Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 840 West Cora Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 12:06 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Cornelius, responded to a Structure Fire at 840 West Cora Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the third floor of a three-story apartment building containing 12 living units and office space. The first arriving Chief requested a second alarm at 12:11 AM that brought three engines, a Senior Ladder and two AMR Ambulances with an AMR Supervisor to the scene. A third alarm was requested at 12:19 AM adding two additional Engines and off-duty command staff.

Finding a working fire in two units and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarpaulins within the structure and making judicious use of firefighting hose streams to stop the fire's progress. Pumper Ladder 13 immediately laddered the roof and created a trench cut above and next to the apartments involved in fire. The well coordinated effort of the firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire's cause remains under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Though loss from the fire was limited to a total of three apartment units and some office area, the need to secure the building's utilities rendered areas of the building temporarily untenable. A total of three families living in the affected residential apartment units were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 52
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9

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

END OF RELEASE

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 619 E. Rowan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, November 9, 2010, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 10:37 PM to 619 E. Rowan on a reported structure fire with flames showing from the house. The first crew on-scene reported smoke and fire showing at the front of the one story, wood framed home. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the front of the structure while additional fire crews completing search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters. The home, which was vacant at the time of the fire sustained fire damage to the front bedroom of the home with smoke damage through out the structure. Seven fire companies with 20 Firefighters and 2 Chief Officers responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours. Fire crews remained on scene through out the night to assist the fire investigator in determining the origin and cause of the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor and crawl space of the home with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
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: Bill Donahoe/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1819 W. Rockwell
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Monday November 8th, at 01:25 AM, the Spokane Fire Dept. responded 4 engines, 1 ladder company, 1 heavy rescue along with 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1819 W. Rockwell. Engine 13, from the North Hill neighborhood was first on the scene and reported light smoke coming from the front door of the split level home. E-13's officer also reported the 3 occupants were accounted for and outside the home. The fire was located in the kitchen and was quickly extinguished. Other crews were assigned to check for extension of the fire and to ventilate the structure. There was extensive fire damage to the kitchen and light to moderate smoke damage throughout the home. The 3 residents are residing elsewhere because of the smoke damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries reported by the occupants or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Being investigated by The Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000.00
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 Three fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1302 South Westcliff Place
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99224

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday November 2, 2010, at 10:11PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Senior Ladders, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Jones responded to a Structure Fire at 1302 South Westcliff Place in West Spokane (Indian Canyon Apartments).

Responding to an initial report of a car fire, the first company arrived within 7-minutes to find several vehicles and a garage well involved, with flames rapidly extending to nearby automobiles and an adjacent 2 story apartment building.

As additional personnel were summoned, firefighters established a water supply and commenced a swift and well-coordinated attack on the flames. A second alarm was requested at 10:25 primarily due to lack of access for equipment, water supply and the projection of the fire threatening nearby structures. As additional resources arrived companies were utilized to protect residential belongings in nearby apartment buildings and limit the spread of fire from the primary apartments and well-involved garage.

Due to the quick knock-down by the first alarm companies, the second alarm resources were cancelled while enroute and utilized for City coverage and handled other simultaneous incidents. No injuries were reported in this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire's origin was isolated to a vehicle parked minutes earlier at the garage/carport location. The specific cause of the fire has yet to be determined by Spokane Fire Department's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The effort proved synergistic, with the flames extinguished in just 20 minutes. Damage was limited to multiple unoccupied vehicles, garages, and a portion of two apartments with smoke impacting two adjacent dwelling units.

DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 10

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 Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 607 East Houston
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 3:31PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 engines, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Moline responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 607 East Houston in Spokane's North Side. Firefighters responding to a report of a fire in an apartment arrived within 4-minutes from the neghborhood fire station to find heavy fire showing from the second and third story of a 70' x 100' three story apartment building. Swiftly forcing entry into multiple apartments and assisting occupants to safety, Spokane Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the apartments in close proximity to the working fire on the second and third floors. A second alarm was issued a 3:40PM and subsequent third alarm at 4:01PM that brought an additional three Engines, two Senior Ladders and off-duty command staff.

Finding heavy fire in two floors and the attic/roof, arriving firefighters commenced an aggressive fire attack to protect savable property by cutting multiple ventilation holes on the roof above the fire and a defensive truck company tactic called a "trench cut." The trench cut was made ahead of the fire's route of travel in an effort to prevent lateral spread throughout the remainder of the building. Firefighters from engine companies were working on the interior of the second and third floors making judicious use of firefighting hosestreams and completely pulling the ceilings directly below the trench and stretching additional lines to key locations below the trench. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's south-most areas and common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2-hours. There were no injuries to firefighters and one civilian was transported for smoke inhalation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The south-most areas of the building are severely damaged. Other areas received varying levels of damage. In all, there are 29 apartment units and 54 individuals residing in the building. Six units were destroyed, eleven suffered major damage, four had minor damage and eight are undamaged. The building has no power and building is posted not to occupy. The Red Cross initially opened a shelter at the Spokane Friends Church (1612 W. Dalke) and are assisting the tenants with temporary housing and assistance.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 48
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, 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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3008 N. Perry
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, November 02, 2010 at 12:49 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 3008 N. Perry. Eight fire apparatus under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Brown responded to this location. This response included 4 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 ladder trucks. Ladder 2 was the first to arrive and reported a four-plex residential structure with fire showing from the out side of the structure. One auto was fully involved that was parked next to the building was also reported by ladder 2. Responding from their neighborhood station at North Foothills Dr. and Nevada, ladder 2 assumed fire attack and quickly extinguished the fire. Other apparatus on scene were assigned to various duties such as Safety, RIT, Water Supply, Search, and Ventilation. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Total of 22 firefighters responded to this fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
Under investigation.

DAMAGE EXTENT:
Fire was confined to the out side of the structure and one automobile

DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000.
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

Full page ad in this morning's paper from Dino Rossi's people tells us how he feels about firefighters and our union....

This full-page ad is from an anonymous well-funded PAC that wants to put Dino Rossi in office. You can see why from the ad. And if you need it spelled out - the reason why is YOU.

These folks who are supporting Rossi think you make too much money, have too safe of working conditions, and are underworked - all this from collective bargaining which Rossi and other Republicans would like to undo and keep others from having.

If you are a firefighter and you haven't decided who to vote for in the senate race, this ad in this morning's Spokesman-Review might give you something to think about.

Patty Murray has always been a supporter of firefighters and our union. Dino Rossi wants to take away our collective bargaining rights and all that they have done for us. And he and his friends are proud to tell you that is exactly what they intend on doing.

Good luck deciding on who to vote for.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2709 W Broadway
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2709 W Broadway at 05:57 hrs in the early morning of Wednesday, October 20th, for a reported house fire. The first arriving fire crews, from the historic Browne's Addition neighborhood, reported a 1.5 story wood/frame dwelling with lazy smoke issuing from the roof and a dormer window. While additional resources were nearing the house, those initial crews were entering the building to determine what was causing the smoke and where the source of the smoke was located. The crews discovered a smoldering type fire located in the ceiling space above the kitchen area. With fully charged hose lines in place inside the dwelling the crews began pulling down the ceilings in not only the kitchen but also in adjacent rooms to get at the slow moving fire that had already done considerable damage to the structural components of the ceiling and the underside of the roof. It took about 20 minutes for the initial crews and some of the later arriving crews to dig out the fire and to get it fully extinguished. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to the owner of the home. The owner was awakened by a loud noise from the kitchen, discovered a ceiling fixture which had fallen to the floor, noticed a bright orange glow coming from the hole left in the ceiling by the fallen fixture, called the Fire Dept. for assistance, and then safely exited her home. Unfortunately there will have to be extensive repairs done to the structure before it can be occupied again, the owner has indicated that she will be staying with friends and/or family until those repairs can be made. Initial indications are that the fire was electrical in nature and an investigator from the City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit arrived on scene to pin point the exact nature of the possible electrical malfunction. Three pumpers, two ladder trucks, a heavy rescue apparatus, and two Command vehicles delivered 22 firefighters to the scene of this fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown electrical type of malfunction in the building's electrical system.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable damage to the structural mebers of the ceiling and the underside of the roof above the kitchen area, smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
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

Fire Press Release Three fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/19/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2230 West Pacific Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 3:38 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 3 Engines, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Green responded to a structure fire at 2230 West Pacific Avenue.

Firefighters responding to a garage fire were notified by multiple callers that fire and heavy smoke was emanating from an adjacent apartment complex's garage structure. A nearby SFD unit arrived within four minutes and reported that a two-story, multiple vehicle garage was heavily involved with fire and endangering nearby apartment buildings to the east and west of the fire building. The alarm was upgraded to a "working fire" which automatically adds an additional fire company and other FD resources to the incident.

Due to a nearly simultaneous incident at 3rd/Maple where a vehicle was involved in fire and thought to have two-persons trapped, the normally nearby fire companies were not available causing farther stations to respond to this incident. The simultaneous incidents led to a longer than expected delay and extremely rapid fire growth.

Once an effective firefighting force was on-scene, firefighters swiftly forced entry into areas of the multiple garage building and made a coordinated offensive attack on the fire with aggressive vertical ventilation by ladder companies. After a complete search of the building, it was determined that there were no occupants present on either floor. The fire was completely extinguished within 30-minutes. There were no civilians or firefighters injured during this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Four vehicles were destroyed and the eight bay garage sustained varied levels of damage. Structural integrity is still being assessed at the time of this release.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/18/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3125 W. 14th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On Monday October 18th, at 1:55pm the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 1 senior ladder, 1 pumper ladder, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 3125 West 14th. The first crew on scene reported a split entry home with light smoke showing from the front door. The homeowner met the crew and reported all the occupants had safely evacuated the house. Hose leads were advanced into the home and a thermal imaging camera was utilized to locate the fire in the basement laundry room. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews ventilated the building and searched for smoldering hot spots. The home suffered damage to the laundry room along with heavy to light smoke damage to the rest of the home. Eight occupants will be displaced from the home until the smoke damage can be resolved. No injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE: Captain Kevin Smathers of the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit investigated the cause of the fire and determined it started in the clothes dryer, due to malfunctioning temperature sensor.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Basement laundry room and contents along with smoke damage through out the home.
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1307 E. Walton Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: This morning, October 16th, at 8:01 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 1307 E. Walton Avenue in the city of Spokane. The first crew on scene reported a one and one-half story house with smoke and flames from the roof vents. The homeowner met the crew and reported all occupants had safely evacuated the house. As additional fire crews arrived, hose leads were stretched into the house and up to the attic. Concurrently, crews cut vent holes in the roof to relieve the heat and smoke, allowing the interior crews to quickly reach and extinguish the fire in the attic. Fire had also extended down through an interior wall containing plastic plumbing pipe, and was burning on the main floor as well as the basement. Using thermal imaging cameras, crews rapidly located and extinguished the fire hidden in the walls, stopping its spread. In all, 3 engines, 3 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue truck, and 2 command vehicles, with a total of 23 firefighters operated at this fire. Four adult occupants and several pets will be displaced from the house until extensive repairs can be completed. No injuries to firefighters or the occupants were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Captain Kevin Smathers of the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit investigated the cause of the fire and determined it started as a result of an unintentionally overloaded electrical circuit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the house was confined to part of the roof, attic, and an interior wall. Water and overhaul damage also occurred in the process of locating and extinguishing the fire. Roof, structural, electrical and plumbing repairs will need to be made before the house can be reoccupied.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
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

Local 29 Nominations and Election.

At the October 12th union meeting, the following nominations were made:

VP- Waller
E-Board- Frater, Wood, Archibald, Skipworth
Grievance- Turpen, Walsh
Trustee- Mathews
Awards- Moore

Having no opposition and therefore by acclamation, Waller was elected as VP, Turpen and Walsh were elected to the Grievance Committee, Mathews was elected as Trustee and Moore was elected to the Awards Committee.

There will be an election for two E-Board positions. On the ballot will be:

Frater
Wood
Archibald
Skipworth

Members will be directed to pick two candidates. The top two vote receivers will be elected to the E-Board for a two-year term. The voting will take place on the Local 29 website's secure voting page. The online polls will open on November 24th and will close on December 13th. Members are encouraged to make sure that they are able to log onto their account ASAP. Once the polls open, they will be unable to register or change their information. If you need assistance, please email one of your E-Board members or info@local29.org. A contact link is provided on the website under "Contact us."

Thanks,

John Griffith
Elections Officer pro tem

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4401 S. Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On Monday October 11th, 2010 at 8:14 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the Wendy's restaurant located at 4401 S. Regal. Engine 11 from their neighborhood fire station location of 32nd and Perry was the first to arrive and found a grease fire in the kitchen. They quickly entered the building while stretching a hose line and also carried a portable extinguisher. They were successful in knocking down the flames and containing the fire to the kitchen area without fire spreading further vertically into the attic space and roof area. As the fire extinguishment efforts were underway, Ladder 1 from their downtown location of Riverside and Browne accessed the roof to make sure the fire was in check and to provide any vertical ventilation if it was needed. Engine 9 from their neighborhood location of 18th and Bernard entered the structure and assisted the fire attack efforts by pulling ceiling to expose any areas where the fire may have extended. All of the restaurant employees that were inside the building managed to escape on their own. The fire was declared controlled and extinguished after approximately 15 minutes. One firefighter received minor smoke inhalation and was transported to Deaconess Hospital and was released later to duty after an evaluation. A total of 18 firefighters fought this blaze. The cause at this time appears to be a deep fat fryer that was in use by restaurant employees. The County Health Department arrived on scene to inspect the damage which consisted of fire damage to the fryer and smoke damage throughout the building.

PROBABLE CAUSE: A deep fat fryer in use by restaurant employees.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fryer received significant damage from the fire. There was smoke damage throughout the restaurant.
DOLLAR LOSS: 6,000
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

END OF RELEASE

No on I-1082

The Spokesman-Review just endorsed I-1082. This is the initiative that would have government L and I go private. In other words, the government could bail out insurance companies with our tax dollars on the back of the injured worker.

Look for Local 29 and WSCFF endorsements in the newsletter which will be out tomorrow.

From Beth Thew:

Please take a moment and read this editorial. We know this initiative was written by the insurance companies for the insurance companies. The article talks about rate hikes. It doesn’t mention that when times were good that L&I had a 6 month rate holiday, that’s not paying workers comp taxes for 6 months. I don’t know any insurance companies that do that for their subscribers. It doesn’t mention that businesses in Washington State pay some of the lowest rates in the nation or that injured workers have some of the best coverage.

Please take a moment and write a response to the Spokesman editorial. You can do it right on line.

Thanks

Beth Thew
Spokane Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO
509-939-0688


Oct 10
Spokane Spokesman-Review
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/oct/10/editorial-i-1082-makes-long-overdue-industrial/

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bill Donahoe/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2105 N. Hemlock
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 9th at 3:20 am, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2105 N. Hemlock. Engine 3 arrived on scene and reported smoke coming from the eves of the 1 story home. After ensuring all the occupants were out of the structure, crews began searching for the fire with a thermal imaging camera. The fire was located in the wall between the home and attached garage. The wall was opened up and the fire was quickly extinguished. There was no extension of fire to the attic or other portions of the home. The electrical power to the residence was shut off as there was damage to the wiring in the wall. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wall between the home and the attached garage. Smoke damage throughout the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000.00
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

Officer Shift Change Poll

Results are posted on the union website. Log in and access from the sidebar.

How many times have we seen this call?

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 707 W. 5th on the 10th floor
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On Monday night, October 4th at 8:31 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of smoke on the 10th floor of the Cooper George Retirement Community Apartments. Smoke was found on the 10th and 11th floors once fire crews were inside the building. A decision to hook hoses to the buildings standpipe and sprinkler systems was made as additional fire crews were sent to the upper levels to assist with evacuating the tenants and searching for the source of the smoke. A fire crew assigned to search and rescue occupants, found a large garbage can inside a utility room that was on fire. They quickly extinguished the fire with their pump can and began to ventilate the room by removing the smoke with power fans. A room by room search was conducted in order to confirm the status of each occupant that might remain inside their apartment units. Fortunately, no one was injured by the smoke that was present throughout the structure. A total of 30 firefighters responded to this fire with 5 engines, 2 ladders, a pumper ladder, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. The smoke condition throughout this large complex became the challenge, as it was increasing in volume after the initial arrival of the fire department. With a large occupant load, and the fire reported to be on a upper floor within this high rise building, the fire department had many challenges to face such as deploying personnel and equipment to those higher levels in a safe, efficient and rapid manner. Special High Rise hose was taken in as crews entered the building as was their Thermal Imaging Cameras that use infrared technology to detect hot spots and people that may remain trapped and unable to get out of the burning structure. The fire cause is undetermined at this time and remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: 50 gallon plastic garbage can was totally destroyed. There was moderate smoke damage on the 4th through 13th floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1,000
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

Officer Shift Change Poll

We are currently conducting a poll to see if Local 29 members want to continue doing shift change for next year or to not have a shift change. If you are an active member of Local 29 and want to participate, go to the website and log in. Then access the "online voting" tab on the left side. The website is here.

MDA video from last week.

Spokesman-Review gets it wrong again...

Jonathan Brunt in this morning's Spokesman-Review reported that last year:

"Firefighters, for instance, gave up no pay or benefits. Instead, the city gave them an early retirement plan that saves money by removing higher-paid veterans from the payroll."

Actually, we did give up benefits. We agreed to dump our really good insurance for a high-deductible insurance plan. THIS SAVED THE CITY $400,000.00.

Come on Jonathan, this is getting a little old. A couple of years ago, we put out a press release saying how we voted to work two days for free for the city. The Spokesman-Review reported nothing. We tried again - nothing. And again with the same result.

It's understandable that every news reporting organization has a bias. That's to be expected. However, the same organization that owns the Spokesman-Review also owns The Journal of Business and, frankly, the expression of their collective bias against our union gets to be a sort of predictably humorous rite.

They say unions are on the ropes, but not as much as newspapers. Wonder why.

Hoppy contact info

Hey guys, check your city email for info on contacting Hoppy. It sounds like he is doing better!

MDA Golf Tournament

MDA and the Moses Lake Fire Department are having having a golf tournament at the Links at Moses Pointe Golf Course on Friday, September 24th. It is a 1pm shotgun tournament and all the money raised will go to MDA! Cost is $80 per person/$320 per team and includes greens fees, cart, range balls and a steak and salmon dinner. If you are interested or know of anyone who would play, let me know!

Jana Worthington
325-3747

Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4323 W Sanson Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20, at 5:40 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4323 W Sanson. This address is located directly across the street from Fire Station 16, which is located in the Northwest neighborhood. SE16 arrived within one minute and reported smoke and fire issuing from the attic vents of a one story, wood framed residence. After ensuring all occupants were out of the structure, crews began a coordinate effort to extinguish the fire. Hoses were advanced to attack the fire in the attic, a supply hose was connected to a hydrant, holes were cut in the roof to relieve the hot smoke and fire from the attic area and tarps were placed on the homeowners possessions on the first floor to protect them. A backup hose was advanced to protect the crews working inside and a rescue team was put on standby to assist any firefighter who might run into trouble. The fire was finally extinguished after considerable effort but the the structure sustained heavy damage to the roof and first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The roof and first floor sustained heavy damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5023 South Stone
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20th 2010 at 4:34 pm, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters. 3 engines 1 ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported structure fire at 5023 South Stone.

Firefighters responding to the structure fire arrived quickly to find fire and smoke showing from the roof of a single family dwelling. To effectively fight the fire the incident commander immediately ordered another ladder company to assist with the heavy workload required.

The companies attacked the fire in the attic of the home and the attached garage while conducting a coordinated search. No residents were home at the time of the fire although 2 dogs and 2 cats were removed from the building without harm. Other crews cut and peeled off the smoldering roof and covered the homes furnishings with tarps to protect them from water damage.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. Crews remained on scene late into the night removing smoldering roofing material and searching for hot spots. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire was determined to be accidental, starting on the exterior of the attached garage in the area of garbage and recycling containers.
DAMAGE EXTENT: DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the roof of the attached garage and part of the home was extensive along with damage to the contents of the garage. The residence suffered smoke and water damage. A neighboring fence was also damaged from radiant heat from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000.00
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

Details for fill the boot

To all who have signed up and any who are still interested, my thanks and apologies! With all the other loose ends I completely forgot to get the info to the mass delivery that might answer questions for many.

For setting up For Fill The Boot

Time: 13:00 - ? Friday for set up

Dress: Casual

8:00 - 17:00 Saturday for FTB

Where: City yards just off Mission Mission & Greene and Division & Spokane Falls Blvd.

Dress: Powder Blacks

Four hours gets 0.25 promotional points so folks have been siginging up for AM and PM shifts at either location.

Any questions call me at 230.8197