Happy Birthday Local 29!

Local 29 was founded, along with the creation of the International Association of Firefighters, on February 28th, 1918! That makes us 95!

Fire Press Release

North Spokane Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013007708
Date of Incident: 02/19/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative: On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 09:15 A.M., 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to an apartment fire at 603 E. Houston Ave.  While en-route Fire Dispatch reported that they had received multiple calls reporting fire on the third floor of the apartment building.
Engine 15 was the first company to arrive at the apartment complex.  Engine 13’s officer Lt. Reiser, reported that he had a three story wood frame apartment building with grey smoke showing from the rear of the structure, and fire starting to show from a corner unit.  Incoming apparatus were immediately tasked with securing a water supply for the hose lines and searching the adjacent units on the upper floor of the building.  The quick decisive actions taken by Engine 15’s crew in conjunction with support from the other arriving firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes.  The apartment unit where the fire originated sustained heavy damage, however, the fire was confined solely to this unit with some damage to the attic above.
Fire investigators were on site most of the afternoon processing the fire scene as the cause appeared suspicious in nature.  No injuries were reported at this incident.   Only the tenants in the fire unit have been displaced.

Cause:Still under investigation

Damage:Unit 306

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

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

Two Fire Press Releases

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative: On February 16, 2013 at 12:15 AM six companies of the Spokane Fire Department that consisted of four engines, one senior ladder, and one heavy rescue responded to a reported garage fire at 1518 East Liberty.  Ladder and Engine 2 were first to arrive, responding from their Logan Neighborhood fire station Ladder 2 reported a detached garage fully involved with fire.  The fire was confined to the garage through quick actions by all companies on scene. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

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

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013007486
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:On February 17th, 2013 at 4:58pm The Spokane Fire Department responded two dedicated ladders, four engines, one heavy Rescue, and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 East Sharp. Upon arrival companies reported smoke under all the soffits. The first arriving Engine company stretched an attack lead to the interior of the home while ladder crews searched for the occupants and prepared the roof for ventilation. Firefighters located the fire in the attic space and quickly opened up the ceiling to expose it. The well coordinated effort extinguished the fire rapidly, minimizing the damage to the structure. Companies remained on scene approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU

Damage:There is some structural and wiring damage to the attic area.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 3,000

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

Benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Fast Eddie's - corner of Division & Spokane Falls Blvd on Saturday, February 23rd.

From 4 pm to 8pm, your City of Spokane Firefighters' Stairclimb Team and Fast Eddie's are teaming up and hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great Raffle Prizes - Beer Specials - 25% of all food and beverage sales will be donated by Fast Eddies - and as a bonus, the men's GU game will be on!

Two Fire Press Releases

West Central Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013006407 
Date of Incident: 02/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday February 10, 2013 at 8:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1924 W Augusta in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.  While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke could be seen from the home and occupants appeared to be evacuating. Station 3 firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the east side of the single story, single family home.  While en route, the North Battalion Chief requested the incident to be upgraded to a 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene.  The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire on the first floor and basement. At one point in the incident, all firefighters had to abandoned their efforts and withdraw due to untenable fire conditions in the basement below them.  Once the fire was attacked from the exterior and progress was made in the fight, the firefighters returned to the interior to resume their aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s basement and first floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however two canines perished from the smoke and extreme heat.

Cause:Members from the SIU have just arrived on the scene and details regarding the investigation will be released when available.

Damage:
Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the occupant’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited to the basement and areas of the first floor, the need to secure the residence’s utilities render it untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting two adults with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 75000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Apartment Fire with Rescue

Incident #: 2013006426
Date of Incident: 02/10/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:03 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to an apartment fire at 3724 North Cook Street. While en route to the incident, companies were notified the resident in apartment 248 smelled smoke for the past couple hours and described it as worsening.  The fire communication specialists handling the call updated the companies responding and advised the residents to evacuate and pull the fire alarm to alert their neighbors.  The first in Chief also modified the response while en route to add an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and supervisor.

The first fire company arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story apartment building with approximately eight units, however no smoke was showing from the building initially.  Upon their investigation however, they discovered a working fire in a lower unit in the apartment complex. The Engine and Ladder went to work immediately to secure a water supply and stretch a hoseline in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward other living areas in the building.  Simultaneously, companies searched the apartment unit under smoke conditions and located an adult male in bed and quickly removed him to safety.  All companies assigned on the initial alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the initial and adjacent units while trying to suppress the fire’s progress when they arrived. SFD Paramedics treated the adult male and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital and reportedly in fair condition.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in one victim being rescued and confirmation that all other residents accounted for.  The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes hours and no firefighter injuries were reported. 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:The majority of damage is located in the kitchen area. The family is being assisted by Red Cross as the unit of fire origin is not currently inhabitable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 12000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Please Vote No on Proposition Two

Your Spokane Firefighters urge you to please vote No on Proposition Two.

Why? Well, as corny as it may sound, firefighters don't quit caring about the people they serve once their shift ends. 

If you remember, a few months ago, the Spokane city council voted 4 to 3 against raising property taxes by one percent. What this meant is that due to rising fuel costs, rising natural gas rates, rising equipment and maintenance costs, rising electrical rates, rising water rates and rising medical insurance rates, the city will not be able to keep pace economically. The simple majority 4 to 3 vote to not take a one percent raise in property taxes was a vote to shut down the South Hill's Engine 9. Already, residents of the South Hill have seen the bad consequences of this poor decision.

Proposition 2 would require a super majority of 5 to 2 (71%) to raise taxes this one percent. This means that, no matter who you vote in on the next city council election, it will be almost insurmountable to gain a super majority and raise taxes this one percent. That's right - a minority faction within the city council could very much block the will of the majority of citizens and their elected officials' wishes.

If there were to be any tax increase, a special election would have to be held costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. It would be very difficult to get this request on the ballot. 

Proposition 2 will make Spokane a less desirable place to have a business or to raise a family. You witness the rising crime rates, the deadly fires every day in the news. It will only get worse because some in our city council would rather pledge allegiance to power brokers like The Washington Policy Center, ALEC, Tim Eyman and the Koch Brothers than to retain and use the tools of good governance we have entrusted them with. 

How radical is Proposition 2? A 71% super majority requirement has never been put in place anywhere ever before. We don't believe any municipality has ever had any super majority requirement implemented to raise existing taxes. Proposition 2 is so radical that even the Spokesman-Review has spoken out against it. 

Proposition 2 will have no effect on Spokane firefighter wages. It will, however, contribute to a dwindling tax base, as people who can flee Spokane will flee Spokane as its quality of life continues to slide. Businesses will relocate. Our citizen will move. More fires. More crime. 

We care about Spokane and its people. That's why we also join you in voting Yes for Prop 3 - the Library Lid Lift. If you support your libraries, think of the disastrous effects Prop 2 will have for them. 

Spokane shouldn't be a proving ground for the Washington Policy Center and Tim Eyman's ideologically-driven bad experiments and the problems they will create for all of us. 

Two Fire Press Releases

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013005292#
Date of Incident: 02/03/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative: On February 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 am the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, one pumper ladder, three engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1023 West Fairview. Upon arrival companies reported light smoke emitting from the gable roof vents and light smoke on the second floor apartment of a converted multifamily two story home. The first arriving Chief sent companies to locate the fire in the attic along with searching the first and second floor apartment units. All residents were soon accounted for and the firefighters located the fire in the attic above the kitchen on the second floor. The smoldering fire was located utilizing thermal imaging cameras and quickly extinguished. Companies remained on scene for approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.  One resident from the second floor apartment will be displaced until the structural damage and wiring issues can be repaired. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident with lodging. The first floor residents were able to remain in the home. There were no injuries reported from the residents or firefighters on scene.

Cause: The attic fire appears to have been caused by faulty knob and tube wiring as reported by the Special Investigation Unit Investigator who responded to the scene.

Damage: 
There is structural and wiring damage to the second floor apartment unit only.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Red Cross and the Spokane Police Department.

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

South Battalion Motel Fire

Incident #: 2013005239#
Date of Incident: 02/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:On February 2nd 2013 at 17:03 the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, four engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a report of smoke in a second floor motel room at 2703 West Sunset Boulevard which is the West Winn Motel. When companies arrived they reported nothing showing and went into the investigative mode. They soon reported smoke in a second floor motel unit coming out of the ceiling lights. Companies were assigned to the second floor to attack the fire along with the ladder company assigned to the roof to potentially ventilate the attic. Other firefighters were assigned to search the building and evacuate all the occupants. The Safety Officer from Rescue 9 while doing an investigative walk around the building reported smoke coming from the basement utility room. At this time the fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional ladder company was dispatched.  Companies were then sent into the basement and soon reported that the source of the smoke was from a commercial dryer fire. The fire was contained to the dryer and there was no extension to the structure. Companies then focused on removing the smoke and lingering carbon monoxide from the rest of the two story motel. After approximately one hour the residents were allowed back inside the building after their rooms were cleared of the smoke and carbon monoxide. There were no injuries reported from the occupants or fire fighters.

Cause:Although the fire appears to have started in the natural gas fired commercial dryer the exact cause is still under investigation the Spokane Fire Department investigation Unit.

Damage:The commercial dryer was destroyed by the fire along with moderate smoke damage to the basement and light smoke damage to the second floor. There was also investigative damage to the ceiling in one room on the second floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 8,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and A.M.R. Ambulance

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

Fire Press Release

Fire In NW Spokane

Incident #: 2013004820
Date of Incident: 01/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 31, 2013 at 01:59 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 6018 N. Greenwood Blvd. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee from Station 16 arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of being dispatched. (Station 16 is located at Assembly and Sanson.)

Captain McNamee reported over the radio that they had a single story home with smoke showing from the rear of the home and around the eaves. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain McNamee made immediate contact with the family living in the home and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the rear side of the home and attic area along this rear side. These efforts brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 2 1/2 hours overhauling the fire damaged areas and assisting the occupants.
Investigators determined that a fish smoker on the back porch started the fire which moved up the outside wall and into the attic. There were no injuries reported, although one of the occupants was treated for smoke inhalation. (This occupant had used a garden hose to extinguish some of the fire on the home’s exterior.) The local Red Cross is assisting this family with their immediate needs.

Cause:
Electical Fish Smoker

Damage:
Kitchen, two bedrooms and rear attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 35,000

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

Location:Fire Press Release

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013003779
Date of Incident: 01/24/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Thursday, January 24, at 4:19 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 ladder companies, 5 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1203 W 8th Ave. Rescue 9 arrived first from it's 19th and Bernard station and reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 6 unit, wood constructed, 3 story apartment building. While several crews were initially directed to search the structure to ensure all occupants were out, others were directed to attack the fire, make sure the fire did not extend to other areas, and remove the smoke. Fortunately all occupants exited safely and were sheltered for the duration of the incident in an STA bus. The fire was located in a bedroom on the first floor and was extinguished within 40 minutes. 6 occupants were displaced and the Red Cross was providing assistance to them. SPD provided units for traffic control and AMR kept an ambulance unit on standby. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Damage was confined to 3 apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

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


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fire Press Release

Warming Fire Burns Duplex Incident #: 2013003393 Date of Incident: 01/22/2013 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief Narrative: On January 22nd, 2013 at 4:42 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire inside a duplex at 1540 E. South Riverton. Engine 8, from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca was able to arrive within minutes and found a fire that had been in a fireplace now extending into the flooring and flooring system below. Assignments were quickly made to the other units arriving which included fire attack, ventilation, search, water supply, backup and rapid intervention. It was soon discovered that 4 teenage boys had been inside the structure and were attempting to heat it with wooden pallets that they had cut into pieces. The electrical system had been shut off due to a previous fire on January 16th, 2013 that was unrelated to this fire. That fire was confined to the attic space. This fire had extended into wooden flooring in front of the fireplace and consequently, had burned downward through the flooring and into the floor joists below. Ladder 2 stationed at North Foothills and Nevada, had cut an area approximately 3 feet by 3 feet to expose this burnt area properly for final extinguishment and to make sure the fire had not extended any further horizontally through the void spaces. All of the boys had made it out of the duplex without injury. The mother of two of these boys was staying at a local motel as a result of the first fire. The Red Cross is currently handling this most recent case and will be making arrangements for the family. The Avista Company arrived and did confirm that the electricity had been shut off. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is handling the final phases of the investigation process. The Spokane Fire Department Prevention Division has also been notified for any necessary follow-up. All occupants have been told to vacate these premises due to the unsafe condition of the flooring until repairs can be made. Cause: A warming fire in the firplace that escaped to adjacent wood flooring and sub flooring. Damage: Extensive damage to a 3 foot by 3 foot square area of flooring. Minor smoke damage throughout first floor. # Firefighters Responding: 22 Dollar Loss: $ 10,000 estimated End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

North Side Duplex Fire Incident #: 2013002857 Date of Incident: 01/18/2013 Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief Narrative: On January 18, 2013 at 11:41 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 629 E. Gordon Ave. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Ken Miller from Station 2 arrived within 4 minutes. (Station 2 is located at North Foothills Blvd. and Nevada.) Captain Miller reported that they found a single story duplex with smoke and fire showing in the front unit. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain Miller made immediate contact with the families living in the duplex and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the kitchen and the attic area directly over the kitchen. These efforts brought the fire under control within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 1 ½ hours overhauling the fire damaged area and assisting the occupants. Investigators determined the fire cause to be electrical in nature. There were no injuries at this incident. The families are currently being assisted by the Spokane Red Cross. Cause: Electrical Damage: Fire in Kitchen area and Attic. # Firefighters Responding: 23 Dollar Loss: $ 25000 End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release - Medical Call is really a House Fire

South Battalion House Fire Incident #: 2013002498 Date of Incident: 01/16/2013 Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth Narrative: On Wednesday, January 16, at 0146 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 heavy rescue, 1 ladder company, 5 engines, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported fire in a residence with injured occupants. SFD medic units were initially dispatched to a report of an injured person at this address but the incident was upgraded to fire response based on further information. SE7, located in the Southeast neighborhood, arrived first and reported smoke coming from a 1 story residence with three injured occupants outside. AMR Ambulance arrived and began to care for the injured occupants while fire crews prepared to enter the structure to search for further victims. As additional crews arrived they were directed to advance fire attack hoses, assist with searching the structure, and remove smoke. SPD assisted by cordoning off the area and providing crowd control. No other occupants were found during the search and the fire was located in a bedroom at the rear of the structure. The patients were transported to SHMC and their condition is unknown at the time of this release. Cause: Under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators Damage: Damage was confined to the rear bedroom with heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence # Firefighters Responding: 30 Dollar Loss: $ 25000 End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire press release

Basement Fire in Home

Incident #: 2013002293
Date of Incident: 01/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Monday, January 14th at 17:02 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 1639 E. Glass Ave. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Ladder 2, responding from Fire Station 2 located at North Foothills Blvd and Nevada. Ladder 2’s Captain, reported a basement fire with smoke showing from the front door of the home. Station 2’s firefighters verified that all occupants were out of the home, but communicated over the radio that the family was unsure of the location of their dogs.
Command was established, and firefighters went to work. A hose line was advanced into the burning basement by Lt. Todd Chism and Firefighter Steven Harms, both off Engine 2. Other crews were simultaneously assigned to search the home for the missing dogs, secure a hydrant’s water supply and provide additional hose lines to curb the fire's extension while protecting crews working inside the home. Both a Safety Officer and a Rapid Intervention Team were established, and in place if needed.
Within 10 minutes, E2 reported that they had the fire knocked down in the basement. Two of the dogs had been accounted for and one was still missing. The fire was confined to the basement with heavy fire damage on this level of the home. The first floor of the home sustained smoke damage, but very little damage otherwise. Primary and secondary searches were made by fire crews, however, they were unable to account for the one missing dog which may be wandering somewhere in the neighborhood. Spokane’s Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. The Red Cross volunteers do a great job in helping Spokane families in time of need.

Cause:
The cause of this fire has been determined to be one, accidental in nature. Investigators found an electrical space heater that had been left too close to combustibles. The fire department wants to remind everyone the importance of monitoring portable electrical appliances and leaving an adequate clear space around them while they are in use.

Damage:
Extensive fire damage to contents in basement, smoke damage on first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013001969
Date of Incident: 01/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 1306 E. 29th Ave. at 15:14 hrs on Saturday, January 12th for a reported structure fire. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Engine 11, located in the upper South East section of the City, and they reported smoke visible in the windows of one of the units of the duplex at that address. The crew from Engine 11 announced that they were going to enter the structure and begin an interior attack on what they believed to be was a kitchen fire in that unit. As additional fire crews began arriving on scene they were given assignments by the Incident Commander that included providing water supply from a fire hydrant, an Incident Safety Officer, search and rescue of the unit on fire and additionally to force open the front door of the neighboring unit in the duplex as neighbors had reported that they thought the tenants might still be inside. Other crews were assigned to ladder the structure and to be in position should vertical ventilation be required on the rooftop, some crews were assigned to enter the fire unit and help with the pulling of ceilings and opening walls to get at any concealed fire in those areas and the deployment of a RIT Team to be in position should the rescue of a lost or injured fire fighter become necessary. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes. Fire damage to the kitchen in the unit was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened up by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls, ceilings, and attic space. The areas of the unit not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions that were present. The Red Cross is assisting the tenant of the fire unit and her family with temporary lodging and the Spokane City Police provided much needed traffic control on a very congested 29th Ave. There were no reports of any injuries to fire fighters or to the tenants of the duplex. Four engines, one ladder, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles responded to this incident with 20 fire fighters on scene to get the fire confined and extinguished. The Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit has determined that the cause of the fire was an accidental fire related to the preparation of food in the kitchen.




Cause:
Cooking related fire.

Damage:
Total loss of the kitchen in the fire unit, considerable smoke damage to the rest of the fire unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

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

A year of fires on a Highland Park firefighter's helmet cam.

A new year and a twist on an annual tradition.

In keeping with a Spokane tradition, the number of firefighters on the street dedicated to protecting life, property and the infrastructure of Spokane has once again shrunk in the new year. From 59 on-duty firefighters (not counting the 2 response chiefs) we are now down to 56, in spite of the growth in the city's population, area and economy.

It is a well-documented fact that Spokane is one of Washington's most underfunded departments, not just in its cities, but its rural fire districts, as well. A quick comparison between Tacoma, the next smallest city, after Spokane, shows that the Tacoma Fire Department receives about three times the funding of the Spokane Fire Department. Three times! Yet, Spokane goes on more calls than Tacoma, and with a lot less people.



In 2013, response times will rise and favorable outcomes in emergencies will decline. This is not a New Year's prediction. It is simple math. Less people going on more calls has been the trend year after year, but this year, a bizarre variable has been thrown into the formula.



Engine 9, after one hundred years of service to the South Hill will cease to operate in 2013. That is where the three positions have been eliminated. 

This will put a strain on the South Hill. Rescue 9 (formerly Rescue 1), staffed with only two people, and with no way to fight fire, will be assigned to Station 9. However, it is still tasked with some Station 1 duties - Hazmat, SCBA maintenance, etc. Rescue 9 will respond to every structure fire and auto extrication (jaws of life) in the city, so anytime there is a fire or major car accident, Rescue 9 will be gone. That leaves Station 4 from Downtown or Engine 11 from Perry and 32nd to respond into Engine 9's former area.



And here's where things get bizarre. 

According to a new policy, Engine 11 will no longer be taking its fire engine on medical calls, but a small truck with no firefighting capability. That means if they have a fire in their area or in Engine 9's former area, or any other place, they will have to return to the station and swap out of their small ambulance-like vehicle and into the fire truck if they are not already at their station.

In what would have been a 3 minute response to your house that is on fire, it will now be a 10-15 minute response.

Unbelievable. 



Usually when cuts are made in an organization, cuts like shutting down a fire station, there is usually some sort of "force multiplier" that is sought - some new way of doing business or buying a piece of equipment or an innovative allocation of personnel and resources that will help alleviate the crisis brought about by short staffing. This new policy of taking firefighters out of firetrucks, actually divides firefighters from their firetrucks and their firefighting equipment. In essence, a "force divisor" is created. This "force divisor" makes the closure of Engine 9 more detrimental to public safety. 


For 2013, things went instantly from bad to worse on the South Hill, simultaneously. Eliminate a fire engine and then hamstring those who would have tried to pick up the slack. Incredible.



In 2013, the entire South Hill will have only three firefighters permanently in one fire engine, down from nine firefighters permanently in three engines, spread across the South Hill in 2012. 



But, if you live on the north side or have a business downtown and you feel like you were spared from this separation of firefighters from their firefighting equipment, think again. Engine 13 on the corner of Jefferson and Wellesley will be doing the same thing as Engine 11. And, likewise, Downtown's Ladder 1 will now be driving around in a pickup truck much of the time, hopefully not when the 3 alarm fire comes in for a Downtown high rise fire. 



Separating firefighters from their firefighting equipment keeps them from acting as firefighters all of the time. In a new year, with another round of cuts to the fire department, we need all of our firefighters to be firefighters all of the time.

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2012056715
Date of Incident: 12/31/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:On Monday, Dec 31 at 0324 AM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1405 W 8th. First arriving Station 4, located in the Brown's Addition neighborhood, arrived and reported a fire in one of the upstairs units. Ladder 4 organized a search of the second floor and had Engine 4 advance a hose to attack the fire. Subsequent arriving crews were assigned to search the rest of the building,  check for extension of the fire, and remove the smoke. The fire was confined to the unit of origin, with smoke damage to two other nearby apartments. SPD officers assisted by isolating the area from traffic and coordinating help for the displaced occupants. STA also assisted by providing a bus to shelter the displaced occupants during the incident. 3 units were declared uninhabitable and Red Cross provided assistance to those occupants. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept Investigation Unit

Damage:Damage was confined to the unit of origin with some smoke extension to adjoining apts.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 30000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

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

Fire Press Release

Family Saved by Smoke Detector

Incident #: 2012055719
Date of Incident: 12/24/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 3218 W. Rosamond Ave. at 03:14 hrs on Monday morning, Dec. 24^th,  to a reported structure fire at that address. As Ladder #4 arrived on scene from their fire station located in Brown’s Addition, they reported by Fire Dept. radio that there was visible fire showing through a bedroom window of the structure, they also reported that all the occupants were safely outside, having been awakened by a working smoke detector. Shortly thereafter Engine #4 arrived at the scene, their response was somewhat delayed since they were away from their station finishing up on an EMS call. Once Engine #4 was on scene they were ordered to advance a lead inside the structure and locate the fire. As additional crews began arriving on scene they were given assignments that included search and rescue, a second fire attack lead, a back-up lead to protect the crews already inside, water supply, roof ventilation, a scene Safety Officer, and a Rapid Intervention Team to be in place should a fire fighter become injured or lost inside the building. The Incident Commander upgraded this fire to a “working fire”; this up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. The fire was located in one of the bedrooms and in a very well coordinated effort between the crews on scene the bedroom window was broken from the exterior just as the crews inside made their attack on the fire and the crew on the roof opened up the roof. The result of this well planned attack was a quick knock-down of the fire which kept the fire damage confined to that room of origin. While the fire damage was limited to the one room there was considerable smoke damage throughout the building. There were no reports of injuries to any of the occupants of the house or to fire fighters at the scene. The cause of this fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. 5 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 27 fire fighters to this incident.

Cause:Under Investigation.

Damage:One bedroom and contents completely destroyed. Smoke damage throughout. A large hole was cut in the roof for ventilation purposes. Electricity and natural gas utilities were shut off.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

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

Fire Press Release Twofer

South Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012055387
Date of Incident: 12/21/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, December 21, 2012 at 9:33PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Cornelius responded to a residential building fire in the South Perry District at 720 South Laura.

While responding, firefighters were notified by a neighbor reported flames being visible from the two-story home. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and found heavy pressurized smoke emanating from all floors and an intense fire inside the residence. The incident was upgraded to a “working fire” by the first Chief Officer which added an additional ladder company and other off-duty resources. Ladder companies had to vertically ventilate the roof and force entry into multiple sides of the building which allowed engine companies to access to the interior where they successfully located and extinguished the fire. All companies assigned to the initial stages of the fire completed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.

Cause:
The cause remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
There is heat and heavy smoke damage throughout the basement and first floor. The house in its current state is not inhabitable; however the aggressive efforts by the firefighters limited potentially catastrophic damage to only the area surrounding the origin.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire at County Jail Facility

Incident #: 2012055358
Date of Incident: 12/21/2012
Issuing Officer: C. Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday December 21, 2012 at 5:30PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 2 Senior Ladders, 5 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue responded to a basement fire in the Spokane County Jail. The first arriving fire companies at this high rise facility were met by jail personnel who reported a fire in a large industrial clothes dryer in the basement. Jail personnel activated and followed their emergency action plans which continued to provide security to the facility while allowing firefighters to gain access to the basement fire area. Firefighters from Station 4 extinguished and confined the fire to the industrial clothes dryer. Other fire companies verified that the fire had been confined to the one area and worked with jail personnel to ventilate the smoke from the enclosed structure. All floors were ventilated and monitored for carbon monoxide before leaving. Quick action and proper implementation of the Jail’s emergency plans resulted in a positive outcome. There were no injuries at this incident.

Cause:
Under Investigation: Possible equipment malfuction.

Damage:
Industrial dryer.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 5000

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

Fire Today. Why you take the big fire truck and not a little pickup truck on medical calls.

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012055134#
Date of Incident: 12/20/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday December 20, 2012 at 1:50 PM six companies of Spokane Firefighters including four engines, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported garage fire at 5004 North Martin. Engine 15 firefighters from the Hillyard Neighborhood had just cleared a medical call in their district and were able to respond within 3 minutes to the detached garage fire. Engine 15 through their quick attack was able to confine the fire to the involved garage. Other Companies were assigned to protect an exposed home and garage along with overhauling the involved structure. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:

The Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit has determined the fire was started to the exterior wall of the garage from the alley access and has been determined to be arson.

Damage:
Due to the quick actions of the firefighters, damage was limited to the garage of origin and a fence.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 7000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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