Saturday, July 16, 2011

Fatality Fire Press Release

North Battalion Fatality Fire

Incident #: 2011027828 Date of Incident: 7/15/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1409 Hours (2:09 PST), seven Companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 4128 East Princeton Avenue in Spokane's Northeast Side. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy fire showing from both sides of the single story, double-wide trailer residence. The initial radio report indicated that the residence was over 50% involved in fire. Additionally, vehicles and other assorted combustibles were identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters from Engines entered the structure using pre-connected hand lines and mounted a quick, aggressive assault on the fire. Simultaneously, Ladder companies provided ventilation of heat and smoke from overhead and searched the interior for reported persons missing within the confines of the home. 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. During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an elderly adult in the area of heaviest fire damage. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Multiple animals still remain unaccounted for. The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes. No additional injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

Cause:
The cause of this incident remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The victim's name has not been released pending positive ID. Monetary loss from the fire is still being determined. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status and warning role has not yet been determined.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 30

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Could someone tell me who made up the term senior ladder? I have been in the fire service for 36 years and have never heard of a senior ladder. What is it?