggressive fire attack to protect savable property by cutting multiple ventilation holes on the roof above the fire and a defensive truck company tactic called a "trench cut." The trench cut was made ahead of the fire's route of travel in an effort to prevent lateral spread throughout the remainder of the building. Firefighters from engine companies were working on the interior of the second and third floors making judicious use of firefighting hosestreams and completely pulling the ceilings directly below the trench and stretching additional lines to key locations below the trench. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's south-most areas and common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2-hours. There were no injuries to firefighters and one civilian was transported for smoke inhalation.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The south-most areas of the building are severely damaged. Other areas received varying levels of damage. In all, there are 29 apartment units and 54 individuals residing in the building. Six units were destroyed, eleven suffered major damage, four had minor damage and eight are undamaged. The building has no power and building is posted not to occupy. The Red Cross initially opened a shelter at the Spokane Friends Church (1612 W. Dalke) and are assisting the tenants with temporary housing and assistance.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 48
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9


For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE


ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3008 N. Perry
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, November 02, 2010 at 12:49 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 3008 N. Perry. Eight fire apparatus under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Brown responded to this location. This response included 4 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 ladder trucks. Ladder 2 was the first to arrive and reported a four-plex residential structure with fire showing from the out side of the structure. One auto was fully involved that was parked next to the building was also reported by ladder 2. Responding from their neighborhood station at North Foothills Dr. and Nevada, ladder 2 assumed fire attack and quickly extinguished the fire. Other apparatus on scene were assigned to various duties such as Safety, RIT, Water Supply, Search, and Ventilation. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Total of 22 firefighters responded to this fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
Under investigation.


DAMAGE EXTENT:
Fire was confined to the out side of the structure and one automobile

DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000.
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Full page ad in this morning's paper from Dino Rossi's people tells us how he feels about firefighters and our union....




This full-page ad is from an anonymous well-funded PAC that wants to put Dino Rossi in office. You can see why from the ad. And if you need it spelled out - the reason why is YOU.

These folks who are supporting Rossi think you make too much money, have too safe of working conditions, and are underworked - all this from collective bargaining which Rossi and other Republicans would like to undo and keep others from having.

If you are a firefighter and you haven't decided who to vote for in the senate race, this ad in this morning's Spokesman-Review might give you something to think about.

Patty Murray has always been a supporter of firefighters and our union. Dino Rossi wants to take away our collective bargaining rights and all that they have done for us. And he and his friends are proud to tell you that is exactly what they intend on doing.

Good luck deciding on who to vote for.


Thursday, October 21, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2709 W Broadway
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2709 W Broadway at 05:57 hrs in the early morning of Wednesday, October 20th, for a reported house fire. The first arriving fire crews, from the historic Browne's Addition neighborhood, reported a 1.5 story wood/frame dwelling with lazy smoke issuing from the roof and a dormer window. While additional resources were nearing the house, those initial crews were entering the building to determine what was causing the smoke and where the source of the smoke was located. The crews discovered a smoldering type fire located in the ceiling space above the kitchen area. With fully charged hose lines in place inside the dwelling the crews began pulling down the ceilings in not only the kitchen but also in adjacent rooms to get at the slow moving fire that had already done considerable damage to the structural components of the ceiling and the underside of the roof. It took about 20 minutes for the initial crews and some of the later arriving crews to dig out the fire and to get it fully extinguished. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to the owner of the home. The owner was awakened by a loud noise from the kitchen, discovered a ceiling fixture which had fallen to the floor, noticed a bright orange glow coming from the hole left in the ceiling by the fallen fixture, called the Fire Dept. for assistance, and then safely exited her home. Unfortunately there will have to be extensive repairs done to the structure before it can be occupied again, the owner has indicated that she will be staying with friends and/or family until those repairs can be made. Initial indications are that the fire was electrical in nature and an investigator from the City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit arrived on scene to pin point the exact nature of the possible electrical malfunction. Three pumpers, two ladder trucks, a heavy rescue apparatus, and two Command vehicles delivered 22 firefighters to the scene of this fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown electrical type of malfunction in the building's electrical system.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable damage to the structural mebers of the ceiling and the underside of the roof above the kitchen area, smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Fire Press Release Three fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/19/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2230 West Pacific Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 3:38 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 3 Engines, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Green responded to a structure fire at 2230 West Pacific Avenue.

Firefighters responding to a garage fire were notified by multiple callers that fire and heavy smoke was emanating from an adjacent apartment complex's garage structure. A nearby SFD unit arrived within four minutes and reported that a two-story, multiple vehicle garage was heavily involved with fire and endangering nearby apartment buildings to the east and west of the fire building. The alarm was upgraded to a "working fire" which automatically adds an additional fire company and other FD resources to the incident.

Due to a nearly simultaneous incident at 3rd/Maple where a vehicle was involved in fire and thought to have two-persons trapped, the normally nearby fire companies were not available causing farther stations to respond to this incident. The simultaneous incidents led to a longer than expected delay and extremely rapid fire growth.

Once an effective firefighting force was on-scene, firefighters swiftly forced entry into areas of the multiple garage building and made a coordinated offensive attack on the fire with aggressive vertical ventilation by ladder companies. After a complete search of the building, it was determined that there were no occupants present on either floor. The fire was completely extinguished within 30-minutes. There were no civilians or firefighters injured during this incident.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Four vehicles were destroyed and the eight bay garage sustained varied levels of damage. Structural integrity is still being assessed at the time of this release.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE


ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/18/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3125 W. 14th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On Monday October 18th, at 1:55pm the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 1 senior ladder, 1 pumper ladder, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 3125 West 14th. The first crew on scene reported a split entry home with light smoke showing from the front door. The homeowner met the crew and reported all the occupants had safely evacuated the house. Hose leads were advanced into the home and a thermal imaging camera was utilized to locate the fire in the basement laundry room. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews ventilated the building and searched for smoldering hot spots. The home suffered damage to the laundry room along with heavy to light smoke damage to the rest of the home. Eight occupants will be displaced from the home until the smoke damage can be resolved. No injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE: Captain Kevin Smathers of the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit investigated the cause of the fire and determined it started in the clothes dryer, due to malfunctioning temperature sensor.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Basement laundry room and contents along with smoke damage through out the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE


ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1307 E. Walton Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: This morning, October 16th, at 8:01 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 1307 E. Walton Avenue in the city of Spokane. The first crew on scene reported a one and one-half story house with smoke and flames from the roof vents. The homeowner met the crew and reported all occupants had safely evacuated the house. As additional fire crews arrived, hose leads were stretched into the house and up to the attic. Concurrently, crews cut vent holes in the roof to relieve the heat and smoke, allowing the interior crews to quickly reach and extinguish the fire in the attic. Fire had also extended down through an interior wall containing plastic plumbing pipe, and was burning on the main floor as well as the basement. Using thermal imaging cameras, crews rapidly located and extinguished the fire hidden in the walls, stopping its spread. In all, 3 engines, 3 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue truck, and 2 command vehicles, with a total of 23 firefighters operated at this fire. Four adult occupants and several pets will be displaced from the house until extensive repairs can be completed. No injuries to firefighters or the occupants were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Captain Kevin Smathers of the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit investigated the cause of the fire and determined it started as a result of an unintentionally overloaded electrical circuit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the house was confined to part of the roof, attic, and an interior wall. Water and overhaul damage also occurred in the process of locating and extinguishing the fire. Roof, structural, electrical and plumbing repairs will need to be made before the house can be reoccupied.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Monday, October 18, 2010

Local 29 Nominations and Election.

At the October 12th union meeting, the following nominations were made:

VP- Waller
E-Board- Frater, Wood, Archibald, Skipworth
Grievance- Turpen, Walsh
Trustee- Mathews
Awards- Moore

Having no opposition and therefore by acclamation, Waller was elected as VP, Turpen and Walsh were elected to the Grievance Committee, Mathews was elected as Trustee and Moore was elected to the Awards Committee.

There will be an election for two E-Board positions. On the ballot will be:

Frater
Wood
Archibald
Skipworth

Members will be directed to pick two candidates. The top two vote receivers will be elected to the E-Board for a two-year term. The voting will take place on the Local 29 website's secure voting page. The online polls will open on November 24th and will close on December 13th. Members are encouraged to make sure that they are able to log onto their account ASAP. Once the polls open, they will be unable to register or change their information. If you need assistance, please email one of your E-Board members or info@local29.org. A contact link is provided on the website under "Contact us."

Thanks,

John Griffith
Elections Officer pro tem

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4401 S. Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On Monday October 11th, 2010 at 8:14 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the Wendy's restaurant located at 4401 S. Regal. Engine 11 from their neighborhood fire station location of 32nd and Perry was the first to arrive and found a grease fire in the kitchen. They quickly entered the building while stretching a hose line and also carried a portable extinguisher. They were successful in knocking down the flames and containing the fire to the kitchen area without fire spreading further vertically into the attic space and roof area. As the fire extinguishment efforts were underway, Ladder 1 from their downtown location of Riverside and Browne accessed the roof to make sure the fire was in check and to provide any vertical ventilation if it was needed. Engine 9 from their neighborhood location of 18th and Bernard entered the structure and assisted the fire attack efforts by pulling ceiling to expose any areas where the fire may have extended. All of the restaurant employees that were inside the building managed to escape on their own. The fire was declared controlled and extinguished after approximately 15 minutes. One firefighter received minor smoke inhalation and was transported to Deaconess Hospital and was released later to duty after an evaluation. A total of 18 firefighters fought this blaze. The cause at this time appears to be a deep fat fryer that was in use by restaurant employees. The County Health Department arrived on scene to inspect the damage which consisted of fire damage to the fryer and smoke damage throughout the building.

PROBABLE CAUSE: A deep fat fryer in use by restaurant employees.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fryer received significant damage from the fire. There was smoke damage throughout the restaurant.
DOLLAR LOSS: 6,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Monday, October 11, 2010

No on I-1082

The Spokesman-Review just endorsed I-1082. This is the initiative that would have government L and I go private. In other words, the government could bail out insurance companies with our tax dollars on the back of the injured worker.

Look for Local 29 and WSCFF endorsements in the newsletter which will be out tomorrow.

From Beth Thew:

Please take a moment and read this editorial. We know this initiative was written by the insurance companies for the insurance companies. The article talks about rate hikes. It doesn’t mention that when times were good that L&I had a 6 month rate holiday, that’s not paying workers comp taxes for 6 months. I don’t know any insurance companies that do that for their subscribers. It doesn’t mention that businesses in Washington State pay some of the lowest rates in the nation or that injured workers have some of the best coverage.

Please take a moment and write a response to the Spokesman editorial. You can do it right on line.

Thanks

Beth Thew
Spokane Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO
509-939-0688


Oct 10
Spokane Spokesman-Review
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/oct/10/editorial-i-1082-makes-long-overdue-industrial/

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bill Donahoe/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2105 N. Hemlock
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 9th at 3:20 am, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2105 N. Hemlock. Engine 3 arrived on scene and reported smoke coming from the eves of the 1 story home. After ensuring all the occupants were out of the structure, crews began searching for the fire with a thermal imaging camera. The fire was located in the wall between the home and attached garage. The wall was opened up and the fire was quickly extinguished. There was no extension of fire to the attic or other portions of the home. The electrical power to the residence was shut off as there was damage to the wiring in the wall. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wall between the home and the attached garage. Smoke damage throughout the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Friday, October 08, 2010

Officer Shift Change Poll

Results are posted on the union website. Log in and access from the sidebar.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

How many times have we seen this call?

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 707 W. 5th on the 10th floor
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On Monday night, October 4th at 8:31 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of smoke on the 10th floor of the Cooper George Retirement Community Apartments. Smoke was found on the 10th and 11th floors once fire crews were inside the building. A decision to hook hoses to the buildings standpipe and sprinkler systems was made as additional fire crews were sent to the upper levels to assist with evacuating the tenants and searching for the source of the smoke. A fire crew assigned to search and rescue occupants, found a large garbage can inside a utility room that was on fire. They quickly extinguished the fire with their pump can and began to ventilate the room by removing the smoke with power fans. A room by room search was conducted in order to confirm the status of each occupant that might remain inside their apartment units. Fortunately, no one was injured by the smoke that was present throughout the structure. A total of 30 firefighters responded to this fire with 5 engines, 2 ladders, a pumper ladder, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. The smoke condition throughout this large complex became the challenge, as it was increasing in volume after the initial arrival of the fire department. With a large occupant load, and the fire reported to be on a upper floor within this high rise building, the fire department had many challenges to face such as deploying personnel and equipment to those higher levels in a safe, efficient and rapid manner. Special High Rise hose was taken in as crews entered the building as was their Thermal Imaging Cameras that use infrared technology to detect hot spots and people that may remain trapped and unable to get out of the burning structure. The fire cause is undetermined at this time and remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: 50 gallon plastic garbage can was totally destroyed. There was moderate smoke damage on the 4th through 13th floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Officer Shift Change Poll

We are currently conducting a poll to see if Local 29 members want to continue doing shift change for next year or to not have a shift change. If you are an active member of Local 29 and want to participate, go to the website and log in. Then access the "online voting" tab on the left side. The website is here.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Spokesman-Review gets it wrong again...

Jonathan Brunt in this morning's Spokesman-Review reported that last year:

"Firefighters, for instance, gave up no pay or benefits. Instead, the city gave them an early retirement plan that saves money by removing higher-paid veterans from the payroll."

Actually, we did give up benefits. We agreed to dump our really good insurance for a high-deductible insurance plan. THIS SAVED THE CITY $400,000.00.

Come on Jonathan, this is getting a little old. A couple of years ago, we put out a press release saying how we voted to work two days for free for the city. The Spokesman-Review reported nothing. We tried again - nothing. And again with the same result.

It's understandable that every news reporting organization has a bias. That's to be expected. However, the same organization that owns the Spokesman-Review also owns The Journal of Business and, frankly, the expression of their collective bias against our union gets to be a sort of predictably humorous rite.

They say unions are on the ropes, but not as much as newspapers. Wonder why.

Hoppy contact info

Hey guys, check your city email for info on contacting Hoppy. It sounds like he is doing better!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

MDA Golf Tournament

MDA and the Moses Lake Fire Department are having having a golf tournament at the Links at Moses Pointe Golf Course on Friday, September 24th. It is a 1pm shotgun tournament and all the money raised will go to MDA! Cost is $80 per person/$320 per team and includes greens fees, cart, range balls and a steak and salmon dinner. If you are interested or know of anyone who would play, let me know!

Jana Worthington
325-3747

Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4323 W Sanson Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20, at 5:40 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4323 W Sanson. This address is located directly across the street from Fire Station 16, which is located in the Northwest neighborhood. SE16 arrived within one minute and reported smoke and fire issuing from the attic vents of a one story, wood framed residence. After ensuring all occupants were out of the structure, crews began a coordinate effort to extinguish the fire. Hoses were advanced to attack the fire in the attic, a supply hose was connected to a hydrant, holes were cut in the roof to relieve the hot smoke and fire from the attic area and tarps were placed on the homeowners possessions on the first floor to protect them. A backup hose was advanced to protect the crews working inside and a rescue team was put on standby to assist any firefighter who might run into trouble. The fire was finally extinguished after considerable effort but the the structure sustained heavy damage to the roof and first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The roof and first floor sustained heavy damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE



ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5023 South Stone
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20th 2010 at 4:34 pm, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters. 3 engines 1 ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported structure fire at 5023 South Stone.

Firefighters responding to the structure fire arrived quickly to find fire and smoke showing from the roof of a single family dwelling. To effectively fight the fire the incident commander immediately ordered another ladder company to assist with the heavy workload required.

The companies attacked the fire in the attic of the home and the attached garage while conducting a coordinated search. No residents were home at the time of the fire although 2 dogs and 2 cats were removed from the building without harm. Other crews cut and peeled off the smoldering roof and covered the homes furnishings with tarps to protect them from water damage.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. Crews remained on scene late into the night removing smoldering roofing material and searching for hot spots. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.


PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire was determined to be accidental, starting on the exterior of the attached garage in the area of garbage and recycling containers.
DAMAGE EXTENT: DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the roof of the attached garage and part of the home was extensive along with damage to the contents of the garage. The residence suffered smoke and water damage. A neighboring fence was also damaged from radiant heat from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Friday, September 17, 2010

Details for fill the boot

To all who have signed up and any who are still interested, my thanks and apologies! With all the other loose ends I completely forgot to get the info to the mass delivery that might answer questions for many.

For setting up For Fill The Boot

Time: 13:00 - ? Friday for set up

Dress: Casual

8:00 - 17:00 Saturday for FTB

Where: City yards just off Mission Mission & Greene and Division & Spokane Falls Blvd.

Dress: Powder Blacks

Four hours gets 0.25 promotional points so folks have been siginging up for AM and PM shifts at either location.

Any questions call me at 230.8197

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Wildland Mobilization Earns the City Some Much Needed Moolah!

Paul Binkoski is back from one of the few MOBs this year. He reports that the Baird Springs Fire in Quincy had 2 brush engines - type 6, 2 structure engines - type 1 and 1 command rig.

13 SFD personnel went.

This 3 day deployment (9/10/10-9/13/10) brought in a profit of $10,000 to the city of Spokane, Paul estimates. How cool is that?

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Thanks Pizza Hut!

For delivering free pizzas to all the fire stations, in remembrance of 9-11. That was a very nice thing to do. Your pizzas were really good too. Thanks too to all the nice families that baked cookies and brought food to Spokane stations. You guys are great!

Saturday, September 04, 2010

Fire Press Release Three fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 S. Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 1622 hours, six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, 2 senior ladders and 1 heavy rescue apparatus responded to a report of a fire at the Regal Ridge apartments located at 5111 S. Regal.

The first arriving company was Engine 14 from the neighborhood fire station located at 18th and Ray. Engine 14 arrived at the back of the complex within 6 minutes from the time Fire Dispatch received the original call. Engine 14's officer, Lt. Schoenleber, reported that he had located an apartment unit at the back of the complex that was filled with black smoke. Engine 14 reported to the other responding fire crews that they were advancing a hose line into the involved unit and were evacuating tenants from the adjacent units.

Engine 14's crew (Lt. Schoenleber, Driver Gordon Ormesher, and FF Eric Ross) knocked the fire down with 150 gallons of water that is carried in the tank of E14. Arriving Firefighters assisted in ventilation and confining the fire to the one apartment unit. Although the fire was immediately knocked down, crews worked at the scene for about an hour and a half. The fire was confined to the kitchen area of the apartment with heavy smoke damage throughout. No civilians or Firefighters were injured at this incident. The Red Cross responded and is assisting the occupants from the burned out unit.

Narrow access driveways and improperly parked vehicles made it very difficult for the responding fire apparatus to maneuver to the back of this facility. This is reoccurring challenge that the Fire Department has to deal with when responding to fires in many of the apartments within the city. Citizens are encouraged to park only in the designated areas around their apartments and to keep the fire lanes clear for emergency vehicles.

This fire is under investigation at this time, but early indicators are leading to a cause of unattended cooking grease on the stove. (SFD investigators are still in the process of interviewing those connected to this incident.)

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is still under investigation. (More than likely accidental, cooking related.)
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 329 E Princeton
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus on Thursday evening, Sept. 2nd to 329 E. Princeton at 21:57 hrs. for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, from Sta. #15 located in the Hillyard neighborhood, reported smoke issuing from the closed front door and smoke and flame starting to appear at a basement window of the single story wood/frame residence. As other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, assignments were being made that would include forcing entry into the locked structure, placing hose lines in service to be taken inside the structure and down into the basement, horizontal ventilation of the building, search for any victims on all the floors, securing a water supply for the strategically placed Engine that would be supplying the water to the hose lines, a back-up hose line to protect the firefighters who would be making initial entry into the building, additional hose lines to protect neighboring structures that were beginning to be exposed to the growing flames as they were now extending out and up from the basement windows, and the formation of a Rapid Intervention Team who would be standing by to rescue any firefighter who might become injured, lost, or trapped inside the building. Crews began to force the front door and soon made entry into the structure dragging their hose lines in with them. As they searched in the blackness that greeted them they were unable to find the basement stairs due to a heavy accumulation of stored items and material piled high in the access area to those stairs. While all this was occurring on the first floor the fire continued to grow in size, intensity, and heat in the basement to the point where the firefighters had to abandon their original strategy of directly attacking the fire and were ordered to back out for safety considerations. Once the crews had exited the building a decision was made to introduce compressed air foam into the basement via the basement windows in the hope that the fire in the basement could be knocked down by the thick, wet, foam that was being produced by the Engine out in the street at the front of the structure. The foam soon began to get the upper hand on the growing flames and eventually the fire was extinguished. The combined efforts of the men and women of the Fire Dept. at this fire kept the flames confined to the basement but not before serious damage was done to the floor joist system of the building. The fire burned hot and for a long time before the cooling effects of the foam could put it out. Areas of the upper floor were sagging to the point that firefighters were ordered to stay off the floors in those areas as collapse of the floors became a real possibility. Five Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Heavy Rescue Rig, and two Command Vehicles delivered 25 firefighters to the scene of this stubborn blaze. The fire damage was limited to the basement although there was collateral damage done to areas of the first floor as efforts were made to get at the basement through other avenues since the stairs were not an option. The tenants of the home were out of town at the time of the fire. There were no reports of any injuries to firefighters at the scene. A member of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit was at the fire but not able to begin his investigation until the foam has dissipated in the basement and that would not occur until Friday morning around daybreak. A fire crew will remain at the scene all night long to be on the alert for any rekindle which might occur. The total damage assessment will be made by the investigator once he is able to examine the basement and the rest of the house in the light of day.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the basement, smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1838 East South Riverton Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217

NARRATIVE: On Saturday September 4, 2010 at 2:31 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Haworth Structure Fire at 1838 East South Riverton Avenue.

First arriving firefighters rapidly coordinated the evacuation and rescue of the dozens of occupants who had fled the building. As additional SFD crews arrived, they methodically searched the 170' x 70' three-story apartment building and removed many occupants from ladders and through exits.

The fire traveled quickly throughout the roof and the third floor. Ladder companies immediately and successfully vertically vented the fire from above as engines stretched multiple hoselines to the fire floors to successfully stop the fire's progress.

As a result of the fire and a need to secure utilities, 21 apartment units were deemed temporarily untenable. Assisting 60 residents in their need for temporary accommodations were staff from the building's management and volunteers from the Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There is extensive damage to the third floor throughout the entire building. Power to the building has been shut down and controlled by Avista. FD Command Staff are remaining on site to assist residents in retrieving their personal effects until morning when the structural integrity of the roof will be determined. Residents may be able to reoccupy limited areas later this afternoon depending on the result of the structural evaluation.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9


For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/1/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3627 North Division Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 9:48 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones, Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported Structure Fire at 3627 North Division Street (Tung Loon Restaurant).

Firefighters responding to the alarm arrived quickly to find fire and heavy smoke showing from the roof of the 3000 square foot restaurant. To more effectively fight the fire, the incident commander immediately ordered more resources including an additional Ladder and Engine.

Swiftly forcing entry into building, which was secured and appeared closed for the evening, Spokane Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the premises and an attack on the fire above. While their colleagues skillfully protected the restaurant's kitchen equipment and office below, firefighters held the flames within the attic, roof and circumferential mansard of the restaurant. During the attack on the fire, the incident commander did order a withdrawal of resources from the interior of the building due to concerns of collapse which occurred nearly 15 minutes after the order.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. There were neither injuries to civilians nor firefighters.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as electrical, and attributed to exterior lighting near the fire's origin.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the restaurant's roof and dining area is extensive.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 734 East Baldwin Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday September 1, 2010 at 5:48 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 3-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Moline responded to a reported residential fire at 734 East Baldwin Avenue.

The first unit arrived within 2 minutes and reported a one-story duplex with smoke showing from the front of the building. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the affected unit and immediately searched for victims while other companies confined the fire to the area of origin. It took 24 Firefighters just 10 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one unit and prevent it from spreading into the adjoining unit and roof and ceiling areas. The occupant was not at home at the time of the fire, however two canines were rescued from the affected unit and returned to their owner through Spokanimal.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was determined to be accidental and a result of an energized curling iron next to combustibles.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage in the area of origin and moderate smoke damage throughout the unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 8000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/29/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1003 E Ermina
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 0116 Hours (1:16AM PST), six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; three engines, two senior ladders and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Haworth responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1003 East Ermina in Spokane's Northeast Side.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire showing from all sides of the single story single-family residence. Another home and garage were quickly identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters entered the structure using handlines and mounted a bold assault on the fire, and simultaneously provided ventilation of heat and smoke to assist with the search for reported persons missing within the confines of the wood frame home.

The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the 700 square foot home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes.

During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an adult near an exit. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Three large canines were also found deceased.

During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered and the alarm was upgraded to a working fire which added supplementary resources to assist in the search and management of the incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or other civilians on this incident.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status has not yet been determined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Thursday, August 26, 2010

SFD EMPLOYEES CHECK YOUR EMAIL NOW!

Either your home email if Local 29 has your address or your city email account. This concerns your paycheck you will receive tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

FREE SWIM DAYS FROM LOCAL 29!

I've put out this press release in various forms over the past month. I don't know if any of the news outlets have let any parents know that their kids can swim for free on these days. So, if you know someone who you think would benefit from this information, please pass it on!

A witter too late for today's pool.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Association of Firefighters Local 29 (The City of Spokane Firefighters' Union) is sponsoring three days of free swimming for Spokane's kids at the following locations:

Witter Pool August 25 1-5pm
Cannon Pool August 26 12-4pm
Comstock Pool August 27 12-4pm

In addition, firefighters at City of Spokane Station 3, in the West Central Neighborhood, replenished the swim lesson fund for Cannon Pool with a $300 gift.

If you have any questions, please contact me,

Thanks,

John Griffith
Local 29 Information Director

Monday, August 23, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: BC Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 702 S OAK
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99221

NARRATIVE: On August 16, 2010 at 2017 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 702 S Oak, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company L4 reported fire on the second floor of a three story wood/frame apartment building. They reported further, that they were going to stretch a hose line to the fire floor and attempt to make entry into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire. Additional fire fighting resources began arriving on scene. As they arrived, they were given various assignments which included search, rescue, and ventilation of the building. A back-up hose line was deployed to protect the fire fighters who had already made entry. A Rapid Intervention Team was established for fire fighter's who might be injured or become lost inside the structure. Fire fighters were able to quickly locate the seat of the fire and get a fast knock down on the rapidly growing fire. A search of the building was conducted. All residents of the building were safely evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries to civilians or to the fire fighters at the scene. The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room. The apartment above the fire floor had light smoke no fire damage. The apartment below sustained some water damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Seven pieces of fire fighting apparatus and two Command vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to the scene.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT:
The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Monday, August 16, 2010

Twin Tower Presentation coming to Stateline ID

CRUISER'S IN STATELINE, IDAHO (OWNED AND OPERATED BY LARRY & SHERI HERBERHOLZ) WILL HOST AN EVENT ON AUG. 19TH WITH A EVENING OF TRIBUTES TO THE STEEL OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER STARTING WITH "THE COEUR D' ALENE FIREFIGHTERS PIPES & DRUMS" PERFORMING AMAZING GRACE AT 7 PM. THE PATRIOT GUARD WILL HELP RAISE MONEY BY SELLING PATCHS & T-SHIRTS. THE PATRIOT GUARD And Friends and riders of Cruiser's WILL STAGE AN ORGANIZED ESCORT ON AUG. 22 AT THE STATELINE SCALES TO BRING THE STEEL TO ITS RESTING GROUNDS AT THE KITSAP MEMORIAL PROJECT. ALL ARE WELCOME.

It's been 10 years and yet "WE WILL NEVER FORGET".

A SPECIAL INVITATION GOES OUT TO ALL POLICE OFFICIERS, FIREFIGHTERS, MILITARY & THEIR FAMILIES...YOU ARE OUR HEROES!

For more info. Contact Sheri 509-217-1937 or cruisers@ roadrunner.com

Newsletter Deadline

September 9th.

Terry Canfield is the new MDA Pointman.


There will be more MDA news coming, but September 18th is the Fill the Boot Day. Rumor is that there will be a BBQ afterward. Terry is asking for your help. Here is an immediate request from Terry:

If anyone is willing to be a driver
for the MDA Lockup this Wednesday they can contact me on my cell at
230.8197

Spokane Fire Museum and Education Center

There are plans currently underway to create a Spokane Fire Museum. Tommy Heckler's collection would be showcased here, as well as other collections. So, stay tuned as things develop. There will be some funding issues and opportunities. Karen Kearney is spearheading these efforts.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2217 E Sprague Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On 08/14/2010, at 1:21 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue, and two chief officers to a reported fire in an abandoned house located at 2217 E Sprague. First arriving company SE7, which is located in the East Central neighborhood, reported smoke and fire showing from a 1 story, wood constructed, residential structure. This same structure had suffered a fire in April and was currently boarded up and posted "not for occupancy" by the Fire Prevention Division. However there had been reports that the structure was being frequented by homeless citizens which necessitated a thorough search be undertaken. One victim was located outside the structure by first arriving crews and he was treated on-scene by SFD medics for smoke inhalation before being transported to Valley Hospital . This fire presented several challenges to firefighters due to the fact that all the openings were boarded over, the main fire was located in the basement, and there had been a previous fire which had damaged the structure. A coordinated effort was undertaken to protect the searching crews which included removing the plywood over the doors and windows, placing hoses between the searching crews and the fire, and removing smoke and toxic gasses. Fortunately no other victims were found and the fire was extinguished. Two additional engines were called to the scene to assist with the overall effort. Crews remained on-scene for several hours to locate and extinguish hot spots. One firefighter suffered a dog bite to his hand while treating the smoke inhalation patient and was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The structure suffered severe damage to the basement and first floor, with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

4 pm Deaconess rally cancelled because....

They settled their contract!

Fire Press Release Eight fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1303 E. Sprague Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 10th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported room fire at the Bel Air 7 Motel, 1303 E. Sprague Avenue in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within three minutes and reported a two story brick and concrete block motel with very light smoke visible in the area of the front of the structure. The crew located the source of the smoke, which was a ground floor unit on the east end of the motel. They immediately forced open the door and advanced their hose lead into the unit. The crew encountered heavy smoke as they extinguished the fire and concurrently searched for victims. One victim, the lone resident of the unit, was found on the floor of the unit and quickly removed where fire department paramedics began resuscitation efforts. The victim, an adult female, was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center where resuscitation efforts continued. Sadly, the victim, an adult female, was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased by emergency department physicians. The fire was knocked down within minutes and confined to the one motel unit. All other units at the motel are habitable. In all, twenty-eight fire department personnel responded on eight trucks and two command vehicles. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was heavy smoke and heat damage to the motel unit. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be $10,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE


ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2114 E. Hartson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Monday August 9th, 2010 at 1:04 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, a ladder, a pumper ladder, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire in a dwelling at 2114 E. Hartson. Engine 7 from their neighborhood fire station at 1st and Magnolia was first to arrive a found a home with smoke coming from the front door and window on one side. After donning their protective self contained breathing apparatus and advancing a hose line, they made their entry into the burning structure. The fire proved hard to locate due to the heavy smoke conditions on the inside. While this was developing, a search team made up from two companies began their task of searching all interior areas of the dwelling for people still trapped and unable to escape. Additional resources were assigned to include a backup crew on an additional hose line and a ventilation team on the roof to assist with confining the fire. Because of the difficult smoke conditions inside, an additional engine crew was requested. A primary and secondary search of the dwelling was completed and the two adults that lived there were both found to be safely outside. The source of the fire was then found to be in a bedroom and was soon extinguished. Fire crews then began to check for any extending fire in walls and ceilings and found the attic to be clear as well as the basement below. The fire was knocked down after 15 minutes and soon after this, the long arduous task of overhaul began. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit responded and found the fire to be caused by candles that were left burning in a bedroom. The structure sustained heavy fire and smoke damage to two bedrooms and a living room. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Burning candles are one of our most common causes of dwelling fires in the city of Spokane. Of all candle fires in homes, more than a third of them occur in bedrooms. The Spokane Fire Department would like to offer the following reminders if you must use candles. Burn candles in the center of a one foot "Circle of Safety" free of anything that can burn. Stay in the same room with burning candles, never leave them unattended. Burn candles on a non-combustible surface such as a ceramic saucer or plate. Be sure to snuff out candles before falling asleep, going out, or leaving the room. Teach everyone in the family the rules of safe candle use. Keep candles out of reach of small children and pets. In this fire, the two adults had just left the home not realizing the candles were still burning. One burning candle eventually burnt down enough until it caught some nearby bedding on fire. The fire then spread rapidly to the entire bedroom and extended into the adjacent bedroom and living area. A total of 24 firefighters responded on this blaze and remained at the scene for 2 hours completing their work which consisted of searching for embers that remained in void areas and final extinguishment.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Candles that were left burning and unattended in the bedroom.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire and smoke damage to two bedrooms and the living room. The contents of the bedroom were destroyed.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE


ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2115 W. Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday August 8th, 2010 at 6:51 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a kitchen fire located at 2115 W. Dean. E3 from their neighborhood fire station at Indiana and Ash found a kitchen fire that was being attacked by the tenants of the apartment house using a garden hose. Fire crews entered the structure and made sure everyone was out and at the same time, began their attack on the fire. Most of the fire had been extinguished successfully by the tenants, however, fire crews had to pull down portions of the ceiling and walls in the kitchen in order to make sure the fire was completely out. They also used their thermal imaging camera to check the ceiling area and attic space for any hidden fire that may have traveled vertically from the kitchen. This fire began as a cooking fire that escaped a pot that was on the stove. Due to the quick thinking of the tenants, the fire was kept relatively small. The Spokane Fire Department recommends that you immediately evacuate any burning structure and call 911. It is also recommended that you keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen as a kitchen fire is typically one of the most common types of fires to have in a home. Luckily, none of the tenants that chose to fight the fire received any injuries. A total of 20 firefighters responded on this fire. The three occupants, two adults and a child will be taken care of by the American Red Cross until they can occupy their apartment unit again.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire was caused by a cooking fire on the stove.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant fire damage to the kitchen walls and ceiling. Smoke damage throughout the main floor of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 918 E Wabash
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, August 8, at 02:50 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, and 1 heavy rescue unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dave Haworth and Steve Sabo to a reported structure fire at 918 E Wabash. SE15, located in the Hillyard neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke and flames coming from the front of a one story, wood constructed, residential dwelling. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose and began to attack the fire which mainly involved the front exterior wall, the edge of the roof, and the attic. As other crews arrived they were assigned to search the structure for occupants, create openings in the structure to remove smoke and dangerous gasses, and advance additional hoses to protect the searching firefighters. Crews were able to locate a tenant sleeping in the basement and removed her and her pet to safety. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it was totally extinguished shortly thereafter. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currrently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the front exterior wall, front porch, roof, and the attic.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3822 E. 8th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 10:25 P.M. Saturday, August 7th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported deck fire at 3822 E. 8th Avenue in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within four minutes and reported a split-entry wood frame house with fire visible on the back of the house and heavy smoke inside. Neighbors reported there was no one home, and fire crews searching the house confirmed that. The fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes, but overhaul of the burned and fire damaged areas continued for several hours. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night to continue searching for hidden pockets of fire. Damage to the house was extensive, with fire damage to the rear exterior, kitchen, and dining area. In addition, the house sustained considerable heat, smoke, and water damage throughout. At the time of this release the homeowners had not been located to notify them of the fire. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit conducted a preliminary review of the scene late Saturday night and will return to continue the fire cause investigation at first light Sunday. In all, twenty-nine fire department personnel responded on nine trucks and two command vehicles. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $60,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/25/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 511 E Euclid Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, July 25, at 01:54 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 2 Ladders, and 1 Heavy Rescue Unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bob Green and Dave Haworth to a reported garage fire at 511 E Euclid. SL2, which is located in the Logan Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported a single car garage which was fully involved with fire. SL2 advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and began to attack the fire. As additional companies arrived on-scene, they advanced a second hose to protect other structures in the immediate area of the fire and attached a water supply hose to a nearby fire hydrant. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it was totally extinguished a short time later.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage is a total loss and there is heat damage to the vinyl siding on the rear of the house located just south of the garage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2008 West 9th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: ON the morning of July 16th at 0310 hrs the city of Spokane Fire department responded to 2008 West 9th Ave for a reported apartment fire. When fire crews from Station 4 arrived they reported flames and smoke showing from the 2nd floor, this incident was upgraded to a working fire.
A search of the 2nd and 3rd floors was conducted immediately Hose lines were stretched to the 2nd and 3rd floors for fire attack. Crews were sent to the roof to provide ventilation this is done by cutting holes to release the hot smoke and gases, this aids the firefighting on the floors below.
The fire was knocked down and brought under control in about 30 minutes. Overhaul and final extinguishment took about 2 hours
Damage to the 6 apartments was heavy making it impossible for 6 tenants to stay. Red Cross was requested to help those that were displaced,
The cause of this fire was determined to be smoker/accidental.
No injuries were reported. A total of 27 firefighters responded on 9 fire apparatus along with 2 commands personnel.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Smoker / accidental
DAMAGE EXTENT: 2nd and 3rd floors total loss, water damage to the main floor
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/13/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1206 E. Broad
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday July 13th, 2010 at 2:14 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 23 firefighters with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a motor home fire in an alley behind 1206 E. Broad. Initially, one company was sent on this alarm but the alarm was immediately upgraded after the crew discovered a fully involved motor home with flame impingement on a nearby church and a power line that had severed and dropped to the ground. Crews were concerned that the fire had extended to the interior of the church via a gable vent to the attic and through the flammable exterior vinyl siding. A ladder crew was sent to the interior of the church to see if any of the fire had indeed extended. At the same time, engine crews were busy with containing the fire in the motor home by using their preconnected hose lines. The fire was successfully knocked down after 10 minutes and the spread of the fire was limited to the exterior of the church and as a result of this, the interior of the church was spared. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. The motor home was a total loss.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The motor home was a total loss. The church sustained heavy fire damage to it's vinyl exterior.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE