Fire Press Release

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

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

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

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.

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

Fatality Fire Press Release

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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

TreeTop contest continues!

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

Vote for Tony Yuen's BBQ Sauce!!!

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

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

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

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...

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

"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...

All of the city council except for this one councilmember:

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

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

Click title link to listen

Last night's city council meeting...

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...

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