Unfair Labor Practice Arbitration Hearings

Local 29 members, please check your email for very important information regarding today's arbitration meeting and other information.

Fire Press Release

West Plains 3rd Alarm 

Incident #: 2013033997
Date of Incident: 07/29/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday July 29, 2013 at 4:25 AM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe responded to a reported residential apartment fire at 7723 West State Route 2.

The first fire company arrived within just minutes of being dispatched, due to the proximity of the Station 6 to the apartment units located in the newly annexed area on the West Plains. As Engine 6 arrived they reported a large amount of fire and heavy smoke showing from the two-story apartment building complex and almost immediately requested the incident to be upgraded to a working fire. The initial companies were faced with a rapidly escalating fire that had begun to spread to other areas of the building and had already vented through the roof. Without knowing the status of residents and fearing for multiple rescues from occupied adjacent units, a second alarm was requested at 4:33 AM with a special request for two ambulances with an AMR Supervisor. The sheer numbers of firefighters needed to force entry, search, ventilate and suppress the fire from the second floor eventually led to a third alarm being requested at 5:11 AM.  The incident commander's tactics combined with aggressive firefighting were successful in containing the fire to the primary area of origin while simultaneously protecting the safe egress for occupants.

Fifteen citizens occupied the wing of the apartment building affected by the fire and were all accounted for and escaped safely (some with firefighter assistance). Five occupants lived in the unit of origin (2 adults and 3 children): Three of those were evaluated by Paramedics for injuries but none were transported by ambulance. It took just over an hour for the 45+ firefighters to confine and extinguished the blaze and limit loss for the occupants.
 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SFD’s SIU and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

Damage:The majority of the 16-unit apartment complex was saved and damage was limited primarily to two units. Firefighters are expected to remain on-scene all morning protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations.

# Firefighters Responding: 45

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 10, Airway Heights FD, Fairchild AFB, Washington State Patrol

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

Fire Press Release

2125 W Sinto Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013033580
Date of Incident: 07/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 5:50 PM to a reported structure fire at 2125 W. Sinto. First arriving fire crew was Engine 3 from their neighborhood fire station at Indiana and Ash and they reported a 1.5 story wood frame residential structure with smoke showing from the south side of the home. Upon further investigation they found a fire at the back of the home that was extending up the siding and into the interior of the home. They initiated fire attack from the exterior and prevented the fire from spreading to the homes attic while other fire crews attacked the fire from the interior preventing the fire from extending into the main floor and the 2nd floor.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the rear of the house, the back porch and the attic on the southeast corner of the home with smoke damage throughout the second floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista

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


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fire Press Releases - Two

South Battalion Fatality Fire

Incident #: 2013032624
Date of Incident: 07/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:At 12:13 A.M. on Monday, July 22, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported mobile home fire at 2311 W. 16^th Ave. Callers reported that there may be victims trapped inside the structure. Responding crews observed a glow in the area as they approached. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived on scene in 7 minutes and reported a mobile home well involved in fire. They immediately began a coordinated search and fire attack in the structure. Search crews located two deceased victims in the main fire building. A secondary search confirmed that there were no other victims in the structure. Fire crews arriving subsequently provided structure protection to the mobile homes on either side of the fire building. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. A limited overhaul of the fire building was conducted, while final overhaul and extinguishment is pending investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and the Spokane Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. At the time of this media release the cause of this fire is undetermined and still under investigation. The identities and information about the victims is being withheld at this time until the investigation is completed and any relatives notified.

Cause:Currently under investigation.

Damage:The main fire building is a total loss. The mobile homes on either side of the main fire building sustained minor heat damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista, AMR

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

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013032112
Date of Incident: 07/19/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:Today at approximately 8:20 AM fire crews from the Spokane City Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 3418 E. Marietta. Responding  crews reported heavy smoke visible from several blocks away and had dispatch upgrade the incident to a working structure fire to add an additional ladder company to the overall response. Engine 8 from the neighboring fire station arrived on scene first and reported intense fire showing from the front window of the home and fire coming out the front door and extending to a second home to the west. They also reported that one and possibly two victims were inside the home and aggressively initiated fire attack from the front of the structure. Ladder 2 arrived on scene and was assigned to search/rescue and entered the structure from the back door starting their primary search. The lone victim of the fire was found in the front room of the home by search crews and died from his injuries received from the fire. All other responding fire crews assisted with vertical ventilation, water supply and overhaul. There were no other injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department, Special Investigation Unit and they have not determined a cause at the time of this media release.

Damage:Fire Damage was confined to the front living room, kitchen and attic of the home with smoke and heat damage throughout. The house to the west of the home of origin received heat damage to its vinyl siding and windows.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 70,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Four Fire Press Releases from the Last 24 hours

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013031270
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 410 W 31^st Ave. at 00:09 hrs on Monday morning, July 15^th,  for a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported by radio that the rear of the house was fully involved by fire and that the fire was threatening a camp trailer and a boat that were stored in the back yard. That first arriving Officer radioed the Fire Dispatch Center and requested that the fire call be up-graded to a “working fire”.  This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to attack the fire, a secondary fire attack lead, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to open up the roof  to remove the heat and pent-up toxins that were developing in the attic space, another ladder crew to enter the structure to begin pulling down the ceilings in the main floor and to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene  Safety Officer was assigned, another attack lead was stretched to the rear of the structure where the fire was burning freely and that had already consumed the rear deck and much of the back of the home,  and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately all the people who had been in the home had safely exited the building and were located outside. The coordinated work done by the fire crews on scene resulted in a knock-down of the fire which had spread very rapidly throughout the main floor and the basement of this split-entry wood/frame family home. Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours overhauling the scene and searching for any signs of hidden fire. A fire crew remained on scene through the night to locate and extinguish any stubborn fire that was still burning. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained very severe fire damage on all floors and part of the roof was burned away, most of the contents were damaged by either the fire or the heavy black smoke that was present in all rooms of the structure. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident. City Police were on scene to provide traffic control.

 

Cause:
Under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Very severe fire damage on all floors, part of the roof was burned away, many structural members of the building's framing were seriously damaged, a majority of the contents of the home were burned or suffered smoke damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR Ambulance crew

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

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013031398
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 35 E 28^th Ave. at 17:09 hrs on Monday afternoon, July 15^th,  for a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported by radio that there was light smoke coming from the roof area of the house and that they were going to force entry into the structure. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to check for fire, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof  to be in position should roof ventilation be required, other crews were assigned to begin pulling ceilings in the main floor and to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately the sole occupant of the house was not at home at the time of the call. Fire crews found some defective or damaged wiring in the ceiling and walls that had been producing enough heat, especially in the attic space, to actually have nearly burnt through some of the roof system's structural members. Avista was requested to respond and their crew disconnected the electrical power to the structure. The home owner arrived on scene after getting off work and mentioned that he had experienced some electrical problems in the home lately. Since electrical service to the home had been disconnected, Red Cross was requested to assist the homeowner with temporary lodging until the house could be repaired. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained damage on the main floor. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, one senior ladder, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 20 fire fighters to this incident. Some of the initial arriving crews were returned in service after being on scene for only a few minutes as the calls for service in other parts of the City were rather high on this particular afternoon.


 

Cause:
Currently under investigation by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Ceilings in the living room and kitchen were pulled and some walls were opened to find the smoldering fire. Some structural framing in the roof system was damaged by long term exposure to heat producing wiring.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

South Regal grass fire

Incident #: 2013031382
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At approximately 3:30 PM Spokane City Fire crews were dispatched to the Palouse Highway and South Regal Street on a reported grass fire. Fire crews arriving on scene reported heavy smoke in the area with fire slowly moving through a vacant lot east of Regal Street. Station 11 crew initiated a direct fire attack at the head of the fire while crews from Fire District 8 assisted with water supply and indirect attack. Several workers from a nearby construction site were also on scene prior to our arrival using shovels to dig a fire line around the fire. Crews were on scene for several hours for mop-up and the size of the fire was determined to be 1/3 acre. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane City Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the vegetation in the vacant lot.

2627 N Howard Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013031440
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At approximately 9:00 PM on July 15, 2013 Spokane City Fire crews were dispatched to 2627 North Howard on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this location reported smoke and fire showing from several blocks away. The first crew on scene reported a 2-car brick garage in the alley was fully involved in fire with fire extending to a second garage to the north. A quick initial fire attack using 2 attack lines for the fully involved garage and a 3^rd hose line for the garage to the north resulted in a fast knock down of the fire. A female occupant of the home who had been working in the garage where the fire first started reportedly had burns to her legs and feet and was transported to a local hospital prior to our arrival. There were no injuries to firefighters. Crews remained on scene for 2 hours completing overhaul and assisting in the investigation process. Avista gas and electric crews arrived on scene and removed hazards as needed and Spokane Police assisted with traffic control.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The 2-car garage was a total loss with fire damage to the garage to the north.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 30000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista

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

Fire Press Release

Fire damages several buildings

Incident #: 2013031038
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 2:30 in the afternoon of July 13, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported detached garage fire at 3132 S. Manito Blvd, in Spokane’s Manito Neighborhood. The first units on scene reported a two-car detached garage fully involved with a car inside. Neighbors stated that there may have been a victim inside the garage, so crews began advancing hose leads with the intent of attempting to locate and remove the possible victim. Fortunately, the homeowner, who was thought to be the victim, was identified outside the structure. He did suffer first and second degree burns to his hands, and was treated by Spokane Fire Department paramedics at the scene. Crews then directed their efforts to confine the rapidly spreading fire. In addition to the primary garage fire, a storage building, a neighbor’s house and garage, and the house associated with the primary garage were burning or beginning to burn. Because of the large volume of fire, the number and type of structures exposed to the fire and the burn victim, a second alarm was called. In all, 43 firefighters on 9 engines, 2 pumper ladders, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue truck and 2 battalion chiefs responded to this incident. The main body of fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. Crews worked aggressively to cut off and extinguish fire in the exposed structures. All fire was extinguished within one hour, but crews remained on scene for 3 more hours completing overhaul and final extinguishment. One firefighter suffered a hand laceration and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. He was later released from the hospital but was not allowed to return to work until further follow-up by a physician.

Cause:
The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and determined to be accidental.

Damage:
The primary fire garage was a total loss, with the exposed buildings receiving varying levels of damage. The house at this address sustained damage to the siding and roof, as well as smoke and water damage throughout the interior. It will not be habitable until repairs can be made. One vehicle was destroyed and one was heavily damaged. Damage to the multiple structures and vehicles is estimated at $100,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 43

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, American Medical Response for medical transport.

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

Fire Press Releases

Those of you who follow this blog are probably wondering why there have been no recent press releases, even though there have been a lot of fires the last week or two. When you see a press release here, its origination is directly from an official Spokane Fire Department press release. There have been no official press releases for the last two weeks.

Why is this? I don't know. Could be the incredible amount of fires lately. Could be the news that Station 9 attacked a fire with a garden hose because they no longer have a fire engine. All I know is that there haven't been any press releases published and mass distributed for a very long time.

 If anyone has any idea why, please feel free to comment.

Local 29 Benevolent Fun(d) Run

Greetings everyone,
I just wanted to send you all a quick update on the run. Thank you for your continued support to make this event a success and allowing us to give back to our community's local organization
As many of you may know, this year, in addition to the Spokane Firefighters Benevolent Fund, we are supporting the following charities: Camp Eyabsut and the Washington National Guard's Minuteman Emergency Assistance Fund.
Right now we are in a big push for creating awareness and driving registration.
Attached is the flyer for this year's run which will be in the August issue of Race Rag. There is a PDF and a JPEG file of the flyer for your use. I've found sometimes one format works better than the other for certain things. (Facebook seems to accept the JPEG file easier than the PDF format)
Please feel free to print it off, attach it to emails, etc. There will be hard copies of this flyer and a smaller take-away flyer available that I will have delivered as soon as possible.
There will be posters available if you'd like to display one in your business, please let me know.
Registration is available at Active.com
If you go to the registration site, I believe most of your logos are now displayed. The only one left to be displayed is Tran Creative who generously designed our new logo.
Please let me know if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. I am always happy to hear from you. I'll continue to keep you updated as we get close to our event date.
Thank you for your time, support, and attention.
Amy Black
Event Director

Spokane, North Idaho News

Saying goodbye.

Order from chaos. In every specific duty a firefighter performs - this is the goal - order from chaos. Whether the call is for a heart attack, house fire, car wreck, hazmat spill, SIDS, high-rise fire, heroin overdose, shooting, stabbing, child abuse victim, respiratory distress, building collapse or any other event in which we roll up to, we are to bring order from chaos. And we are charged with giving all in this pursuit. In 1894, Spokane had its first line-of-duty death. Captain George T. Chapman died when an aerial ladder collapsed, plummeting him to the ground. He was the first of many firefighters to die in the service of Spokane. 

With the death of our own John Knighten on June 30th, we brother and sister firefighters find ourselves in the chaos of loss, along with John's wife Shawna, his three daughters - Kiley, Kasey and Ashley, friends and his entire family. John died from a three-year fight with multiple myeloma - one of the few cancers that has been proven to be a presumptive firefighter cause of death in Washington State firefighters. Since 1987, there have been 18 presumptive firefighter cancer deaths, overall, in Washington. 

Don Waller, a Spokane fire lieutenant, has been president of Local 29, the Spokane firefighters' union, for just over 6 months. He says that although saying goodbye to one of your own may be the hardest things we will ever have to do, firefighters are practiced in this hardship in that "we go on medical calls and deaths of relatives, friends, coworkers, little kids and treat patients who may be in the similar circumstances as your mom or yourself." 

In Spokane, many of us have had the unfortunate honor of stopping the flow of blood from a gunshot wound, giving CPR, starting IVs, providing medication and intubation, defibrillating and then realizing that the person who is dying in our hands is a friend, a former boss, coworker, or a relative. That same guy you knew from a niece's or nephew's birthday party is now your patient. You may watch the life drain out of him, no matter what intervention you make. As a firefighter, you try to be the best thing for a person on the worst day of his or her life. And sometimes, you come up short. Making that phone call to your brother-in-law to tell him of his brother's death, at three in the morning, will be forever etched in your memory. 

Firefighters prepare for and try to be ready for any emergency at any time. This is one reason why every city (except recently Spokane) in the nation brings a big fire truck on every call. Likewise, firefighter organizations work hard to ensure firefighters are able to do their jobs for the citizens they serve. Waller noted that the three organizations Spokane firefighters are affiliated with  - Local 29, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters are all actively involved in researching better ways to improve firefighter health - both physically and mentally. Spearheading cancer research, educating firefighters on toxins, pushing for better equipment  and more expeditious ways to provide citizens service - Waller says firefighters' unions are leading the charge. These gains and tools will eventually help the entire community. 

One of the tools which firefighters use to manage just about every major incident, is not really a tool but a way of organizing and perhaps could even be seen as a ritual. Birthed out of wild land firefighting, the Incident Command System (ICS) is a method to help structure and transform chaos into order. With specific duties, language, levels of command, functional and geographic delineation of duties, the ICS is used on almost every call a firefighter responds to, and has even been adopted by the military. John Knighten's funeral, which was preplanned by John, his family, the union and the department will use volunteers from all over Washington State who are experts in their specific ICS duties - for example, the media liaison for John's funeral is a Spokane Valley firefighter. Subduing chaos into order via the ICS brings predictability and a small level of comfort to new, stressful circumstances into which we firefighters daily encounter. 

A component to of Monday's memorial is the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard - a joint venture between the fire department and Local 29. And where the military has borrowed ICS from the fire service, the honor guard borrows heavily from traditional military honor guard rituals. Kevin Haughton, the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard Commander says that, since it's inception, seven years ago, the honor guard has been providing professional, formal displays of dedication to the fire service in many arenas. This will be the first time they will provide services for a line-of-duty death for a City of Spokane firefighter. When asked how that will be, providing honor guard service for one of our own, Kevin replied, "Very tough."  He reminded me, that the service and the ritual is not just for firefighters, but will provide comfort to John's family and loved ones, as well. 

During the memorial service, the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors of the Local 29 flag.  Atop this flag rests 16 line-of-duty-death streamers, each bearing the name of a Spokane firefighter who has died in the name of Spokane, a person once charged with bringing order to chaos - keeping a city sound, stable and productive. On Monday, Local 29 President Don Waller will place John Knighten's name atop the flag, joining all the others who have, over the last 119 years, paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Don will place it there for all of us, John's brother and sister firefighters, John's family, his friends and for you - the citizens of Spokane. Rest in peace John. 

For more information on Spokane Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths, visit here. 

To contact Don Waller, please call or text 509.991.6959

To contact Kevin Haughton, please call or text 509.951.8061

Fire Press Release

If you are wondering why a firefighter was using the homeowner's garden hose on this fire, it's because the city shut down Engine 9, this neighborhood's fire engine, one that has been there for over 100 years. There is only a two-person rescue truck at Station 9, now. It has no water or hoses. It was the first fire department vehicle there. So, all a firefighter could do was use the garden hose until fire engines arrived. It was a little while before any got there. 

Lightning Strike Ignites House

Incident #: 2013028397
Date of Incident: 06/29/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 917 W 16^th Ave at 15:22 hrs on Saturday afternoon, June 29^th,  to a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported that there was a 2 story wood/frame residence with smoke showing from the peak of the roof. Upon hearing that initial report the responding South Battalion Chief radioed the Fire Dispatch Center and requested that the fire call be up-graded to a “working fire”.  This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to attack the fire, a secondary fire attack lead, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to evaluate the status of the roof structure, another ladder crew to enter the structure to begin pulling down the ceiling in a second floor bedroom and to start covering the contents of the home with water-proof tarps, a Scene  Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately there was no one at the home at the time of the fire. The coordinated work done by the fire crews on scene resulted in a quick knock-down of the fire which was located in the attic of the structure. Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours overhauling the scene and searching for any signs of hidden fire. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained heavy fire damage to a small portion of the attic and to the ceiling in one second floor bedroom that had to be opened by fire fighters so they could get at the fire burning above them. The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit and the initial report, based on eye witness accounts and visual indicators found in the tall pine trees surrounding the structure, was determined to be a lightning strike. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to this incident.



 

Cause:Lightning strike traveling down two tall pine trees that had branches touching the roof of the house.

Damage:Small area of the attic, ceiling in a second floor bedroom.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR to standby for any injury that could occur.

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

Fire Press Release

South Hill Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013027948
Date of Incident: 06/27/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
A persistent effort by Spokane firefighters spared the majority of a South Hill residence this afternoon from fire damage.

The Spokane Fire Department was dispatched at 12:03 PM on June 27, 2013 to find fire throughout the attic of a single story house at 4228 East 16th Avenue. Due to a number of simultaneous large scale emergencies (water rescue and hazardous material response), three engines, one ladder and a chief were dispatched from the remaining available companies in the City. When the first company arrived, the officer reported heavy smoke showing from the eves and roofline of the structure. The call was then upgraded to a working incident, which added an additional engine and AMR ambulance to support the alarm.

Companies were successful in laddering and ventilating the structure’s roof under fire conditions within minutes of arrival. Simultaneously, members from arriving engine companies immediately stretched hose lines to the fire’s origin above and prevented it from consuming any more than one-third of the entire structure.

The fire was extinguished in just 45 minutes, and one firefighter injury occurred (minor injury, first aid only). Spokane Fire District 8 provided breathing air support at the scene due to the SFD's Heavy Rescue being commited to another incident.



Cause:
The cause remains under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
Damage is limited to the structure's attic and roof; additionally there is smoke and water damage in limited areas. The only occupant was outside when the fire was discovered and was not injured.

# Firefighters Responding: 17

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 8,

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

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Basement Fire

Incident #: 2013027882#
Date of Incident: 06/27/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On June 27, 2013 at 01:09 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a reported basement fire at 1520 North Post with all the occupants reported to be out of the building.

Spokane Engine 3 from the West Central Neighborhood arrived on scene within 4 minutes and reported a fire visible through a window in the basement of a story and a half wood framed structure. Engine 3’s crew then made an aggressive interior attack on the fire. The first arriving Chief then upgraded the incident to a working fire due to the potential of flame spread from the basement up the walls of the balloon framed structure. This brought another dedicated ladder company, an ambulance and an investigator to the scene. Companies were assigned to attack and confine the fire, search for extension, complete a primary search and ventilate the structure. The fire was declared knocked down within 5 minutes and confined to a pile of bedding next to the dryer in the basement. All occupants were confirmed safe outside the structure and there were no injuries to civilians, pets or firefighters. Damage was confined to the pile of bedding with no structure damage. There was slight smoke damage throughout the home.

The single family dwelling was released to the building owner after the atmosphere was deemed safe and the burnt bedding was removed from the home.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit has determined the cause of the fire to from oil soaked bedding that had been ran through the washing machine and then ran through the dryer which added heat to amplify the process of self heating of the oil soaked fabric which had been bagged up and left on the floor. The occupants were very fortunate to have had a working smoke detector in the basement that alerted them of the fire in the incipient stage. The basement had a heavy fire load and could have had a much different outcome without the notification.


Damage:
The bedding involved was a complete loss along with light smoke damage throughout the home

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 1,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Fire Press Release

Gino's Restaurant Fire

Incident #: 2013025918
Date of Incident: 06/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief

Narrative:A late afternoon fire in the Gonzaga University District quickly emptied Spokane Fire Stations and City coverage as 15 fire apparatus and over 51 firefighters were commited to a 3 Alarm Blaze involving 2 structures in the 1400 block of North Hamilton.  Fire Dispatch received a call at 16:21 hours that the rear of Geno’s restaurant was on fire.  Firefighters from Station 2 on North Foothills Blvd. were first to arrive and reported heavy fire attacking the east side of Geno’s restaurant and the west side of the adjacent Sinto Apartments.   The fire had involved natural gas meters located between the two buildings and the burning gas was fueling the spread of the fire. The fire was quickly upgraded to a 2nd Alarm and Station 2’s firefighters attempted to slow the fast moving fire with water carried on Engine 2.  A simultaneous search was started to verify that everyone was out of the restaurant and apartments.

Traffic on Hamilton created a gridlock on the street, hindring the fire apparatus and hose line placement.  The Spokane Police Department quickly responded to assist in controlling traffic, allowing the large fire apparatus to gain access to needed areas.

Firefighters using hose lines for protection, advanced on the burning gas meters and shut off their supply valves.  Fire Command divided resources into two divisions, one to address the restaurant and one for the apartment which now had heavy fire involvement in the attic.  A 3rd Alarm was called for additional manpower.  Secondary searches were conducted to verfiy that all occupants were out and safe. Vertical roof ventilation was performed to control the fire spread and allow crews inside the structures to attack and extinguish the fire.  It took over an hour of coordinated effort to bring this fire under control.  Hamilton was opened up for traffic around 21:30 hours.

Fresh firefighters were brought in to replace exhausted personnel and provide for a “night watch”.  Fire Investigators are still processing the scene evidence and a fire cause has not been finalized.  Power to both structures has been shut down and the 14 tenants living in the apartment  building are being assisted by the Local Red Cross.  The magnitude of this incident produced numerous challenges for everyone involved, fortunately, there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.  The Spokane Fire Department appreciates the assistance given by both the Spokane Valley Fire Department and Fire District 9 who helped with city protection coverage during this event.  On scene assistance from AMR ambulance was also of great help.

Cause:Currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:The back portion of Gino's, including the outside dining area, was heavily damaged by fire. The entire restaurant sustained smoke and water damage. The Sinto Apts received severe fire damage to the roof structure and to the apartments located on the second floor at the north end of the structure. All apartment  units received some degree of smoke and water damage.51

# Firefighters Responding: 51

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Fire District 9, Spokane Police Department, AMR Ambulance

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

Fire press release

Fire In North Central

Incident #: 2013025783
Date of Incident: 06/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Early Saturday morning at 12:45 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 300 block of W. Nora. Engine 3 from their neighborhood station location of Indiana and Ash was first to arrive and found a storage shed well involved in fire. A quick stretch of preconnected hose was completed as well as a water supply from the nearest hydrant, this allowed the fire crews to knock down the fire in less than 10 minutes. Heavy fire and smoke damage was found throughout the interior of the shed. Additional fire crews were used to protect any exposures that surrounded the shed. This included a nearby dwelling and business. As a result of this action, the fire did not extend beyond the shed. Some overhead power lines also received some heat damage. The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews remained on scene throughout the night assisting the investigation effort.

Cause:
Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Heavy fire damage to the shed structure and contents within.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista Electrical and Gas divisions

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

Multiple garages catch fire.
Incident #: 2013025097
Date of Incident: 06/11/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
Narrative:
At 9:50 AM, Tuesday, June 11th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported detached garage fire at 312 S. Ray Street, on Spokane’s lower south hill. Enroute, crews reported a large smoke column visible. The first crews on scene reported a 20’ X 20’ wood framed, detached garage fully involved in fire, with three adjacent detached garages beginning to catch fire from radiant heat exposure. Additionally, an exposed, 60’ fir tree and a power pole were on fire, with the tree scattering hot embers on a weeded lot, starting the weeds and brush on fire. Electrical wires from the power pole burned through and dropped to the ground causing an additional hazard to the firefighters. Multiple fire crews extended hose leads to extinguish the numerous fires. In all, 5 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue truck and 2 battalion chiefs worked at this incident, and had the majority of fire extinguished within 10 minutes of arriving on scene. Crews remained on scene for an additional 1-2 hours overhauling the burned structures and completing extinguishment. There were no injuries reported to civilians or firefighters. Electrical power to the entire block was disrupted until Avista crews were able to gain access to the damaged power pole and complete repairs. This fire was near the eastbound Thor/Freya exit off I-90, which caused significant traffic congestion both on 3rd Avenue as well as eastbound I-90. SPD and WDOT assisted in rerouting and managing traffic until fire crews could clear 3rd Avenue.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by an investigator with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
No vehicles were damaged in the fire, however, the main fire building and its contents were completely destroyed. The exposed garages sustained primarily exterior structural damage, with minor smoke/water damage to contents. Total dollar loss is estimated at $30,000.
# Firefighters Responding: 24
Dollar Loss: $ 30,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, WDOT, Avista
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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Fire press release

North Battalion Basement Fire
Incident #: 2013025045#
Date of Incident: 06/09/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
On June 11,2013 at 11:04 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 3 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a working basement fire at 827 West Spofford. E-3 from the West Central neighborhood was the first company on scene and reported a basement fire in a 2 story home. A quick interior attack of the fire in the basement was performed while other companies searched the 3 floors of the home for occupants, ventilated the structure and checked for extension of the fire. The fire was declared knocked down within 20 minutes. All 5 occupants and 3 dogs were accounted for and are being assisted by the Red Cross and neighbors at this time.
Cause:
The fire is under investigation by the Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
There is extensive fire and smoke damage to the basement along with smoke damage to the 1st and 2nd floor. The Electrical and natural gas has been shut off by Avista until electrical repairs can be made along with structural repair.
# Firefighters Responding: 21
Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00
Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross
End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

South Hill Basement Fire

Incident #: 2013023393
Date of Incident: 06/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:On Sunday, June 2^nd, 2013 at 5:59 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire located in the 2400 block of E. 49^th on Spokane’s South Hill. Engine 11 from their neighborhood station at 32^nd and Perry was the first fire unit on the scene and found a house with smoke coming from the front door and eaves. The crew advanced a hose line rapidly into the home and found that the fire was originating from the basement.  The fire was kept relatively small due to Engine 11’s rapid advancement of the hose and the fire was declared knocked down after just a few minutes. Smoke remained throughout the home, however and Ladder 1 assisted in the removal of this smoke and the dangerous carbon monoxide that remained throughout. Unfortunately, the occupant’s dog perished in the fire due to smoke inhalation. Spokanimal is handling the situation. The occupant’s possessions suffered heavy fire and smoke damage and crews assisted them with retrieving some of these belongings. The Red Cross was called in to help the occupants with lodging, clothing and food. At this time, the cause is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Firefighters remained at the scene for a number of hours completing overhaul and final extinguishment and salvaging possessions for the occupant’s.

Cause:Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:Heavy fire and smoke damage to a portion of the basement, first floor, contents and furnishings.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

Other Agencies Responding:
The Red Cross and Spokanimal.

End Of Release 
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Midnight Fire

Incident #: 2013022941
Date of Incident: 05/31/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
In the early morning hours of May 31, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department’s Dispatch center received several calls about a vacant structure that was on fire, located at Princeton and Florida. At 00:42 hours six fire apparatus and 2 chief officers were dispatched to the call for help. Responding crews could see heavy fire and smoke while still blocks away. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” while en-route by Engine 8. Engine 8 was the first to arrive and reported a two story structure, set on the hillside to the north of Princeton. Fire was coming through the roof and from every door and window in the vacant structure. Multiple hose lines were advanced to confine the fire to the abandoned home. The fire was brought under control within 45 minutes. Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and Investigators will follow up on fire cause determination in the morning.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
Total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ undetermined

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

Location:Fire Press Release

Reminder - Guns and Hoses - tonight!

Reminder - Police and Fire hockey game tonight to benefit John Knighten and his family:

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: Eagles Ice-A-Rena, 6321 N. Addison St.

COST: $5 donation; free for children 12 and younger.