Fire Press Release

South Hill Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013039583
Date of Incident: 08/29/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Thursday August 29, 2013 at 5:28 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder responded to a reported residential fire at 1422 West 14th Avenue.
    
Two companies arrived simultaneously within 5 minutes 34 seconds from Station 4 and reported a two-story single family home with heavy smoke showing from the second floor of the home. The initial company upgraded the fire to a "working" incident and added additional resources to the incident to assist in the firefighting efforts. The complete effective response force was met (16 firefighters) within 7 minutes 56 seconds (the performance measure goal is 11 minutes 90% of the time).

The first arriving Ladder Company immediately fought up the stairs to the second floor to search for victims, while other companies confined the fire to the area of origin. Fortunately, it was determined that the single occupant of the residence was safe and accounted for and found near a neighbor’s house. With the assistance of additional arriving companies, it took the firefighters just 20 minutes to stretch multiple hoselines to the second floor and knock down the fire and control the incident.   Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one bedroom on the second floor, which also prevented it from spreading to the ceiling and roof areas. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

Cause:The preliminary information appears to indicate that the cause was accidental and related to smoking materials.

Damage:The main area of damage was successfully isolated to a second floor bedroom with smoke damage throughout the second floor. 

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Red Cross

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

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013039163
Date of Incident: 08/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius

Narrative:A night time fire damaged two Duplexes and left a city block without electrical power in the Logan Neighborhood.  Engine 2 from the North Foothills fire station was the first company to arrive at a large fire located at 2514 N Denver St.  At little before 10:00 PM, (August 26^th), 5 companies were dispatched after the Fire Department received multiple 911 calls.  Engine 2’s officer reported a large amount of fire in the back alley behind the above address.  The fire had already engulfed an attached carport, a vehicle and two separate duplexes were burning.  Engine 2’s firefighters immediately stretched a large 2 ½ inch hose line down the alley and started attacking the fire, while working to control the fire spread to adjacent units.  Engine 2’s officer also reported numerous “downed” electrical wires that had fallen after exposure to the flames.
Additional arriving apparatus and crews were immediately put to work upon their arrival.  Two companies of firefighters were assigned to search 4 duplex units as area residents reported to firefighters that people were inside.  The search group did not find any civilian victims, but did find a dog that had succumbed to smoke inhalation. Fallen electrical wires provided additional safety challenges at this incident.  Nevertheless, the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes.  Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and investigators will be working to determine fire cause this morning.  The local Red Cross is assisting 4 displaced residents and Avista assured us that they would work to restore electrical service to the area.

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

Damage:The duplex unit addressed 2514 N. Denver St. was heavily damaged by smoke and fire. All other addresses affected by this fire received minor smoke, fire or water damage. The carport and a vehicle in the carport were a total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $ 75,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, American Medical Response

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

Fire Press Release

Dalke Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013038669
Date of Incident: 08/24/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:

Today, August 24, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 1:22 PM to 2423 E. Dalke on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from a 2 story wood-framed structure. Further investigation found a fire on the kitchen stove in the basement apartment with fire extending up the interior wall on the east side of the structure and into the ceiling joist of the basement unit. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior and exterior with additional fire crews completing search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Four engine companies, two ladder trucks a heavy recue truck and 2 Battalion chiefs totaling 24 firefighters responded to this fire. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 2 hours. The Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross is taking care of the occupants of the basement apartment.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the kitchen in the basement apartment and the exterior wall on the east side of the home with smoke damage throughout the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross

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

If you had your picture taken with our old fire engine  at the Local 29 Free Swim Day, you  can find your picture, here.

Fire Press Release

E. Heroy Fire

Incident #: 2013037085
Date of Incident: 08/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief C Jones

Narrative:Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 2:12 PM to a reported structure fire at 1324 E. Heroy.  The first arriving apparatus was Engine 15 and the officer reported smoke and flames showing from three sides of a one story wood frame residential structure.  E 15 immediately directed hose leads to protect the homes on either side of the burning structure.  Other arriving units were assigned to conduct search operations, and assist with extinguishment of the fire.  All occupants made it out of the burning structure safely, and there were no injuries to fire personnel.   

Cause:The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit

Damage:Fire and smoke damage throughout the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire Press Release

2331 W Boone
Incident #: 2013036913
Date of Incident: 08/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 12:53 PM to a reported structure fire at 2331 W. Boone. The first arriving apparatus was Engine 18 and the officer reported smoke showing from the front of a 1.5 story wood frame residential structure. Upon further investigation they found a fire in the attic of the home and initiated an interior fire attack from the second floor stairwell while additional arriving fire crews pulled ceiling from below exposing the burning structural framing rafters. The quick initial interior attack prevented the fire from extending into the 2nd floor living space and the remaining areas of the common attic. The occupants of the home are being supported by our local Red Cross Team.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the attic at the rear of the house and the ceiling in the kitchen on the main floor with smoke damage throughout the second floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
# Firefighters Responding: 20
Dollar Loss: $ 10000
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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Fire Press Release

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013036763
Date of Incident: 08/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:On August 13, 2013 at 13:34 PM 6 companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a reported attic fire in a 4 unit apartment building. Spokane Ladder and Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched to find smoke emitting from both gable roof vents of the 2 story apartment building. The responding Chief upgraded the incident at this time to a working fire which brought a dedicated ladder and also called for another engine company to assist with this incident. Companies were assigned to locate and extinguish the fire, search for occupants, water supply and possible roof ventilation. Interior companies quickly located the smoldering fire in the attic of the affected unit and were able to extinguish and prevent further extension to the 3 adjoining units. All the occupants made it out safely and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. The affected apartment unit is uninhabitable until structural repair can be made to the roof trusses, along with damage to the ceiling and wiring in the attic. One adult occupant is seeking shelter with the Red Cross until the repairs can be made.

Cause:The Special Investigation unit has determined that the attic fire was caused by faulty wiring.

Damage:Moderate damage to the roof trusses, ceiling assembly and wiring of 2405 N. Cincinnati. No damage was reported to the three other attached Apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

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

Four Fire Press Releases

Update 19th Ave Update

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 08/09/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:Devastation from yesterday's structure fires near 19^th/Sherman resulted in an estimated $500,000 of property loss and millions saved from the potential destruction of a neighborhood.  According to accounts from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, two single family residences were considered catastrophic losses. A third single family home received heavy fire damage to the deck, siding, and attic. The fire was extending into the third home from through a kitchen window and exterior door when firefighters successfully extinguished it, preventing damage on the home’s interior.

A fourth structure sustained smoke damage to one of the four apartments. The tenant had a box fan pulling air into the structure through a window facing the fire and the fan was left operating after she evacuated.

In addition to the structural damage there were three cars, one motorcycle, and a boat that were completely consumed by the fire.

There were no civilian injuries and one minor firefighter injury as a result the incident, which lasted several hours.

The official fire cause remains undetermined, however both prospective scenarios appear accidental.  The details will be shared when we learn more from the SIU.

Cause:N/A

Damage:N/A

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

Wishing Well mobile home park 

Incident #: 2013035594
Date of Incident: 08/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:This morning Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 0635 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Wishing- Well motor home park located a 4911 N. Florida.  Spokane Engine 15 was the first to arrive, and reported a single wide mobile home fully involved with fire E 15 also reported that the structure was vacant.  E15 immediately directed hose leads to protect the exposures on either side of the burning structure.  Other arriving units were assigned to conduct search operations, and assist with extinguishment of the fire.  There were no injuries to fire personnel.
 

Cause:The cause arigin of the fire is under investigation by the SFD SIU.

Damage:The  single wide mobile home was a total loss

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 5000.

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

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013035315
Date of Incident: 08/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Monday, August 5, 2013 at 4:49 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to an explosion and resulting fire at 3704 West Olympic Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find a single family home heavily involved in fire and beginning to extend to a two-car garage and neighboring home to the west. First arriving companies were met by floor refinisher workers that explained they were applying a petroleum based lacquer on the floors in the home when a pilot light ignited the fumes causing an immediate explosion and resulting fire. The worker confirmed that the home was unoccupied and that the workers were all accounted for. The fire was fueled by highly flammable chemicals and created extreme fire behavior for the first alarm companies. The incident was subsequently upgraded to a working fire adding additional resources to assist in the efforts to contain the fire’s progress. The fire was brought under control in 45-minutes and was successfully contained to the home of origin and firefighters prevented extension to the adjacent buildings. Despite the heavy amount of damage from the blast and fire, there were no injuries.

Cause:The official cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:As a result of the explosion and fire the structure is deemed untenable. Assisting the two residents in their need for temporary housing were staff from the City's Housing Department and volunteers from the American Red Cross.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 100000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Wildland Urban Interface Fire

Incident #: 2013035341
Date of Incident: 08/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Monday August 5, 2013 at 6:48 PM, a total of four brush engines, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe, responded to a brush fire that was upgraded from a single company response in the area of 2600 East Upriver. Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 3-4 acres of light to heavy brush burning near apartment buildings. The incident started alongside the steep hill below the railroad tracks and just above North Crescent Avenue.

Although the fire was slow moving, the initial company quickly assessed the need additional units due to there being three separate fires in steep and rocky terrain. As companies arrived, the additional personnel tied into the railroad right-of-way and were strategically placed on both west and east flanks halting the fire from its advance into adjacent multi-family homes.  With relatively slow wind speeds, increasing relative humidity and cooler temperatures, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. The fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Cause:The fires (all three) were accidental in nature and caused by a BNSF train traveling through the area moments before the fire was discovered.

Damage:Wildland only, no structures were involved.  Total amount burned was 4 acres.

# Firefighters Responding: 14

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, BNSF

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013035106
Date of Incident: 08/04/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:

The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 2203 S. Inland Empire Way at 14:39 hrs on Sunday afternoon, August 4th , for a reported structure fire at that address. Engine #4, from the near-by Browne’s Addition neighborhood fire station, reported by radio that there was a large black plume of smoke visible in the sky as they turned south onto Inland Empire Way. In their radio report they requested that the fire be up-graded to a “working fire”, the up-grade would add an additional ladder truck to the call. Engine #4 was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus again reported by radio that there was heavy fire at the rear of the house on the second story of the wood/framed balloon constructed structure and that it was extending farther into that space and starting to come out of the gable ends of the second story at the front and the rear of the house. Engine#4 also reported that the house appeared to be vacant and that they were going to make an aggressive offensive attack on the fire through the front door and up the staircase to the, by now, heavily involved second story. The second apparatus to arrive on scene was Ladder#4, from the same station, and they reported that they would be going inside with Engine#4 to begin the process of opening up walls and pulling down ceilings to get at the rapidly growing fire they encountered on the second floor. As additional fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included a back-up hose line to protect the crews already going inside to fight the fire, water supply, an additional hose line to protect the interior stairway to the second floor, the additional ladder crew was assigned to go to the roof to begin vertical ventilation, other crews were assigned to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter. There were no victims in the building but there were indications that “squatters” may have been using the house. Avista was requested to respond and their crew disconnected the electrical power to the structure. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained severe damage on the second floor and on the underside of the roof structure; however the main floor suffered very little damage due to the quick attack by the fire fighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident.





Cause:
Under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Severe fire damage to the second story and to the underside of the roof structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR Ambulance

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


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Unfair Labor Practice Arbitration Hearings

Local 29 members, please check your email for very important information regarding today's arbitration meeting and other information.

Fire Press Release

West Plains 3rd Alarm 

Incident #: 2013033997
Date of Incident: 07/29/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday July 29, 2013 at 4:25 AM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe responded to a reported residential apartment fire at 7723 West State Route 2.

The first fire company arrived within just minutes of being dispatched, due to the proximity of the Station 6 to the apartment units located in the newly annexed area on the West Plains. As Engine 6 arrived they reported a large amount of fire and heavy smoke showing from the two-story apartment building complex and almost immediately requested the incident to be upgraded to a working fire. The initial companies were faced with a rapidly escalating fire that had begun to spread to other areas of the building and had already vented through the roof. Without knowing the status of residents and fearing for multiple rescues from occupied adjacent units, a second alarm was requested at 4:33 AM with a special request for two ambulances with an AMR Supervisor. The sheer numbers of firefighters needed to force entry, search, ventilate and suppress the fire from the second floor eventually led to a third alarm being requested at 5:11 AM.  The incident commander's tactics combined with aggressive firefighting were successful in containing the fire to the primary area of origin while simultaneously protecting the safe egress for occupants.

Fifteen citizens occupied the wing of the apartment building affected by the fire and were all accounted for and escaped safely (some with firefighter assistance). Five occupants lived in the unit of origin (2 adults and 3 children): Three of those were evaluated by Paramedics for injuries but none were transported by ambulance. It took just over an hour for the 45+ firefighters to confine and extinguished the blaze and limit loss for the occupants.
 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SFD’s SIU and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

Damage:The majority of the 16-unit apartment complex was saved and damage was limited primarily to two units. Firefighters are expected to remain on-scene all morning protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations.

# Firefighters Responding: 45

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 10, Airway Heights FD, Fairchild AFB, Washington State Patrol

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

Fire Press Release

2125 W Sinto Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013033580
Date of Incident: 07/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 5:50 PM to a reported structure fire at 2125 W. Sinto. First arriving fire crew was Engine 3 from their neighborhood fire station at Indiana and Ash and they reported a 1.5 story wood frame residential structure with smoke showing from the south side of the home. Upon further investigation they found a fire at the back of the home that was extending up the siding and into the interior of the home. They initiated fire attack from the exterior and prevented the fire from spreading to the homes attic while other fire crews attacked the fire from the interior preventing the fire from extending into the main floor and the 2nd floor.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the rear of the house, the back porch and the attic on the southeast corner of the home with smoke damage throughout the second floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista

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


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Fire Press Releases - Two

South Battalion Fatality Fire

Incident #: 2013032624
Date of Incident: 07/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:At 12:13 A.M. on Monday, July 22, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported mobile home fire at 2311 W. 16^th Ave. Callers reported that there may be victims trapped inside the structure. Responding crews observed a glow in the area as they approached. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived on scene in 7 minutes and reported a mobile home well involved in fire. They immediately began a coordinated search and fire attack in the structure. Search crews located two deceased victims in the main fire building. A secondary search confirmed that there were no other victims in the structure. Fire crews arriving subsequently provided structure protection to the mobile homes on either side of the fire building. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. A limited overhaul of the fire building was conducted, while final overhaul and extinguishment is pending investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and the Spokane Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. At the time of this media release the cause of this fire is undetermined and still under investigation. The identities and information about the victims is being withheld at this time until the investigation is completed and any relatives notified.

Cause:Currently under investigation.

Damage:The main fire building is a total loss. The mobile homes on either side of the main fire building sustained minor heat damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista, AMR

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

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013032112
Date of Incident: 07/19/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:Today at approximately 8:20 AM fire crews from the Spokane City Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 3418 E. Marietta. Responding  crews reported heavy smoke visible from several blocks away and had dispatch upgrade the incident to a working structure fire to add an additional ladder company to the overall response. Engine 8 from the neighboring fire station arrived on scene first and reported intense fire showing from the front window of the home and fire coming out the front door and extending to a second home to the west. They also reported that one and possibly two victims were inside the home and aggressively initiated fire attack from the front of the structure. Ladder 2 arrived on scene and was assigned to search/rescue and entered the structure from the back door starting their primary search. The lone victim of the fire was found in the front room of the home by search crews and died from his injuries received from the fire. All other responding fire crews assisted with vertical ventilation, water supply and overhaul. There were no other injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department, Special Investigation Unit and they have not determined a cause at the time of this media release.

Damage:Fire Damage was confined to the front living room, kitchen and attic of the home with smoke and heat damage throughout. The house to the west of the home of origin received heat damage to its vinyl siding and windows.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 70,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Four Fire Press Releases from the Last 24 hours

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013031270
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 410 W 31^st Ave. at 00:09 hrs on Monday morning, July 15^th,  for a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported by radio that the rear of the house was fully involved by fire and that the fire was threatening a camp trailer and a boat that were stored in the back yard. That first arriving Officer radioed the Fire Dispatch Center and requested that the fire call be up-graded to a “working fire”.  This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to attack the fire, a secondary fire attack lead, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to open up the roof  to remove the heat and pent-up toxins that were developing in the attic space, another ladder crew to enter the structure to begin pulling down the ceilings in the main floor and to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene  Safety Officer was assigned, another attack lead was stretched to the rear of the structure where the fire was burning freely and that had already consumed the rear deck and much of the back of the home,  and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately all the people who had been in the home had safely exited the building and were located outside. The coordinated work done by the fire crews on scene resulted in a knock-down of the fire which had spread very rapidly throughout the main floor and the basement of this split-entry wood/frame family home. Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours overhauling the scene and searching for any signs of hidden fire. A fire crew remained on scene through the night to locate and extinguish any stubborn fire that was still burning. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained very severe fire damage on all floors and part of the roof was burned away, most of the contents were damaged by either the fire or the heavy black smoke that was present in all rooms of the structure. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident. City Police were on scene to provide traffic control.

 

Cause:
Under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Very severe fire damage on all floors, part of the roof was burned away, many structural members of the building's framing were seriously damaged, a majority of the contents of the home were burned or suffered smoke damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR Ambulance crew

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

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013031398
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 35 E 28^th Ave. at 17:09 hrs on Monday afternoon, July 15^th,  for a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported by radio that there was light smoke coming from the roof area of the house and that they were going to force entry into the structure. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to check for fire, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof  to be in position should roof ventilation be required, other crews were assigned to begin pulling ceilings in the main floor and to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately the sole occupant of the house was not at home at the time of the call. Fire crews found some defective or damaged wiring in the ceiling and walls that had been producing enough heat, especially in the attic space, to actually have nearly burnt through some of the roof system's structural members. Avista was requested to respond and their crew disconnected the electrical power to the structure. The home owner arrived on scene after getting off work and mentioned that he had experienced some electrical problems in the home lately. Since electrical service to the home had been disconnected, Red Cross was requested to assist the homeowner with temporary lodging until the house could be repaired. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained damage on the main floor. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, one senior ladder, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 20 fire fighters to this incident. Some of the initial arriving crews were returned in service after being on scene for only a few minutes as the calls for service in other parts of the City were rather high on this particular afternoon.


 

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

Damage:
Ceilings in the living room and kitchen were pulled and some walls were opened to find the smoldering fire. Some structural framing in the roof system was damaged by long term exposure to heat producing wiring.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

South Regal grass fire

Incident #: 2013031382
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At approximately 3:30 PM Spokane City Fire crews were dispatched to the Palouse Highway and South Regal Street on a reported grass fire. Fire crews arriving on scene reported heavy smoke in the area with fire slowly moving through a vacant lot east of Regal Street. Station 11 crew initiated a direct fire attack at the head of the fire while crews from Fire District 8 assisted with water supply and indirect attack. Several workers from a nearby construction site were also on scene prior to our arrival using shovels to dig a fire line around the fire. Crews were on scene for several hours for mop-up and the size of the fire was determined to be 1/3 acre. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the vegetation in the vacant lot.

2627 N Howard Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013031440
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At approximately 9:00 PM on July 15, 2013 Spokane City Fire crews were dispatched to 2627 North Howard on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this location reported smoke and fire showing from several blocks away. The first crew on scene reported a 2-car brick garage in the alley was fully involved in fire with fire extending to a second garage to the north. A quick initial fire attack using 2 attack lines for the fully involved garage and a 3^rd hose line for the garage to the north resulted in a fast knock down of the fire. A female occupant of the home who had been working in the garage where the fire first started reportedly had burns to her legs and feet and was transported to a local hospital prior to our arrival. There were no injuries to firefighters. Crews remained on scene for 2 hours completing overhaul and assisting in the investigation process. Avista gas and electric crews arrived on scene and removed hazards as needed and Spokane Police assisted with traffic control.

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

Damage:
The 2-car garage was a total loss with fire damage to the garage to the north.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 30000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista

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

Fire Press Release

Fire damages several buildings

Incident #: 2013031038
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 2:30 in the afternoon of July 13, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported detached garage fire at 3132 S. Manito Blvd, in Spokane’s Manito Neighborhood. The first units on scene reported a two-car detached garage fully involved with a car inside. Neighbors stated that there may have been a victim inside the garage, so crews began advancing hose leads with the intent of attempting to locate and remove the possible victim. Fortunately, the homeowner, who was thought to be the victim, was identified outside the structure. He did suffer first and second degree burns to his hands, and was treated by Spokane Fire Department paramedics at the scene. Crews then directed their efforts to confine the rapidly spreading fire. In addition to the primary garage fire, a storage building, a neighbor’s house and garage, and the house associated with the primary garage were burning or beginning to burn. Because of the large volume of fire, the number and type of structures exposed to the fire and the burn victim, a second alarm was called. In all, 43 firefighters on 9 engines, 2 pumper ladders, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue truck and 2 battalion chiefs responded to this incident. The main body of fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. Crews worked aggressively to cut off and extinguish fire in the exposed structures. All fire was extinguished within one hour, but crews remained on scene for 3 more hours completing overhaul and final extinguishment. One firefighter suffered a hand laceration and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. He was later released from the hospital but was not allowed to return to work until further follow-up by a physician.

Cause:
The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and determined to be accidental.

Damage:
The primary fire garage was a total loss, with the exposed buildings receiving varying levels of damage. The house at this address sustained damage to the siding and roof, as well as smoke and water damage throughout the interior. It will not be habitable until repairs can be made. One vehicle was destroyed and one was heavily damaged. Damage to the multiple structures and vehicles is estimated at $100,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 43

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, American Medical Response for medical transport.

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

Fire Press Releases

Those of you who follow this blog are probably wondering why there have been no recent press releases, even though there have been a lot of fires the last week or two. When you see a press release here, its origination is directly from an official Spokane Fire Department press release. There have been no official press releases for the last two weeks.

Why is this? I don't know. Could be the incredible amount of fires lately. Could be the news that Station 9 attacked a fire with a garden hose because they no longer have a fire engine. All I know is that there haven't been any press releases published and mass distributed for a very long time.

 If anyone has any idea why, please feel free to comment.

Local 29 Benevolent Fun(d) Run

Greetings everyone,
I just wanted to send you all a quick update on the run. Thank you for your continued support to make this event a success and allowing us to give back to our community's local organization
As many of you may know, this year, in addition to the Spokane Firefighters Benevolent Fund, we are supporting the following charities: Camp Eyabsut and the Washington National Guard's Minuteman Emergency Assistance Fund.
Right now we are in a big push for creating awareness and driving registration.
Attached is the flyer for this year's run which will be in the August issue of Race Rag. There is a PDF and a JPEG file of the flyer for your use. I've found sometimes one format works better than the other for certain things. (Facebook seems to accept the JPEG file easier than the PDF format)
Please feel free to print it off, attach it to emails, etc. There will be hard copies of this flyer and a smaller take-away flyer available that I will have delivered as soon as possible.
There will be posters available if you'd like to display one in your business, please let me know.
Registration is available at Active.com
If you go to the registration site, I believe most of your logos are now displayed. The only one left to be displayed is Tran Creative who generously designed our new logo.
Please let me know if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. I am always happy to hear from you. I'll continue to keep you updated as we get close to our event date.
Thank you for your time, support, and attention.
Amy Black
Event Director

Spokane, North Idaho News

Saying goodbye.

Order from chaos. In every specific duty a firefighter performs - this is the goal - order from chaos. Whether the call is for a heart attack, house fire, car wreck, hazmat spill, SIDS, high-rise fire, heroin overdose, shooting, stabbing, child abuse victim, respiratory distress, building collapse or any other event in which we roll up to, we are to bring order from chaos. And we are charged with giving all in this pursuit. In 1894, Spokane had its first line-of-duty death. Captain George T. Chapman died when an aerial ladder collapsed, plummeting him to the ground. He was the first of many firefighters to die in the service of Spokane. 

With the death of our own John Knighten on June 30th, we brother and sister firefighters find ourselves in the chaos of loss, along with John's wife Shawna, his three daughters - Kiley, Kasey and Ashley, friends and his entire family. John died from a three-year fight with multiple myeloma - one of the few cancers that has been proven to be a presumptive firefighter cause of death in Washington State firefighters. Since 1987, there have been 18 presumptive firefighter cancer deaths, overall, in Washington. 

Don Waller, a Spokane fire lieutenant, has been president of Local 29, the Spokane firefighters' union, for just over 6 months. He says that although saying goodbye to one of your own may be the hardest things we will ever have to do, firefighters are practiced in this hardship in that "we go on medical calls and deaths of relatives, friends, coworkers, little kids and treat patients who may be in the similar circumstances as your mom or yourself." 

In Spokane, many of us have had the unfortunate honor of stopping the flow of blood from a gunshot wound, giving CPR, starting IVs, providing medication and intubation, defibrillating and then realizing that the person who is dying in our hands is a friend, a former boss, coworker, or a relative. That same guy you knew from a niece's or nephew's birthday party is now your patient. You may watch the life drain out of him, no matter what intervention you make. As a firefighter, you try to be the best thing for a person on the worst day of his or her life. And sometimes, you come up short. Making that phone call to your brother-in-law to tell him of his brother's death, at three in the morning, will be forever etched in your memory. 

Firefighters prepare for and try to be ready for any emergency at any time. This is one reason why every city (except recently Spokane) in the nation brings a big fire truck on every call. Likewise, firefighter organizations work hard to ensure firefighters are able to do their jobs for the citizens they serve. Waller noted that the three organizations Spokane firefighters are affiliated with  - Local 29, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters are all actively involved in researching better ways to improve firefighter health - both physically and mentally. Spearheading cancer research, educating firefighters on toxins, pushing for better equipment  and more expeditious ways to provide citizens service - Waller says firefighters' unions are leading the charge. These gains and tools will eventually help the entire community. 

One of the tools which firefighters use to manage just about every major incident, is not really a tool but a way of organizing and perhaps could even be seen as a ritual. Birthed out of wild land firefighting, the Incident Command System (ICS) is a method to help structure and transform chaos into order. With specific duties, language, levels of command, functional and geographic delineation of duties, the ICS is used on almost every call a firefighter responds to, and has even been adopted by the military. John Knighten's funeral, which was preplanned by John, his family, the union and the department will use volunteers from all over Washington State who are experts in their specific ICS duties - for example, the media liaison for John's funeral is a Spokane Valley firefighter. Subduing chaos into order via the ICS brings predictability and a small level of comfort to new, stressful circumstances into which we firefighters daily encounter. 

A component to of Monday's memorial is the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard - a joint venture between the fire department and Local 29. And where the military has borrowed ICS from the fire service, the honor guard borrows heavily from traditional military honor guard rituals. Kevin Haughton, the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard Commander says that, since it's inception, seven years ago, the honor guard has been providing professional, formal displays of dedication to the fire service in many arenas. This will be the first time they will provide services for a line-of-duty death for a City of Spokane firefighter. When asked how that will be, providing honor guard service for one of our own, Kevin replied, "Very tough."  He reminded me, that the service and the ritual is not just for firefighters, but will provide comfort to John's family and loved ones, as well. 

During the memorial service, the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors of the Local 29 flag.  Atop this flag rests 16 line-of-duty-death streamers, each bearing the name of a Spokane firefighter who has died in the name of Spokane, a person once charged with bringing order to chaos - keeping a city sound, stable and productive. On Monday, Local 29 President Don Waller will place John Knighten's name atop the flag, joining all the others who have, over the last 119 years, paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Don will place it there for all of us, John's brother and sister firefighters, John's family, his friends and for you - the citizens of Spokane. Rest in peace John. 

For more information on Spokane Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths, visit here. 

To contact Don Waller, please call or text 509.991.6959

To contact Kevin Haughton, please call or text 509.951.8061

Fire Press Release

If you are wondering why a firefighter was using the homeowner's garden hose on this fire, it's because the city shut down Engine 9, this neighborhood's fire engine, one that has been there for over 100 years. There is only a two-person rescue truck at Station 9, now. It has no water or hoses. It was the first fire department vehicle there. So, all a firefighter could do was use the garden hose until fire engines arrived. It was a little while before any got there. 

Lightning Strike Ignites House

Incident #: 2013028397
Date of Incident: 06/29/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 917 W 16^th Ave at 15:22 hrs on Saturday afternoon, June 29^th,  to a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported that there was a 2 story wood/frame residence with smoke showing from the peak of the roof. Upon hearing that initial report the responding South Battalion Chief radioed the Fire Dispatch Center and requested that the fire call be up-graded to a “working fire”.  This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to attack the fire, a secondary fire attack lead, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to evaluate the status of the roof structure, another ladder crew to enter the structure to begin pulling down the ceiling in a second floor bedroom and to start covering the contents of the home with water-proof tarps, a Scene  Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately there was no one at the home at the time of the fire. The coordinated work done by the fire crews on scene resulted in a quick knock-down of the fire which was located in the attic of the structure. Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours overhauling the scene and searching for any signs of hidden fire. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained heavy fire damage to a small portion of the attic and to the ceiling in one second floor bedroom that had to be opened by fire fighters so they could get at the fire burning above them. The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit and the initial report, based on eye witness accounts and visual indicators found in the tall pine trees surrounding the structure, was determined to be a lightning strike. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to this incident.



 

Cause:Lightning strike traveling down two tall pine trees that had branches touching the roof of the house.

Damage:Small area of the attic, ceiling in a second floor bedroom.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR to standby for any injury that could occur.

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