More on Orofino house fire deaths

Fire Press Release

Natural gas leak ignites

Incident #: 2013015378
Date of Incident: 04/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative: At 0804 hrs. this morning, Friday, April 12^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported residential gas line break at 1118 E. Bridgeport Avenue. The first crew arrived on scene within 5 minutes, and reported a broken natural gas line in the back yard of the single family house. The escaping gas had ignited, creating a blowtorch effect, which quickly ignited the house and the backhoe that had been excavating in the back yard.
Fire crews confirmed that the occupants of the house, and the backhoe operator had escaped uninjured, and were accounted for. After addressing the civilian life safety concerns, the strategy to mitigate the incident turned to an aggressive fire attack on the structure and backhoe, without extinguishing the natural gas fire, while awaiting the arrival of Avista crews to stop the flow of gas. Firefighters were concerned that extinguishing the gas fire prior to shutting off the gas flow could lead to the potential for a catastrophic explosion. Strategically placed hose streams protected the house and backhoe from further flame impingement, while allowing the gas to burn off harmlessly until Avista crews were able to expose and clamp the natural gas line a safe distance away.
Meanwhile, additional fire crews attacked the structure fire from inside the house, and were able to confine the fire spread to the wall and roof area closest to the gas leak. Fire Department and Avista crews remained on scene for several hours securing the gas line and overhauling the burned portion of the house, searching for any hidden hot spots. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.  The residents were allowed to reoccupy the house after the incident.

Cause:The incident was caused by a contractor excavating in the back yard of this address, in preparation for replacing a sewer line to the house. During the excavation process the natural gas line was accidentally severed, allowing gas to free-flow. An undetermined ignition source, possibly static electricity, ignited the gas.

Damage: Fire damage was confined to several exterior walls and a section of roof, with minor interior smoke and water damage. Natural gas service to the house was stopped until the gas plumbing within the house could be inspected and any repairs made.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Fire Press Release

House Fire On West End

Incident #: 2013015358
Date of Incident: 04/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:On Friday April 12^th, 2013 at 1:28 A.M. The Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 524 S. Audubon in the Government Way/Sunset Blvd area of the city. Engine and Ladder 4 from their neighborhood fire station location of Riverside and Maple were the first crews to arrive and found a one and a half story wood frame dwelling that was fully involved with heavy fire. A smaller storage shed converted into a living space was next to the house and was also on fire. A defensive strategy was planned due to the heavy fire involvement and weakening structure. Because of this, crews were limited in their tactics and had to maintain an exterior position and fight the fire from the outside. Hose lines from the ground position staffed with numerous firefighters and an aerial master stream from Ladder 4 were used in the containment of the fire. The storage shed sustained only exterior damage and the entire interior was spared due to the efforts of the exposure crews. It took 1 hour and 25 minutes to knock down the fire mostly due to the large void areas in the walls and roof of the dwelling. Fire crews maintained their defensive position through the night until daylight dealing with flare-ups and spot fires. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is currently investigating the fire. There were no reported injuries.

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

Damage:Dwelling was totally destroyed. Storage shed sustained exterior damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 200,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista Company (Electrical and Gas)

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

Fire Press Release

Hillyard Neighborhood Fire

Incident #: 2013014632
Date of Incident: 04/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:On Sunday April 7^th, 2013 at 10:10 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a structure fire at 2204 E. Heroy in Northeast Spokane.

Firefighters from Station 15 arrived in 3 minutes to find a single family dwelling with smoke showing out of both gable vents of the attic. The Responding Chief at this time upgraded the incident to a working fire adding and additional Senior Ladder, AMR Ambulance and an AMR supervisor to the scene. Companies were assigned to attack the fire, secure a water supply, ventilate and provide a search for possible occupants. The home proved to be unoccupied at the time of the incident. The fire was located by a thermal imaging camera in ceiling above the bathroom and was declared knocked down within 20 minutes. Companies remained on scene for approximately 2 hours opening up surrounding walls and ceiling to remove any smoldering insulation. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.

Cause: The Special Investigation Unit has determined that the fire started in the attic above the bathroom and is electrical in nature.

Damage: The bathroom walls and ceiling along with part of a master bedroom wall and ceiling were either damaged by fire or damaged in the process of checking for extension of the fire and overhauling the smoldering insulation. The occupant’s belongings were covered with salvage covers and were not damaged. The power to the home has been disconnected by Avista. The family of four has been relocated and is staying with other family members until structural and electrical repairs can be made to the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Fire Press Release

North Side Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013013547
Date of Incident: 03/31/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius/ Battalion Chief

Narrative: This Easter morning at 07:05 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire  companies to a reported fire in a 3 story apartment building located at 727 W. Glass. Tenants reported to Dispatch that smoke was coming from around the door of one of the upstairs apartment units.  Fire Dispatch advised callers to start evacuating the building.
Pumper Ladder 13 arrived on the scene within 4 minutes and positioned their apparatus to ladder the building.  Engine 3 arrived simultaneously and advanced a hose line to the apartment on the top floor.  Command was established and incoming fire crews were tasked with searching adjacent units on the top floor, ventilating the attic and securing a water supply for the hose lines being used.  Quick decisive actions taken by the first officers on the scene helped bring this fire under control within 15 minutes.
The apartment unit where the fire started sustained substantial damage from both fire and smoke, but the damage was confined to this unit only.  The occupants of this unit were not home when the fire department arrived and are currently being assisted by the local Red Cross.  There were no injuries reported at this incident, however, the family lost a pet in the fire.  Other residents have been allowed back into their apartments.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. 

Cause:Accidental

Damage:One apartment unit, ceiling and roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

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

Fire Press Release

1023 N. Monroe structure fire

Incident #: 2013013309
Date of Incident: 03/29/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Jones

Narrative: Friday, March 29, at 4:27 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported fire in a structure located at 1023 N Monroe.  The first crew on-scene reported nothing showing from out-side the structure, follow up report was light smoke inside the building.  Fire crews quickly located the fire and extinguished it, this fire was found smoldering in the floor joists between the first floor and loft.  Eight fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire.  The fire was brought under control and extinguished within 30 minutes.

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SVU

Damage:Light damage to the structure,

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 5,000

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

Fire Press Release

Hillyard Neighborhood Fire 

Incident #: 2013012287
Date of Incident: 03/22/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Friday March 22, 2013 at 7:16 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 5001 North Regal in Northeast Spokane.  While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke and fire could be seen from the second floor of the home and that all occupants had exited.

Firefighters from Station 15 arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the second floor of the two story single family home. The incident was immediately upgraded to a working fire 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene. The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire from the rear of the house.  Early in the incident, all firefighters had to withdraw due to untenable fire conditions on the second floor. The fire was attacked from the exterior for nearly an hour until enough progress was made to resume an aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s second floor and remained on scene throughout the night and morning taking protective measures for the occupant’s property. There were no civilian injuries reported, however two cats are assumed dead from the smoke and extreme heat.  Additionally, one firefighter was transported to a local hospital for a musculoskeletal injury and was released last night.   

Cause:The cause is under investigation and displaced families are receiving assistance from the Inland NW Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

Damage:The second floor and roof is completely destroyed. Fire companies spent the majority of the day today assisting the occupants in retrieving their personal effects.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire Press Release

South Hill Residence Fire
Incident #: 2013012361
Date of Incident: 03/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
On Saturday March 23, 2013 at 11:39 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Donahoe responded to a reported residential fire a 2914 East 17th Avenue on Spokane’s South Hill.
The first company (Engine 7) arrived within four minutes and reported a two story residence with heavy smoke showing from the eaves of the home. While completing a walk-around of the building, Engine 7’s officer immediately identified a patient that was suffering from smoke inhalation. The patient was moved to a safe location to awaiting SFD Paramedics and treated for serious injuries. As Engine 7 prepared for an offensive attack with their three personnel, additional companies secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and backed up the interior companies on the offensive attack. Due to the rapid progression of the fire, the incident was upgraded to a working fire and added an additional Senior Ladder, AMR Ambulance and AMR Supervisor. The first arriving Ladder Company used ground ladders to access the roof and cut ventilation holes directly above the fire on the second floor. Later arriving companies successfully searched the entire structure for victims as well as establishing a rapid intervention team for the safety of the firefighters assigned to the incident.
It took 24 Firefighters just 25 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. There was one civilian injury (adult male) which was transported to Sacred Heart.
Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SFD SIU and Spokane Police Department.
Damage:
Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the second floor and prevent the fire from spreading. The Red Cross is assisting the occupants (renters) and the home will not be immediately tenable.
# Firefighters Responding: 24
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Burn is coming to Spokane!

BURN - Official Theatrical Trailer (2012) from BURN on Vimeo.

April 16th and 17th.
AMC River Park Square 20 7:30pm Buy tickets Admission: $15 online, $20 at the door.
Address: 808 W Main Ave .
Fundraiser screening of BURN.
Screening supported by The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. Also supported by locals 2916, 29, 876, and 3711.
CLICK HERE to download a flyer to print, email, and/or hang in firehouses! You can preorder tickets here.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

We are in the parade!

Happy St Patricks Day weekend! Are you going to the noon downtown parade? Local 29 will be there in our 1936 American-LaFrance engine!

Stariclimb results

The Spokane Fire Department placed 8TH OUT OF 177 TEAMS in the SCOTT FIREFIGHTER STAIRCLIMB and to this point has RAISED OVER $10,800 TO HELP THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY FIGHT BLOOD CANCERS. Congratulations to all the participants and a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who supported them! Way to go!

KXLY Story on Stairclimb!

S-R article on SFD service degradation.

Article in this morning's paper on firefighters not being able to act as firemen when they are on a medical call, returning from or going to a medical call. This happens more than you might think - a breathing difficulty call because the house is filling with smoke, a CPR in progress call that neglects to mention that the house is also on fire, a  trauma call that later updates to note that the person set her apartment on fire and then jumped out the window, etc. etc. etc. These calls all happened within the last year, along with plenty others.

Happy Birthday Local 29!

Local 29 was founded, along with the creation of the International Association of Firefighters, on February 28th, 1918! That makes us 95!

Fire Press Release

North Spokane Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013007708
Date of Incident: 02/19/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative: On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 09:15 A.M., 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to an apartment fire at 603 E. Houston Ave.  While en-route Fire Dispatch reported that they had received multiple calls reporting fire on the third floor of the apartment building.
Engine 15 was the first company to arrive at the apartment complex.  Engine 13’s officer Lt. Reiser, reported that he had a three story wood frame apartment building with grey smoke showing from the rear of the structure, and fire starting to show from a corner unit.  Incoming apparatus were immediately tasked with securing a water supply for the hose lines and searching the adjacent units on the upper floor of the building.  The quick decisive actions taken by Engine 15’s crew in conjunction with support from the other arriving firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes.  The apartment unit where the fire originated sustained heavy damage, however, the fire was confined solely to this unit with some damage to the attic above.
Fire investigators were on site most of the afternoon processing the fire scene as the cause appeared suspicious in nature.  No injuries were reported at this incident.   Only the tenants in the fire unit have been displaced.

Cause:Still under investigation

Damage:Unit 306

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

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

Two Fire Press Releases

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative: On February 16, 2013 at 12:15 AM six companies of the Spokane Fire Department that consisted of four engines, one senior ladder, and one heavy rescue responded to a reported garage fire at 1518 East Liberty.  Ladder and Engine 2 were first to arrive, responding from their Logan Neighborhood fire station Ladder 2 reported a detached garage fully involved with fire.  The fire was confined to the garage through quick actions by all companies on scene. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

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

Damage:Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

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

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013007486
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:On February 17th, 2013 at 4:58pm The Spokane Fire Department responded two dedicated ladders, four engines, one heavy Rescue, and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 East Sharp. Upon arrival companies reported smoke under all the soffits. The first arriving Engine company stretched an attack lead to the interior of the home while ladder crews searched for the occupants and prepared the roof for ventilation. Firefighters located the fire in the attic space and quickly opened up the ceiling to expose it. The well coordinated effort extinguished the fire rapidly, minimizing the damage to the structure. Companies remained on scene approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU

Damage:There is some structural and wiring damage to the attic area.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 3,000

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

Benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Fast Eddie's - corner of Division & Spokane Falls Blvd on Saturday, February 23rd.

From 4 pm to 8pm, your City of Spokane Firefighters' Stairclimb Team and Fast Eddie's are teaming up and hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great Raffle Prizes - Beer Specials - 25% of all food and beverage sales will be donated by Fast Eddies - and as a bonus, the men's GU game will be on!

Two Fire Press Releases

West Central Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013006407 
Date of Incident: 02/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday February 10, 2013 at 8:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1924 W Augusta in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.  While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke could be seen from the home and occupants appeared to be evacuating. Station 3 firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the east side of the single story, single family home.  While en route, the North Battalion Chief requested the incident to be upgraded to a 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene.  The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire on the first floor and basement. At one point in the incident, all firefighters had to abandoned their efforts and withdraw due to untenable fire conditions in the basement below them.  Once the fire was attacked from the exterior and progress was made in the fight, the firefighters returned to the interior to resume their aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s basement and first floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however two canines perished from the smoke and extreme heat.

Cause:Members from the SIU have just arrived on the scene and details regarding the investigation will be released when available.

Damage:
Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the occupant’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited to the basement and areas of the first floor, the need to secure the residence’s utilities render it untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting two adults with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 75000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Apartment Fire with Rescue

Incident #: 2013006426
Date of Incident: 02/10/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:03 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to an apartment fire at 3724 North Cook Street. While en route to the incident, companies were notified the resident in apartment 248 smelled smoke for the past couple hours and described it as worsening.  The fire communication specialists handling the call updated the companies responding and advised the residents to evacuate and pull the fire alarm to alert their neighbors.  The first in Chief also modified the response while en route to add an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and supervisor.

The first fire company arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story apartment building with approximately eight units, however no smoke was showing from the building initially.  Upon their investigation however, they discovered a working fire in a lower unit in the apartment complex. The Engine and Ladder went to work immediately to secure a water supply and stretch a hoseline in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward other living areas in the building.  Simultaneously, companies searched the apartment unit under smoke conditions and located an adult male in bed and quickly removed him to safety.  All companies assigned on the initial alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the initial and adjacent units while trying to suppress the fire’s progress when they arrived. SFD Paramedics treated the adult male and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital and reportedly in fair condition.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in one victim being rescued and confirmation that all other residents accounted for.  The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes hours and no firefighter injuries were reported. 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:The majority of damage is located in the kitchen area. The family is being assisted by Red Cross as the unit of fire origin is not currently inhabitable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 12000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Please Vote No on Proposition Two

Your Spokane Firefighters urge you to please vote No on Proposition Two.

Why? Well, as corny as it may sound, firefighters don't quit caring about the people they serve once their shift ends. 

If you remember, a few months ago, the Spokane city council voted 4 to 3 against raising property taxes by one percent. What this meant is that due to rising fuel costs, rising natural gas rates, rising equipment and maintenance costs, rising electrical rates, rising water rates and rising medical insurance rates, the city will not be able to keep pace economically. The simple majority 4 to 3 vote to not take a one percent raise in property taxes was a vote to shut down the South Hill's Engine 9. Already, residents of the South Hill have seen the bad consequences of this poor decision.

Proposition 2 would require a super majority of 5 to 2 (71%) to raise taxes this one percent. This means that, no matter who you vote in on the next city council election, it will be almost insurmountable to gain a super majority and raise taxes this one percent. That's right - a minority faction within the city council could very much block the will of the majority of citizens and their elected officials' wishes.

If there were to be any tax increase, a special election would have to be held costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. It would be very difficult to get this request on the ballot. 

Proposition 2 will make Spokane a less desirable place to have a business or to raise a family. You witness the rising crime rates, the deadly fires every day in the news. It will only get worse because some in our city council would rather pledge allegiance to power brokers like The Washington Policy Center, ALEC, Tim Eyman and the Koch Brothers than to retain and use the tools of good governance we have entrusted them with. 

How radical is Proposition 2? A 71% super majority requirement has never been put in place anywhere ever before. We don't believe any municipality has ever had any super majority requirement implemented to raise existing taxes. Proposition 2 is so radical that even the Spokesman-Review has spoken out against it. 

Proposition 2 will have no effect on Spokane firefighter wages. It will, however, contribute to a dwindling tax base, as people who can flee Spokane will flee Spokane as its quality of life continues to slide. Businesses will relocate. Our citizen will move. More fires. More crime. 

We care about Spokane and its people. That's why we also join you in voting Yes for Prop 3 - the Library Lid Lift. If you support your libraries, think of the disastrous effects Prop 2 will have for them. 

Spokane shouldn't be a proving ground for the Washington Policy Center and Tim Eyman's ideologically-driven bad experiments and the problems they will create for all of us.