Kevin's Ugly Duck Posting Plucked...

Kevin was contacted by Chief Schaeffer who requested its removal. Kevin left the decision to me. I have removed it.

I think all of you have had a chance to read it. If not, either Kevin or I can forward it to you.

I don't know what the story is. But, according to their radio spots - "The Ugly Duck is a liquidator."

That's enough warning for me, and might explain the muffled quacking I heard outside my window last night.

I hope you all are "down" with this editorial decision.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/18/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2302 W. Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On August 18th, 2008 at 3:09 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a garage fire located at 2302 W. Gardner. Fire crews found a grass fire in an alley that was also extending to the interior of a detached wood frame garage. A quick "knock down" was achieved in approximately 15 minutes. Although there was another exposure that was close to the garage, it was spared due to the quick actions of the firefighters. Damage was confined to the garage and some of the contents inside. A total of 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this incident. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews remained on the scene conducting final extinguishment and assisting with the investigation. The residents in the dwelling next door were not at home during the fire but did arrive later while fire crews were still on the scene. The fire was called in by an alert passerby.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents received extensive heat damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Kevin Smathers' excellent response to the fowl Ugly Duck hit piece...

REMOVED!

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2428 W 14th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On August 7th 2008, at approximately 0700 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue apparatus and 2 Chief Officers to a reported home fire at 2428 W. 14th Ave. The first two arriving apparatus were Engine 4 and Ladder 4. Lieutenants Jay Holder and Ryan Reding reported smoke showing upon their arrival. They quickly directed their crews to search the home and to start extinguishment of the fire. Due to Station 4's quick actions the fire that had extended from the bathroom area into the attic was rapidly knocked down. The elderly couple that lived in the home were medically checked out. No injuries occurred at this fire and the fire damage was confined to the bathroom and the attic area above. The fire is still being investigated, but early indicators are pointing towards a faulty fan unit in the bathroom ceiling

PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the back bathroom and attic.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEAS

Communities starting to crack down on frivolous 9-1-1 calls!

Recently we had a third-party cell phone call for a lady slumped over the wheel at a bank drive-through. Turns out she was waiting for the bank to open, and she wasn't paying attention to her posture. Ah scoliosis, the silent killer.

Looks like we're not the only ones who get 9-1-1 calls simply because it's free to call on a cell phone. Other places are realizing what it's costing them and doing something about it.

I would really like the opportunity to call the cell phone callers back. Not to be a jerk, but just to let them know that their reporting a lady waiting at a bank / a bag of leaves on a lawn / a water sprinkler/ a flag flying in the breeze/ lawn art/ a walking drunk man / a billboard advertisement/ a guy napping/ a baby upchucking/ a woman breastfeeding/ a stuck pair of suspenders/ circus clowns eating lunch/ not a chupacabra/ fog/ a skunk - set this diesel-exhaust-spewing 9-1-1 machine in motion. I wonder if some people do this because they think it is funny.

Maybe there should be a law that if you call 9-1-1, you have to stay on-scene until we get there. Maybe we should charge 25 cents per call - a small price to pay if it truly is an emergency. The money could go into our fuel account.

The silliness has to stop. And it looks like other places are figuring out ways to do just that.

If there are truly terrorists at work trying to bankrupt our cities and our nation, I would think that using a cell phone to dial 9-1-1 for frivolous reasons is an effective way to accomplish their mission of economic havoc. Perhaps there is some homeland security money we can procure to stop them.

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/2/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1313 N. Ruby St.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 0630 this morning, Saturday August 2, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in Sonic restaurant at 1313 N. Ruby. The first crews on scene reported a fire behind the fryer unit in the kitchen. The fire was quickly knocked down, and there was no fire extension to the structure. Damage was confined to the fryer unit, with minor smoke damage throughout the restaurant. Health officials were notified of the situation and are expected to conduct an inspection of the restaurant prior to the business resuming operation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was the fryer unit. Fire investigators have yet to determine whether the unit malfunctioned or whether there may have been maintenance problems.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be $12,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 12000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/31/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 502 East Cataldo
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Thursday July 31, 2008 at 11:10 AM (during the 722 Altamont Fire), six companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines and 2 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Hanna responded to a reported building fire at the Applied Sciences Building 502 East Cataldo on the Gonzaga Campus.

When Ladder 2 and Chief Hanna arrived, they were met by security and reported a 3-story commercial building with confirmed smoke in the basement. Companies were utilized to search and simultaneously evacuate the building while others located and extinguished the fire. The incident was placed under control in less than 30-minutes and no firefighters or civilians were injured during the event.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The origin of the fire was in basement mechanical room and cause was a electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was limited to the mechanical room and minor smoke odor/damage in the basement.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/31/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 722 South Altamont
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Thursday July 31, 2008 at 9:55 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Ken Kirsch and Joel Fielder responded to a reported Apartment Fire at 722 South Altamont. When the first company arrived, they reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a multiple family, two-story townhome. Neighbors and Police nearby also told arriving firefighters that there were children missing. The Ladder company was immediately used to ventilate the roof and search for the missing children while Engine companies attempted to extinguish the fire from the second floor. Due to the fire's conditions and construction type, the alarm was also upgraded to a working fire which added an additional Engine, Senior Ladder and Pumper-Ladder. It took 33 Firefighters 45 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the second floor and attic areas of the building. All children were accounted for and were removed prior to the SFD's arrival by neighbors. A young child received moderate burn injuries from the fire and received treatment by SFD Paramedics, however refused transport by AMR. The child was reportedly transported by relatives to the hospital at the time of this release. No firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The origin of the fire was on the second floor balcony. The cause was an unsupervised 4-year old child playing with matches.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is significant throughout the second floor. Structural integrity of the roof members and associated lightweight wood-frame structural members is in question. Re-occupancy is not possible without considerable clean up and construction.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 33
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

Some of you have been asking about the press release for the Dorian Fire. There isn't one yet. Maybe there won't be one because every news outlet was already there. Whenever there is a release, it'll get posted here.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/19/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 520 W Sharp
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 07/19/08, at approximately 1426 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 520 W Sharp upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire department units found a one and one half story, wood-frame, single family residence, with the rear of the structure fully involved in fire. A commercial structure, in very close proximity to the fire building, had flames lapping on its' siding and roof areas. Fire crews had to deal with the fire structure as well as the exposure building. Advancement of pre-connected hose-lines, roof ventilation, as well as search and rescue operations were conducted on the main fire structure. At the same time fire crews forced entry into the exposure building, advanced hose-lines inside, and used exterior lines to protect the building from fire damage. The fire was brought under control within approximately one and one half hours. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to assure extinguishment. Damage to the exposure building was limited to the exterior siding, with very minor damage to the interior. The main fire building had severe fire damage to most areas of the interior and is considered a total loss.

A total of 27 firefighters on 10 trucks battled the blaze at its height. Firefighters will remain on scene until fire investigators return in the morning to continue their investigation into the cause. Two firefighters were injured during the blaze, with one suffering a laceration to his hand, while the other had an ankle sprain.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently undetermined. Investigators will be back on scene early tomorrow morning to continue their investigation of the fire cause.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the exposure building was limited to the exterior siding, with very minor damage to the interior. The main fire building had severe fire damage to most areas of the interior and is considered a total loss.

DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4003 S. Crestline
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On July 14, 2008 at 1502 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command Officers to a reported house fire located at S. 4003 Crestline St. Callers reporting the fire to Fire Dispatch stated that the home was fully involved with fire and that the occupants had been evacuated. Engine 14 was the first apparatus to arrive. Engine 14's officer, Todd Powell reported that they had a 1 story rancher with fire showing from the front living room windows. Lt. Powell upgraded the fire and his crew advanced pre-connected hose lines into the home. Additional arriving fire fighters ventilated the home's roof to release fire that had spread into the attic. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, but crews worked on the scene for an additional 1 hour.

The occupants of this home were very fortunate. They were unaware that a well established fire was burning in the front part of their home. Neighbors noticed the fire, called 911 and assisted the elderly couple from the home. Fire fighters checked the couple out for injuries and found none. The couple will be assisted by the Red Cross.

There were no injuries at this fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: 25 percent of the first floor.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1727 W. Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At just after 1pm on Thursday July 11, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched on a fire in the alley behind a commercial building. Upon arrival it was found that there was and area about 200 square feet burning and extending into a commercial building with a heavy fire load of wood products. A quick attack was attempted but the fire had spread into the structure and a 2nd alarm was requested followed shortly by a 3rd alarm. All together 66 Firefighters, 11 command staff, and several support agencies responded in 31 fire vehicles. The fire is under investigation and nobody was injured. Damage to the Ugly Duck liquidators was significant but most of the business sustained little or no damage. This fire which stretched the city's resources occurred during a red flag warning for high winds and low humidity which assisted in a number of large fire events at the same time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: One entire building and the contents of a business
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 66
MUTUAL AID: FAFB, Fire District 9, GEG Airport FD


For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 9 S Pittsburg
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, July 2 2008 at 3:35 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue Company under the direction of Battalion Chief Cornelius responded to a reported structure fire at 9 South Pittsburg. Within minutes, Engine 7 reported heavy smoke fire showing from the second floor of the multiple-use building as they left the station. The building is a large two-story building with basement storage, two commercial businesses on the first floor and multiple apartments on the second floor.

As initial companies stretched pre-connected lines from Engine 7, the first ladder company fought their way to the second floor to evacuate residents and search for victims. When the first Chief arrived, he sized up the status of the fire and requested a second alarm due to the construction, potential for trapped victims and extreme heat (98 degrees ambient temperature at the time of the fire).

The second alarm brought an additional Ladder Company, Pumper-Ladder, three engines as well as the SFD's Training staff, Red Cross, SFD's CARES and additional Chief Officers. The IC also special-requested three AMR ambulances and their supervisor de to the potential for residents to require treatment from the effects of the smoke and fire.

Over the course of 40-minutes, fire attack teams extinguished the fire. Ladder companies searched the entire building removing occupants as they went. The building was ventilated and atmosphere was made tenable simultaneously. Rehydration and constant rotation of companies were necessary to prevent illness and injury of the firefighters from the extreme heat and conditions. SFD Training and EMS Staff personnel monitored firefighter's vital signs closely and aggressively re-hydrated them during the incident.

The incident was under controlled within 90 minutes and no firefighters were injured during the event. District 9 and District 8 companies were called to staff two SFD Stations during the incident.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The majority of damage was confined to the second floor apartment, unit number 6. The aggressive interior fire attack not only assisted in extinguishing the fire, it also provided Firefighters the opportunity to save the majority of the building and contents. The preliminary cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental--a young male using a flammable liquid during floor cleaning. Vapors from the flammable liquid found a pilot light which caused an explosive fire. The young male was identified by an officer from Rescue 1 and immediately treated by SFD Paramedics and transported to the hospital urgently.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The majority of damage was confined to the second floor apartment, unit number 6. The aggressive interior fire attack not only assisted in extinguishing the fire, it also provided Firefighters the opportunity to save a large portion of the building and contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 40
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 8, Fire District 9


For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 808 W Maxwell
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 06/24/08 at approximately 1352 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 808 W. Maxwell upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews on the scene found a one story, wood-frame, single family residence with light smoke showing from the front of the structure. SFD members advanced a pre-connected hose-line to the fire area, which appeared to be the exterior siding near the front porch. The burning siding was extinguished and additional siding was removed to check for any fire extension to other areas of the home. Fire crews checked both the basement and the attic areas and found no fire extension. Gas powered fans were then used to clear the rest of the house of any lingering smoke.

A total of 10 apparatus with 27 firefighters responded to this incident. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported. No one was home at the time of the incident. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 70 minutes.



PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently undetermined and under investigation. A Fire Investigator was still on scene at the time of this news release. Additional information on this incident will be available later by contacting Lt. Jimmy Bowen at 625-7053.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The main area of fire damage was to the exterior and interior wall of the residence near the front porch. This is also the area in which siding was removed to check for any additional spread of the fire. The fire was confined to the exterior siding and a small amount of interior wall framing. Minor smoke damage was evident on the main floor and in the basement areas.
DOLLAR LOSS: 2,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/23/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2812 W. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On June 23rd, 2008 at 2:25 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 2812 W. Cleveland. Fire crews found a one story home with smoke coming from the attic and roof. Firefighters made quick access into the home and with the use of their thermal imaging camera, they found a fire burning above the bathroom ceiling. Because this fire was in a concealed space, fire crews had to pull the ceiling down to expose the area in order to extinguish the fire. At the same time, a ladder crew was poised on the roof ready to ventilate in coordination with the fire extinguishment effort going on below. As a result of their quick action, the fire was kept small and involved a small portion of the attic. Fire damage was confined to ceiling joists, wiring and attic insulation. A total of 20 firefighters fought this fire. The homeowner, who was at work, was notified and soon arrived. The fire was called in by an alert neighbor who noticed smoke coming from the eaves and roof. The investigation revealed that this fire had been burning for a long time undetected in the attic and was caused by an electrical malfunction in wiring connected to a bathroom fan. It was found that there were working smoke detectors inside the home in the living areas, however the fire was burning above these locations, and the smoke that was generated rose vertically and stayed within the attic space and did not activate the detectors below. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical malfunction involving wiring and a bathroom fan.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to wiring, insulation and wooden structural members.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/22/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 625 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 06/22/08 at approximately 0626 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 625 N. Monroe upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire department crews found smoke coming from the roof and eaves of a one story, masonry block commercial structure. The occupant of the fire damaged building is Golden Rule Brakes. Fire department crews advanced pre-connected hose-lines into the interior of the structure to extinguish the advancing blaze. At the same time crews were sent to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate the heat and toxic gases that had built up inside the building from the fire. The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes, with crews remaining on scene to work with the property manager and conduct overhaul operations for about another 90 minutes.

A total of 33 firefighters on 11 trucks responded to this incident. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and under investigation. For more information on this incident contact The City of Spokane Fire Department Investigation Unit at 625-7052 on Monday.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire was confined to a room in the east portion of the building, with smoke damage evident throughout the rest of the structure. Some water damage was also evident.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 33
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/20/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1306 S. Westcliff Place
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE:
On June 20, 2008 at approximately 0921 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 Aerial Ladders, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command vehicles to a reported apartment fire located at 1306 S. Westcliff Place. The arriving fire crews found light smoke showing from the eaves and ridge vents of a two story apartment building. The building occupants had been alerted to the fire by means of a smoke detector and had evacuated the building. Fire crews found a smoldering fire in the attic area above a second floor bathroom. The fire was quickly extinguished by Engine 4's crew and confined to the ceiling area above the bathroom. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this incident.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause appears to have been an overheated bathroom exhaust fan.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to Bathroom
DOLLAR LOSS: 1500
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/20/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4003 E. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: June 20, 2008 the Spokane Fire responded to its second mattress fire of the night and within a mile of the first one. The second fire at 4003 E. Cleveland came in at 1:19 am and is under investigation. Two civilians sustained minor injuries, one has burns on the wrist and the second was smoke inhalation. Neither of the patients wanted to be transported and was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics on the scene. When the homeowner was asked if smoke detectors woke them up he claimed they did not have any and the smoke woke him up. This is a dangerous mindset that smoke will wake you up as it is more likely to suffocate you in your sleep. You can not beat the reliability of working smoke detectors properly placed inside your house for early warning of fire. The Fire Department responded 7 pieces of equipment with 19 Firefighters to this incident and quickly brought the fire under control with one attack line. The house was searched to make sure everyone was out and ventilation fans were set to clear the smoke out of the house.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Contents of 1 bedroom with smoke damage throughout the second floor of the house.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/19/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3411 E. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Just after 10 pm on June 19, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched on a reported house fire at 3411 E. Jackson in Spokane, WA. One Ladder Truck, one Rescue Unit, four Engines and a Battalion Chief with 19 Firefighters responded to what turned out to be a mattress fire with heat and smoke damage to the contents of one bedroom. Adults on scene indicated that one or more of the 3 children at the home were playing with matches. The children's ages were 13, 5 and 2. Information was gathered regarding the 3 children and will be turned over to a Fire Investigator and the departments Pub. Ed. Officer. Quick action by the resident with initial attack and then closing the door minimized the spread of the fire. Upon arrival Fire Crews rapidly removed the mattresses and extinguished the fire. It was noticed in the home that the smoke detector sustained significant damage due to heat and did not have a battery so was not sounding. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public of the importance of keeping lighters, matches and other ignition sources out of reach of children. Also, the importance of maintaining smoke detectors in a working manner for the safety of everyone in the home cannot be over stated.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but appears to be juveniles playing with matches.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Mattress fire with heat and smoke damage to the contents of one bedroom and minor smoke damage outside of the bedroom.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius, Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 218 W. 25th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On June 17, 2008 at 0351 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus and 2 command vehicles (total of 24 personnel), for a reported structure fire located at 218 W. 25th Ave. Fire Dispatch received several 911 calls from the home owners and neighbors who reported a large amount of fire in the home's garage. Engine 9 arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched and reported that fire had fully involved the home's garage and the 2 vehicles parked inside. Engine 9 extended pre-connected hose lines to fight the fire and assigned work to the other incoming apparatus. Additional fire hose lines were deployed to protect the surrounding exposures. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, but several units worked at the scene for well over an hour.

There were no injuries to civilians at this fire. One firefighter reported a strained shoulder as a result of fighting the fire. The quick actions of the firefighters confined the majority of the fire damage to the garage and contents which were a total loss. The radiant heat from the fire cracked windows on the home and melted exterior yard lights.




PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire cause at this time is still under investigation. Early indicators are leading us to believe this fire was intentionally set.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Garage and Contents are a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE