IAFF AND LOCAL 29 ENDORSEMENTS

Local 29 has endorsed Andy Billig for the State House of Reps, John Driscoll for the State House of Reps, Chris Marr for the State Senate and Al French for County Commissioner.

The IAFF has endorsed Senator Patty Murray.

Local 29 Free Swim Days!

International Association of Firefighters Local 29 (The City of Spokane Firefighters' Union) is sponsoring three days of free swimming for Spokane's kids at the following locations:

Witter Pool August 25 1-5pm
Cannon Pool August 26 12-4pm
Comstock Pool August 27 12-4pm

In addition, firefighters at City of Spokane Station 3, in the West Central Neighborhood, just replenished the swim lesson fund for Cannon Pool with a $300 gift.

Washing Machine and the Brick...

Local 29 Resolutions at the 2010 WSCFF Convention

For the 2010 Washington State Council Convention, Local 29 wrote and sponsored a couple of resolutions. Both were approved unanimously. The first was to encourage firefighters to wear pink duty t-shirts during October 25-28th and the second was to seek legislation to eliminate the super-majority for fire and EMS levies and bonds. Here they are:

Resolution 10-12
Cares Enough to Wear Pink

Whereas: In 2009, the American Cancer Society reported approximately 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States; and
Whereas: 41,000 of these women lost their battle with this disease; and
Whereas: We all need to come together to fight this deadly disease and help lead the way in portraying an image of hope, strength and courage to those women who worry about being alone in their battle for life; and
Whereas: Firefighters normally wear blue 365 days a year, for 4 days we can wear pink to show our support and bring awareness to our community; and therefore be it
Resolved: That the WSCFF encourage their members to participate in the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” campaign (www.pinkheals.com) to honor those women battling cancer; and be it further
Resolved: That the WSCFF encourage all firefighters to work with their respective fire departments to wear pink duty shirts October 25_28, 2010 to show their support for cancer awareness.

Resolution 10-13
Democracy for Fire/EMS elections in the State of Washington

WHEREAS: Currently, fire departments, fire districts and municipalities run levy and bond measures that are not decided by the majority of the voters. A super-majority is needed to pass these measures.
WHEREAS: Even though a majority of voters may want to preserve the infrastructure of their city by funding these emergency service levies or bonds, a minority can now derail the desire of the majority. This is an affront to democracy and a prejudice against pro-infrastructure, pro-fire, pro-EMS voters.
WHEREAS: Democracy holds that there is a wisdom inherent in the decision made by the majority, a super-majority undermines this principle by allowing a minority to make the collective decision. In the arena of fire and EMS funding, this lack of wisdom can translate into lost lives, lost property, lost property value, mounting insurance premiums and population/job flight from areas where emergency service levies and bonds fail.
WHEREAS: Voters have already recognized the unfairness of a super-majority requirement for levies and bonds by recently voting to remove this requirement from all public school related bonds and levies.
RESOLVED: That the WSCFF pursue legislation to eliminate the super-majority requirement for fire and/or EMS levies and bonds and make this resolution a top priority legislative issue.

NO ON I-1100 and I-1105

Chances are you may have already signed this petition - it's the one to close the state liquor stores and to let retail outlets sell liquor. I know Costco six-liter bottles of gin sound appealing, but beside the increase in alcohol-fueled problems we will see on the streets, it will take a big chunk of money out of the state budget. Of course that trickles down to Spokane's budget. From the Seattle PI:

"In 2009, the state Liquor Control Board said taxes, markup and fees provided more than $332.7 million for programs and services throughout the state. Of that, $199 million went to the state's general fund, almost $63 million went to cities and counties and $49 million went to help pay for the state's health insurance for the poor."

Glug glug.

Fire Press Release Five fer

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/6/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2501 East 29th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On July 6th 2010 at 11:46 the Spokane Fire Department responded 22 firefighters on 7 fire trucks along with two battalion chiefs to a reported commercial structure fire at 2501 East 29th.The business located at this address is Blockbuster Video. Initial crews on scene reported light smoke emitting from the eves of the roof. Crews conducted a search of the building for victims while others searched for the location of the fire with thermal imaging cameras as the amount smoke was increasing. All occupants were out of the building upon the fire department's arrival. Crews opened the ceiling and also cut a hole in the roof in their efforts to locate the fire. The seat of the fire was found in an exterior wall and was beginning to extend into the attic space. The fire was located and extinguished within 30 minutes. Ventilation of the building continued for another hour to remove the smoke. The building sustained smoke damage along with damage to the interior and roof from firefighting actions. The business will remain closed until repairs can be made. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was limited damage to the structure from firefighting efforts as previously noted. However, the contents and interior of the building received varying levels of smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
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

Friday, July 2, 2010

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2801 South Grand Blvd.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: At 5:37 PM on Friday, July 02, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded twenty firefighters on six trucks and two battalion chiefs to a reported apartment fire at 2801 South Grand Blvd. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the second floor of a two-story stucco, multi-unit apartment building. Crews conducted a search of the second floor fire unit while others advanced hoses to locate and extinguish the fire. Other crews conducted ventilation operations outside and on the roof. The adult female lone occupant of the apartment contacted firefighters as they were conducting their fire suppression operations to report that she had returned home to discover the fire, and that the only remaining occupants in the apartment were her two cats. She had attempted to enter the apartment to rescue her cats but was driven back by heat and smoke. During their search, firefighters located both cats but were, sadly, unable to revive them. The fire was quickly extinguished and confined to the apartment of origin. The apartment suffered extensive heat and smoke damage and is uninhabitable until repairs can be made. Red Cross is assisting the occupant with lodging and necessities.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the fire unit. No other units were affected.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/1/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 713 West Kiernana Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On July 1st 2010 at 08:46 the Spokane Fire Dept responded 29 firefighters on 8 fire trucks along with 2 battalion chiefs to a reported house fire at 713 W. Kiernan Avenue. The first arriving company arrived on scene within five minutes reporting heavy flames and smoke showing from a wood frame house. Initial reports indicated there may be victims trapped in the building. Fire companies made an aggressive fire attack along with a search for occupants. Within ten minutes fire was knocked down and search was completed with no victims found inside the home. Two occupants who had escaped the fire prior to Spokane Fire Dept arrival were transported by ambulance to Holy Family Hospital to be evaluated for smoke inhalation. Due to the extensive fire damage fire crews remained on scene for four hours extinguishing fire hidden in numerous voids and features of the structure. In addition to the injured civilians 1 firefighter received minor burns and was transported to a medical facility for treatment and was released back to duty. Three occupants are displaced from the residence and are being assisted by Red Cross for shelter and clothing.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The house suffered extensive smoke and fire damage to the first floor and roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
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: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/26/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2721 W. Lacrosse Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: This evening (Saturday June 26, 2010) at 7:09 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Pumper Ladder responded to a reported fire at 2721 W. Lacrosse Ave. Fire Dispatch reported to the responding crews that there was a reported fire in the kitchen in the home at this location.

Spokane Fire Lieutenant Greg Borg, who lives in the neighborhood, recognized the address as it came over his home radio scanner. Lt. Borg ran down the street, located the home and made a quick knock down on the fire with a personal fire extinguisher.

Arriving firefighters from station 16 under the direction of Lt. Jason Reser were the first "on duty" firefighters to arrive at the scene. Engine 16's crew extended a hose line into the home for final extinguishment and checked for any additional fire extension.

The quick responses from Lt. Borg and E16s crew confined this fire to the stove/oven unit and some cabinet work in the kitchen. There were no injuries at this incident and the numerous cats living in the home were somewhat frightened, but unharmed. The cause of this fire was cooking related and accidental in nature.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking / Accidental
DAMAGE EXTENT: Kitchen
DOLLAR LOSS: 3000
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

Firefighters Day Royals vs. Mariners Sunday, August 8, 2010 - 1:10 p.m.

Join the Seattle Mariners and Washington State Council of Firefighters in honoring your local firefighters at the 5th Annual Firefighters Day at Safeco Field. Receive a FREE limited edition Firefighters Day bobblehead with the purchase of tickets through this special online offer (while supplies last; more information coming soon)!

• DEADLINE TO PURCHASE: Friday, August 6 at NOON
• Game Date: Sunday, August 8, 2010 - 1:10 p.m.
• Pricing:
  • $15 View Reserved (normally $22)
  • $35 Field Level (normally $42)
  • 
    
  CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE MARINERS WEBSITE
  

Life Imitates Art - Great Rescue by E-15!

A couple of weeks ago we had these billboards put up around Spokane. It was to thank the citizens of Spokane for their passage of the EMS Levy:


We wanted to say thanks, and not just for the vote of confidence for firefighters. We really wanted to drive the point home that their Yes vote was a vote to care for their fellow citizens in probably the most tangible way you can care for another. And that is certainly worth thanks. Engine 15 did the voter's will yesterday, in a very tangible fashion.

From what I heard, it was quite a crowd that met them as they got off the truck, and started screaming at them - and not in a happy, "Gee we're glad to see you" kind of way. But, 15's crew put on their SCBAs, charged the lead and did the work amidst a pretty out-of-control, emotionally-charged scene. We've all been there, during the fire calls, the medical calls, the car wrecks, etc. where your crew is in-control, focused and working hard to mitigate the problem, while all around you folks are understandably swept up in the moment. They do all they can to invite you to join them in their fervent frenzy - much to the detriment of the task at hand. Great job E-15 for keeping your cool and getting the job done.

Amazing too, with as busy an engine that 15's is, that they were even in the firehouse when the call came in. Usually staffed with only a crew of three, we were extra yesterday, so they were able to have a fourth on E-15. With our recent cut backs and with even more slated, it was a lucky roll of the budgetary dice yesterday, coupled with an outstanding crew's exemplary work, that saved that kid's life.

For the few of those who wondered, during the EMS Levy campaign, why our fire department is also the deliverer of emergency medical services, yesterday was a great example of one reason why - seamless firefighting, rescue and resuscitation. It works.

Fire Press Release Two Fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/12/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1107 N. Freya
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: This evening (Friday June 11, 2010) at 23:43 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2-Senior Ladders responded to a reported fire at 1107 N. Freya (Blue Ribbon Linen Supply Inc.). This fire was called into Fire Dispatch by a WSP Officer who witnessed heavy black smoke coming from the structure.

Within three minutes of being dispatched, Engine 8 under the direction of Lt. Dan Awbery arrived on the scene and confirmed that they had a "working fire". Engine 8's crew set up "fire attack" and directed incoming crews in their firefighting assignments.

Firefighters brought this incident under control within 20 minutes of Engine 8's arrival. Heavy smoke damage occurred throughout, but there was minimal structural damage to the building itself. The fire was primarily confined to linens and clothing in large carts. Crews moved these carts to the exterior for final extinguishment. A fire cause has not been declared at this time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Smoke throughout structure. Fire Damage to numerous bundles of clothing in carts.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1014 East Princeton Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: This morning (Friday June 11, 2010) at 08:06 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Cornelius, responded to a reported residence fire at 1014 East Princeton Avenue.

The first company arrived within 4 minutes and reported a two-story house with smoke showing from the roof. The home was a single family residence with multiple family members occupying both floors. When the first company arrived (Engine 15) they were met with a chaotic scene with civilians screaming to them that a child was located in the basement of the home. The information led the crew of Engine 15 to fight their way into the fire in an attempt at rescuing the small child. The four-person crew successfully located and rescued the child using a thermal imaging camera combined with great basic firefighting techniques. SFD Paramedics transported the child via AMR to a local hospital. Other family members, which were outside as Engine 15 and first-alarm companies arrived, also received advanced life support treatment from SFD Paramedics and subsequently transported to local hospitals for definitive treatment. The child and one adult were triaged as critical; two adults were triaged as serious and one adult was minor. A total of five patients were transported to hospitals by AMR from this incident.

The fire was brought under control within 30-minutes. Firefighters remained on scene for over three hours, protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. No firefighters were injured in this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The basement is destroyed. First and second floors have varying levels of damage.

DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 428 E. Indiana
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Late Wednesday evening on June 9th, 2010 at 11:34 P.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment house located at 428 E. Indiana. Engine 1 from their neighborhood fire station at Riverside and Browne was the first to arrive within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire enveloping the second floor of a one and a half story apartment house. An early call for an additional fire company was made given the large volume of fire and smoke coming from the structure. A rapid fire attack using Engine 7 and Engine 1 with hose lines, coupled with a rapid search for occupants using a Ladder and Pumper Ladder Company was coordinated on the second level of the building. At the same time, a ventilation team consisting of Ladder 1's crew was cutting open the roof overhead for the fire crews inside involved in the extinguishment and search efforts. Three adult occupants were found to be safe outside of the structure. A rapid knockdown of the flames was achieved after approximately 10 minutes. The fire was confined to the apartment unit on the second floor and portions of the roof. 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 apartment unit and contents inside received a significant amount of fire and smoke damage.
The Red Cross was contacted to assist the occupants with shelter and belongings. There were two occupants displaced by the fire in the unit above and one occupant displaced in the unit below.
Three engine companies, two ladder companies, a pumper ladder company, a rescue unit and two battalion chiefs responded to this alarm. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department remains on the scene and is currently working towards finding the cause of this fire. Due to the rapid advancement of hose lines and the vertical ventilation actions on the roof above, the fire was kept relatively small and the majority of the apartment house was saved. There was one injury to a civilian on this fire. He was one of the two occupants in the apartment unit on the upper floor and sustained a minor burn, some smoke inhalation and a laceration and was transported by AMR ambulance to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. Fire crews remained on the scene throughout the rest of the night checking for hotspots and making sure the fire was extinguished. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is currently on the scene today and will be joined by various fire companies to complete the final overhaul of the premises. The cause of the fire remains to be undetermined at this time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Deparment Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The second floor apartment unit received heavy fire and smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
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

24 Hours Round the Clock Mountain Bike Race in Riverside State Park

Local 29 riders did a great job during this Memorial Day Weekend Race. There will be more in the newsletter, but these pictures from Nathan Keen were so great I thought you should see them while the newsletter is in summer hiatus. Great job you guys! Here's a snippet from the article:

"This year we had a 10 man team that competed relay style on a fast, challenging 15 mile course containing places named Devil’s Down, Little Vietnam, and The Stone Temple. Most guys made 2 laps, one day lap and one night lap. One guy made 3. More on that later… Our team this year was: Dave Kovac, Jesse Ayotte, Jim Billman, Jody Shoemaker, Jeff Webb, Jason Keen, Eric Ross, Ethan Verduin, Dan Strobeck, and Tom Carleton from SVFD. "

More at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spokane-Fire-Department-Fitness-Page/295510828718?ref=ts#!/pages/Spokane-Fire-Department-Fitness-Page/295510828718

Pipes and Drums Invite

If you're interested in playing bagpipes or the drums in a Spokane County Firefighter Band, you're invited to an informational meeting at the Valley O'Doherty's Irish Pub on June 25th at 1930. For more information, click on the invitation above, or call Chris Wetherell at 435-2600. Or you can email him at firefighterweth@hotmail.com.

Tomorrow Night - the Awards Ceremony!

If you can make this, please come. It is a great opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and say thanks to those who have recently retired.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 217 West Spokane Falls Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On May 22nd at 2:53 am the City of Spokane fire Department responded 8 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to the Park Tower apartments at 217 West Spokane Falls Blvd. for a reported room fire. Fire Station 1 arrived on scene within 4 minutes to report nothing showing from the 20 story high rise apartment building. Once crews entered the building they reported that the alarm system was sounding and we had active smoke on the 2nd floor. Water supply was established and arriving crews were assigned to search and fire attack. The fire was found in an apartment bathroom and was quickly extinguished. This incident was initially up graded to a working fire which brought additional fire apparatus to the scene. Several tenants were evacuated to the lobby and remained there until it was safe to return to their apartments. This was a smoker caused fire and was confined to the bathroom and smoke through out the fire room. One of the tenants was checked for smoke inhalation by fire department Para Medics and did not require any further medical care. There were no injuries reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Smoker
DAMAGE EXTENT: Plastic garbage container and smoke damage through out,
DOLLAR LOSS: 600.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 240 West Sprague
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 5-14-10 at 6:10 Pm the City of Spokane Fire Department responded 9 fire apparatus and 2 command officers to a reported room fire at 240 West Sprague. Fire apparatus from Station 1 Riverside and Browne arrived arrived on scene with in three minutes to report nothing showing. On investigation it was discovered that a room fire on the second floor was extinguished by the sprinkler system and did not extend beyond the room. Residents were returned to their rooms after the smoke was cleared from building. The cause of this fire appears to be an unattended candle. The fire Department would like to remind anyone who is burning candle that the candles need to be placed in proper containers and should not be left unattended. There were no injuries to report at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended Candle
DAMAGE EXTENT: Shelves and a microwave. No structural damage
DOLLAR LOSS: 1500
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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

DONKEY BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER FOR JOHN KNIGHTEN

DONKEY BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER FOR JOHN KNIGHTEN is coming up! On May 16th from 3pm – 6pm at the Valley Hub; (19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake, WA) players from the Spokane City Fire Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office will be riding donkeys in what is sure to be a great basketball game! David’s Pizza will be selling yummy pizzas at the game – a portion of their proceeds will be donated as well! You may save money by pre-purchasing tickets on http://www.facebook.com/l/6121a;www.savejohnknighten.com/ . See “buy your tickets to the donkey basketball game” box just under the “help save John” box. A fun time and lots of laughs for all!


About - Save John Knighten
http://www.facebook.com/l/6121a;www.savejohnknighten.com
Help us save John Knighten: husband, father, Marine, firefighter battling Multiple Myeloma cancer.

Spokane law enforcement officers memorial benefit & fundraiser

May 14th, 4 pm until closing. Working Class Heroes. 1914 N Monroe. Dinner, dance, drinks. Minimum donation - $7. Questions? Call Karen Kearney - 328-4303.

Fire Press Release Four Fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1100 N. Superior
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 at 10:38 P.M. units of the Spokane Fire Department responded on a fire reported at the Maplewood Gardens Nursing Home located at 1100 N. Superior. Initially, this call was received as an alarm system that had activated and then was shortly "upgraded" by the dispatch center to a full alarm after receiving additional calls reporting smoke on the 4th floor. The upgraded alarm brought additional fire companies to the scene. Fire crews first on the scene reported smoke coming from a 4th floor window and curling up towards the roof. A rapid entry was made into the building and interior search efforts were coordinated along with an aggressive fire attack using multiple crews to confine the fire and safely evacuate the tenants that remained inside the building. A tenant inside the apartment on fire was successfully rescued after being found on the floor by the crew of Ladder 1. After finding her, they were able to quickly remove her from her burning apartment unit. She was transported to a medical facility for an evaluation and was able to return to her home later in the evening. The sprinkler system had activated inside the apartment unit where the fire began and was responsible for assisting in keeping the fire small. As the fire suppression efforts were underway, there were 7 patients that were immediately identified and extra ambulances were ordered to help deal with the situation. Patient symptoms ranged from smoke inhalation to cold exposure. Two of these patients were transported to medical facilities. The fire was successfully knocked down and extinguished after 15 minutes. Station 1 from their neighborhood location of Riverside and Browne were the first crews to arrive. Their quick response, fast attack and search efforts supplemented by other neighboring crews were another key reason why this fire was kept small. A total of 30 firefighters on 5 engine companies, 3 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this fire. The fire currently is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit and remains undetermined at this time. Fire damage was confined to some of the apartment contents, a wall and carpeting. There was smoke damage to the apartment unit including some of the neighboring apartment units and some water damage to an apartment unit below. In this fire, the sprinkler system and alarm system both found to be operating in this complex, were important factors in allowing for early alerting and evacuation of the occupants, and quick suppression efforts on the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Light fire damage to the apartment unit. Moderate fire damage to contents. Moderate smoke damage throughout complex wing and moderate water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4708 North Cook
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:45 PM to 4708 North Cook on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a wood framed, 2-car garage. The fire was extinguished in approximately 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, however the fire is listed as suspicious in nature due to its close proximity to a garage fire that happened approximately 90 minutes earlier within the same neighborhood.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and its contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4904 North Lee
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:24 PM to 4904 North Lee on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a wood framed, single-car garage with the fire extending into a motor home parked in front of the garage. The fire was extinguished in approximately 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire totaled the garage, a vehicle parked inside the garage and the motor home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 12000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 926 E 8th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Saturday May 8, 2010 at 0:122 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Steve Sabo, Dave Haworth and Larry Mummey responded to a reported building fire at 926 E 8th Avenue, HiFumi En Apartments. The apartment building is a HUD subsidized building specifically for disabled persons and seniors 62 years of age or older. The building housed 41 living units and was 99% occupied at the time of the fire.

The first company arrived within 5-minutes and reported a two-story apartment building with smoke showing from the address side. The incident was upgraded to a working fire and companies went to work immediately upon arriving to search and rescue victims from both floors and confine the fire to the area of origin. Due to the high potential for multiple victims and difficulty rescuing non-ambulatory victims, a second alarm was struck at 0134. Additionally, a third alarm was struck at 0145 as well as a special alarm for 6 ambulances soon after.

It took 52 Firefighters just 20 minutes to locate and knock down the fire. The entire building's occupants were evacuated and many of those had to be rescued by Ladder and Engine Companies. Firefighters were able to limit the fire's damage to the first floor common areas and the main hallway. Seven (7) occupants were treated and transported from the scene to local hospitals (one critical, two serious and four minor). Nearly all of the occupants received medical care on scene and varying levels of support from the SFD Firefighter/Paramedics until they could be moved to temporary accommodations.

In cooperation with the Housing Authority, the SFD Command Team was able to place all of the occupants in a local hotel. The occupants were transported by an SIA Bus to the hotel and accounted for on arrival by facility staff members. The HiFumi En Apartments are not able to be reoccupied until significant repair can be performed and approved by the Fire Marshal and Building Department.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the SFD SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage on the first floor in the common area and hallway. The building is not able to be reoccupied without significant repair.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 66
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

Maplewood Gardens Fire Interview

Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 617 W Providence
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On May 3, at 1216 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 617 W Providence. First arriving companies reported light smoke throughout the residence with no obvious cause. After ensuring all residents were evacuated, companies began to search for the source of the smoke. The fire was eventually located in a crawlspace under the main floor laundry room. A small portion of the main floor had to be removed to expose and finally extinguish the fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was caused by lint buildup in a dryer vent hose.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the dryer and the structural members directly beneath the dryer with minimal smoke damage to the rest of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 8821 North Hill N Dale Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This afternoon (May 2, 2010), the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 4:36 PM to 8821 North Hill N Dale street on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing on the exterior of the south side of the 3-story wood framed apartment building. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire that had started in a shrub near a main floor patio and extended up to the third floor and was spreading into the attic when it was extinguished. Additional fire crews completed ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Six fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be children playing with matches.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the vinyl siding on the apartment building.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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

END OF RELEASE