Kitchen Fire Fatal to Three Pets

A plastic garbage contain left on top of a burner that was accidentally turned on sparked a house fire in north Spokane Sunday evening that killed three dogs.

Smoke was coming from the back of the house in the 4900 block of N. Crestline when the Spokane Fire Department arrived about 4:41 pm. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and removed three dogs from the house. The occupant of the home, who was not at home at the time of the fire, had left a plastic garbage container on the stove. One of the burner controls was accidentally turned on and the garbage container melted, catching a nearby pantry on fire.

No one was injured, but all three dogs perished in the blaze. The Red Cross is assisting the occupant with temporary living arrangements.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to keep combustibles away from heat sources. Burners can easily be turned on by accident. Don’t take chances, keep potentially hot surfaces clear.

End Of Release
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N. E. house fire dispaces four

'

Fire heavily damaged a northeast Spokane house this morning and displaced a family of four. No one was injured and the cause is under investigation.  

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2119 East Everett at 9:38 am. The home and a detached garage were both burning heavily when firefighters arrived. Witnesses reported that one occupant was still in a bedroom inside the home. Crews attempted to get inside, but due to the intense fire were forced to initially fight the fire from the exterior. Eventually, all occupants were determined to have made it out of the home. The Red Cross assisted the family of four with their clothing and shelter needs. No injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is actively being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit and has not been determined at this time.

Damage:

There is extensive fire and smoke damage to the involved home along with moderate fire damage to the detached garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 32

Dollar Loss: $ 70,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
A.M.R. Ambulance, Avista and the Red Cross.

End Of Release
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60th Anniversary of MDA Fill the Boot - Friday 8/15 - 3-6 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Alexa Borden                         
            Executive Director
            509-325-3747
            aborden@mdausa.org           

City of Spokane Fire fighters AND MDA CELEBRATE

“60 Years strong,”
FILL THE BOOT FOR local mda families

Spokane, Washington, August 15, 2014 — Members of the City of Spokane Fire Department Local 29, along with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, will celebrate their 60-year partnership and kick off the fire fighters' annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to benefit children and adults affected by muscle disease throughout the City of Spokane.

            Fire fighters will be out on the streets with boots in hand for this year’s drive on Friday, August 15^th from 3PM-6PM. There will be 16 intersections throughout Spokane with Fire Fighters Filling the Boot.

 

            Anyone who is not able to make it out to donate, can go online and help still help out at the following web address http://www2.mda.org/goto/local29

           

            “Throughout 2014 MDA and fire fighters are celebrating 60 years of proud partnership, joined together in the fight against life-threatening muscle disease”, said Executive Director, Alexa Borden. “Fire fighters dedicate countless hours of their time every year participating in Fill the Boot drives and at MDA Summer Camp. We're grateful for the support of these inspiring, selfless individuals who have made a profound impact on our families’ health, wellbeing and quality of life, and we're excited to make this year’s Spokane Local 29 Fill the Boot campaign the most successful yet.”
            Funds raised through the 2014 Spokane Local 29 Fill the Boot event will help support MDA's programs of worldwide research, specialized health care services, and day-to-day support – which includes sending children affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases to a weeklong,     barrier-free MDA summer camp at Camp Twinlow in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Fire heavily damages The American Linen Company

Sunday, July 27, 2014

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

Fire heavily damages The American Linen Company

Incident #: 2014037864
Date of Incident: 07/27/2014


More than four dozen firefighters extinguished a fire at a commercial building Sunday morning, and investigators are still working to determine the cause. Firefighters from Fire Districts 1 and 9 assisted, and no one was injured.  
Narrative:Sunday morning at 5:04 am two Spokane Fire Department (SFD) Engines were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm sounding at 1923 N Waterworks, The American Linen Company.  The first SFD Company arrived within 2 minutes and immediately identified a working fire and upgraded the incident to a commercial response. 

Heavy, black acrid smoke could be seen miles away as companies responding from all areas of the City of Spokane were called as the incident escalated to an eventual third alarm.  Ultimately, the incident required all of the City's three ladder companies, heavy rescue, both Quint apparatus and more than 50 firefighters to control the blaze.

The fire was declared extinguished at 7:14 am, more than two hours after being discovered. The 56,000-square-foot commercial building sustained heavy damage to the exterior, address side of the building as well as numerous areas in the roof/ceiling throughout the industrial sections of the building. Sound tactics and capable resources were able to stop the travel of fire to office areas and other critically functional sections of the building.
Cause:The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's Investigation Unit.  Through interviews and examination of the fire damage, preliminary information indicates that the fire started on the exterior of the building in large bins of textile materials likely laden with oil residue.  A fire sprinkler system was activated, however the fire load present overwhelmed the system's capacity and the fire grew rapidly into the vertical space above. A more precise cause and origin explanation is being developed and will likely be released this afternoon/evening.
Damage:No injuries are reported.  Monetary damage is being calculated by the SIU in coordination with insurance and company representatives, and will likely not be available for several days.
# Firefighters Responding: 54
Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Fire District 9

End Of Release
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Spokane Firefighters Union Community Presentation Press Release

For Immediate Release                                                                                                    Contact:  Don Waller

July 23, 2014                                                                                                                                (509) 991-6959

 dukewaller@yahoo.com 

 

Spokane Firefighters Union Gives Presentation

on the Declining State to the Spokane Fire Department

 

On Wednesday night Don Waller, president of the Spokane Firefighters Union gave a presentation at the Woman’s Club to a group of community leaders and concerned citizens.  Waller’s presentation outlined the steady erosion of the Spokane Fire Department services due to declining staffing levels, inadequate funding and aging equipment. 

 

Waller acknowledged that city leaders are aware that there are problems but said that the city is only able to come up with band aid solutions. For example a new program that staffs single person SUVs to go on lower priority calls does keep large fire engines in service, but it is only a short term fix. Waller also mentioned that one section of town, Eagle Ridge, has such poor fire protection that some residents were unable to even get insurance on their houses. The city’s remedy was an automatic aid agreement with Fire District 3. But again this was just another band aid. The city acknowledged that this did nothing to improve fire service to Eagle Ridge and was only implemented in order to help residents get fire insurance on their houses.

 

Don Waller stated that “the real long term solution to the department’s problems is a combination of increased staffing and a blending of regional services in order to capture efficiencies.” Waller explained “In the short term, the staffing issue can be addressed with a voter approved levy lid lift. In the long term, we need to seriously consider a Regional Fire Authority where the Fire Department separates itself from city government.”

 

In closing Waller said “the people of Spokane deserve much better, we all need to work together to solve what is becoming a public safety crisis.”

 

#           #           #

You've heard us talk a great deal over the past couple years about the fire protection problems here in Spokane. Decreased staffing, increased call volume, and aging equipment have created a public safety problem for our citizens, as well as increased risk of injury or death for our firefighters. There is a solution, but the time to act is now! Please come to our community meeting on July 23rd at 6PM, at the Women's Club at 9th and Walnut. We will be hosting a forum to talk about the state of emergency services in Spokane, and what can be done to fix it. See you then.

Lower South Side House Fire

  
Incident #: 2014029858
Date of Incident: 06/17/2014
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
Narrative: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 2321 E. 6^th Ave. at 00:02 hrs on Tuesday morning, June 17th, for a reported structure fire at that address.  Engine #7, from the near-by Lower South Side Neighborhood fire station, arrived on scene and reported by radio that there was heavy fire blowing out of several windows of the single story wood/frame dwelling and they reported further that they were going to attempt to enter the structure with a pre-connected hose lead and locate the seat of the fire. The fire was quickly up-graded to a working fire which added additional fire apparatus to the incident. As additional resources were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included roof ventilation, search and rescue, a back-up hose lead to protect the crew from Engine #7, who were now inside and fighting the rapidly spreading fire in the structure. A second fire attack lead was ordered to assist in the fire fight, a water supply was established, a Safety Officer was assigned, and exposure protection assignments were made.  Additionally a Rapid Intervention Team was assigned in case any fire fighters became lost or injured inside the structure. The fire was knocked down after twenty minutes of aggressively attacking the fire but not before the fire had severely damaged the interior of the structure and destroyed most of the contents inside. The tenants of the home were not present at the time of the fire; where they were was not known. A fire watch was set up to maintain a Fire Dept presence at the scene throughout the night and to watch for any stubborn hot spots. The fire damage to the interior of the structure was extensive, and the decision on the building’s future will have to be decided by the owners. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. In all, five engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles were used at this very hot fire and 28 fire fighters worked to successfully mitigate the incident.




 
Cause: Under investigation by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Extensive fire damage to the interior of the building. Most of the contents inside the structure were destroyed.
# Firefighters Responding: 28
Dollar Loss: $ 80,000
Other Agencies Responding:
AMR

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

East Side House FIre

Incident #: 2014029329
Date of Incident: 06/14/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative: Early Saturday morning at 3:21 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 2500 block of E. 3^rd in the East Central Neighborhood. Engine 7 from their neighborhood station location of 1^st and Magnolia was first to arrive. Crews found an upper level bedroom involved in fire. After stretching their hose lines, crews knocked down the fire in short order. All occupants escaped and the fire was confined to a mattress, box spring , furniture and contents. Fire crews spent the next two hours finishing extinguishment and removing water and debris from the home. The Special Investigation Unit from the Spokane Fire Department was called into the scene. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown however, the scene of the fire is still being processed. A total of 18 firefighters responded on this fire. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.
Cause: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Mattress and box spring were totally destroyed along with some furniture, a fan and bedroom contents.
# Firefighters Responding: 18
Dollar Loss: $ 5,000

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

East Side Residential Fire

Incident #: 2014026676
Date of Incident: 05/31/2014
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
Narrative: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 212 N. Magnolia at 10:47 hrs on Saturday morning, May 31^st,  for a reported structure fire at that address.  Engine #7, from the near-by Lower East Side Neighborhood fire station, arrived on scene and reported by radio that there was heavy black smoke being pushed out from the eaves on all sides of the single story wood/frame dwelling and they reported further that they were going to attempt to enter the structure with a pre-connected hose lead and locate the source of the smoke. The fire was quickly up-graded to a working fire which added additional fire apparatus to the incident. As additional resources were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included roof ventilation, search and rescue, a back-up hose lead to protect the crew from Engine #7, who were now inside and finding rapidly changing fire conditions in the structure. A second fire attack lead was ordered to assist in the fire fight, a water supply was established, a Safety Officer was assigned, and exposure protection assignments were made.  Additionally a Rapid Intervention Team was assigned in case any fire fighters became lost or injured inside the structure. The Incident Commander requested additional resources to the fire scene because the crews were taking a beating due to the warm ambient outside temperature and the labor intensive work they were having to do to get at the fire that by now had completely taken possession of the attic space of the structure. The local chapter of the Red Cross was requested to assist the tenants with temporary lodging. After a couple of hours of persistent and aggressive fire fighting the fire fighters were able to get the fire knocked down and to a point in the incident where some of the resources could be released to return to their Stations. A fire watch was set up to maintain a Fire Dept presence at the scene for much of the afternoon. Two City fire fighters were injured in the fire fight, one of the two was transported  by AMR Ambulance to a local Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. The fire damage to the structure and especially to the roof was extensive; nearly all of the roof and it’s supporting structure were removed and the decision on the building’s future will have to be decided by the owners. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. In all, eleven engines, three senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles were used at this stubborn fire and 50 fire fighters were rotated into the incident.



 
Cause: The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: The roof and supporting structural members of the roof were either burnt off or cut off by firefighters. The living areas of the home sustained heavy smoke and water damage as did the contents inside of the home.
# Firefighters Responding: 50
Dollar Loss: $ 80,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR Ambulance

Natural gas leak ignites on Northside

Natural gas leak ignites.
Incident #: 2014022979#
Date of Incident: 05/10/2014
Issuing Officer: B.C. Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
On Saturday, May 10^th at 09:46PM, Spokane Fire Dept Companies responded to a reported natural gas leak that had ignited in the backyard at 2529 W. Queen.  Engine 13 from Wellesley and Jefferson arrived first on scene and reported heavy flames shooting 15 feet out of the ground with the home exposed approximately 15 feet from the fire. The Engine 13 crew quickly extended a pre connected lead to protect the exterior of the home from the extreme radiant heat and falling embers onto the roof. Other companies were assigned to the interior of the home to check for fire extension and supply water from a nearby hydrant. It was soon confirmed all occupants had escaped the backyard and residence. The fire was allowed to burn until AVISTA arrived and remotely shut down the residential gas leak. The home was completely protected with no structural damage from the natural gas fed fire. The occupants of the home reported that there had been a birthday party with 15 friends enjoying a backyard camp fire. Fortunately most of the friends were dispersing when the fire melted and breached the plastic natural gas line that serviced the home. This resulted in the reported initial gas explosion and the intense gas fed fire. One male guest was transported for a syncope episode possibly related to the intensity of the event. The occupants reported there was one male with minor burns to his arm that had left the scene. This was not confirmed by Spokane Fire Dept Officials. The occupants were allowed to return to their home without natural gas service until the line could be rerouted.
Cause: The gas leak and fire occurred due to the heat of the backyard fire melting and breaching the plastic natural gas line buried inches below the pit. This incident is a reminder of the importance of having all utilities located prior to digging.
Damage: The only damage reported was to the natural gas line.
# Firefighters Responding: 18
Dollar Loss: $ Unknown
Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, AMR Ambulance and the Spokane Police Department providing traffic control.

Court Rejects Condon's Effort to Add More City Bureaucracy and Political Appointees

 International Association of Fire Fighters

For Immediate Release                                                                                                 
April 28, 2014                    

Contact:  Don Waller                                                                                                   
(509) 991-6959
dukewaller@yahoo.com

                                                       

Court Rejects Condon’s Effort to Add More City Bureaucracy and Political Appointees

 

Judge Kathleen O'Conner rejected an effort by Mayor Condon to politicize the upper echelons of the Spokane Fire Department in a ruling announced Friday. The mayor had sought the right to make political appointments to 14 upper and mid-management positions in the fire department.  Currently, all but two of those positions are subject to the merit-based civil service rules. Judge O’Conner ruled the effort was illegal and described the mayor’s justification as “ludicrous.” Judge O’Conner made the ruling in a case filed by the Spokane Firefighter’s Union Local 29 International Association of Firefighters). The ruling came on the union’s motion of summary judgment in its civil suit against the City of Spokane.  The Court ruled that the Mayor's new civil service structure was illegal and violated RCW 41.08, which states a Fire Department may have 1 exempt (non-civil service) position and 1 assistant. IAFF Local 29 was represented by David Bricklin, a lawyer specializing in administrative law and environmental issues with offices in Spokane and Seattle.

 

This suit challenged an ordinance Mayor Condon proposed last year to convert fourteen positions in the Fire Department from civil service to political appointments. Civil service is a system that assures that appointments are based on merit, not political preference. The city charter and RCW 41.08 require all but the top two positions in each city department to be covered by civil service. To evade that limitation, the mayor proposed re-naming seven units within the fire department, applying the name “department” to each of them. Thus, the maintenance unit was named a “department,” the communications unit was named a “department,” and so on. With these word games, the Fire Department was comprised ofseven mini-departments and so the mayor claimed the authority to make 14 political appointments in the fire department (two in each of the seven new departments).   In her ruling, Judge O'Conner stated that the idea of creating a Fire Division with seven “Departments” in order to gain exempt positions was "ludicrous.”

 

Don Waller President of Spokane Firefighters Union said “The issue in Spokane is that we do not have enough equipment and firefighters to protect the public. More top heavy management will solve nothing and be more expensive. This approach has never made any sense.”

This Court’s decision re-affirms that city employees should be managed in a merit based system that prevents city jobs from being meted out to political appointees.

The history of civil service is inextricably intertwined with the fundamental ideals of American democracy. Civil Service was created to stop the corruption, political cronyism and patronage of  the past. The result of these practices was incompetent employees, high rates of employee turnover with each successive administration, and cultures of retaliation and political yes men.  The civil service system was created to promote the hiring and promotion of the most qualified applicants in a fair and transparent manner and retains the wisdom and experience of longterm workers.

 

This ruling upholds Spokane’s civil service system as right, and fair, and able to put qualified people into the positions that can best serve the needs of the people of Spokane.

 

The mayor’s proposal was not limited to the fire department. Mayor Condon did the same thing to the police department too, politicizing many its management positions.  Judge O’Conner’s ruling does not immediately affect the police department, but the reasoning is the same. The police officers would need to file their own lawsuit, unless  the city voluntarily agreed to withdraw the changes it made to civil service coverage for the police department.

The Spokane Firefighters Union also would also like to thank Council members Ben Stuckart, Amber Waldref and Jon Snyder for voting against this proposal when it came before the Council last year.

 

For more information also contact:

David Bricklin (206) 264-8600w; (206) 226-1745c

# # #

 

 

Press Release from 1 of 2 Northside Structure Fires last night

Incident #: 2014019594
Date of Incident: 04/22/2014
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative: This morning at approximately 12:31 AM fire crews from the Spokane City Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1618 W. Maxwell. Responding crews reported heavy smoke visible upon their arrival and upgraded the incident to a working structure fire to add an additional ladder company to the overall response. Engine 3 from the neighboring fire station arrived on scene first and reported fire showing from the back door of the residence with the majority of the fire confined to the kitchen. Engine 3 and fire crews from Station 4 aggressively attacked the fire while other fire crews on scene completed search/rescue, ventilation, water supply and overhaul. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters and the occupants of the home, consisting of 3 adults and 4 children were being assisted by the Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Cause: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department, Special investigation Unit. A cause has not been determined at the time of this media release.
Damage: Fire Damage was confined to the kitchen with smoke and heat damage throughout the main floor of the house.
# Firefighters Responding: 27
Dollar Loss: $ 20000
Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and the Red Cross

Occupied Motor Home Fire

Incident #: 2014017025#
Date of Incident: 04/06/2014
Issuing Officer: B.C. Bill Donahoe       
Narrative: On Sunday, April 6th at 07:13 PM, Engine 3 from their station at Indiana and Ash were dispatched alone to a reported motor home fire near the intersection of Chestnut and Gardner.  While in route due to the large dark column of smoke, the Engine 3 Officer upgraded the incident to a full response structure fire. Engine 3 arrived on scene at 2126 West Dean within 4 minutes to a large fully involved motor home behind a house with an exposed garage on fire as well. The responding Chief in route upgraded the incident to a working fire after hearing the report from E-3 of the exposed building, numerous vehicles exposed and the uncertainty of residents accounted for.  A total of 4 engines, 2 dedicated ladders, 1 heavy rescue, 2 battalion chiefs and the fire investigator responded to this incident. Companies completed a search of the motor home and garage with the two occupants of the motor home eventually accounted for. Other companies supplied water from a distant hydrant, overhauled the motor home and garage and evaluated the occupants for possible burn injuries. Due to the quick arrival time of Engine 3 and their aggressive attack the exposed garage was saved with moderate damage to one exterior wall and portions of the roof. No contents inside the effected garage suffered fire or smoke damage. Unfortunately the motor home was a complete loss. It was later learned that the male and female adult occupants were inside the motor home when it caught fire. They attempted to extinguish the escalating fire with a portable fire extinguisher without success. They were very fortunate to escape the fire which quickly overtook the entire motor home. The 2 occupants are being assisted by the Red Cross at this time with shelter and clothing needs. Avista assisted with utility control while the Spokane Police Dept. provided traffic control. No injuries were reported by civilians or fire fighters.
Cause: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: The inhabited motor home was a complete loss with minor damage to 1 exposed passenger vehicle along with exterior damage to the exposed garage.
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $ 30,000.00
Other Agencies Responding:
A.M.R. Ambulance, Spokane Police Department, Red Cross and Avista.

Another Northside House Fire

Incident #: 201416596
Date of Incident: 04/04/2014
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth
Narrative: On Friday, April 4th, at approximately 10:00 AM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 engines,2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 719 W Maxwell. The calling party had advised Fire Dispatch that his house was on fire and they advised him to evacuate and await the arrival of the fire department. SE3, responding from their station at Indiana and Ash, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke coming from the eaves of the two story wood structure. After talking with the occupant and making sure everyone had gotten out SE3 advanced a preconnected hose off of their apparatus to attack the fire, which was located mainly in the attic. As other crews arrived they were assigned other tasks such as securing a water supply, cutting a hole in the roof to let the smoke and fire escape the attic, and searching the structure to make sure all occupants were out. The fire was confined to the attic and crews had to pull the ceilings on the main floor to expose and extinguish it. There were no injuries to civilians and one firefighter was transported to SHMC with a shoulder injury. His status is unknown at the time of this media release. SPD provided traffic control by closing off Maxwell Ave and Avista assisted with utility control.
Cause: A SFD Investigator has determined that the fire was caused by smoking materials discarded into flower pot. The material in the pot caught fire and communicated up the inside of a porch column into the attic.
Damage: The roof and attic sustained heavy smoke and fire damage. Crews quickly covered the occupant's furnishings with tarps before pulling ceilings to prevent damage to them.
# Firefighters Responding: 24
Dollar Loss: $ 15000
Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista

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

Northside Structure Fire Press Release

Incident #: 2014016376
Date of Incident: 04/03/2014
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
This morning, April 3, 2014, at approximately 2:25 AM the Spokane Fire Department responded to 2710 W. Garland on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from a 1-story wood-framed, residential structure. Upon further investigation by the fire attack crew the fire was located in the basement on the south side of the structure with fire extending to the main floor. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior with additional fire crews completing search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. According to statements made by the 2 occupants sleeping in the basement, they were alerted to the fire by the activation of their smoke detector. They were able to escape the dense smoke and elevated heat conditions in the basement along with a 3^rd occupant who was sleeping on the main floor and they all exited the structure prior to the fire departments arrival. Four engine companies, two ladders a heavy recue truck and 2 Battalion chiefs totaling 26 firefighters responded to this fire. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 4 hours to complete salvage and overhaul.
Cause: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Fire damage was confined to the basement with heat and smoke damage throughout the structure.   
# Firefighters Responding: 26
Dollar Loss: $ 50,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR

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

Northeast Attic Fire Displaces Three

Incident #: 2014014288
Date of Incident: 03/22/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative: On Saturday, March 22^nd, 2014 at 1:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 2307 E. Sanson. First arriving crews found an attic that was charged with smoke and once inside, confirmed a fire involving walls, the attic space, wiring and insulation. Three occupants made their way safely out of the building. Fire resources were stretched thin as there was a structure fire on the far north end of town in the Shiloh Hills neighborhood that was ongoing. Engine 17, who was filling in at Station 15 located at Wellesley and Crestline, was first on the scene and began to set the scene up for fire attack, search, and ventilation tasks. They were assisted by Engines 8, 6, 14 and Ladders 1 and 4. Crews confined the fire to the attic and prevented it from spreading to the roof above. In their search of the smoky fire, crews used their thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the source of heat.  The fire was successfully knocked down in short order. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The electrical system in the home was compromised because of the fire and the Red Cross was summoned to take care of the occupants. Avista assisted with the electrical issues and natural gas in the area. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Cause: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Fire, Smoke and Water damage throughout the home.
# Firefighters Responding: 26
Dollar Loss: $ 30,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Avista Company, American Red Cross.

Potential Aircraft Incident at SIA

Incident #: 2014014191
Date of Incident: 03/21/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative: On Friday, March 21^st, 2014 at 7:55 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane International Airport firefighters, and Fire District 10 responded to a reported plane that had an on board fire in a cargo hold area. The plane returned to Spokane International Airport shortly after takeoff and after discovering an alarm that had activated plus what appeared to be smoke in the aircraft. Numerous fire companies and rescue units responded along with AMR ambulance. Once on scene, plans were made to attack the fire, and rescue and treat those on board the aircraft. The plane landed safely and crews made sure the 3 occupants on board were safe and at the same time checked for any signs of heat using thermal imaging cameras and FLIR (forward looking infrared cameras). Crews entered the craft with a water charged hose line and confirmed that there were no obvious signs of heat. The plane was then moved to it’s ramp location at the airport, and the occupants then exited safely from the flight deck. Fire crews thoroughly examined all areas of the interior of the plane for signs of fire and did not find any. The alarm activation was thought to be caused by a problem in the auxiliary power unit on board the aircraft. The scene was turned over to the Spokane International Airport and the investigation will continue.
Cause: Possibly due to a faulty APU on the aircraft.
Damage: Damage total appears to be minimal at this time.
# Firefighters Responding: 29
Dollar Loss: $ 0
Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 10, Spokane International Airport, AMR ambulance, Airport Police, Airport Operations, TSA.

West Central Explosion

Incident #: 2014013337
Date of Incident: 03/16/2014
Issuing Officer: BC Green
Narrative: On Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 9:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Quint, 1 Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue Unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder, responded to a reported structure fire at 1519 West Gardner Avenue in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.

While the companies were responding, information was relayed from Fire Communication Specialists that callers were reporting an explosion and at least one person was confirmed injured. Hearing the update, the Battalion Chief reinforced the response with two AMR ambulances and an AMR Supervisor in anticipation of inured civilians. Ladder 4 arrived quickly and reported light smoke showing from the 1 ½ story home and immediately entered the structure to search for victims. Upon entering the residence they encountered a critically injured victim and interior conditions that were described with moderate amount of smoke and extensive damage from a blast. Fearing a potential for a second device or possibility for a natural gas explosion, fire companies removed the victim and quickly completed a primary search for survivors on all floors.  There was no sustained fire as a result of the explosion and one confirmed injury.

SFD Paramedics treated the adult male victim and he was subsequently transported to Sacred Heart via AMR urgently for burns and blast type injuries as a result of the explosion. His current condition is not known by the SFD.  
Cause: The cause is currently under investigation jointly with the SPD and Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Despite blast damage that was contained within the area of the suspected device, there did not appear to be any structural damage to the residence. As a result of the explosion and a need to secure utilities, re-occupation of the home was delayed until the Fire Investigators and Explosion Disposal Unit could systematically search the residence and ensure the occupant’s safety and complete the investigation.
# Firefighters Responding: 23
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, SPD EDU

2 Alarm Apt Fire at Boone and Monroe

Incident #: 2014010512
Date of Incident: 02/28/2014
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
Narrative: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 1024 W. Boone at 22:41 hrs on Friday night, February 28^th for  a reported structure fire at that address.  Engine #3, from the near-by West Central Neighborhood fire station, as they arrived on scene reported by radio that there was visible fire showing from a second floor window at the rear of the 2 story wood/framed apartment building and that they were going to advance a pre-connected lead inside the building in an attempt to get at the fire that was rapidly starting to grow in a second floor apartment. The fire was quickly up-graded to a working fire which added an additional Laddder Company to the incident. As additional resources were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included roof ventilation, search and rescue, a back-up hose lead to protect the crew from Engine #3 who were now inside and fighting their way through the stubborn fire that was being pushed by the extreme winds that were developing outside. A second fire attack lead was ordered to assist in the fire fight, a water supply was established, a Safety Officer was assigned, exposure protection assignments were made, and a Medical Division was established as there were reports of a tenant who may have jumped from a second floor window. Additionally a Rapid Intervention Team was assigned in case any fire fighters became lost or injured inside the structure. The Incident Commander requested a second alarm to get more fire fighters to the scene because the intensity of this now wind driven fire was continuing to escalate and the severe cold temperature was creating problems not only in the self contained breathing apparatus, which are the life line for the fire fighters, but also taking a toll on the fire fighters themselves. The ground around the structure and the street out front were covered in ice making the entire area hazardous for the fire fighters so a truck from the Street Dept., loaded with sand , was requested to help with fire fighter footing, an STA bus was requested so the displaced tenants could get out of the freezing weather, and the Red Cross was requested to assist the tenants with temporary lodging. After a couple of hours of persistent and aggressive fire fighting in terrible weather conditions the fire fighters were able to get the fire knocked down and to a point in the incident where some of the resources could be released to return to their Stations. A fire watch was set up to maintain a Fire Dept presence at the scene throughout the night. There were reports of possible injuries to one or two of the tenants and one fire fighter was slightly injured when he slipped and fell on the ice covered ground.  The fire damage to the second floor and the roof of the building is severe and the decision on the building’s future will have to be decided by the owners. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Eight engines, three senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 40 fire fighters to this incident.



 
Cause: Under investigation by the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: Severe fire damage to the second floor and the roof structure. Smoke and water damage to the basement and first floor.
# Firefighters Responding: 40
Dollar Loss: $ 100,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department, Spokane City Street Dept., AMR Ambulance, STA, Red Cross

String of Northside Arson FIres Keep Crews Busy

http://www.krem.com/news/SFD-investigates-4-Saturday-morning-arsons-246689581.html

Incident #: 2014009271
Date of Incident: 02/22/2014
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
At 02:05 AM, February 22, 2014 the Spokane Fire Department responded companies to 2404 North Columbus on a reported structure fire. Spokane Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived on scene and reported a single family dwelling with fire involved in vegetation impinging on the structure. While in route Spokane Ladder 2 reported a second fire at 2607 North Hogan involving an out building fully involved behind this address. At this time the two responding Battalion Chiefs divided the incoming Fire companies to the separate incidents along with calling in additional resources and the Fire Investigator. While the North Battalion Chief was in route to the second incident he discovered a third fire at the intersection of Helena and Fairview which was a couch fully involved next to a detached garage. Then a fourth fire came in at 1703 East Liberty which involved garbage cans set on fire. A 5^th fire call came in at the intersection of Lacrosse and Pittsburg which was reported to be vegetation on fire. This incident was not confirmed in the darkness of night and is being investigated at this time along with the other four incidents. These five incidents taxed the resources of the Spokane Fire Dept during the early morning hours of February 22^nd. Fortunately all of the fires except the incident at 2607 North Hogan were found in the incipient phase and quickly extinguished. All of these fires were dispatched within a few minutes of each other. The Spokane Police Department did an excellent job assisting the Fire Department in setting up a perimeter and searching for a suspect. No injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters.
Cause: The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is actively investigating these four confirmed incidents and they have been declared arson.There is not a confirmed suspect at this time.
Damage: There was very light fire damage to the soffit area of the roof associated to the home at 2404 North Columbus. The outbuilding at 2607 North Hogan is a total loss along with the partial loss of an exposed automobile. The fire damage at the other 2 confirmed incidents involved the destroyed couch and plastic garbage cans only.
# Firefighters Responding: 37
Dollar Loss: $ $10,000.00
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Dept.

East Side Duplex Fire

Photo from Spokane News

Incident #: 2014008610
Date of Incident: 02/18/2014
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief
Narrative: A working smoke detector alerted residents of a north side duplex to a developing garage fire today.  Residents were alerted around 11:00 AM and found a well developed fire in an attached garage.  911 was called and the Spokane Fire Department dispatched six fire apparatus and 20 firefighters to the incident.
Engine 8’s crew, under the direction of Lt. Dan Awbery arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of leaving their station.  Lt. Awbery reported a large duplex with heavy dark smoke coming from the east unit and garage area.  Engine 8’s crew immediately stretched a hose line to the fire unit to attack the spreading fire.   Upon Station 2’s arrival, Command was transferred to Ladder 2’s officer who upgraded the incident to a “working fire” and called for an addition company.   Firefighters advanced hose lines inside the structure while other firefighters were assigned to search the duplex and to verify occupant safety.  Additional incoming units were assigned to secure a hydrant water supply, and provide for ventilation.  The quick response and decisive actions by the first arriving firefighters brought this hot fire under control within 15 minutes.   Crews were on the scene for several hours removing debris and making sure the fire was extinguished.  A total of 28 firefighters participated in the extinguishment of this fire.
There were no injuries at this incident.  3 tenants of the involved fire unit have been displaced due to heavy fire and smoke damage to their unit.  The fire damage was confined to this one unit.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Cause: Still under inverstigation.
Damage: Heavy fire damage to the garage and half of one of the duplex units..
# Firefighters Responding: 27
Dollar Loss: $ 50,000

Southside Kitchen Fire Injures One

Incident #: 2014008468
Date of Incident: 02/17/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Narrative: Monday, February 17^th, 2014 at 12:04 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in a basement located at 1827 W. 9^th. Fire crews found a kitchen fire burning in a basement apartment unit that was spreading up the walls and towards the main level of the apartment complex. An occupant of the basement apartment unit was cooking on the stove when the fire grew out of control and spread to nearby walls. She received second degree burns to her face and was treated by Spokane Fire Department paramedics and firefighters. The fire was knocked down quickly and as a result, the fire was confined to the basement apartment unit including some of the wooden porch immediately above. Crews spent time performing overhaul work making sure every sign of fire was thoroughly extinguished. Cooking fires are relatively common in the city of Spokane, and the Fire Department would like to remind everyone to be attentive while cooking, have an extinguisher nearby and make sure your smoke detectors are in working order. The Red Cross was notified to provide guidance and assistance to the tenant. AMR ambulance assisted at the scene as well, as did the Avista company with natural gas and electrical concerns.
Cause: Fire escaped a container on the stove while cooking.
Damage: Fire damage to the adjacent walls in the kitchen area including immediate porch area above apartment unit. Fire damage to venting system and fan. Some smoke damage in the kitchen area.
# Firefighters Responding: 22