Local 29

North Battalion Apartment Fire

2012-01-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

Incident #: 201202022#
Date of Incident: 1/16/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday, January 16, 2012 at 02:19, seven Companies of Spokane Firefighters, four Engines, two Senior Ladders, one Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported Apartment Fire at 3004 North Lincoln. The Dispatcher reported that the female resident, who had called 911, was still in the apartment with her dog. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing out of a first floor window of the two story Apartment Building. Crews were quickly assigned to attack the fire, search for possible victims, and ventilate the structure. The Ladder Company completing the search in the involved apartment located the female resident and her dog in the heavy black smoke. They both were rescued from the fire, the female was transported to a local Hospital for smoke inhalation and unfortunately the dog did not survive. The fire was quickly knocked down with crews remaining on scene into the morning overhauling the fire. The five unit Apartment Building has had the utilities shut down until repairs can be completed. The residents are being assisted by Red Cross. No injuries to Fire Fighters or other residents were reported.

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

Damage:
There was extensive fire damage to the first floor apartment along with smoke damage to the first and second floor. There was also water damage to the basement apartment unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $100,000.00

Day of Action - Cooper Tires - January 14th

2012-01-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Good morning Brothers and Sisters, once again union rights are under attack. Cooper tire workers in Findlay Ohio USW local 207L have been locked out and "Scab" workers have taken their jobs. We need to stand up and help our Brothers and Sisters in their fight. Just a little background on what the local members are dealing with; in 2008 members gave up $31.2 million in concessions as well as tax payers gaving $2.5 million in subsidies since 2009 all to help deal with falling profits. The union members are willing to make sacrifices but are not willing to give the 40% wage cut that comes along with the new propsed production target. Last year CEO Roy Armes recevied $4.7 million and is expecting our members to take a cut. The top 5 executives took home more than $9.5 million last year and bought themselves a shiny new corporate jet, sounds fair to me right? The company is wanting more even after reporting a profit of $140 million in 2010.

Lets get together and help our Brothers and Sisters in Findlay get back to work under a fair contract. On Saturday January 14th we will be holding a "Day of action". This "day of action" will be taking place all across the United States as well as here in our local communities. The Spokane location will be at 7777 N. Division Street at the Tire Rama @ 10:00 A.M., and Discount Tire 8120 N. Division St. @ 11:00. We will also have a location in Coeur 'd' Alene Idaho at the corner of Appleway and Government way in front of Tire Rama @ 10:00 A.M. At both locations we will be handbilling and picketting to get the info out to the public about Cooper Tires. We will not be Boycotting the stores but merely trying to get the customers to think about buying another brand of tires such as Union made Goodyears.

If there is anything that any of you can do to help it would be greatly appreciated. If you need anymore information you can contact me at (208)755-5103.

In Solidarity

Jess Sifford

Spokane County Firefighters Pipes and Drums Recruiting

2012-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

You have all seen these guys in action. Bagpipes, kilts, drums, beer, etc. LOUD and PROUD!

They do a lot of great things for our community and are becoming an integral part of every major event in Spokane. You don't need to know how to play bagpipes or drums. They will teach you all you need to know. Right now, there is only one Local 29 member in their ranks and we would sure like to change that. How about it? Contact Chris Wetherell at firefighterweth@hotmail.com for more information.

Fire Press Release

2012-01-09T17:57:00.003-08:00

Construction trailer fire

Incident #: 2012001174
Date of Incident: 1/9/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
Monday January 9th 2012 at 11:57 AM eight Companies of Spokane Firefighters, five engines, two ladders, and one heavy rescue under the directions of Battalion Chiefs Jones, and Haworth responded to a reported fire at 1411 E Mission. The first arriving company was Spokane Ladder 2 they reported heavy flame involvement to a construction trailer. Spokane Ladder 2 set up command and made assignment to in coming companies. The fire was quickly extinguished with hose leads from Spokane Engine2 . There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
This incident is currently under investigateion by menbers of the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Loss of the construction trailer and contents.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $45,000

End Of Release

Fire Press Release

2012-01-09T17:57:00.001-08:00

Fire Press Release

2012-01-05T08:45:00.001-08:00

Early Morning Historic Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012000167
Date of Incident: 1/2/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On January 2, 2012 at 06:52AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 5 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Jones, responded to a Structure Fire at 506 West Sumner on Spokane's South Hill. Initially, a single Engine was dispatched to an automatic residential alarm. Engine 9 from the lower South Hill's Fire Station arrived within minutes and reported smoke showing from the upper floors of the 87-year old historic mansion. The incident was upgraded to a "working fire" as over 28 Spokane Firefighters quickly descended upon the three-story home for what was confirmed by first arriving resources as a quick moving fire in the second and third floors. Because of the building's compartmentalized construction and its complexity in design, the fire was able to gather energy and create violent fire behavior as it consumed combustibles in bedrooms and hallways. Great lengths were taken to keep this Spokane area landmark and historical content safe from extensive damage. Thanks to an aggressive fire-attack, coupled with skillful work by ladder companies, Firefighters were able to fully extinguish the fire in just one hour. There were no occupants in the residence at the time of the fire and no reported injuries to firefighters as a result of this incident.

Cause:
Firefighters successfully confined the fire which limited damage to predominately the northwest sections of the second floor.

Damage:
The exact cause remains under active investigation by SFD's SIU. Dollar loss and damage estimates were not yet available.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

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

Fire Press Release

2012-01-02T06:02:00.001-08:00

3 year old injured at first fire of year

Incident #: 2012000052
Date of Incident: 1/1/2012
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 1, 2012 at 05:46 AM 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 707 E. Illinois Ave. Firefighters under the direction of Lt. Darryl Wisniewski from Station 2 arrived within 4 minutes to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the home. The fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional ladder and engine were added to the incident. Lt. Wisniewski made immediate contact with the family living at the home and verified that everyone was accounted for and out of the structure. The family's 3 year old daughter sustained heavy burns to both of her legs. The child and parents were immediately transported to SHMC by ambulance. Pre-connected hoselines were advanced into the front of the home to confine the flames to the rear portion of the structure and extinguish it on both floors where it was burning. Initial visibility inside the home was poor for the firefighters advancing hoselines and searching. Both ladder companies at this incident were deployed to provide for ventilation. A coordinated effort of firefighters knocked the fire down and brought its progression under control within 20 minutes. The extensive fire damage and its investigation will keep firefighters on scene for a good portion of the morning following up with the fire's final extinguishment. The 3 year old fire victim is currently being treated for extensive 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The cause of this fire is still under investigation at the time of this media release. Additional information will be made available when the investigative process is complete.

Cause:
At the time of this media release, investigators are still working at the fire.

Damage:
Heavy damage to rear portion of the home's fisrt and second floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $75000

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

Fire Press Release

2012-01-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2011052173
Date of Incident: 12/27/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On December 27, 2011 at 09:03 AM 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Cornelius, responded to a Structure Fire at 2214 East Heroy Avenue in Northeast Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find smoke showing from the roof areas and front door of the single family residence. The first arriving Chief declared a working fire and added an additional senior ladder to the incident while firefighters made quick work of the fire which had spread into the basement, first floor and attic of the residence. Arriving engine companies stretched pre-connected hoselines into multiple areas of the structure to confine the fire's progress while ladder companies went to the roof to provide vertical ventilation. The well coordinated effort of firefighters extinguished the fire within 1 hour and were able to protect as much personal property as possible with aggressive salvage work. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters during this incident. The last few weeks have been extremely busy with structure fires impacting several areas of the City's neighborhoods. I mention this fact only to highlight safety and underscore the importance of exercising extreme caution anytime you use a portable heating device or are around or in use of an open flame regardless of the source. This holds true not only through the Holiday Season, but at all times. Please allow yourselves to spend your Holiday Season with family and friends...SAFELY!

Cause:
The natural is accidental and cause is combustibles too close to a portable heating device

Damage:
All contents received varying levels of damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $35500

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

Fire Press Release

2011-12-25T14:11:00.001-08:00

Christmas Morning North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2011051911
Date of Incident: 12/25/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Christmas morning, December 25, 2011 at 5:33AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Brown, responded to a Structure Fire at 823 East Crown Avenue in Northeast Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the attic and first floor; as well as flames from the roof of a one-story duplex. The first arriving Chief declared a working fire and added an additional senior ladder and AMR Supervisor to the scene. Finding a quickly moving fire in one unit of the duplex, firefighters commenced a quick search for occupants while laddering and ventilating the ice-covered roof. A single adult male occupant of the fire unit was located outside the structure (awaken by a neighbor). An adult male and his son residing in the adjacent unit were quickly located and brought outside by firefighters. Arriving engine companies stretched pre-connected hoselines into multiple areas of the structure to confine the fire and halt its progress. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to one unit's attic area within just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and caused by a faulty fire place.

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited to predominately one unit; both units were rendered temporarily untenable due to the impact of the fire's impingement on utilities. One family was referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance. Both families were incredibly fortunate as there were no working smoke detectors in the building.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

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

Fire Press Release

2011-12-24T12:22:00.003-08:00

South Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2011051778#
Date of Incident: 12/24/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Saturday December 23rd 2011 at 03:54, four engine companies, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Jones responded to a Structure Fire at 2303 East Mission. Firefighters arrived to find smoke emitting for the roof eves of a single story duplex. The first engine company reported heavy fire in the basement of the affected unit. Companies made a complete search of both the 2303 and 2305 addressed units of the duplex. The 50 year old male occupant from the affected unit suffered smoke inhalation but made it out of the building prior to the Fire Departments arrival. He is being treated at Holy Family Hospital. Three adults, one child and a cat were assisted out of the adjacent unit by Firefighters making the primary search. The fire was under control within 30 minutes but crews remained on scene for approximately four hours to make sure the fire was completely out. It should be noted that both Duplex units did not have a working smoke detector on either the basement or the first floor and the Spokane Fire Dept installed the required smoke detectors prior to leaving. The 4 occupants in the adjacent unit next to the fire were able to move back into their home with no fire or smoke damage. The male occupant in the fire affected unit will be residing with friends until major structural repair,Chimney repair, smoke damage and electrical issues can be rectified.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit has determined that the fire was caused by a defective chimney with a wood stove insert. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens to have their chimney inspected and cleaned each year prior to use. These occupants were very fortunate to escape this fire especially without working smoke detectors.

Damage:
There is structural damage from the fire in the basement and first floor, along with smoke damage throughout the affected unit. The Chimney is in need of replacement or major repair. The adjacent duplex unit was protected from any fire or smoke damage

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $30,000.00

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

Facebook Page

2011-12-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody. Our new Facebook page is up and running. You can check it out here. We had to transition to a page because we had too many friends (I guess there really is such a thing).

If you have some pictures you would like to share on the page, please send them my way. If you have a short description, we can include that too.

Hope you have a great Christmas, John

Fire Press Release

2011-12-23T09:27:00.001-08:00

Attic Fire South Battalion

Incident #: 2011051582
Date of Incident: 12/22/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Dan Brown

Narrative:
On the afternoon of 12-22-11 at 4:04 pm the Spokane Fire department responded to a reported structure fire at 2007 East 6th. Several calls were received at City Fire Dispatch reporting the fire. Assistant Chief Schaeffer was first on scene at 4:09 followed by several fire apparatus and command personnel. It was reported that smoke was showing from the roof and attic space of a one story wood frame house. Crews were assigned to search and locate the fire. Fire was located in the attic and attack leads were put into place along with roof ventilation. Extensive overhaul was done inside to aid in extinguishment of the fire. The main body of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minute's complete overhaul and extinguishment was completed in about 2 hours. Damage was confined to the roof , attic space and ceilings. One Firefighter was injured and released from duty with a shoulder sprain, no other injuries were reported. 21 firefighters 3 command officers reported to this incident. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Cause:
Under investigation

Damage:
Damage to the roof attic space and ceillings, with some water damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $35000.00

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

Fire Press Release

2011-12-22T12:56:00.001-08:00

Kitchen Fire in North Side Home

Incident #: 2011051496
Date of Incident: 12/21/2011
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus Wednesday night, Dec. 21st, to 1010 E. Decatur at 23:12 hrs. to a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company reported smoke issuing from the front door of a 1.5 story wood/frame dwelling. As other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, assignments were being made by the Incident Commander. Those assignments included advancing a charged hose line into the structure, horizontal and possible vertical ventilation of the building, searching for any victims on all the floors, securing a water supply, a back-up hose line to protect the firefighters who would be making initial entry into the building, 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. The combined efforts of the fire fighting crews at this fire kept the flames confined to the 1st floor kitchen area. Four Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Heavy Rescue Rig, and two Command Vehicles delivered 21 firefighters to the scene of this fire. The fire damage was limited to the 1st floor kitchen area of the structure, although there was smoke damage to most other areas of the first floor. The occupants of the home were able to safely exit their home at the time of the fire, however they will not be able to stay in the house because of the significant interior damage and because the utilities, gas and electricity, have been disconnected. There were no reports of any injuries to firefighters at the scene or to the residents of the building. A member of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit was at the fire and he began his investigation as soon as conditions inside the structure allowed him to safely enter.

Cause:
Under Investigation.

Damage:
Kitchen area of the first floor, smoke damage throughout the structure, ventilation holes cut into the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $20,000

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

Retirement Parties This Month!

2011-12-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

Looking for another holiday in between Christmas and New Years? How about two? Please come out and wish our brothers the best in their well-deserved retirement.

Dan Brown - 12/26/2011 begins at 1330 hours at Station 1
Doug Bacon - 12/27/2011 begins at 1300 until 1700 at Station 9

Fire Press Release

2011-12-14T12:35:00.001-08:00

North Side Bedroom Fire

Incident #: 2011050341
Date of Incident: 12/13/2011
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 13th, to 729 E. Broad at 17:15 hrs. for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, from Sta. #15 located in the Hillyard neighborhood, reported smoke and fire issuing from two front-facing windows on the second floor of a 2 story wood/frame dwelling. As other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, assignments were being made by the initial Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer who had arrived on the scene shortly after Engine 15, those assignments would include advancing a charged hose line into the structure, horizontal ventilation of the building, searching for any victims on all the floors, securing a water supply, a back-up hose line to protect the firefighters who would be making initial entry into the building, 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. The combined efforts of the fire fighting crews at this fire kept the flames confined to the 2nd floor bedrooms. Four Engines, two Ladder Trucks, one Heavy Rescue Rig, and three Command Vehicles delivered 25 firefighters to the scene of this blaze. The fire damage was limited to the 2nd floor, although there was smoke damage to areas of the first floor. The occupants of the home were able to safely exit their home at the time of the fire. The family had multiple pets in the structure and some of them were accounted for but some had not been located by the time firefighters left the scene. There were no reports of any injuries to firefighters at the scene or to the residents of the building. A member of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit was at the fire and he began his investigation as soon as conditions inside the structure allowed him to safely enter. His investigation will continue tomorrow during the day-light hours.

Cause:
Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept.

Damage:
Fire damage to the front bedrooms located on the second floor, heavy smoke damage to other areas of the second floor and some additional smoke damage to the first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $20,000

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

Fire Press Release

2011-12-12T14:33:00.001-08:00

35 East Garland

Incident #: 2011049888
Date of Incident: 12/10/2011
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At 11:45 this morning, December 10, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 35 East Garland on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire and smoke showing from the eaves of a 1-story, wood framed residence. The occupant of the home reported the fire started on the outside of the structure and quickly entered the attic. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and fire crews will be on scene for several hours to complete the overhaul process. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. 8 fire companies with 25 firefighters and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to this fire.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the exterior wall on the east side of the home, the main floor and attic

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $25000

Fire Press Release

2011-12-08T08:33:00.001-08:00

14th Ave. Fire

Incident #: 2011049490
Date of Incident: 12/7/2011
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius

Narrative:
On Wednesday December 07, 2011 at 12:26 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue Truck under the direction of Deputy Chief Hanna, responded to a reported structure fire at 3125 W. 14th Ave. Firefighters from Station 4 arrived within 6 minutes and reported dark smoke showing from the second floor and eve areas of a 2 story home. Fire crews searched and verified that the residents were out of the structure and quickly commenced fire attack operations on the second floor. The fire was quickly brought under control and confined to a mechanical room and a portion of the ceiling above. However, the dark heavy smoke damaged the entire upper floor. The nine member family living in the damaged home is being assisted by the local Red Cross. There were no civilian casualties at this fire. One Firefighter sustained a minor neck injury during the fire's extinguishment.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is still under investigation, but appears to be electrical in nature

Damage:
The upper floor is damaged from fire and smoke. Lower areas in the home received water damage from a broken water pipe.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $45000

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

FIRE PRESS RELEASE

2011-12-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

East Wellesley structure Fire

Incident #: 2011048861
Date of Incident: 12/2/2011
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Today, December 2, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:50 AM to 1507 East Wellesley on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing at the back of the 1-story, wood-framed single family home. After further investigation the fire crew discovered a fire in the attic of the home. They aggressively attacked the fire from the interior while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to any civilians or firefighters. Ten fire companies with 26 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.

Cause:
The cause of the fire was determined to be an overloaded electrical circuit located in the attic that overheated and ignited near by combustibles.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the attic with minor smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $5000

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

LODD--Brother George Sly Update

2011-11-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Time change for the service is moved to 1300 and no procession for anyone but Local 876.

Local 876, Spokane Valley Fire fighters have announced the passing of Brother George H. Sly. Brother Sly was a 32 year member of the Spokane Valley Fire Department and a member of Local 876. Brother Sly was an Engineer on Engine 3 at the time of his passing on November 22nd of 2011. Brother Sly served Local 876 in many official capacities and was known as the first LEOFF 2 hire in the department. Brother Sly succumbed to esophageal cancer presumed to be contracted from his many years serving his community. Brother Sly is survived by his wife Linda and adult children Kristoffer and Jocelyn. The celebration of Brother Sly's life will be on December 10th commencing at 1 pm. The venue for the service will be at His Place Church located at 3079 E 16th Avenue in Post Falls, Idaho. Class A uniforms are encouraged for line personnel. For additional information please contact Brother Steve Spuler at 509-993-0129 or Brother Brian Foster-Dow at 509-951-3283.

LODD--Brother George Sly

2011-11-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

Brothers and Sisters,

Brother George Sly did succumb to esophageal cancer on November 22nd. His Funeral service in planned for December 10th at 2 pm. A processional is planned that will start at Station 10 located at 17217 Sprague Avenue and if you plan to be in it, be there no later than noon. Please inform the Locals in your District of this LODD and upcoming celebration of Brother Sly’s life. Class A uniforms are encouraged for line personnel.

A bit about Brother Sly:

George H. Sly was a 32 year member of the Spokane Valley Fire Department and a member of Local 876. Brother Sly was an Engineer on Engine 3 at the time of his passing on November 22nd of 2011. Brother Sly serve Local 876 in many official capacities and was known as the first LEOFF 2 hire in the department. Brother Sly succumbed to esophageal cancer presumed to be contracted from his many years serving his community. Brother Sly is survived by his wife Linda and adult children Kristoffer and Jocelyn. Those wishing to be in the processional should gather at Station 10 by noon located at 17217 Sprague Avenue. Class A uniforms are encouraged for line personnel.

Fraternally,

Ricky J. Walsh
IAFF 7th District VP

Mayor Condon Transition Team Looking For Input on Public Safety and Budget Ideas

2011-11-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

http://condontransition.wufoo.com/forms/community-feedback/

Fire Press Release Three Fer.

2011-11-25T08:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day fire damages house

Incident #: 2011047860
Date of Incident: 11/24/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 10:43 A.M. Thursday, November 24th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire at 814 W. 17th Avenue, in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within three minutes and reported a two story wood frame house with smoke showing from the eaves and attic vents. The homeowner met the arriving fire crew and reported a fire in the attic. As fire crews advanced hose lines to the attic, others laddered the roof and cut holes to allow the heat and smoke to escape. The fire was located and knocked down within fifteen minutes, but overhaul of the burned and fire damaged areas continued for several hours. Damage to the house was confined to a 12' by 12' area in the attic, the roof above that area, and some contents stored in the attic. In addition, the house sustained minor smoke, and water damage on the second floor. Electrical wiring was also damaged. The two adult occupants will be unable to stay in the house until the wiring can be repaired. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit conducted an investigation to determine the fire's cause, but has not yet released his report. In all, twenty-six fire department personnel responded on seven trucks and two command vehicles. There were no injuries to the occupants or any of the firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $10,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

North Battalion Fire in Commercial Building

Incident #: 2011047869
Date of Incident: 11/24/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday November 24th,2011 at 12:56 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Sabo responded to a building fire at 2415 North Monroe. Police were on the scene and reported smoke emitting from a first floor open doorway of the story and a half commercial structure. Police also reported that 2 occupants were safely out of the building. North Battalion Chief Donahoe arrived first on scene and assigned companies to attack the fire, ventilate and search the structure for other possible occupants. Companies successfully located the fire in a room on the first floor and were able to confine it to the area of origin. After the rest of the building was searched it was confirmed only the two occupants had been in the building at the time of the fire. One twenty two year old male occupant did receive 1st degree burns to this forehead attempting to put out the fire with an extinguisher. The patient stated he would seek medical attention by private vehicle to Deaconess Emergency Room. No other injuries to civilians or Fire Fighters were reported. North and south bound traffic on Monroe Street was shut down for approximately one and a half hours until Fire Apparatus could be moved off the street.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department

Damage:
Fire Damage to the first floor room of origin. A second floor exterior Wall was damaged checking for possible extension of the fire. Light smoke damage is also present to the first floor occupancy.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $10,000.00

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

C' Shift's Third Working Fire

Incident #: 2011047952
Date of Incident: 11/25/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday November 25, 2011 at 4:43 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Haworth, responded to a Structure Fire at 1001 North Elm in West Central Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 6-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from a second floor of a two-story wood-framed house converted to apartment building. A total of eight occupants were fortunately able to evacuate under the heavy smoke conditions as the first arriving companies were making entry into the building. Due to the structure's construction type and fire behavior, the incident was upgraded to a "working fire" adding an additional Senior Ladder, Engine and AMR ambulance at 4:52AM. Finding fire in the second floor attic, walls and roof, firefighters commenced quick fire attack operations on the second floor in coordination with vertical ventilation on the roof. The well coordinated effort of firefighters stopped the fire's advance and confined it to the attic and roof areas. The fire was extinguished in 90 minutes and overhaul is expected to continue throughout the morning hours today. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause and circumstances are under investigation by the SFD and SPD.

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited to a total of one apartment unit on the second floor, the need to secure the structure's utilities rendered areas of the building untenable. A total of eight residents living in the affected residential apartment units were referred to the Inland NW Region of the Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $30000

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

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

2011-11-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

Civilian Rescues in a North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2011047330 Date of Incident: 11/20/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 9:27AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Brown, responded to a Structure Fire at 1300 East Carlisle Avenue. While enroute to the incident, companies from Station 2 reported heavy smoke showing as they departed the Station and upgraded the incident to a working fire. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story, wood frame residence with heavy smoke and fire showing from both the first and second floors of the house. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately after arriving and secured water supply and stretched hose leads in attempt to contain the fire's progress and protect living areas in the house. Other companies were directed by the Battalion Chief to attend to multiple injured civilians (four in total) suffering from a range of injuries from the fire. Simultaneously the Ladder Company searched under heavy smoke/fire conditions for any other savable civilians and ventilated the fire from the roof. The fire was extinguished within 30-minutes and companies are still on-scene at the time of this release. Traffic in the neighborhood is expected to be impacted through the afternoon as companies overhaul

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
In the early stages of the fire, prior to the Fire Department's arrival, a 25 year old mother and 1 year old child were trapped on the second floor and had self-rescued through a window on the address side of the house. Due to the heavy fire conditions advancing to the second floor, the mother was forced to drop her child from the window to awaiting neighbor in the front yard. After successfully catching the child, the mother also jumped from the second floor and was assisted by neighbors. The third occupant, a grandmother, was trapped on the first floor unable to escape due to the violent atmosphere inside the house. A neighbor successfully broke a first-floor window and pulled out the grandmother as the Fire Department arrived. Damage was limited primarily the interior of the first and second floors; however the overall structural integrity appears to be compromised and will need to be evaluated. The displaced family is receiving assistance from the Inland NW Chapter of the American Red Cross.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $75000

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

Multi- family Residence damaged by fire.

Incident #: 2011047242#
Date of Incident: 11/19/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Donahoe

Narrative:
At 16:25 on Saturday November 18th the Spokane Fire Department dispatched four engines, one pumper ladder, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Donahoe to a reported structure fire at 2013 West College. The first arriving engine company reported flames and heavy black smoke showing from windows on the first floor. Companies were assigned to search the two story structure for victims and to locate and extinguish the fire. It was determined the house was divided into separate living areas on each level for a total of six units. All the occupants were confirmed to have either exited the structure or to have not been present at the time of the fire. Unfortunately two cats succumbed to smoke inhalation. The fire was located in the bathroom area of an apartment on the first floor toward the rear of the structure. The fire was knocked down quickly but not before the apartment involved sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. The other units of the structure sustained light smoke damage. The power to the six apartment units was disconnected until a licensed electrician could repair the fire damaged wiring. Eleven adults and six children were displaced from the house and are staying in housing provided by the Red Cross. There were no injuries reported to occupants or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.

Damage:
There was fire and heavy smoke damage to the rear first floor apartment along with smoke damage to the rest of the structure. There also was damage to some of the apartment doors as crews forced their way in to locate potential victims.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

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

Fire Press Release

2011-11-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2011047015
Date of Incident: 11/18/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, November 18, 2011at 09:07AM six Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, one Senior Ladder, one Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Sabo responded to a structure fire at 1722 West Bridge. Firefighters arrived within 5-minutes to discover charged smoke showing from the roof of a single family, single story residence. The residents smelled a smoke odor inside the home initially, and after exiting the home looking for the source they saw the charged smoke from the roof and called 911. After arriving, Firefighters from Engines entered the home using pre-connected hose leads to search and extinguish the seat of the fire. Additionally, a Ladder company provided a thorough search of the home for the resident's cats as well as laddering the roof for vertical ventilation. The fire was in the home's attic and had been burning for some time which proved to be difficult to access and extinguish for firefighters. Ultimately, the stubborn fire was extinguished and completely overhauled within an hour and confined primarily to attic area. There were no injuries reported to either civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The nature of this fire is classified as accidental and caused by overheated/malfunctioning wiring.

Damage:
Damage to the attic area and structural members of the roof is significant.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $15000

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

Three Fire Press Releases

2011-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

South Battalion Single Family Residence Fire

Incident #: 2011046654
Date of Incident: 11/16/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 04:25 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 3 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of BC Moline and BC Green responded to a residential structure fire at 454 West 28th Avenue on Spokane's South Hill. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes to find smoke showing from the rear of the single story house. The first arriving Chief confirmed that the residents were accounted for and subsequently upgraded the incident to include an additional engine for assistance during the extreme low temperatures. Engine companies immediately went to work to locate, confine and extinguish the fire; while truck companies laddered the roof and ventilated to provide a safer atmosphere for the personnel on the interior. The coordinated fire attack successfully extinguished the fire within 1-hour; however due to the fire's deep seated damage in the attic it required personnel to work for nearly three additional hours on overhaul. Despite the extreme temperatures and ice covered equipment, there were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

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

Damage:
The home received moderate damage in the roof and attic areas. Residents are not able to immediately occupy due to the damage and structural concerns on from the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $30000

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

South Battalion Civilian Fatality Structure Fire

Incident #: 2011046656
Date of Incident: 11/16/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 16 at 04:44 AM , five companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines and one senior ladder under the direction of Battalion Chief Green responded to a double Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 2002 South Inland Empire Way (Iron Wheel Mobile Home Park) in Spokane's Southeast Side. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from the front of the manufactured home. Firefighters forced entry into the residence, entered the structure and quickly started an offensive attack on the fire while simultaneously providing ventilation of heat and smoke to assist with the search for reported persons missing within the confines of the trailer. The heat and smoke had spread thoroughly throughout the entire structure, however the companies were able to extinguish the main body of fire in just 10 minutes. During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered two victims. One victim was removed and resuscitative measures started, however they proved unsuccessful. The second victim was not viable. Both victims were declared deceased on-scene and removed by the Medical Examiner. During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered due to the need for supplementary resources to assist in the treatment of victims and management of the incident. Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. 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 and warning role has not yet been determined.

Cause:
The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit in collaboration with Spokane Police Department's Major Crimes Division. The presence of smoke alarms was confirmed, however possible functional status and warning role has not yet been determined.

Damage:
Two occupants were killed in the fire; a 72 year old male and 65 year old female. The interior of the home suffered intense heat and smoke damage. Structural stability has yet to be determined. Reoccupation of the home is not likely.

# Firefighters Responding: 17

Dollar Loss: $40000

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

South Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2011046661
Date of Incident: 11/16/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 15, 2011 at 06:21 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of AC Schaeffer and BC Green responded to a Structure Fire reported near the intersection of 8th and South Jefferson on Spokane's South Hill. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof of a two-story home converted into a 3-unit apartment. The first arriving Chief upgraded the incident to include the addition of two Engines, AMR Ambulance and AMR Supervisor. Finding fire in two units and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarps within the structure and making judicious use of firefighting hose streams on the upper floor and ceilings. Ladder 4 immediately laddered the roof and vertically ventilated the structure above the fire allowing companies inside to stretch hose leads and extinguish the deep seated fire. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the attic and northwest corner of the second floor extinguishing the blaze in just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited to two apartment units and some exterior area, the need to secure the building's utilities rendered areas of the home untenable. A total of three families living in the affected residential apartments were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $70000

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

Pro-Labor Occupy Spokane!

2011-11-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

From: Beth Thew [mailto:bthew@spokanelabor.org]
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2011 13:43
To: Beth Thew
Subject: Occupy Spokane on Veterans' Day

Think you can’t be involved because you work during the day? Here’s an opportunity to be part of the movement if you have Veterans’ Day off.

Join the Occupy Spokane group on Friday at 11. Easy to remember—11 am on 11/11/11

Occupy The Streets. Occupy The World 11/11/11 11:11:11
Spread The Message. INVITE ALL FRIENDS ! ! !

SPOKANE RIVERFRONT PARK FOUNTAIN AT 11 AM

JOIN THE am REVOLUTION.
OCCUPY THE STREETS, THE CITIES,
THE COUNTRIES, OCCUPY THE WORLD.
PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, WAKE UP ! ! ! TAKE THE STREETS ! ! !

In solidarity with distant relatives around the World, make this a date in your diary... Friday 11th November 2011, as Our day... We need to be one, and we need to be there for all, in order to achieve this!

Occupy The Streets. Occupy The World 11/11/11 11:11:11
Occupons les rues. Occupons le monde!

Spread The Message... INVITE ALL FRIENDS! ! !

This is how We do it... JOIN THE REVOLUTION... Reclaim Yourself, the Streets and the World!

Occupy The Streets. Occupy The World 11/11/11 11:11:11

http://youtu.be/bv8mIMGzYK0

PLEASE BE FOLLOWING THE LOCAL OCCUPY ON THE PAGES AND THE WEBSITE:

http://occupyspokane.us/simplemachinesforum/index.php

http://www.facebook.com/groups/239742242745240/258830850836379/?notif_t=group_activity

http://www.facebook.com/groups/239742242745240/258830850836379/?notif_t=group_activity#!/groups/182044041873148/

Hey Spokane area veterans!

2011-11-06T11:00:00.001-08:00

Was asked to post this for all vets in the Spokane area:
Free round of trap or skeet for vets at the Spokane Gun Club - 3 Dec, 0900-1400. RSVP by 1 Dec. Must have proof of service. Contact Deb Hartman 599-2064.
That is all.

Fire Press Release

2011-10-28T07:15:00.001-07:00

Structure Fire at 1711 N. Adams

Incident #: 2011043827
Date of Incident: 10/27/2011
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On October 27, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 3:32 PM to 1711 North Adams on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported a column of smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew arriving on scene reported a large volume of fire showing on the main floor of a one and a half story, wood framed single family residence. Fire fighters aggressively performed an interior attack on the fire while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Eight fire companies with 25 firefighters and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours. The structure was occupied at the time of the fire and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the 1st and 2nd floor with heat and smoke damage through out the rest of the structure

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $80,000

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

Fire Press Release

2011-10-25T17:10:00.001-07:00

Incident #: 2011043480
Date of Incident: 10/25/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Tuesday October 25th 2011 at 05:59 eight Companies of Spokane Firefighters, five engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Cornelius responded to a reported fire at the Liberty Motel. The first arriving company reported heavy flame involvement to the front half of a single story, wood framed motel. It appeared the fire had extended into the common attic of the five unit motel. Crews were assigned to attack the fire in the affected room and to search for extension of the fire in the adjacent motel rooms. Other crews were assigned to search all the units along with ventilating the roof of the structure. The three residents staying in the motel made it out safely. The Motel Manager received first and second degree burns to his arms and hands after attempting to put out the fire with an extinguisher. The patient was then transported to Holy Family Hospital. No injuries to Firefighters were reported. Crews remained on scene for approximately six hours overhauling the fire. All five units of the affected building will be uninhabitable until major repairs are made. However, the rest of the Motel complex is open for business.

Cause:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special investigation Unit.

Damage:
There was extensive fire damage to the room of origin and the roof. The four surrounding motel units sustained damage to the ceilings while searching for extension of the fire in the attic area.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $70,000

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

Fire Press Release

2011-10-23T09:08:00.001-07:00

Narrative:
At 7:00 P.M. on Saturday October 22nd, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 1717 S. Upper Terrace in the Rockwood Neighborhood. Engine 9 from their neighborhood station location at 18th and Bernard was the first crew to arrive. Upon entry to the home, they noticed a smoke haze on the second level of the home and after inspecting the attic area, they found a fire that was burning above the bathroom, office and bedroom areas. A rapid stretch of hose was accomplished along with accessing the roof for vertical ventilation and an aggressive offensive attack was deployed. Both occupants had safely made their way out of the home on their own. The lath ceiling needed to be removed in order to thoroughly expose all of the flames for extinguishment. Once this was done, fire crews could witness burning structural supports along with insulation also being consumed in the fire. A knockdown of the fire was completed after 10 minutes. Shortly after this, much time was spent in the overhaul process which consisted of debris removal and making sure the fire was dead out. The cause of this fire is unknown at this time, however appears to be electrical in nature. The fire is 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:
The attic sustained significant damage from the fire including structural supports, wiring and insulation. There was also moderate smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $20,000

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

Fire Press Release

2011-10-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Incident #: 2011042878
Date of Incident: 10/21/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Dan Brown

Narrative:
On October 20th at 11:40 pm the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3017 East Broad for a reported structure fire. Engine 15 responded from the station at Wellesley and Crestline in less than two minutes and reported smoke showing from the front door, an attack lead from Engine 15 was advanced inside and the fire was quickly extinguished. Other incoming fire companies searched the residence and provided ventilation and overhaul. The fire was confined to a small area in a wall behind a pellet stove and light smoke on the main floor. The fire was extinguished in ten minutes All family members were outside when the Fire Department arrived and no injuries were reported. The cause of this fire was the pellet stove not operating properly.

Cause:
Pellet Stove not working properly

Damage:
Small area of wall behind the stove. Light smoke main floor

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $1500.00

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

Local 29 endorsements

2011-10-20T14:28:00.001-07:00

Local 29 Endorsements

Spokane

Mayor: Mary Verner

Council President: Ben Stuckart

City Council NW: Joy Jones
NE: Donna McKereghan
South: Richard Rush

State

Senate Dist 4: Jeff Baxter

Initiatives (WSCFF endorsements)
1125 – Transportation expenditures – NO
1163 – Long-term care workers – YES
1183 – Liquor sales - NO

POLITICAL CRUNCH TIME!

2011-10-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

There are still a lot of signs at the union office to put up.

From Team Verner - We also have about 9 doorbelling packets left. The majority are in the Indian Trail/5 mile area along with maybe 2 on Hatch and 57th. Please let me know if and when you are able to doorbell and we will find a way to get these packets to you!
Lastly, here is a link to all of our upcoming forums http://www.maryverner.com/events/ We would love to see you there. I will stay in touch about any more additions to the schedule.
Thanks again,
Diane Rice
Team Verner

Sign waving opportunities:

Monday-Friday, 7-8:30 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM

7:30-8:30am, Cedar and freeway

4:30-5:30pm, Southeast Blvd. and 29th

7:30-8:30am, Washington & 5th

4:30-5:30pm, 14th and Monroe

7:30-8:30am, 29th and Ray

7:30-8:30am, Washington & 5th

4:30-5:30pm, 29th & Ray
7:30am: Corner of Washington and 6th

4:30pm: Corner of Indian Trail and Francis

7:30am: Corner of 29th and Grand

7:30am: Corner of Washington and 6th

7:30am: Corner of 29th and Grand

Fire Press Release

2011-10-18T23:24:00.001-07:00

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2011042546#
Date of Incident: 10/18/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Tuesday October 18th 2011 at 18:40, four engine companies, one senior ladder, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Donahoe responded to a Structure Fire at 3004 North Hogan. Firefighters arrived to find smoke emitting from the roof eves of a story and a half residence. A quick search was made of the residence and it was determined everyone safely exited the structure. Engine companies made a quick attack of the fire on the first and second floor while the Ladder Company provided ventilation of the roof and searched for extension of the fire. Companies remained on scene for 2 hours overhauling the fire. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

Cause:
The cause of this fire appears to be a failure of the wood stove vent pipe.

Damage:
There was extensive fire and smoke damage to the 2nd floor and roof along with moderate fire and water damage to the first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $30,000.00

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

FIRE PRESS RELEASE

2011-10-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2011042114
Date of Incident: 10/15/2011
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On October 15, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:28 PM to 717 East Rich on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing at the at the roof lines at the front and back of the one and a half story, wood- framed, single family residence. Fire fighters aggressively performed an interior attack on the fire while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation, salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Seven fire companies with 22 firefighters and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours. The structure was vacant and secured at the time of the fire and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the 1st and 2nd floor with heat and smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $20000

Come on Out and Support our LOCAL 29 Candidates!

2011-10-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Received two invitations for this Saturday to doorbell for the candidates we are supporting.

INVITATION ONE

ONLY 1 WEEK until ballots arrive and we need YOU!

This Saturday, October 15th, please join Joy Jones, Ben Stuckart and volunteers as we canvass northwest Spokane! The Washington Bus is coming over from Western Washington with 30 young people who are excited about working to elect progressive candidates in Spokane! Joy and Ben want to recruit 30 Spokane volunteers for the day, and we are almost there! Please join us:

Andy Billig
Mike Peterson
Mary Wissink
Tom McGarry
Joel Williamson
Liza Mattana
Alayna Becker
Paul Dillon
Jace Bylenga
Suzanne Schreiner
Jessica Anundson
Jen Hussey
Linda McHenry
Jace Bylenga
David Campbell
Taylor Malone
Aaron Kathman
Walter Kloefkorn
Amber Waldref
Katherine Johnston
Richard Rush
Jon Snyder
Michael Poulin
Ann Stuckart
Sunshine Bunch

We are meeting at 12 pm at Toad Hall, 1427 W Dean. You can sign up to join us on facebook or email campaign@joyjones.org to RSVP! We will be providing tasty sandwiches for lunch!

INVITATION TWO

Union Doorbelling Day!
October 15, 2011

Ben Stuckart, Candidate for Spokane City Council President, invites you to join in a day of solidarity doorbelling for our future

Meet at the Spokane Education Association Offices - 230 East Montgomery Ave, Spokane, WA 99207

The rally begins at 9am, followed by two hours of voter contact. Coffee-juice-donuts provided.

You will be partnered up with another volunteer and provided with all materials and resources necessary for a successful doorbelling event.

Ben Stuckart is endorsed by:

Spokane Regional Labor Council, SEIU 775 NW, Spokane Education Association, SEIU 1199,
AFSCME Local 270 , UFCW Local 1439, Spokane Firefighters Local 29, Building Trades Council,
IBEW Local 77, Amalgamated Transit Union 1015, Plasters and Cement Masons Local 72, Iron Workers Local 14

ELECTION COMING!!!

2011-10-09T08:50:00.002-07:00

Fire Press Release

2011-10-09T08:50:00.001-07:00

Apartment fire on Spokane's lower south hill

Incident #: 20110040739
Date of Incident: 10/6/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 5:18 AM, October 6, 2011, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire at 1314 W. 5th Avenue on Spokane's lower south hill. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived first on-scene from their Browne's Addition station within four minutes and reported heavy smoke and fire from the basement and first floor of a large two and one-half story wood frame apartment house. As additional fire crews and command staff arrived, they were assigned to the multitude of tasks that needed to be completed at a fire in this type of construction and occupancy. While crews were stretching hose leads to multiple floors in an attempt to cut off the fire's advance, other crews were searching the entire structure for victims. Fortunately, all occupants had safely exited the smoke-filled building. The fire, which started in the basement, travelled up through an interior wall and was burning into the first and second floors, where crews were able to extinguish the fire before it got into the attic. Fire crews will remain on-scene throughout the morning completing overhaul of the burned area and conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. Although damage to the structure and contents was moderate in extent, the integrity of the utilities within the structure was compromised. As a result, none of the occupants will be able to inhabit their apartments until repairs and inspections can be made. The Red Cross is assisting as many as eighteen displaced occupants, including at least one family with children. In all, two ladder trucks, five engines, one heavy rescue and two battalion chiefs responded to this fire. There were no reported injuries to occupants or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Damage to the structure was confined to a basement wall and a first floor wall and floor area, with smoke damage on all but the third floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

Don't Forget Lori Lacey Trike Races on Saturday!!!

2011-10-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Fire Press Release

2011-10-04T08:14:00.001-07:00

Multi-family residence damaged by fire

Incident #: 2011040083
Date of Incident: 10/1/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 10:47 PM on Saturday October 1st the Spokane Fire Department dispatched four engines, two ladder trucks, a heavy rescue truck and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1203 E. Mission. Ladder 2 arrived on scene within five minutes and reported light smoke from the two-story wood framed house. As the front door was forced open, moderate smoke and heat vented as crews entered to search the structure for victims and to locate and extinguish the fire. It was determined the house was divided into separate living areas on each level including the basement, for a total of three residences. All occupants of the structure were confirmed to have either exited the structure or to not be present at the time of the fire. The fire was located and confined to a corner of the living room in the main floor residence. It was quickly knocked down, but not before the main floor unit sustained heavy smoke damage. The main floor and second floor units were rendered uninhabitable due to smoke and fire damage. Additionally, electrical service to the entire structure was disconnected due to fire damaged wiring. A total of six adults and four children were displaced from the house and are staying with friends or relatives. There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.

Damage:
Damage was confined to a living room wall and ceiling, with smoke damage throughout the main floor unit. The upstairs unit received minor wall and ceiling damage as crews checked for fire extension.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $12,000

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

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

2011-09-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

West Central Fire Burns Garage

Incident #: 2011039010
Date of Incident: 9/25/2011
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department responded fire companies to a garage fire early this morning in the West Central neighborhood. Engine and Ladder 4 from their Browne's Addition station location of Riverside and Maple were the first units to arrive. They found a garage that was well involved in flames behind a residence. A quick knockdown of the fire was achieved after 10 minutes and nearby dwellings were protected from the advancing fire. The fire appears to have started near a dumpster located next to the garage. No injuries were reported. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit responded to the scene and fire crews will remain with him on the scene throughout the early morning hours assisting with overhaul, final extinguishment and finding a cause. The time of the alarm was 3:52 A.M. and the address was 1316 W. Mallon. Other fire crews involved in the successful extinguishment of this fire were from station 1 at Riverside and Browne, station 3 at Indiana and Ash, and station 2 at North Foothills and Nevada.

Cause:
Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The detached wood frame garage was heavily damaged by fire. Contents found inside also received heavy fire and smoke damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $10,000

North Battalion Multiple Alarm Fire

Incident #: 2011039120
Date of Incident: 9/25/2011
Issuing Officer: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Sunday, Sept 25, at 8:42 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at the intersection of Garland and Post in the Garland District. The calling party had reported that the Milk Bottle restaurant was on fire and that it was spreading to other structures. The first companies arrived quickly and confirmed that there was a fire in the attic of the Milk Bottle and it was rapidly spreading to the business next door to the west. A second alarm was called at 8:56 and a third alarm was called at 9:18 bringing 7 additional companies and command staff to the scene. The fire was declared under control at 10:41. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Dept's SIU

Damage:
Both buildings were heavily damaged

# Firefighters Responding: 50

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

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

2011-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Home Fire on E. Glass

Incident #: 2011037261 Date of Incident: 9/14/2011 Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Batt Chief

Narrative:
On Wednesday September 14, at 09:46 AM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 Engines, 1 Dedicated Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Chief Officers to a reported house fire at 1009 E. Glass. (A neighbor had called 911 to report smoke coming from the home across the street.) L2 under the direction of Captain Ken Miller was the first apparatus on scene, arriving within 3 minutes of being dispatched. Captain Miller reported that he had smoke showing from the rear of the home and around the home's foundation. Neighbors informed him that two people in their seventies lived in the home and were unaccounted for. Captain Miller's priorities were to search the home for the occupants and locate the seat of the fire. When L2's crew made entry into the rear of the home they reported heavy smoke from ceiling to the floor, and stated that the fire appeared to be in the basement. As additional fire crews arrived they extended back up hose lines to protect searching crews while an attack was made on the fire in the basement. Medics and an Ambulance were placed on "stand by". Firefighters knocked the fire down within 10 minutes of arrival. The owner of the home arrived after the Fire Department and informed Fire Command that he was unsure where his wife was. Search crews found a family dog that had succumbed to smoke inhalation, but had not been able to locate the missing wife during their initial "primary search". Structural ventilation was performed, and a "secondary search" was completed on both floors. Search crews located another family pet, this time a cat. Family members informed Fire Command that they had located the missing wife, who had been out running errands and not home during the fire. The couple both in their 70s, were found safe and unhurt. Both however, are shaken do to the loss of their pets and damage to the home. The home's basement sustained the majority of the fire damage. However, the entire home was impacted by the heavy smoke. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. No fire injuries were reported.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
Basement: Fire and Smoke 1st floor: Smoke

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $30

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
Posted by SFD Public Information at 12:46 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
Media Release

House Fire In East Central Neighborhood

Incident #: 2011037053 Date of Incident: 9/12/2011 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Monday September 12th, 2011 at 8:46 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 3617 E. 1st. Fire crews found a well involved single family dwelling with fire showing from the north end of the home and rapidly extending vertically through the roof. A home immediately to the west was also under threat from the fire. Engine 14 from their neighborhood station located at 18th and Ray was first to arrive and made the quick decision to protect the home exposed on the west side of the fire, and at the same time, attacked the fire directly through a doorway preventing any further extension towards the interior of the home. Ladders 1 and 2 also made entry into the home through a locked door and rapidly searched the interior for anyone still inside. At this same time, the ladder crews were on the roof opening up to ventilate out the buildup of heat inside. There were no occupants found inside the dwelling and the exposure home on the west side was spared. A knockdown of the fire was achieved after 18 minutes. Fire crews remained on the scene throughout the night completing final extinguishment and monitoring the condition of the building for flare-ups. The fire cause is unknown at this time but is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit and is expected to continue today. A total of 5 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Cause:
Under Investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Heavy fire damage to north half of the structure including the roof. Heavy smoke damage to main and second floors.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $90,000

End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
Posted by SFD Public Information at 10:05 AM 0 comments

Fire Press Release

2011-09-12T05:50:00.001-07:00

Family of three escapes house fire

Incident #: 2011036899
Date of Incident: 9/12/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 12:39 AM, Monday, September 12th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported attached garage fire at 8117 N. Meghan Street, in the Five Mile neighborhood. Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe arrived first on scene and upgraded the incident to a working fire, reporting heavy smoke and fire involving three cars in the driveway and heavy fire in the garage, with fire extending into the two-story wood framed house. The three occupants who were asleep in the house at the time of the fire escaped uninjured prior to the fire department's arrival. As fire crews arrived, Chief Donahoe assigned them to the multitude of tasks needed to bring the fire under control, including: roof ventilation, multiple fire attack lines, and extensive overhaul. Fire had extended from the garage and up interior walls to the second floor bedrooms and the attic, creating a difficult and labor-intensive operation for the fire crews. As a result of the extraordinary efforts of the fire crews the house was saved, but there was still extensive damage to the structure and its contents. Most of the roof was lost and the entire house and contents suffered extensive smoke and water damage. In addition, a total of five vehicles were destroyed. The family of four is being assisted by the Red Cross. In all, two ladder trucks, five engines, a heavy rescue and two Battalion Chiefs, for a total of 29 firefighters, worked at this fire. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night and into the morning, working on stubborn hot spots and assuring complete extinguishment. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
This incident is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, who will comb through the debris and conduct interviews to determine the cause.

Damage:
Damage to the structure and contents, including the five vehicles, is estimated at $300,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $300,000

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

2011-09-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2011036717
Date of Incident: 9/11/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Saturday Sept 10th 2011 at 21:12, seven Companies of Spokane Firefighters, five engines, one senior ladder, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Sabo responded to a Structure Fire at 1816 E. Empire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing on the back side of a one story single family dwelling. Occupants in the front yard confirmed that everyone was accounted for and outside of the home. Trees and a home were identified as exposures due to the close proximity to the quick moving fire and were protected. Additionally, engine companies made an aggressive attack on the fire inside the structure which included the basement, the first floor and the attic. The Ladder Company provided ventilation of the roof and searched for extension of the fire. Companies remained on scene for several hours overhauling the fire. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

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

Damage:
There was extensive fire damage to the back half of the home on the first floor and roof. There was moderate fire damage to the basement and smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $100,000.00

End Of Release

New York - 9-11-11

2011-09-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

Yoga it up for the kids!

2011-09-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

On September 17th, 11-1, at Manito Park will be a Yoga Event to raise money for kids fighting cancer. If you would like to help or would like to participate go here. Or you can contact Katie.

Fire Press Release

2011-09-07T15:18:00.001-07:00

          South Battalion Structure Fire      
         Incident #:      2011035451     Date of Incident:      9/2/2011     Issuing Officer:      Battalion Chief Dan Brown      
         Narrative:
On  September 2nd at 16:14 hrs the City of Spokane Fire Department  responded to 4008 South Lee on a report of smoke coming from the  structure, E11 arrived on scene in 3 minutes from station 11 on South  Perry, and reported smoke showing from the front of the home.  E11  established command and assigned the next arriving company to lay a  water supply.  E11 advanced an attack lead to the front door and made  entry the fire was just inside the door and was quickly extinguished. In  coming crews were assigned to search the home and provide ventilation  to remove the smoke. The fire did not extend beyond a large fish tank  and the support base holding the tank. The fish tank did brake due to  heat.  The fire did cause extensive smoke damage throughout the home and  some water damage from the broken tank.  There were no injuries and the  cause of the fire is under investigation. Eighteen firefighters  responded on 6 fire apparatus along with 2 command officers.      
    Cause:
   Under investigation      
         Damage:
Smoke throughout home. Water damage from broken water tank      
       # Firefighters Responding: 18    
       Dollar Loss: $10,000.00    
         End Of Release             For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002       

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

2011-09-01T10:18:00.001-07:00

Shadle Park Area House Fire Destroys A Bedroom

Incident #: 2011035109 Date of Incident: 8/31/2011 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 12:26 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded fire crews to a reported house fire at 4504 N. Ash. Engine 13, from their neighborhood station at Wellesley and Jefferson was the first truck to arrive and found a well involved dwelling with smoke throughout the structure. An aggressive "offensive" attack was used along with vertical ventilation on the roof. Crews assigned to the interior also conducted very rapid primary and secondary searches to make sure no one was left inside. It was quickly confirmed that all made it outside the house safely. A knockdown of the fire was achieved after 10 minutes from the arrival of the first truck. The Red Cross was called to provide support for a family of 3. The fire completely destroyed one of the bedrooms and significant heat and smoke damage was present throughout the rest of the main floor. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD S.I.U.

Cause:
Under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
One bedroom destroyed by the fire. Heavy smoke and heat damage throughout main floor. Damage to roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $30,000

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2011  
South Hill Garage Fire

Incident #:  				2011034892 				Date of Incident:  				8/30/2011 				Issuing Officer:  				C Cornelius / Batt. Chief 			 			 				Narrative:

On   Monday, August 29 at 09:10  PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched   4  Engines, 2 Ladders, 1  Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a  reported  structure fire at  1210 E. 15th.   Engine 14 under the  direction of Lt.  Stockdill arrived  within 5 minutes of being  dispatched.  He reported a  two car garage  with heavy fire showing from  the front of the structure.  There was one  vehicle inside the garage.   14's crew advanced a  pre-connected hose  line off their apparatus and  attacked the fire.   Additional lines were  deployed by other crews to  protect the adjacent  home and extinguish  the fire.  The fire was  knocked down within 5  minutes.  Fire crews  were on the scene for a  couple of hours making sure  the fire was out.   There were no injuries  at this fire.  The garage and  vehicle  sustained heavy damage from the  fire.  The fire cause is still  under  investigation at this time, but  early indicators are moving the   investigation towards a cause that is  probably electrical in nature. 		 			
 			Cause:

				Still under investigation 					
 			 				Damage:

Garage and vehicle. 					
 		 			# Firefighters Responding: 24 			
 		 			Dollar Loss: $45,000 			
 			 				End Of Release 			 			 				For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002 			 		

Fire Press Release

2011-08-28T09:54:00.001-07:00

North Battalion Arson Fire

Incident #: 2011034614
Date of Incident: 8/28/2011
Issuing Officer: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Sunday, August 28, at 03:49 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported garage fire at 2928 E Diamond . SE15, which is located in the Hillyard Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported a double car garage which was fully involved with fire. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the fire, which was threatening a nearby garage. As additional companies arrived they advanced two additional hose lines to assist with fire attack and structure protection and connected a water supply hose to a nearby hydrant. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it took crews another 2 hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. A passerby was treated on-scene by fire department medics for smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU has determined this was fire was deliberately set and is continuing to investigate.

Damage:
The involved double car garage is a total loss with exterior heat damage to a nearby garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $15000

Fire Press Release

2011-08-27T06:15:00.001-07:00

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2011034437
Date of Incident: 8/27/2011
Issuing Officer: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Saturday, August 27, at 12:44 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported garage fire at 5612 N Madison. SE13, which is located in the North Hill Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported a single car garage which was fully involved with fire. SE13 advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the fire, which was threatening 2 nearby structures. As additional companies arrived on-scene they advanced a second hose to assist with fire attack and structure protection and connected a water supply hose to a nearby hydrant. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it took crews another 2 hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. One occupant of this address was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was not transported. There were no other injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.

Damage:
The garage is a total loss and there is heat damage to the vinyl siding on the rear of the house located at 5612 N Madison.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $20000

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

Trike Benefit for Lori Lacey

2011-08-25T12:02:00.001-07:00

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

2011-08-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

South Battalion Detached Garage Fire

Incident #: 2011034118
Date of Incident: 8/25/2011
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday August 25th, 2011, at 03:20 AM, 4 engine companies, 1 dedicated ladder and 1 heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Brown responded to a reported Garage Fire at 807 E. 39th. The first arriving engine company reported a fully involved detached garage with fire impinging on a fence, a nearby vehicle and a power pole with power lines on the ground. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and protected exposures. Avista was called to the scene to disconnect the downed power lines. Crews remained on scene for over 2 hours overhauling the garage which was a complete loss. There were no injuries to Civilians or Fire Fighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the S.F.D. Special Investigation unit.

Damage:
The Detached Garage and its contents are a complete loss. There is also fire exposure damage to a fence, a vehicle and a power pole.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $40,000

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2011034015
Date of Incident: 8/24/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 24, 2011 2:35PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Fielder, responded to a residence fire at 1229 West Dalke. A Battalion Chief returning from the previous incident arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the rear and eves of the single-story, single family residence. Finding a working fire in the rear of the house, companies made entry through the front and protected the home from receiving additional smoke and heat damage by pushing the fire out the back. Companies were able to extinguish the fire quickly and successfully limited property loss primarily to the rear of the home. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:
Damage is primarily limited to the rear of the home and fairly extensive. The two occupants are being assisted by family members.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $15000

Fire Press Release Three Fer.

2011-08-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2011034008
Date of Incident: 8/24/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 24, 2011 12:07PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 5 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder, responded to an Apartment Fire at 2807 East Boone Avenue. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a third floor unit of a three-story apartment building. The building contained 15 apartment units total, of which 13 were occupied. The first arriving Chief requested an upgrade to a working fire which added another senior Ladder, additional engine and staff from the Training Division. Later, an additional AMR ambulance and command staff were added to the incident to assist with planning and the on-site rehab of firefighters due to the extreme heat. Finding fire in one inhabited unit and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property within the structure and made judicious use of firefighting hose streams. Both Senior Ladders immediately laddered the roof and ventilated above the apartment involved in fire. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2 hours. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The loss from the fire was limited to a total of two apartment units. American Red Cross is assisting the residents with interim placement assistance.

Damage:
The cause of the fire is under investigation.

# Firefighters Responding: 34

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

Family of 6 barely makes their way out of house fire

Incident #: 2011033945
Date of Incident: 8/24/2011
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 24th, 2011 at 1:29 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department sent 4 engine companies, a ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a house on fire at 2430 E. Marshall. Engine 7 from their neighborhood station at 1st and Magnolia and Engine 8 from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca arrived together on scene and found a single family dwelling that was filling with smoke rapidly towards the back of the house. They were quickly joined by Ladder 2, Engine 2, Engine 15 and Rescue 1 and discovered a fast spreading kitchen fire that had consumed most of the kitchen and was traveling towards the sleeping areas of the house. The 6 occupants safely made their exit from the home. All occupants had been sleeping at the time of the fire and the mother reportedly woke up in time to safely escort herself and 3 of her children out of the house. The father also woke up shortly after this and rapidly grabbed his 3 year old son from an adjoining room but soon found his exit through the main door was cut off due to the heat and rapidly building smoke. He instead opened a window on the west side of the house and climbed out the window with his son in his arms and made it out to safety. Despite the family's rapid exit through smoke and heat, there were no injuries. The fire was knocked down after approximately 10 minutes but the overhaul phase of the operation took 2 hours. A fire watch company stayed at the home until daylight watching for flare ups and hot spots. A total of 18 firefighters responded on this fire. The Fire Department would like to remind the public to maintain working smoke detectors inside your homes. There were two smoke detectors found inside this dwelling however, the batteries inside the detectors, were not plugged in all the way allowing the detectors to operate normally. Had these detectors operated like they should have, the family would have been alerted much earlier to the rapidly growing fire. The fire began as a result of cooking in a frying pan and then both the mother and father accidentally falling asleep while the stove was still on. This family is extremely fortunate to have survived such a rapidly spreading fire in the middle of the night while sleeping. Just a few moments longer, and the outcome of this fire could have been very different. Please check your smoke detectors, and keep them working to help save lives.

Cause:
While frying food in a frying pan, both adults fell asleep.

Damage:
Smoke damage throughout the dwelling. Heavy fire damage to the kitchen and adjoining living areas.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $40,000

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2011033883
Date of Incident: 8/23/2011
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 518 E. LaCrosse at 16:45 hrs on Tuesday, August 23rd for a reported structure fire. As the crews were responding to the address they received additional information over their radios from Fire Dispatch indicating that a 4 year old girl was unaccounted for at the scene and that her parents feared she may still be inside the home. The first arriving fire apparatus on the scene reported a single story wood/frame dwelling with heavy black smoke showing from the roof and eaves of the building and that a detached garage behind the house was fully involved with fire. Initial assignments were made by that first-in company and shortly after their arrival word was passed via Fire Dept radio that the missing little girl had been located down the street at a neighbor's home; safe and sound. A complete search of the entire building was ordered, as per Fire Dept. policy, to ensure that there was no one inside while simultaneous fire attack and ventilation efforts were undertaken. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the very hot and well-advanced fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Fire damage to the structure was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls and ceilings. A large portion of the roof had to be opened to allow the hot, toxic gasses to ventilate into the atmosphere. The areas of the building not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions present. There were no reported injuries to any of the 26 fire fighters who responded to this afternoon blaze or to any of the tenants residing in the structure. Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing. Six engines, one ladder, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and three Command vehicles responded to this incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
Detached garage-total loss House-Severe fire damage, smoke damage throughout, major portion of the roof removed

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

End Of Release
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Fatality Fire Press Release

2011-08-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Brownes Additon Fire

Incident #: 2011033592 Date of Incident: 8/21/2011 Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This evening August 21st 2011, at 19:58 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 5 Engines, 3 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Chief Officers to a reported fire at 1914 W. 1st Ave. Additional apparatus were sent in this first initial dispatch due to multiple 911 calls and reports of people trapped inside the structure. Engine 4 from the Browne's addition fire station, arrived a little over two minute from dispatch. Engine 4 under the direction of Lt. Dan Renner reported heavy fire showing from the second floor of a 3 story, wood frame residential with occupants stranded on the front roof. E4 assigned incoming apparatus to provide for an interior fire attack and to search for additional persons that were reported to be inside. Neighbors along with Firefighters from Engine 4 placed ladders to the front of the house to rescue stranded residents that were trapped by the developing fire. As additional fire crews arrived, they were sent into the structure to search for additional residents. The older home had been converted into roughly 9 residential units and the fire had substantial control of the second floor and the narrow stairways leading to the 3rd floor unit. Firefighters fought their way up the stairs extinguishing fire and searching for additional fire victims as they advanced. Interior crews were reporting intense heat as they made their way through the 2nd floor and narrow stairway that led to the top floor. Ladder 1's crew attempted to release some of the crippling heat on the upper floors through cutting holes in the roof. A medical group was established to provide medical care. Two residents were treated for smoke inhalation and transported to the hospital. Search crews made it to the 3rd floor, but progress was stopped due to the massive amount of heat, flames, and poor access through a very narrow stairway. Command backed the interior crews down and used a "deck gun" on the top of Engine 4 to help darken the fire from a different attack position. The deck gun was deployed for approximately and minute and then fire crews were transitioned back into the interior of the structure to continue searching and extinguish the fire. As crews gained control of the third floor, they found a male fire victim that had succumbed to the fire. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time. Fire investigators will continue with their investigation on Monday. Red Cross is assisting approximately 10 adults that have been displaced by the fire. A total of 35 firefighters and 6 chief officers responded to this incident.

Cause:
Cause is still under investigation.

Damage:
Smoke throughout. Heavy fire damage 2nd and 3rd floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 35

Dollar Loss: $85000

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

Posted by SFD Public Information at 7:00 AM

Chism cleared of all charges!

2011-08-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Jury clears firefighter Chism of all charges

Thomas Clouse
The Spokesman-Review

Tags:Carl Oreskovichchild pornographyLiam “Mike” GoldenTodd ChismTrooper Greg BirkelandTrooper Greg RiddellWashington State Patrol

Chism

COLVILLE – Embattled Spokane firefighter Todd Chism won his latest legal battle with the Washington State Patrol on Thursday when a jury cleared him of all charges stemming from a violent 2010 confrontation that injured him and two Washington State Patrol troopers.

A Stevens County jury exonerated the suspended Chism of four felony counts and a misdemeanor resisting arrest, stemming from an early-morning melee outside his Nine Mile Falls home on April 6, 2010.

But the jury not only found him not guilty, they ordered the state to pay for his attorneys’ fees.

“Justice has been served,” said Chism, who was cleared in 2008 in a botched child pornography investigation by the WSP.

Earlier Thursday, Chism told the jurors he had spent the evening with friends before backing his diesel Dodge Ram pickup down his driveway so they could leave. When he pulled off the road, his truck got stuck and ran out of fuel about midnight.

Passersby reported what they thought was a crash. Chism said he returned to the truck a couple hours later, after having a few drinks, and was attempting to start the truck when firefighters arrived. Shortly thereafter, Trooper Greg Riddell arrived and he began questioning Chism, who smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet.

Trooper Greg Birkeland then arrived to relieve Riddell, who was about to go off shift. Birkeland made a comment about Chism’s name being familiar. At that point, the stories completely diverged.

Chism – a lieutenant before his supension – said Birkeland’s comment angered him. He said the troopers began threatening him and then shot him with a Taser. Chism went down and then began to struggle with the troopers.

“I was trying to protect myself. I was trying to get a hand up to my head because I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I didn’t try to harm anybody.”

The troopers described a rolling battle in which they shocked Chism – a two-time state champion Golden Gloves boxer – at least seven times with a taser and punched him in the head. They also testified Chism grabbed Riddell’s thumb and twisted it until it tore ligaments.

Attorneys showed the jury photos both of Riddell’s surgically repaired thumb, and one taken in the ambulance of Chism with a grossly swollen forehead, his eye was swollen shut, and blood was coming from multiple wounds including his nostrils.

“I was in shock,” Chism said. “I felt the same thing was happening – that I was being falsely accused. And, I was getting angry. I said some things I’m not proud of.”

Troopers made a public showing of a search warrant in 2008 at Chism’s home after they received allegations he possessed child pornography. The investigation revealed – some four months later – that the pornography had been purchased by someone who had stolen Chism’s credit card.

In response, he filed a $12 million lawsuit in federal court against the WSP. That case was dismissed in January, 2010, just months before his encounter with the troopers.

In closing arguments, Deputy Ferry County Prosecutor Mike Golden told the jury that Chism was further upset because he recently learned about his lawsuit being dismissed. Chism caused the melee because he didn’t comply, Golden argued.

“The pictures look like he got beat up,” Golden said. “If you pick a fight with two guys in body armor, you are going to get some scrapes on you.”

But defense attorney Carl Oreskovich – who was prohibited from telling the jury that Birkeland lied when he testified in his own trial for drinking-related charges in 2004 – said his client only wanted to talk until troopers became physical.

“If you feel like you were falsely accused of a crime, got beaten up and you just (defecated) yourself, don’t you think you would have some anger?” he asked the jury. “He reacts to a use of force and tries to defend himself. Do justice. This man has been through enough.”

Fire Press Release

2011-08-10T20:09:00.001-07:00

North Battalion Residential Fire

Incident #: 2011031900
Date of Incident: 8/10/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 10, 2011 at 6:23 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue, under the direction of Battalion Chief Fielder, responded to a Residential Structure Fire at 2233 West Broad in Northwest Spokane. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from the front of the single story single-family residence. After confirming the accountability of the occupants, firefighters entered the structure using pre-connected handlines and quickly located and extinguished the fire. Additional arriving companies simultaneously provided ventilation and extinguishment of extension from the fire's originating area. The fire was completely extinguished and loss controlled in 25 minutes. Companies are still on-scene assisting family members at the time of this release. There were no civilian or firefighter injured resulting from this incident.

Cause:
The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

Damage:
Structural damage was limited to the area of origin; however damage to contents from smoke is moderate. The occupants are being assisted by extended family due to the fact that the home cannot be inhabited until utilities are restored and critical repairs are completed.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $15000

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

Fire Press Release

2011-08-10T20:07:00.001-07:00

Third Alarm+ Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2011031800
Date of Incident: 8/10/2011
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 10, 2011 at 07:41AM, Six companies of Spokane Firefighters (3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Senior Ladder) under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Sabo responded to a Structure Fire at 10 East Pine Ridge Court (Peter Square Apartments). Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the first to third floors of a three-story apartment building with approximately 24 occupied units. Finding fire in multiple units throughout all three floors and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift fire attack techniques and simultaneous room-by-room searches while ladder companies were sent to the roof to vertically ventilate the fire. The first arriving Chief requested a second alarm at 07:49AM which added three engines and a Senior Ladder to the incident. A/C Schaeffer issued a third alarm at 08:03AM adding three additional Engines, two AMR Ambulances with an AMR Supervisor, Fire District 4's Rehab Vehicle and off-duty SFD Command Staff to fill incident management roles. He subsequently added an additional two Engines and the Department's Physician Director to the incident to assist with Firefighter Rehab and medical surveillance efforts. At one point early in the incident (0809AM), the IC ordered an "abandon the building" alert via the radio to all companies due to rapidly changing fire dynamics and collapse concerns. After a personnel were accounted for and tactics were modified, the strategy transitioned to an offensive attack and personnel re-engaged. The well coordinated effort confined the flames to one building and completely extinguished the blaze after multiple hours of intense activity. Thankfully, there were no injuries to any residents, citizens near the fire or firefighters.

Cause:
The Fire is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited predominately to the north-most building, a total of nine apartment units and some adjacent area received intense damage. An estimated total of 45 persons living in the affected residential apartment units were referred to the American Red Cross for help and potential interim placement assistance.

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1, Fire District 10, Fire District 4, Fire District 8, Fire District 9

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

Peter Square Apartment Fire

2011-08-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Grand Prize Winner of TreeTop's America's Best Firehouse BBQ Cook-Off

2011-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Grand Prize and Winner of the $10,000 Donation: Spokane Fire Station #13’s recipe for Tony’s Puleihu BBQ Sauce

People’s Choice Winner and Recipient of a $1,000 Donation: Yakima County Fire District 6 and its recipe for Gleed’s Favorite Goop

Congrats Tony and Station 13!

If you haven't seen the video, here it is.

MDA Lock up and Facebook address!

2011-08-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hope all are having an awesome summer!

The annual MDA Lockup is Aug 18^th this year at the Davenport Hotel and, as usual, MDA would love to have our help driving the prisoners from their apprehension back to their parole destinations. Any help they can get for the day is greatly appreciated and plenty of fun. We had several SFD folks volunteer last year and would love to see more out there this year.

Thanks in advance!

Terry

FACEBOOK US!

Fire District 9 Commissioner Race

2011-07-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Bill, I was wondering if you lived in Fire Dist. 9. If so we are trying
to get a commissioner elected against the incumbent! So we would appreciate
your vote, and maybe you could pass the word on to the city folks who live
in our jurisdiction! The guy we are supporting is Thomas McGarry!

Thanks

Matt T.

Fire Press Release Two Fer

2011-07-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Exterior Fire involvment of two detached garages

Incident #: 2011028282 Date of Incident: 7/18/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday July 18th 2011 at 17:48, 4 engines, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Brown responded to a reported Garage fire at 2503 E. Rowan. The first Company reported a fire between two detached garages in close proximity to each other. Initial companies made an aggressive attack on the garages and the fire was successfully extinguished within 20 minutes. Overhaul operations continued for approximately one and a half hours. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries resulting from this incident.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is suspicious in nature and is under investigation by the SFD'S Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
There was significant damage to exterior of one garage and moderate damage to the exterior of the second garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

Red Lion River Inn

Incident #: 2011028123 Date of Incident: 7/17/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
At 18:48 PM on Sunday, July 17, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded 27 firefighters on 8 fire apparatus and 2 battalion chief to a reported motel/hotel fire at the Red Lion River Inn 700 N. Division. The first crews on scene reported smoke showing from vents on the roof and at a first floor door of a two-story wood framed multi-unit motel. A search of the first and second floors was conducted with no victims found. Hose lines were stretched to the first floor fire room to attack and extinguish the fire. Crews were sent to the roof for ventilation if needed. The fire was confined to a mechanical room on the first floor, and there was smoke damage to three rooms on the first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this fire scene. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage to mechanical room with smoke damage to three other rooms on the first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

Fatality Fire Press Release

2011-07-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

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

Fire Press Release Two Fer

2011-07-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2011027604 Date of Incident: 7/14/2011 Issuing Officer: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Thursday, July 14, at 02:27 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4927 N Cook. SE15, which is located in the Hillyard Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke coming from a 1.5 story, wood constructed, single family residence. They talked with the home owner who said he had a fire in his upstairs bathroom and that everyone was out of the house. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose line off of their apparatus and advanced into the house to attack the fire. As additional fire companies arrived they searched the house to ensure everyone was out, removed the smoke, and made sure the fire did not extend from the bathroom. Their efforts were successful as the fire was quickly extinguished with confinement to the bathroom and a small area of the roof. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. There were no working smoke detectors in the home and the owner was very fortunate to have awakened before being overcome by the smoke.

Cause:
The fire was caused by an overheated fan motor in the bathroom ceiling.

Damage:
Structural damage was confined to the upstairs bathroom and part of the roof, with moderate smoke damage throughout the upper area of the house.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 22

Dollar Loss: $15,000

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

Kitchen Fire

Incident #: 2011025916 Date of Incident: 7/3/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Sunday morning July 3rd 2011 at 02:24AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe and Dave Haworth responded to a reported structure fire at 4236 East Hartson. The first company to arrive reported nothing showing from the exterior of a single family dwelling. When the engine company made entry to the home they found the first floor charged with smoke. Companies then advanced an attack lead and extinguished a cooking fire on the kitchen stove. Other companies were assigned to search, ventilate, and check for extension of the fire. All occupants were accounted for and the fire did not extend beyond the stove. There were no injuries to Firefighters although one occupant was transported to Deaconess for smoke inhalation.

Cause:
Cooking Fire

Damage:
Kitchen stove and smoke damage to the first floor of the home.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 20

Dollar Loss: $5000.00

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

Changes to the BBQ Contest.

2011-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

TreeTop sent out an email that said that some entrants complained that people had found a way to cheat by being able to vote more than once each day, so they have started over. Now, you have to register to vote. It takes about 5 seconds to do. If you have the time, please consider registering and then voting for Tony Yuen and Spokane Fire Station 13's video, here. Thanks!

Registration opens for Sept 11 Memorial Stairclimb in Spokane...

2011-07-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Registration opens today and continues until August 20th. Spaces will fill quickly. If you click on the picture above, you will get a larger version of the flyer.

Please visit the event website at www.firehero.org
For additional event questions, please contact:
Jason Keen
208.640.4240
spokane911memorialstairclimb@yahoo.com

WSCFF convention

2011-06-28T10:33:00.001-07:00

TreeTop contest continues!

2011-06-24T05:45:00.001-07:00

Don't forget you can vote again for Tony Yuen and Fire Station 13's video!

Vote for Tony Yuen's BBQ Sauce!!!

2011-06-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Spokane Firehouse 13 cook Tony Yuen needs your help! Check out the video of Tony and the gang and then vote for it!

Safety first. You may want to tarp your keyboard to prevent drool damage.

Note: The rules required that videos had to be 4 minutes or less.

Fire Press Release Two Fer

2011-06-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Buckeye Command

Incident #: 2011024317 Date of Incident: 6/22/2011 Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
On 06/22/11 at 13:14 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2311 W Buckeye. First arriving SE3 reported smoke showing at the roof of a two story single family residence. Firefighters aggressively performed an interior attack on the fire while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was located by SE3 in the basement and extinguished. No one was home at the time of the fire. 6 fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Damage by fire was confined to the basement and first floor, smoke damage thought out the structure. This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments SIU.

Cause:
This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments SIU.

Damage:
Fire was cnfined to the basement and first floor . Smoke damage thought out the strusture.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 21

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

Spokane House Hotel Fire 

Incident #: 2011024096 Date of Incident: 6/21/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:

On  Tuesday June 21, 2010 at 5:41 AM, Spokane Ladder 4 and Engine 4 were  dispatched to an automatic alarm at 4301 West Sunset. While the initial  companies were enroute, Fire Dispatch received additional information  from the business that smoke was present on the first floor. Fire  dispatch subsequently upgraded the alarm to a full response adding 6  additional companies including 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2-Senior  Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Haworth.  Station 4 companies arrived within 7-minutes and reported a working fire  in the first floor of the five-story hotel. Due to the topography of  the hill, the first floor of this building is actually below grade. The  fire was rapidly growing in a commercial laundry service area and had  spread to large electrical utility components which created tactical  concerns for the companies entering the fire area. The incident was  upgraded by Chief Moline to a "working incident" and multiple companies  were assigned to manage assisting the orderly evacuation of civilians  and controlling the building's ventilation system. Ladder companies  provided quick searches of adjoining areas while engines were utilized  to support the building's standpipe system and stretch hose leads to the  below-grade fire. It took 34 Firefighters just 20-minutes to locate and  knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to  contain the damage to the primary service area on the1st floor and  successfully prevented it from spreading vertically to the second floor  or to any of the adjoining horizontal areas. The commercial electrical  service was shut down and tagged out by Avista on-scene due to the  severe damage and electrocution concerns to workers. No civilians or  firefighters were injured as a result of the incident. 

Cause:

The  cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU and the Hotel Management  is assisted any displaced occupants. The building is not able to occupy  this morning, but all efforts are being made to isolate areas in the  building which can be used for safe occupation. 

Damage:

Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, protecting the building's contents from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. The damage to the first floor laundry service area is significant and does include severe damage to electrical components. The total dollar loss due to the fire was estimated at $25k-45k.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 34

Dollar Loss: $45000

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

MDA Summer Camp and Fill the Boot

2011-06-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

SFD Brothers and Sisters,

We had a get together with the MDA folks and the Union and even a City Councilperson last week. Fill The Boot is scheduled for Sept. 17^th this year so please put that on your calendars. I have a goal for getting so many off duty L-29 personnel to turn out that we have the lowest need for on duty folks in years. We are the 3^rd highest Fire contributor for MDA in the State and they really appreciate our involvement although I sure wouldn’t mind seeing us climb a couple of spots!

I would also love to see us start getting involved in providing folks for helping the local MDA with their camp over in Rathdrum. They love to have EMTs and Paramedics help out because these kids need someone watching over them but it is the time of their lives and many of them can’t wait for Summer Camp each year.

I also wish to extend many thanks To Brian Turpin as he has been getting involved as well. The Union Officers and Bill Gonzalez are working with the City regarding the permit process. Jana Worthington and I are planning on getting some more info out soon and answering questions about how we can help.

Let’s make this year with MDA the best yet!

Terry Canfield

SE13A (soon)

Memorial Service Procession for Fallen Firefighter

2011-06-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Wenatchee, Washington – June 14, 2011 – Arrangements are underway to coordinate the funeral procession for the memorial services of Battalion Chief Garet Rasmussen of Chelan County Fire District 1.

Memorial services with full honors for Battalion Chief Garet Rasmussen will be held on Saturday, June 18^th at 1pm at the Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Avenue in Wenatchee, Washington.

If your agency is interested in sending fire apparatus to this service, please contact:

Firefighter Matt Rise (509) 662-4734 of Station 11, Chelan County Fire District 1

Home remodeling that promotes union work and energy conservation...

2011-06-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Energy Efficiency is a Win, Win, Win!!

If you live in Spokane's South Hill, you have an excellent opportunity
to save on your home energy costs.

Participating homeowners have saved up to 50% on their energy bills.

Save Money, Save energy, Create Jobs!!!

Bulk Neighborhood Pricing + Utility Incentives + Federal Grants & Tax Credits + Low Interest Loans = Cost-Effective Energy Retrofits!!

Four Easy Steps to Energy Efficiency:

· Pre-Audit: You can call (509) 532-1688 to sign up or get more information. You will be asked for information to determine if yourhome is a good candidate for an energy saving retrofit. You can also go online to fill out the information at www.sustainableworks.com.

· Energy Audit: Skilled trade workers will inspect your home todetermine where you can save energy and money. Thanks to federalstimulus and utility support, your audit will cost only $95 (fully refundable if we don’t recommend any improvements) and includes installation of CFL light bulbs, showerheads and faucet aerators to start saving immediately.

· Energy Consultation: An energy consultant will review the findings with you and suggest the most cost-effective steps to reduce your energy usage. You will only select the extent of energy savings activities and costs that you are comfortable with.

· Energy Savings Retrofit: SustainableWorks coordinates everything - contractors, financing, and project management. The SustainableWorks project manager will make a final inspection to be sure you are fully satisfied with the work and the energy savings.

Previous SustainableWorks projects have served Seattle,South Perry District, and Northwest Spokane. For more information, to sign up for an energy audit, or to Volunteer, please call (509) 532-1688 or go on-line at www.sustainableworks.com.

Article on two San Francisco firefighters killed in flashover.

2011-06-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

From SF Weekly:

Vincent Perez, Anthony Valerio, S.F. Firefighters Killed in Blaze, to be Honored Friday at Funeral

By Erin Sherbert, Mon., Jun. 6 2011 at 8:00 AM

Categories: Local News

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Tony Valerio

San Francisco Fire Department will gather on Friday to honor two of their own who were killed while battling a blaze at a Diamond Heights home last week. Lieutenant Vincent Perez, 48, died Thursday after the fire and Anthony "Tony" Valerio, 53, was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.

The double funerals will be held Friday at St. Mary's Cathedral on Gough Street. The time is tentatively set for 12:30 p.m.

Fire Chief Joanna Hayes-White released a statement on Saturday, shortly after Valerio died: "This has been an extremely difficult time for the members of the San Francisco Fire Department," she said. "Their deaths have left all of our members with heavy hearts -- they will be greatly missed."

Niether Perez nor Valerio were married or had children. Both were experienced firefighters who served on Engine Company 26. They were two of 30 firefighters who responded to the major blaze on Thursday morning at about 10:45 a.m. at 133 Berkeley Way. A woman and her children escaped the house fire, but both Perez and Valerio were upstairs in a room when a "flashover" occurred. That happens when temperatures rise so much that everything in the room ignites at one time. When fire officials found them, the two were badly burned and knocked unconscious.

Vincent Perez

Perez died about an hour later, while Valerio clung to life at San Francisco General Hospital, with friends and family by his bedside. Although firefighters were not feeling optimistic as of Friday; they told SF Weekly, they were expecting that Valerio would not make it. He died at 7:45 a.m. the following day.

Valerio served the city for 27 years, 13 of which were with the Department of Public Health, and 14 years with the Fire Department. He grew up in the Bay Area, attended El Camino High School, City College of San Francisco, and then San Francisco State University, according to fire officials.

Perez, who was also raised in the Bay Area, was a 21-year veteran of the San Francisco Fire Department. He had served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798 has established Trust Accounts at the San Francisco Fire Credit Union (SFFCU) for Perez and Valerio's families. Contribution can be sent to SFFCU, 3201 Cailfornia St., San Francisco, CA 94118 or made through www.sffirecu.org.

Follow us on Twitter at @SFWeekly and @TheSnitchSF

Tags:

133 Berkeley Way, Anthony Valerio, Diamond Heights blaze, engine company 26, San Francisco Fire Department, St. Mary's Cathedral, Vincent Perez

Fire Press Release

2011-06-04T19:19:00.001-07:00

Pho Van Restaurant Fire

Incident #: 2011021516 Date of Incident: 6/3/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
COMMERCIAL FIRE On Friday, June 3, 2011 at 11:42PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Clive Jones responded to a building fire at 1212 North Hamilton (Pho Van Restaurant). While responding, firefighters were notified by a passerby that smoke was emanating from the restaurant. The first company arrived within 4-miniutes and found an intense fire inside the rear of the 40' x 30' concrete building. The incident was upgraded to a working fire by the first ladder company which added an additional company and other off-duty resources. Ladder companies had to force entry into multiple sides of the building which allowed engine companies access to the interior where they successfully located and extinguished the fire. Ladder companies also performed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.

Cause:
The incident is currently under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
The fire was confined to the area in the rear of the building in less than 30-minutes. Firefighters were able to protect a large amount of the restaurant's contents. Damage estimates are still being calculated.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 31

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

9-11 Memorial Stairclimb

2011-06-01T13:15:00.001-07:00

If you, or you and your crew, would like to participate in the 10th Anniversary Stairclimb here in Spokane please contact Jason Keen. The website here offers more details.

2011-05-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought you might like to play the Bagpipes or Drums in a Firefighter/Police Pipes and Drums band??

Well now’s your chance!

Come join us at the Spokane Valley O’Doherty’s Irish Pub for an informational/recruitment meeting. We are looking for ANY Career firefighters/law enforcement active or retired in the Spokane area that would like to learn the bagpipes or drums and belong to the Spokane County Firefighters Pipes and Drums band. Experience is not required. Spokane Valley O’Doherty’s has been gracious enough to be our meeting place. So come have a few pints, and join the band.

When:

Informational/Recruitment Meeting

June 7th, 2011 1900 hrs

Where:

O’Doherty’s Irish Pub (Valley Location)

11723 E. Sprague

Spokane Valley, WA

RSVP

Chris Wetherell at 435-2600, or firefighterweth@hotmail.com

Great CDC site on surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

2011-05-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

The CDC has done a great job in getting people to prepare for disasters by framing these preparations for floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc. in terms of a zombie outbreak. Enjoy!

Fire Press Release Two Fer

2011-05-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Strip Mall Fire

Incident #: 2011019034 Date of Incident: 5/17/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday May 17, 2011 at 6:04 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder responded to a commercial structure fire at 918 North Division "U-Save Cleaners." Firefighters arrived within 5-minutes and found a long strip mall with smoke showing from a middle unit (U-Save Cleaners). Firefighters met an employee which explained that she had discharged a fire extinguisher to the ceiling after seeing flames. Initial companies entered the Cleaner's portion of the building to locate and extinguish the quick moving overhead fire while additional companies forced entry into adjoining units to prevent the fire from spreading to other businesses. SFD members skillfully protected clothing, records and equipment in the building while holding the fire to the area above U-Save Cleaners. The fire was extinguished completely in just 30 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause of this early morning fire is still under investigation.

Damage:
Primary damage is limited to the U-Cleaners section of the building. Utilities have been temporarily disabled to the entire building limiting service to Supercuts and Hollywood Video.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 29

Dollar Loss: $20000

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

STRUCTURE FIRE WITH BURN VICTIM

Incident #: 2011018498 Date of Incident: 5/13/2011 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday May 13, 2011 at 2:32 PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 5 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Jones, responded to a building fire at 229 West Second Avenue in downtown Spokane. While enroute to the incident, companies were notified that civilians may be trapped and one victim was reportedly ".on fire in the hallway of the first floor..." The first companies arrived within three-minutes and confirmed that smoke was showing from the front and rear of the three-story apartment building. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately on arrival and secured water supply and stretched a hoseline in attempt to control the fire's progress and protect the egress of civilians from the upper floors. Simultaneously the Ladder Company searched the area of the fire unit for savable civilians. A male victim was located and removed from the hallway of floor 1 to the exterior where he was immediately treated by awaiting SFD Paramedics. All companies assigned on the alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the building while trying to suppress the fire's progress when they arrived. Decisive action by first arriving company officers allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in a confirmation that all 25 occupants were evacuated and accounted for. The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes and no other injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Damage was limited to the first-floor unit of the fire's origin. The building was protected with a fire alarm system AND a sprinkler system. Both systems worked appropriately. The smoke detectors and fire alarm alerted all of the building's residents of the emergency and allowed for an early and controlled egress. The closest sprinkler head to the fire was activated and successfully kept the fire confined to the area of origin until firefighters could stretch hoselines to the seat of the fire and extinguish it completely. The building's safety systems have been restored and Fire Marshal Lisa Jones has allowed occupancy for the building with exception of the unit that received damage from fire. The victim is an adult male suffering from critical 3rd degree burns over 60% of his body plus significant airway burns. He was initially transported to Sacred Heart and has just been transferred to Harborview in Seattle.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 31

Dollar Loss: $10,000

Fire Press Release

2011-05-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

          House Fire Indian Trail Neighborhood      
         Incident #:      2011017928     Date of Incident:      5/9/2011     Issuing Officer:      Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief      
         Narrative:
The  Spokane City Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews to 4329 W.  Arrowhead Rd. at 16:59 hours on Monday, May 9th, 2011. Fire Dispatch  forwarded to the responding companies that there was fire and visible  flames in the home's mechanical room.   Engine 17 from the neighborhood  fire station located at Lowell and Indian Trail arrived within 4 minutes  of being dispatched.  Engine 17's crew under the direction of Lt. Jeff  Hager reported that they had a basement fire in a single family  residential home.  Lt. Hager and his crew donned their Self-Contained  Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and immediately advanced a charged hose line  through the garage to the back entry door.  Other responding fire  companies were assigned to help in moving the hose while Engine 17  advanced down the interior stairs into the basement.  Additional hose  lines were stretched to provide protection for the attack crew, and to  secure a water supply from a near by fire hydrant.    The owner of the  home, who was present when the fire started, had attempted to extinguish  the growing fire and burned portions of his hands and face in the  process.  Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer who lives in the Indian Trail  neighborhood arrived shortly after the first arriving fire crews.  Chief  Schaeffer made contact with the home owner and assisted in providing  medical care for his burns and smoke inhalation.  The home owner was  transported to a local hospital for additional treatment.   The fire  itself was quickly knocked down and confined to a portion of the  basement by the fast aggressive action taken by Engine 17's crew.  The  fire cause is still being investigated at this time, but appears to be  accidental in nature.      
    Cause:
    Fire cause is still under investigation.      
         Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the basement.      
       # Firefighters Repsonding: 26    
       Dollar Loss: $20000    
         End Of Release             For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002       

A message about the future of your L and I insurance.

2011-05-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Many of you don’t know me, but I’m a state representative from the 3rd District in Spokane. I worked as a concrete finisher and a labor representative. A lunch bucket guy with a high school education who finds himself in the Legislature.

Lately, I'm reminded of the old adage that you don’t pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel (today it’s by the tanker car).

Here’s why I’m reminded: Recently, my hometown newspaper, the Spokesman Review, wrote a patently false editorial, “Industrial insurance reform hits labor hurdle,” and called me out by name.

What was false about it? Well, too much to get into here, so I’ll just limit my critique to the headline: They’re not supporting industrial insurance “reform;” they’re really advocating injured worker exploitation, and proponents didn’t just hit a “hurdle,” they hit a brick wall of common sense.

You see, business interests are pushing proposals, like ESB 5566, that could have catastrophically injured workers coerced into accepting lump-sum buyouts rather than the workers’ compensation benefits they are owed and have paid for.

When these workers find themselves unable to take care of themselves after these settlements run out, they’ll have to turn to taxpayer-funded social safety net programs. To me, that’s an abuse of the working families and taxpayers that I go to work every day to serve, but the Spokesman Review, with a flawed analysis that didn't consider the facts, jumped into the debate.

That’s why I need your help today to urge my colleagues in the legislature to vote NO on lump-sum buyouts. Click here to contact them with our easy-to-use tool.

Many of my colleagues have stood up and said we will not stand for these lump-sum buyouts, or any other attack on injured workers. Now we’re trying to convince more legislators that there are better ways to improve workers’ comp than putting people in their most vulnerable hour at further risk. We need your help.

There will be action to change our workers’ comp system in some way this special session, and the people who have the power to decide what those changes are need to hear from you, their constituent.

Help us help injured workers. Speak truth to power. Click here to contact your legislators.

Tell them we have a strong workers’ comp system where employers already pay consistently among the lowest costs in the nation, and where Washington workers are the only ones in the country who help pay into the system.

Tell them that lump-sum buyouts are abusive and unfair and have no place in our balanced system; and, that as a taxpayer, you are not willing to bear employers’ costs for workplace injuries.

Tell them that improvements to the system are welcome as long as they don’t threaten injured workers’ ability to get the care they need and actually bring efficiencies to real issues we see in our system.

But please talk to them today. I need your help, and more importantly, so do the injured workers under threat in this special session.

Sincerely,

Timm Ormsby
Representative, District 3

In a nod to the Royal Wedding, today's Labor Quote is from the always popular Marquis of Carmarthen

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

"For what purpose were they suffered to go to that country [the American colonies], unless the profit of their labour should return to their masters here?"

The Marquis of Carmarthen commenting before the British Parliament in 1774 on the purpose of establishing colonies in North America

Spokane City Council Supports the Basic Human Right and Law of Collective Bargaining...

2011-04-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

All of the city council except for this one councilmember:

This Morning's Labor Quote from Adam Smith, Father of the "Free Market"

2011-04-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

This disposition to admire, and almost to worship, the rich and the powerful, and to despise, or, at least, to neglect persons of poor and mean condition, though necessary both to establish and to maintain the distinction of ranks and the order of society, is, at the same time, the great and most universal cause of the corruption of our moral sentiments. That wealth and greatness are often regarded with the respect and admiration which are due only to wisdom and virtue; and that the contempt, of which vice and folly are the only proper objects, is often most unjustly bestowed upon poverty and weakness, has been the complaint of moralists in all ages.

–Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments pt i, ch iii (1759).

This week's Labor Neighbor Radio

2011-04-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Click title link to listen

Last night's city council meeting...

2011-04-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Was great!

All city council members except Nancy McLaughlin voted to affirm Spokane's commitment to the human right of collective bargaining - a right recognized by all free nations on our planet. Ms McLaughlin voted against this nonbinding resolution.

I will post the audio here, as soon as I can get it. Many Local 29 members came out to show support for Councilman Snyder's resolution and to speak in favor of it.

It was an especially entertaining evening as Council President Shogan upbraided the always entertaining George McGrath. It was no surprise that George spoke against the resolution and us. He even tried to denounce the resolution when it wasn't even the subject the council was addressing! I'll try to get that audio for you too.

All in all, a great night. It will be rebroadcast on City Channel 5 on the 28th at 6pm. Enjoy!

And now a word from Aristotle...

2011-04-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Whenever men rule by reason of their wealth...that is oligarchy, and where the poor rule, that is democracy." Aristotle. Early Greek Philosopher

Your Spokane Firefighter's Union asks you to take a look at this auction to benefit a great charity!

2011-04-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

This morning's quote

2011-04-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

"The view has been gaining widespread acceptance that corporate officials... have a 'social responsibility' that goes beyond the interest of their stockholders... This view shows a fundamental misconception of the character to use its resources and to engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game... Few trends could so thoroughly undermine the very foundation of our free society as the acceptance by corporate officials of a social responsibility other than to make as much money for their stockholders as possible." 1976 Nobel Prize winning Economist Milton Friedman in his 1962 book Capitalism and Freedom

Washington House and Senate Propose Raiding your LEOFF 2 Retirement.

2011-04-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Action Alert
Legislature sweeps LEOFF Plan 2 funds!

This action will undermine the authority of the LEOFF Plan 2 board and undercut the foundation of the voter approved Initiative 790 that Firefighters worked so painstakingly to pass. This attack is not unlike many we have observed all around this country.

The State Senate budget plan was released tonight, and (like the House budget) their proposed reduction in LEOFF Plan 2 contributions will create a $75 million shortfall in funding. Both the House and Senate have also chosen to eliminate their first payment to the Local Public Safety Enhancement Account for future benefit enhancements. The WSCFF legislative team has clearly and consistently delivered a strong message not to reduce LEOFF Plan 2 contributions with leadership and budget writers in both chambers – they did not heed our advice. Now is the time for each legislator to hear from every WSCFF member and our families that this is not an acceptable way to balance the state’s budget.

· This budget intentionally underfunds the LEOFF 2 pension system and is a raid on our pension plan.
· The underfunding in this 2 year budget will create higher than ever rates for employers, members and the state in only 4 years.
· This change violates the voter approved authority of the LEOFF 2 board. Our board of plan members, employers and legislators has the responsibility to establish reasonable and appropriate rates for our plan.

What can YOU do?

Every member must call and email their legislator! Follow this: Find your legislator link to find the email and phone number for your legislators. If you are a member of your local’s leadership, ensure that your Local delivers the following message to the legislators that represent your local:

· The first priority of the WSCFF since the beginning of this legislative session has been the full funding of LEOFF 2 pension system. (The plan still has $1.256 billion in unrealized losses from the great recession)
· Underfunding LEOFF Plan 2 is irresponsible and will cause rates to increase to unprecedented levels in just four years.
· The 15 million dollar cut in state funding this budget cycle translates to a 75 million dollar impact on the system this biennium.
· We insist that you work with the WSCFF legislative team to resolve this Firefighter and Public Safety Priority.

Finally, check your calendar...if you are not on duty this Thursday, April 14, 2011, we want at least 100 union firefighters to be at the WSCFF office by noon on Thursday. Our goal is to brief each member at the WSCFF office so that they are able to make personal contact with their legislator. Then, we need you to attend a 3:30 hearing on the pension raiding bills in the House Ways & Means Committee. Make yourself easily identifiable as a firefighter - we want to deliver the message that underfunding LEOFF Plan 2 is a foolish idea!

The Senate Ways and Means Committee will soon schedule a similar meeting and we will need to approach that hearing with the same force and strength.

Stay tuned for more updates and be prepared to act to protect your pension. This is the first of several potential requests for you to make personal and professional contact with your legislators.

Please RSVP with your name and local number and direct any questions to Bud Sizemore (bud@wscff.org). Provide your contact info if you need a response.

We are gearing up to host our SFD Bloomsday water station...

2011-04-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

your help is needed to make this a successful year Sun May 1 7am

Broadway and Nettleton
I  need someone willing to bring down a spare engine
 
Spokane  Firefighters have sponsored the 4th water/aid station along the Bloomsday  course for almost 20 years now, it is one of the few events we have  to get out and support a great community event - somewhere between 40-50k  participants run, jog, or walk the course.  While many  participants travel in from out of town the vast majority are Spokane area  residents. Our sponsors   Wake up call coffee and Mike's Old Fashioned  donuts have returned with us this  year, donating our morning  treats.  Spouses and kids are encouraged to come help out.  T-shirts  are provided and SFD members receive a 1/4 point.  The event can last up to  about 1pm by the time we are cleaned  up and gone but there is not a specific time commitment, come on down and go  when you gotta go.  Please bring a snow shovel and leaf rake if you  got one.  Give me a call with questions.
 
Thanks,
 
Frater 9A

On the Anniversary of MLK's Assassination - the day after he made a speech to a public-sector union...

2011-04-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Remembering MLK and the rights of labor

By LEONARD PITTS JR.

lpitts@miamiherald.com

Once upon a long time ago, a tired man faced an audience of public workers. They were on a wildcat strike, demanding the right to collectively bargain and to have the city for which they worked automatically deduct union dues from their paychecks. The city’s conservative mayor had flatly refused these demands.

“You are doing many things here in this struggle,” the tired man assured them. “You are demanding that this city will respect the dignity of labor.” Too often, he said, folks looked down on people like them, people who did menial or unglamorous work. But he encouraged them not to bemoan their humble state. “All labor has dignity,” he said.

On Monday, it will be 43 years since that man was shot from ambush and killed in Memphis, Tenn. Martin Luther King’s last public actions were in defense of labor and union rights.

One wonders, then, what he would say of Wisconsin.

Or Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Florida or any of the other places where, like a contagion, the move to weaken or effectively outlaw unions has spread. One wonders what he would make of a conservative governing ethos that now defines public employees — teachers, police officers, firefighters — as the enemy.

Actually, we need not wonder what King would have said, because he already said it. In the speech quoted above, he warned that if America did not use its vast wealth to ensure its people “the basic necessities of life,” America was going to hell.

The Baptist preacher in him reared up then, and his voice sang thunder. For all the nation’s achievements, he roared, for all its mighty airplanes, submarines and bridges, ‘‘It seems that I can hear the God of the universe saying, ‘Even though you have done all that, I was hungry and you fed me not. I was naked and you clothed me not. The children of my sons and daughters were in need of economic security and you didn’t provide it for them.’ ”

It will come as a surprise to some that the civil rights leader was also a labor leader, but he was. He had this in common with Asa Philip Randolph, who suffered long years of privation to establish the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. And with Walter Reuther, brutally beaten when he organized sitdown strikes that helped solidify the United Automobile Workers. And with Crystal Lee Sutton, inspiration for the movie Norma Rae, who lost her job for trying to unionize a textile plant in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

These people and many others fought to win the rights now being taken away.

Granted, those rights have sometimes been abused — used to shelter the incompetent or reward the greedy.

But to whatever degree our workplaces are not filled with children working adult hours, to whatever degree an employer is required to provide a clean and safe workplace, break time, sick time or fair wages, that also reflects organized labor’s legacy.

It is instructive that this campaign to roll back that legacy is contemporaneous with a New York Times report on how General Electric earned $14.2 billion in profit last year, yet paid no U.S. taxes. Indeed, the Times says, GE netted a tax benefit of $3.2 billion.

What’s it tell you that some of us are on the offensive against working people, but breathe scarcely a peep when a giant corporation somehow slips through government-provided loopholes, paying no taxes? If need is a character flaw, what, then, is greed?

In some sense, we have traveled 43 years forward to get back where we were in 1968. King would doubtless find that sobering. One is reminded of the axiom about those who will not learn from history. One is reminded of the quote about the price of freedom.

And one is reminded of a song Billy Preston sang in the summer of 1973. “Will it go round in circles?” he asked.

Apparently, it already has.

From Mike Bacon - Firefighters, Cops Warn Republicans Anti-Union Stance Has Consequences

2011-04-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Firefighters, Cops Warn Republicans Anti-Union Stance Has Consequences
Huffington Post
4/1/11

WASHINGTON -- Leaders from two unions known to support the Republican Party warned of serious repercussions for GOP candidates in the 2012 elections, saying the onslaught of anti-labor bills in state capitals has shifted their political allegiances.

“Our political principles are pretty straightforward. We’ll support those that support us,” Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, told HuffPost. “We tend to stick with those who stick with us.”

“There is a distinct possibility that the pro-labor candidate in the next election will be looked at much more favorably than their overall record,” Chuck Canterbury, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, told HuffPost. “The vast majority of our membership will put other issues aside.”

The inclusion of police and fire unions in an Ohio bill that stripped collective bargaining rights from public employees may have been the last straw for the two conservative-leaning groups. But even in Wisconsin, where Gov. Scott Walker’s actions exempted them, cops and fire fighters marched shoulder to shoulder with teachers and other public workers.

Now, the public safety unions are signaling what could be a tectonic shift in the political landscape, one that could result in a level of labor solidarity missing for recent elections.

“I don’t want to say we are unhappy with Republicans but we are very unhappy with the far-right wing of the party that seems to have taken the Republican Party hostage,” said Canterbury, whose union endorsed George W. Bush and John McCain in the last three presidential elections. “We are extremely unhappy with the snowball that rolled in in Ohio and we are traditionally a very conservative organization. We’ve been bipartisan.....But with the actions that have taken place, there’s going to be tremendous reprisals taken out at the polls” by police and their families.”They feel like their public officials turned their back on them.”

The FOP political action committee gave less than $30,000 in 2010, most of it evenly distributed between Republicans and Democrats. But Canterbury expects his union will spend significantly more money in 2012 elections and recall and referendum votes in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states where labor is being asked to shoulder the brunt of budget deficits.

“Nobody will get money from us who don’t openly support us,” the police union chief said.

Schaitberger, whose firefighters union wields significantly more clout, said his union would also be spending more in support of Democratic candidates. During the 2010 elections, the union gave $2.7 million in political contributions, with about 82% of its money going to Democrats and the rest to GOP candidates.

“In 2012, it going to change,” he said. “Our members are furious.... We will be putting our money where our mouth is.”

Schaitberger said GOP governors and legislators across the country were attacking union rights, even though the media has largely focused on events in Wisconsin and Ohio. “This is clearly a GOP right-wing coordinated attack on workers,” he said. “Their goal is to kill our union and cripple us in the political arena.”

He is perhaps most concerned about New Hampshire, not coincidentally host of the first presidential primary. Republicans there have a veto-proof majority in the legislature and are pushing a bill that may be “the most draconian of any of the anti-worker, anti-collective bargaining attacks,” he said.

The legislation would turn public employees who fail to reach a contract agreement into “at will workers” who could be fired at any time and would not have the right to negotiate wages, working hours and working conditions.

Schaitberger said that legislation is the kind of overreach that has galvanized his members and will have “significant blowback” at the polls.

“There has been a very significant shift when you look at the Republican attacks we see in the states,” the fire union boss said. “They are going to be in our cross hairs and our members will politically respond accordingly.”

Olympia Labor Rally

2011-03-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters of the WSCFF, your participation in a major Labor Rally at the Capitol is imperative in relaying an important message - “PUT PEOPLE FIRST!”

Washington’s working families have not only been blamed but punished for damage done by Wall Street banks and corporations. Thousands of public and private-sector workers from all trades will join together in solidarity to state loud and clear - “Our rights to fair working conditions and collective bargaining will not be taken away!”

There is strength in numbers! Don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact!

Get ready for April 2-8! The Washington State Labor Council is organizing a week of solidarity actions.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these events.

visit www.wscff.org for information on this important event.

More on Triangle FIre...

2011-03-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters,

Please have members go to www.iaff7thdistrict.org and read the story about the “Triangle Shirt Fire Happens Again”………………lets get this thing going!

Ricky J. Walsh

IAFF 7th DVP

2011 MDA Stairclimb

2011-03-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

Have been wanting pictures, and was promised a story about this, but nothing - only this tidbit from Facebook:

"The 2011 SFD/L29 stair climb team competed in the annual Columbia Tower Stair climb in Seattle. We raised almost 25k for the Luekemia/Lymphoma society, which was 2nd amongst all the teams who participated! The event although a competetion amongst firefighters is primarily intended for fundraising for the cancer society."

Kinda lame. Come on! Where are the stories?!?! Where are the pictures!?!? Inquiring minds want to know what 2011's event was like before 2012!

Rally to Remember: 100 Year Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

2011-03-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Rally Friday, March 25 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Corner of Ruby, Division and North River Drive

March 25th, 1911, 146 garment workers lost their lives in one of the worst workplace disasters in American history. Join us for a rally to remember this dark day in the history of the American labor movement, and support our continued efforts to advance the cause of the working class in America.

Questions? Contact bethany72@comcast.net

Contact: Bethany Heath
509.270.2453
bethany72@comcast.net

We are rallying on Friday to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. We will meet Friday the 25th of March at the corner of Ruby, North Division and North River Drive and memorialize each victim in chalk in solidarity, as is being done in New York.

It is our hope to also educate the public about the success of Shirtworker's Union, in which a single child worker from the Diamond Shirt Co. Called the 1909 general strike which gave us the 8 hr days we enjoy today. This success, in the face of the tragedy that followed shoes that the success of the movement in 1911 is affected by the future of our struggle in 2011. The labor movement finds success not in a gesture, but a solidarity of cause. The present and future quest for fairness in the American Workplace.

What the Triangle Shirtwaist fire means for workers now by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis Secretary of Labor

A century ago this week, in Lower Manhattan, a young social worker named Frances Perkins was having tea at the Greenwich Village townhouse of her friend, the socialite Margaret Morgan Norrie. They were interrupted by clanging fire truck bells. Then they heard the anguished screams: “Don’t jump!”

They raced out of the townhouse and ran toward the commotion: a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, just off Washington Square. Flames and black smoke shot from the top floors, and as they watched in shock, young girls and women, some alone, some clutching hands, inched up to the windows’ ledges — and jumped to their deaths.

Perkins would describe the scene in lectures later: “They couldn’t hold on any longer. There was no place to go. The fire was between them and any means of exit. It’s that awful choice people talk of — what kind of choice to make?” She added: “I shall never forget the frozen horror that came across as we stood with our hands on our throats watching that horrible sight, knowing that there was no help.”

The sewing factory employed more than 500 people, who worked long hours for low wages, in wretched and unsanitary conditions. They turned out “shirtwaists” — blouses with puffed sleeves and tight bodices popularized by the “Gibson Girl.” The factory owners had locked the fire-escape doors. The seamstresses were trapped when fire raced through the sweatshop just before closing on March 25, 1911.

In less than 20 minutes, 146 people, mostly Italian and Jewish immigrant women and girls, were dead. The last six victims were officially identified just a few weeks ago. Triangle outraged the public and offered a grisly example of how powerless workers were without collective bargaining

, because unionized garment workers received better pay and had safer conditions. And it galvanized Frances Perkins.
Twenty-two years later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed her secretary of labor, the first woman to serve as a Cabinet secretary. During her 12-year tenure, she directed the formulation and implementation of the Social Security Act, one of the most important pieces of social legislation in our history. Among other extraordinary accomplishments, she helped create unemployment insurance, the minimum wage, and the legislation that guarantees the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively. She also established the department’s Labor Standards Bureau, a precursor to what is now the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Perkins clearly had the Triangle victims in mind as she weaved the nation’s social safety net.

Now I have the same job she once held, with the responsibility of repairing and strengthening that net. And although our passion for workers’ rights came from different paths (she was the daughter of privilege; I am the daughter of immigrant union members), I understand the impact that moment had on her work.

I had my own moment involving a sweatshop. Although it was not as horrifying as that afternoon was for Perkins, it fueled my beliefs. In 1995, 75 Thai immigrants were freed from a so-called factory in the city of El Monte, Calif., part of the district I represented in the state Senate. They had been forced to eat, sleep and work in a place they called home.

Their employer confiscated their passports and kept them like slaves. Threatened with violence to themselves or their families, the workers hunched over sewing machines in dimly lit garages bound by barbed wire, sewing brand-name clothing for less than $2 an hour. Most of them were women.

I met them shortly after they were freed and heard their stories. And at that moment, the unthinkable became real for me. I had assumed that sweatshops were a thing of the past. But they had just spread — from Perkins’s New York City to my Los Angeles, from the Italian and Eastern European immigrants victimized in her day to the Asian and Latino immigrants victimized in mine.

Combating garment sweatshops is, sadly, still on the labor secretary’s agenda. In the past fiscal year, the department’s Wage and Hour division conducted 374 investigations and collected $2.1 million for 2,215 workers, primarily in the major U.S. garment centers of Southern California and New York. In these cases, vulnerable immigrant workers have been deprived of minimum-wage pay, overtime pay and safe working conditions — all the haunting echoes of Triangle.

We have had many improvements in the past century. Today, we have more tools to pursue violators who deny workers their pay, including issuing subpoenas and preventing companies from shipping goods produced in violation of the law.

In 1911, more than 100 workers were estimated to have died on the job each day. In 2010, 4,340 workers were killed on the job — and more than 3.3 million were seriously injured. Last April 5, in a fiery explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, 29 miners died in one day.

I was at the mine the next day, while rescue efforts still were underway.

In times of crisis, one often becomes two people. In one sense, I was simply Hilda, the person I’ve always been, there just to be by the family members’ sides as they kept vigil. In another sense, I was Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis, trying to convey to them the depth of their government’s commitment. In either case, no words can adequately express your emotion and sympathy. A grief that great can be endured only if it is shared — and then acted upon in good time.

Both Triangle and Upper Big Branch became calls to action. New York quickly implemented groundbreaking workplace safety laws and regulations, including fire exits. But nearly one year after Upper Big Branch, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, part of the Labor Department, still needs additional tools that only Congress can provide. And OSHA needs better tools, such as stricter penalties against employers who put their workers’ lives at risk, and stronger protections for whistle-blowers.

In both cases, if these workers had a voice — a union — and the ability to speak up about conditions, these events probably could have been prevented, because unions play an important role in making workplaces safer. In both cases, they had tried to organize and faced virulent opposition.

Today, workers and their allies are being met with that same kind of opposition. In states nationwide, working people are protesting the actions to strip them of collective bargaining. The Triangle fire and the Upper Big Branch explosion a century later make clear to me that workers want and need that voice — about wages and benefits, yes, but about more, too. Collective bargaining still means a seat at the table to discuss issues such as working conditions, workplace safety and workplace innovation, empowering individuals to do the best job they can. And it means dignity and a chance for Americans to earn a better life, whether they work in sewing factories or mines, build tall buildings or care for our neighbors, teach our children, or run into burning buildings when others run out of them.

I’ll be thinking about all of this as I make my way to New York on Friday for the 100th anniversary of the Triangle factory tragedy. The building is still there; it now houses offices for New York University. Thousands are expected to mark the occasion with a march, speeches, the reading of the victims’ names and the laying of flowers in their honor at the site by schoolchildren. It will be a powerful reminder of what we’ve lived through, and what we still have to do.

History is an extraordinary thing. You can choose to learn from it, or you can choose to repeat it.

For me, the choice is clear, as it was for Frances Perkins. We must always be a nation that catches workers before they fall.

talktosolis@dol.gov

SKI FREE ON MARCH 26th

2011-03-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

Military, Firefighter & Police
Appreciation Day

Where: Lookout Pass Ski Area

When: Saturday, March 26, 2011
Lifts operate from 8:30 to 4pm PST

What: Ski FREE with current picture ID and
affiliation. Spouse and dependents included.

How: Go to ticket windows

Location: Easy access right off I-90 at the
Idaho/Montana state line, Exit 0
12 miles east of Wallace, Idaho

Thank You

Luke Hoene / Account Executive

lhoene@mdimarketing.com
509.624.9659 x106 office
509.290.0672 cell
1618 West Dean Ave. / Spokane WA 99201
www.mdimarketing.com

Local 29 in the St Paddy Day Parade!

2011-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fire Press Release Two Fer

2011-03-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/8/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4827 N Addison
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, March 8th, at 0100 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 1 ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4827 N Addison. The Northside Battalion Chief arrived first and reported smoke coming from the front door of a single story, wood constructed residence. Engine 15 was the first arriving fire company and advanced a preconnected hose off of their truck to the front door. Other arriving companies were assigned to search the residence to ensure all occupants were out, remove the smoke, and connect a supply hose to a hydrant. The fire was found in the kitchen and was extinguished before it had a chance to spread to the rest of the house. All occupants had been asleep, but they were alerted by a smoke detector and escaped. Again this fire underscores the critical importance of having a working smoke detector in your home.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was likely caused by cooking oil being left on the stove.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The kitchen sustained heavy fire damage with smoke damage to the rest of the first floor. The tenents were unable to return to their home and are spending the night with neighbors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/7/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 812 E. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: This morning, March 7th, 2011 at 04:10 am the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 apparatus to a reported fire in a home located at 812 E. Jackson.

Ladder 2 under the direction of Lt. Don Waller, arrived at the fire scene within 4 minutes. Lt. Waller reported that he had a residential home with light smoke showing from the basement. He verified that all occupants were out of the home and started assigning incoming fire crews.

Hose lines were brought into the basement and onto the first floor. An additional search of the home was made. Crews making the search found a small dog in a crate and brought it out to the family. The small dog was unharmed.

Crews in the basement located a fire in a crawl space and extinguished it. The crawl space was difficult to access due to clearances and heavy smoke. Firefighters were on the scene for over an hour verifying that the fire was out and had not spread to other areas.

The fire was confined to the crawl space area in the basement. The upper portion of the home sustained heavy smoke damage. There were no injuries at this fire and the cause is still under investigation. Early indications are that the cause is electrically related.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire cause is still under investigation at this time, possible electrial.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire confined to basement.
DOLLAR LOSS: 18000
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