Saturday, March 22, 2014

Northeast Attic Fire Displaces Three


Incident #: 2014014288
Date of Incident: 03/22/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative: On Saturday, March 22nd, 2014 at 1:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 2307 E. Sanson. First arriving crews found an attic that was charged with smoke and once inside, confirmed a fire involving walls, the attic space, wiring and insulation. Three occupants made their way safely out of the building. Fire resources were stretched thin as there was a structure fire on the far north end of town in the Shiloh Hills neighborhood that was ongoing. Engine 17, who was filling in at Station 15 located at Wellesley and Crestline, was first on the scene and began to set the scene up for fire attack, search, and ventilation tasks. They were assisted by Engines 8, 6, 14 and Ladders 1 and 4. Crews confined the fire to the attic and prevented it from spreading to the roof above. In their search of the smoky fire, crews used their thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the source of heat.  The fire was successfully knocked down in short order. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The electrical system in the home was compromised because of the fire and the Red Cross was summoned to take care of the occupants. Avista assisted with the electrical issues and natural gas in the area. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Cause: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Fire, Smoke and Water damage throughout the home.
# Firefighters Responding: 26
Dollar Loss: $ 30,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Avista Company, American Red Cross.

Potential Aircraft Incident at SIA

Incident #: 2014014191
Date of Incident: 03/21/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative: On Friday, March 21st, 2014 at 7:55 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane International Airport firefighters, and Fire District 10 responded to a reported plane that had an on board fire in a cargo hold area. The plane returned to Spokane International Airport shortly after takeoff and after discovering an alarm that had activated plus what appeared to be smoke in the aircraft. Numerous fire companies and rescue units responded along with AMR ambulance. Once on scene, plans were made to attack the fire, and rescue and treat those on board the aircraft. The plane landed safely and crews made sure the 3 occupants on board were safe and at the same time checked for any signs of heat using thermal imaging cameras and FLIR (forward looking infrared cameras). Crews entered the craft with a water charged hose line and confirmed that there were no obvious signs of heat. The plane was then moved to it’s ramp location at the airport, and the occupants then exited safely from the flight deck. Fire crews thoroughly examined all areas of the interior of the plane for signs of fire and did not find any. The alarm activation was thought to be caused by a problem in the auxiliary power unit on board the aircraft. The scene was turned over to the Spokane International Airport and the investigation will continue.
Cause: Possibly due to a faulty APU on the aircraft.
Damage: Damage total appears to be minimal at this time.
# Firefighters Responding: 29
Dollar Loss: $ 0
Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 10, Spokane International Airport, AMR ambulance, Airport Police, Airport Operations, TSA.

West Central Explosion

Incident #: 2014013337
Date of Incident: 03/16/2014
Issuing Officer: BC Green
Narrative: On Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 9:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Quint, 1 Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue Unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder, responded to a reported structure fire at 1519 West Gardner Avenue in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.

While the companies were responding, information was relayed from Fire Communication Specialists that callers were reporting an explosion and at least one person was confirmed injured. Hearing the update, the Battalion Chief reinforced the response with two AMR ambulances and an AMR Supervisor in anticipation of inured civilians. Ladder 4 arrived quickly and reported light smoke showing from the 1 ½ story home and immediately entered the structure to search for victims. Upon entering the residence they encountered a critically injured victim and interior conditions that were described with moderate amount of smoke and extensive damage from a blast. Fearing a potential for a second device or possibility for a natural gas explosion, fire companies removed the victim and quickly completed a primary search for survivors on all floors.  There was no sustained fire as a result of the explosion and one confirmed injury.

SFD Paramedics treated the adult male victim and he was subsequently transported to Sacred Heart via AMR urgently for burns and blast type injuries as a result of the explosion. His current condition is not known by the SFD.  

Cause: The cause is currently under investigation jointly with the SPD and Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Despite blast damage that was contained within the area of the suspected device, there did not appear to be any structural damage to the residence. As a result of the explosion and a need to secure utilities, re-occupation of the home was delayed until the Fire Investigators and Explosion Disposal Unit could systematically search the residence and ensure the occupant’s safety and complete the investigation.
# Firefighters Responding: 23
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, SPD EDU