Saturday, November 24, 2007

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1514 West 9th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This morning, November 24, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 12:13 AM to 1514 West 9th Avenue on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report fire showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported fire coming from the top floor of a 2-1/2-story, wood framed apartment building with 3 civilians trapped on the roof. All three civilians and their dog were rescued from the roof by Fire Station 4 personnel using their Ariel ladder. During the rescue operation other fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure and from an outside fire escape. The fire had extended into the attic and a ventilation hole was cut in the roof to relieve the pent up heat and smoke in the apartment on the top floor to aid in fire attack. The fire was brought under control within 40 minutes and crews remained on scene for the rest of the morning. Of the three civilians rescued from the roof two were treated and released from a local hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation and the third person was reported to have been transport to the Harbor View Burn Center and his condition is not known at the time of the this release. The remaining tenants of the structure are being assisted by Red Cross. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator, Captain Kevin Smathers and he may be contacted at 625-7052
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the third floor and the attic.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 36
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Friday, November 23, 2007

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/23/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1511 West Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This afternoon, November 23, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 12:39 PM to 1511 West Gardner on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed residence with fire showing from a window on the main floor at the back of the house. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure however they encountered a large volume of household goods and belongings that had been collected and stored through out the house that made fire attack extremely difficult. The fire had extended into the second floor and then into the attic as fire crews were able to find the stair way door leading to the upstairs. The fire crews were withdrawn from the structure due to safety concerns and fire attack transitioned to a defensive position. Once the fire vented completely through the roof fire crews were able to safely re-enter the structure for final extinguishment and salvage and overhaul. The owner was not home at the time of the fire however the family dog was found insdie the house near the front door by fire crews and was in respiratory distress. Oxygen was supplied to the dog via a special pet oxygen mask carried by the fire department and the dog was revived. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Nine fire companies with 28 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator, Captain Kevin Smathers and he may be contacted at 625-7052.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the first and second floor with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/20/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1604 E. Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, November 20, 2007, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 05:48 AM to 1604 East Pacific on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the front door of a, 1-story, brick house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of fire to a bedroom in the basement with smoke damage through out the house. Crews completed a primary search of the residence and the house was found unoccupied. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Greg McClatchey and he can be contacted at 625-7052.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the basement and the main floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Working Class Heroes Bar on Monroe

Great union meeting last night. Among other things, we learned that Working Class Heroes on Monroe likes us. They are offering discounts when you show your FF ID. They are a pro-union bar. In fact, the owner (a former union worker and union organizer) is helping the workers organize into a union. We think it may be the only union bar and grill in Spokane. Apparently, the food is good and they have a lot of microbrews on tap. The only time I've been in there is on calls. It is always really clean with a good, friendly crowd. Anyway, just thought I'd pass that on.

E-Board Candidate Letter

Re-Elect Darryl Wisniewski
For Executive Board

The Executive Board has been a fulfilling position for me to hold. The people who know me personally know how passionate I can be about the topics that come up from time to time. I can be, what some would call, hard headed at times, but I am willing to try to see the other side of the coin and get the job done. Some of the things that I would like to see happen in the near future are:

• Wild Land mobilization
• A new LEOFF II law for medical
• Continued active participation in the political arena
• Future Improvements in our contract language

I am asking for your vote, so I can continue to work hard for my brothers and sisters to better our job and our futures.

Please VOTE Darryl Wisniewski

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

November newsletter is out

Those of you who get it emailed to you should now have it. If you would like it emailed to you, let me know - billfoss@comcast.net

The newsletter will be posted soon on the local's website, I am told.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/12/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4004 E. 29th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 1028 pm November 12, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue Unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported house fire at 4004 E. 29th Ave. in Spokane Washington. Upon arrival Engine 14 reported heavy smoke from the structure with the occupants outside on the sidewalk. A second report indicated that heavy fire was coming out of the back of the house. A quick attack by the first two fire apparatus on scene knocked the main body of the fire down with two 1 ¾" attack lines and additional crews did a search of the house to make sure everybody had gotten out. As more crews arrived a thorough overhaul was initiated looking for extension of the fire into the structure. No extensions were found and the fire was reported to be out within 30 minutes. The fire crews assisted the tenants by retrieving personal items and medications prior to allowing them back in. Gas and electrical utilities to the house were shut off for safety reasons. The house, a rental, suffered significant damage to the kitchen with heavy heat and smoke damage to the rest of the houses main floor. Due to the quick thinking of the residents, one adult and one child, they closed their bedroom doors when exiting the house and suffered no smoke or heat damage to their rooms or their contents. Heat in the hallway was so intense that the smoke detector on the ceiling was destroyed and laying on the floor. The residents were awakened by a loud pop and discovered the fire in the kitchen area. There were no civilian or Firefighter injuries associated with the fire. A fire investigator was called to determine the origin of the fire and Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents. The only known casualty of the fire was a family pet. It is important to remember to keep doors in the house shut to slow down or stop the spread of the fire and make sure smoke detectors are working. Get yourself out of the structure and wait for the Fire Department, it is very hazardous to reenter a burning structure or delay getting out to save contents.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the kitchen with heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the rest of the main floor. Both bedrooms and the bathroom sustained little or no damage due the closing of the doors prior to exiting the house.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/10/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4328 N. Havana
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On 11/10/07 at 6:43 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 21 firefighters on 6 pieces of fire equipment to a report of a house on fire at 4328 N. Havana. Fire crews discovered a large two story home with fire enveloping the front porch area and extending to the porch roof above. Crews were successful in keeping the fire out of the interior of the home and quickly brought the fire under control within 5 minutes. Crews remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours making sure the fire was dead out. This activity involved the crews cutting apart the porch roof and using their thermal imaging camera to ensure that any embers remaining were thoroughly extinguished. No one was present at the home while firefighters were on the scene. A fire department investigator is currently looking into the cause of the fire. At this time, it appears that the fire began on the porch floor outside the home. This investigation will continue throughout the day. There were no injuries to firefighters at this incident. The dwelling sustained heavy fire damage to the front porch and roof areas. There was also smoke damage throughout the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by Spokane Fire Department investigators.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the front porch and porch roof. Smoke damage throughout the interior of the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Beating the odds!



Thanks to Frank W. for this picture that really illustrates the difference in campaign funding. Also, if you see any Mary Verner signs out there on public property, feel free to pull them. They are being collected at the union office.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: E. 222 Hoffman Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On November 8, 2007 at 2313 hours, the Spokane Fire Department received a call for a reported garage fire. The Combined Communication Center dispatched 6 fire apparatus to E. 222 Hoffman Ave. Pumper Ladder 13 arrived on the scene within 5 minutes. Lt. Jamie Newcomb reported that he had a fully involved detached garage fire and was assuming Command. Lt. Newcomb's crew advanced pre-connected hose lines to extinguish the fire while he directed the other incoming fire apparatus and personnel. The firefighters under the direction of Lt. Newcomb knocked down the fire within six minutes. The crews protected several cars that were parked near the garage and one exposure building to the east.

There were no injuries reported at this fire. A good deal of material was stored inside the garage and fire crews are expected to be on the scene for several hours removing the fire debris. The fire cause is still undetermined at this time. Early indicators are directing us towards an old wood stove that had been in use earlier this evening.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total Loss to garage structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Monday, November 05, 2007

Mary Verner Election Night Gathering

If you helped with Mary's campaign and want to be with her when the election results come in, be at the Red Lion River Inn, 700 N Division, at 7:30 PM On Tuesday, November 6th, to wait for the election results. There will be snacks, drinks, and a no-host bar available.

Friday, November 02, 2007

FIre Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/2/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3928 N. Elm
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On 11/02/07 at 7:51 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 18 firefighters on 3 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to 3928 N. Elm on a report of a structure fire. First in crews found a basement fire in progress. After stretching hose lines and ventilating windows, crews were able to search the entire dwelling and knock down the fire after approximately 15 minutes. There was one occupant present at the time of the fire and he made his way to safety on his own. Apparently, this occupant was sleeping when he heard the sound of something "breaking". This sound woke him and he then made his exit out of the house. The breaking sound turned out to be a glass aquarium that was in the basement. The glass became heated due to the close proximity of the fire and then shattered. After the fire was extinguished, it was found that there weren't any smoke detectors present. The public should be reminded that the fire department recommends a smoke detector on every level of the home outside sleeping areas including one inside each bedroom as well. Soon, we will be changing our clocks 1 hour back to standard time. This is also an excellent time to also check the condition of your smoke detectors. Please make sure they have fresh batteries and are in good working order. There were no injuries reported at this fire, however there were numerous tropical fish that perished because of the aquarium breaking and the heat of the fire. The Red Cross is assisting the family with lodging, clothing and food. The cause of this fire was found to be an overloaded circuit. The aquarium lighting system, pump and other accessories were found to be plugged into an electrical power strip along with other items plugged into this same strip. This exceeded the rated amperage of the circuit which caused excessive heat and ignited nearby combustibles. Damage to the basement was extensive and consisted of heat, water and smoke damage. The first floor above sustained heavy smoke damage as well. When using appliances, make sure of the circuit amperage ratings and never exceed them. If you would like more information on this incident please call the battalion chief office at 509-625-7020 or the investigation division at 509-625-7052 or 509-625-7053.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Overloaded electrical circuit. Nearby combustibles.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive heat, smoke and water damage to the basement. Heavy smoke damage to the main level. There was also significant damage to furnishings and clothing.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Two fire press releases from last night...

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/31/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2024 E. Sharp
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, 10/31/07, at approximately 0149 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 2024. E Sharp upon report of a structure fire. First arriving SFD units found light smoke coming from the front door of a one story, wood-frame, single- family residence. Firefighters advanced a pre-connected hose-line in the front door of the home and found a rapidly advancing fire in the kitchen. While hose-lines were advanced into the structure, other SFD crew members laddered the roof in case ventilation was needed, checked the residence for any other fire areas, and checked the attic to assure the fire had not extended to that area. First arriving crews also determined that all occupants of the home had escaped safely. The main body of fire was eventually confined to the kitchen area. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes with overhaul of the fire area continuing for another 45 minutes. The Red Cross was requested to the scene to work with the occupants of the home as they will be displaced for at least the night. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately two hours. A total of 24 firefighters on 9 trucks battled this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this kitchen fire was a pan catching on fire on the stove top. One of the tenants had put a pan with oil in it on the stove and it eventually ignited. The fire then spread from the pan to surrounding cup-boards and wall surfaces.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the home included fire and heat damage to the kitchen and nearby eating area, as well as smoke damage to the rest of the home. Some water damage was also evident. Total dollar loss is approximately $10,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given



ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/31/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1417 West Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This morning, October 31, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 3:32 AM to 1417 West Cleveland. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 2-story, wood framed residence with fire showing from a second floor bedroom. 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 20 minutes. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. 9 fire companies with 28 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours. The occupants of the residence were alerted to the fire by their smoke detectors and were able to exit the structure safely.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator Tom Oliver and he may be contacted at 625-7051
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the second floor with heat and smoke damage to a hallway leading to the upstairs.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

"Show Me The Money...!"

I just checked with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission this morning.
www.pdc.wa.gov/

In 2007 Dennis Hession spent the following on Consultants & managers:
Polis Political Services - $17,500.00 (Olympia, WA)
Alliance Pacific, Inc - $43,489.36
Chelsea Wood - $12,290.00
I quit looking after this. This total is $73,179.63
There could be more, but some items don't have an explanation for the expense

In 2007 Mary Verner spent the following on Consultants & managers:
I went over this twice and couldn't find anything listed for consultation or management, so I leave that to you to search.

It doesn't take a genius to see that Mary makes her own "tough decisions" and Dennis Hession has someone else make his "tough decisions."

P.S. This doesn't count what Dennis Hession spent on consultants to make the spin or "tough decisions": on firing Jack Lynch & explaining the boondoggle know as the Matrix Study.

Doug Bacon

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Mary Verner Puzzle Commercial!



If you've seen the Dennis Hession TV attack ad - "Mary Verner's a Puzzle," you probably are asking yourself these questions - "Did Hession really hire an Olympia PR firm to come up with these lame ads? What did he do with the rest of the money Avista gave him?"

Not only are these ads poorly done, there is nothing imaginative about them. Just the same old precanned attack stuff that any ad agency has sitting on the shelf. Only they forgot that after you attack your opponent you're supposed to tell why you are the better alternative. Well maybe they didn't forget. Maybe they just didn't have anything to say.

Dennis, not only have these ads backfired on you - you wasted Avista's money!

But, it is fun to see someone turn the attack ad on its head and come up with this positive ad I'm featuring in this post. It must have been fun to take Hession's gift of the "Mary Verner's a Puzzle" commercial and come up with this.

You probably won't see this on TV because Mary doesn't have that kinda cash. Dennis had to borrow money to get his on the air and Mary is a little more fiscally conservative than him, I guess. Anyway, enjoy!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Very cool video from Dean Pearcy

This is the intro video from the awards presentation put together by our AV guy Dean Pearcy. There are other videos available to watch on this "channel," as well. Enjoy.