Reminder - Borg Bash Today

When: February 6th - 4 pm until ?
Where: O'Doherty's - Spokane Fall Blvd and just east of Howard.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5933 N. Atlantic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: This evening, February 4th, at 2109 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 5933 N. Atlantic.

Engine 18 from Fire Station 18, arrived on the scene a little over 4 minutes after being dispatched. Lt. Pat Sanders reported that he had a single story tri-plex with smoke showing from the center unit. He and his crew advanced a pre-connected hose line into the fire unit and extinguished a fire in the kitchen. Other fire crews verified that occupants in the adjoining apartment units were safely outside and assisted in ventilating the fire unit.

Engine 18 had the fire under control within 5 minutes of their arrival. The fire was confined to the apartment of origin and the cause was cooking related. 22 Firefighters responded to this incident. There were no reported injuries.


PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking Related
DAMAGE EXTENT: Apartment kitchen area. Smoke damage throughout the entire unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
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

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A very nice note.

Engine 3 stopped, blocked rush hour traffic and then pushed this lady's Suburban off of Maple St, back in November. In December, she sent us this really nice note. It is a slow news day, so I thought I would share this. Most of the time, you never find out how things turn out after we help somebody on a regular call, let alone just helping someone you come upon while returning to the station. So it was really neat to hear from her and find out what caused her vehicle and her family to be stranded in the middle of a busy arterial. If you ever get any notes like this, send them my way and we'll post them.

On 11 -- 23 -- 09, my truck broke down just north of the Maple Street Bridge. Fire Truck #3 stopped and assisted me. I am so thankful for your help that day... It was cold, I had all three of my kids in the truck, on my way to drop two off at school. Our family just wanted to again tell you all thank you for your help!

You don't know how much I appreciated your assistance... By the way, it was our fuel pump. It went out. Bummer... But we are so thankful we were all safe.

Merry Christmas from our family to all of yours! The Spokane community is very fortunate to have you!

From: the McCandless/Merritt Family.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2518 E 5th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Feb 2, at 1406 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2518 E 5th Ave. The first arriving company, SE7, reported smoke issuing from basement vents and from the front door. After confirming that all occupants were out, companies began a coordinated attack on the basement fire and quickly extinguished it. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Special Investigative Unit and no cause has been determined at the time of the media release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to bedroom contents with moderate smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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

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Borg Bash!

No, not the usual Borg Bashing that many have enjoyed over the years, but an actual gathering and celebration of Greg's many years of service to Local 29.

When: February 6th - 4 pm until ?
Where: O'Doherty's - Downtown Spokane. Here.

Every union gathering we have had at O'Doherty's has been a very good time. So come on down and raise a pint, eat some good food and share some stories.

Fire press release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/26/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5112 W. Rosewood
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: Late this evening, January 26, at 2146 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 7 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 5112 W Rosewood Ave.

Engine 16 from Fire Station 16, arrived on the scene 4 minutes after being dispatched. Captain Jim McNamee reported that he had a single story home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and living room area of the home. He and his crew made an immediate attack on the fire located on the front entry portion of the home. Simultaneously, Engine 16s crew worked in an effort to determine if the home was occupied.

Captain McNamee made contact with a woman who was living in the home. She informed him that she was alright, but that she was unsure if her son had arrived home from work. She stated that her son might be in home's basement.

Incoming fire companies extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire while other firefighters searched the home in an effort to locate the son. The fire was knocked down within 5 minutes and it was determined that the son was not home.

The aggressive actions of the first arriving crews confined the fire damage to the front porch and living room. Most of the first floor sustained smoke damage. There were no injuries reported relating to this fire. The fire cause is still being investigated at the time of this media release.




PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

Vandals take out Vancouver ladder truck.

Newsletter Deadline

If you have anything for the newsletter, email it to me by February 4th. Thanks, John

Facebook Access

Hi everybody,

During the first e-board meeting I was given the task of aligning all of our media stuff. Next week I will have all the website info to work on. This week I linked this blog to facebook, so when there's an update here it should automatically go to facebook.

Currently there are two facebook pages with Local 29 on them. This is the current one. I am going to ask Don Waller to erase the other one. Many of you probably know more about facebook than I do. I still am not sure whether we should have a group or a fansite or what. I will leave it alone for a while.

I also flipped a switch so you can see all the updates on the Local 29 facebook page. After I get done with this posting it should automatically go there. So yes, this is an experiment too. Thanks for bearing with me on this.

John

Fire Press Relief

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4110 North Cedar
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, January 13, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:15 PM to 4110 North Cedar. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the front of the 1-1/2-story, wood framed house and they could hear the home's smoke detectors sounding. The fire crews forced the front door and aggressively attacked the fire from the front of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants. One firefighter received a laceration to his hand and was sent to the hospital for treatment. Six fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to state the importance of having properly working smoke detectors through out your home. This fire was detected in its early stage by the next door neighbors who heard the smokes detectors activating within the house and they called 911 to report the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by SFD Special Investigation Unit
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor living area with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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: 1/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3004 N. Crestline
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Early Monday morning at 12:42 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 3004 N. Crestline. Engine 15 from the neighborhood fire station at Wellesley and Crestline was the first to arrive within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire enveloping the second floor of a two story apartment building. An early call for additional fire companies was made given the large volume of fire and smoke coming from the structure. Within minutes these resources arrived and assisted in the extinguishment of the fire. A rapid thorough search was coordinated on the second level of the building and at the same time, a ventilation crew was vertically venting the flat roof overhead for the fire crews inside involved in the extinguishment and search efforts. Two adult occupants were found to be safe outside of the structure and all the other neighboring occupants were able to safely evacuate. A rapid knockdown of the flames was achieved after 20 minutes. Fire crews were then busy with overhaul work which consists of searching out all areas within the building for hot spots. A top to bottom secondary search of the entire complex was also begun to confirm reports that all occupants were out of the building.
The Red Cross arrived to assist the occupants with shelter and belongings. The Spokane Fire Department assisted in making transportation arrangements for the occupants to stay in a nearby hotel. There were 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs on the first alarm. The fire was then upgraded which brought another engine company to the scene. Shortly after this, a second alarm was struck sending an additional engine, pumper ladder and ladder company to the fire. Two apartment units suffered damage in the blaze with most of the damage confined to the apartment where the fire originated. The cause is undetermined at this time; however the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department has been searching for a cause since the early morning hours and will be at the incident site throughout much of the day. One firefighter sustained a shoulder injury while on the roof top engaged in ventilation. He was treated and released from Deaconess Hospital.


PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit received heavy fire, smoke and structural damage including damage to contents. An adjacent apartment unit sustained minor fire damage and moderate smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 34
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 Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1712 W Nora Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 01/09/2010 at 1409 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 3 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 W Nora Ave. First arriving company, SE3, reported heavy smoke coming from a 2 story residential structure. The first arriving ladder company was assigned to search the structure for occupants while other companies began a coordinated attack on the fire, which was located on the first floor and the basement. The basement location presented a challenge due to the fact there was no access for fire attack companies or windows to remove smoke. Companies had to manually create openings to expose and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries to civilians and one firefighter received a minor laceration to his hand.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to the basement and the first floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
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




ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2311 N Stevens St
CITY: Spokane
STATE:
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 01/09/2010 at 1110 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2311 N Stevens. First arriving SE3 reported smoke coming from the structure. After ensuring all occupants were out, companies began a coordinated attack on the fire which was located in the basement. Basement fires present a unique challenge to firefighters due to the fact they can be very hard to access, difficult to ventilate, and have the potential to extend vertically throughout the structure. Companies had to remove a large portion of the first floor to finally expose and extinguish the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit determined that the fire was caused by a space heater which was placed in a crawl space under the first floor to keep water pipes from freezing. The heater ignited wood framing under the floor.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to the basement and first floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

Fire Press Release Redux

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Early this morning, December 27, 2009, at 0351 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 8 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 4111 E. 8th Ave.

Engine 14 responding from Fire Station 14, located at 17th and Ray, was the first apparatus to arrive. Lieutenant Jeff Martin reported that he had a large home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and the west side of the home. After confirming that all occupants were out of the burning home, he quickly made assignments for the other responding fire companies while he and his crew made an immediate attack on the upper floor fire.

Incoming fire companies established a water supply and extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire. Roof ventilation was performed to assist firefighters working inside the burning structure. The main body of fire was knocked down in a short time. Initial crews were on the scene a total of 3 hours making sure the fire was out. Three fresh companies from the oncoming shift worked an additional 3 hours removing debris during overhaul operations.

Cold winter weather combined with difficult access created a challenge for on scene Firefighters. One Firefighter sustained minor injuries after falling on ice.
Approximately a third of the home sustained significant fire and smoke damage. 4 vehicles that were parked in the driveway were also damaged by the intense radiant heat.



PROBABLE CAUSE: Although the cause of the fire has not been determined as this time, wood stove ashes placed to close to combustibles is one potential cause that still is being looked at.

DAMAGE EXTENT: see narrative above
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 4:04 am Dec. 27, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department in Spokane, WA responded to a report of a front porch on fire at 4111 E. 8th Ave on the south hill. Prior to the Fire Departments arrival a Spokane Police Officer reported the house fully involved. The first crews on scene found significant fire in the front of the house and in the living room area. Because the front porch had been severely damaged attack lines had to be pulled to the rear of the house to begin an interior fire attack using 1 ¾" hose lines. The first crews reported that everyone was out of the house. The fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional Engine and Ladder above the working fire response were requested. A total of 7 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue Unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded with total of 38 Firefighters leaving only 6 fire apparatus to cover the City. A knock down of the main fire occurred rather quickly but the fire had gotten into the structure and attic so a total extinguishment will be slow and tedious as hidden fire is searched out and extinguished. There were no injuries reported of civilians or Firefighters. The house has significant damage and is under investigation by a Fire Investigator from the Departments Special Investigation Unit. Red Cross is assisting the residents and Spokanimal was called for to assist their dog living in the backyard. AVISTA responded to cut electrical power to the structure and to lock off the gas meter which had been turned off.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the front of the house and living room area of the main floor. Also fire damage to the attic with heat and smoke damage throughout the main floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
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

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Christmas message from exiting Bill Jackman...

"Being this is my last day on the SFD, I thought I would spread a little Christmas to some of our less fortunate folks. This family stated 'This is the best thing we ever got for Christmas.'"

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Bown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5919 North Atlantic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On the morning of 12/21/09 the Spokane City Fire Department responded 2 Engine companies 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 heavy Rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs to 5919 North Atlantic. PL 13 arrived on scene and reported that smoke was showing from under the eves of a 1 story 1200 square foot house. E3 was assigned to interior fire attack while the crew on Pl 13 was split into two teams. Team A was assigned to search the interior and team B was sent to the roof to provide ventilation to release the hot smoke and gases .Other companies were assigned to the incident as they arrived.
Quick action by arriving companies resulted in a fast extinguishment of the fire. The fire was confined to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout. The fire was declared out in about 20 minutes. There were no reported injuries and no one was found during the search. The house was vacant and the cause if this fire is under investigation.




PROBABLE CAUSE: This is under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The interior of the house had extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000,00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
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

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LEOFF Trustee election

There is an election for Trustee for the LEOFF Trust Board going on right now. The election is being done by Wintson and Cashett and if you are on the Trust you should have recieved a ballot from them a few weeks ago. Please return your ballot immediately, and if by mistake you threw it away,you can contact Janelle or Cindy at 838-6131 to find out about casting your vote. Thank you
P.S. The Local has endorsed Greg Haff.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4th and Myrtle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Friday December 18, 2009 at 2340 hours, Engine 14 was dispatched to the area of 4th Ave. and Myrtle to investigate "smoke in the area". Engine 14 under the direction of Lieutenant Terry Smith located a home that was heavily charged with smoke and flames.

Lieutenant Smith requested a regular fire response from Fire Dispatch while he and his crew went to work. Two additional Engines, a Ladder, Pumper Ladder, Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Upon their arrival, the additional crews searched, ventilated and manned additional hose lines.

This structure was not occupied and has been vacant for some time. The fire was extinguished in a relatively short period of time. However, fire crews were on the scene performing overhaul for several hours. Final extinguishment was difficult due to several layers of roofing and a remodel that had taken place over the years.

There were no injuries at this fire and the cause is still under investigation


PROBABLE CAUSE: Cause Still Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total Loss
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
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: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4822 N. Nelson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Just before 11:30 am Friday December 18, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 4822 N. Nelson. Upon arrival of Engine 15 the first apparatus on scene they reported smoke coming from apartment 6 on the second floor. They initiated a fire attack using a 1 ¾" pre connected hose line once a second apparatus was on scene. Additional crews were used for ventilating the smoke out of the apartment, setting a rapid intervention team and checking for extension of the fire beyond the room of origin as well as looking out for the needs of all residents of the apartment building. The additional crews arriving where to include 2 more Engine Companies, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue crew and 2 Battalion Chiefs. The fast attack on the fire kept the damage confined to the contents in the bedroom where the fire originated and kept the fire out of the structure. The apartments on both sides and the apartment above the fire were checked for extension and none was found. The air quality was checked in all of the apartments for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. All air samples were found to be within safe limits. Red Cross was contacted to assist 1 adult and 3 children living in apartment 6. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. One concern which is not determined to be the cause of the fire was clothing and combustibles up against a baseboard heater. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind people during the heating season to be very careful with all heating devices and keep combustibles away from all equipment used for heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to contents of bedroom and smoke throughout the apartment.
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: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2404 West Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, December 16, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 9:54 AM to 2404 West Longfellow, Glover Jr. High on a reported fire in the building. Fire crews arriving on scene found light smoke showing in one of the hallways and upon further investigation discovered a small fire at an electrical panel at the buildings west wing. The fire was quickly extinguished and the remaining fire crews isolated the hallway from the rest of the school and began a systematic removal of smoke from the structure. Spokane Public School representatives' were on scene to direct all evacuation and student transfers to another location. One firefighter was injured when he slipped on an unsecured cover over an underground vault. There were no reported injuries to any civilians

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire damage was confined to an electrical panel and its associated wiring.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
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