Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/12/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1603 W Shannon


NARRATIVE: On 06/12/07 at approximately 1745 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1603 W. Shannon upon report of a structure fire. First arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the rear of a 1 ½ story, wood-frame residence. Fire crews advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the 1st floor fire area and extinguished the main body of the fire. At the same time other fire department members advanced to the second floor of the structure to check for possible fire extension to that floor and the attic. The fire did extend into the attic area of the residence and ventilation of the roof was necessary to confine the advancing blaze. Extinguishment of the fire was achieved within approximately 30 minutes with overhaul of the structure continuing for anther 90 minutes. A total of 9 trucks with 27 firefighters fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported. Two tenants occupied the residence. One was home just prior to the fire. That tenant had left to go to the store and when he returned a short time later he discovered the fire in the rear of the structure.

Two adult males were displaced by the fire. One lived on the first floor while the other lived on the second. The Red Cross was working with each to assure they had a place to stay tonight.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation. No cause has been determined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the 1st, 2nd, and attics areas of the home. Greatest damage was to the south most portion of the residence, although smoke damage was evident throughout. The residence will not be able to be occupied until extensive repairs are made. The total dollar loss is approximately $40,000 or more.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/11/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 544 East Glass
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 6:24 on June the 11th the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 544 East Glass for a reported house fire. Upon arrival Engine 2 reported light smoke showing from the front door. The occuptants of the home were outside and told the firefighters that the fire was in the kitchen. An attack lead was advanced to the interior and the fire was extinguished. A search of the residence was completed. The fire was confined to the kitchen and smoke throughout. The cause was unattended grease on stove which ignited. No injuries were reported. Overhaul was completed and all apparatus were in service at 7: 08pm.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking Fire. Unattented grease on stove
DAMAGE EXTENT: Kitchen and smoke through out.
DOLLAR LOSS: 8000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Shake hands with danger...

A timely safety film about heavy equipment operation. We usually get called out on the aftermath of something like this, but the mechanism of injury is worth looking at. Great soundtrack and production values, at least in the first 3 minutes - that's all I could take.

Role of Fire Departments in Impending Bird Flu Crisis...

Yes, they are still trying to scare us with the bird flu. What's the role they have in mind for SFD? You might be surprised...