fire press release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1314 W Cleveland
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 1314 W. Cleveland at 10:27 in the morning on Saturday, November 14th, for a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported heavy smoke in the area as they were approaching the scene and requested additional resources be dispatched. The first arriving fire crew reported a story and a half wood/frame dwelling that had heavy dark smoke, under pressure, coming from the roof and out of the eaves. Assignments were made to the other responding fire companies by the Officer of that first arriving fire apparatus and as those companies began arriving on scene the crews went about undertaking their assigned tasks. In an aggressive and coordinated effort, fire attack hose lines were advanced into the structure at the same time that other firefighters, on the roof, were cutting vertical ventilation holes in the structure's roof. Other crews were sent inside to pull ceilings, open up walls, search for any possible victims, and still other crews were assigned as back-up for the crews inside. Another crew was assigned to protect a dwelling to the west of the fire building that was being exposed to radiant heat from the fire building. A fire crew was also assigned as the "rapid intervention team"; a safety mandated unit that needs to be in place and available at every fire in case a rescue of injured, lost, or trapped fire fighters should occur. The fire had taken possession of the attic space in this building and was burning hot and fast until all phases of the attack came together and the crews were able to hit the main body of fire from inside and below and push it out of the vent holes that had been cut in the roof. While the extinguishment of the fire was dramatic and quick it still had caused serious damage inside the structure. Once the fire had been darkened down the labor intensive task of overhaul began as fire fighters went about digging out the hidden fire from those concealed spaces that are inherent inside of every structure. Fire damage was severe in the roof and the roof supporting members located in the attic, the fire also damaged the walls and ceilings of the main floor as it burned inside the walls as it moved from the first floor up and into the second floor on it's way to the attic. There was considerable smoke and water damage throughout the dwelling and the electrical supply to the building had to be disconnected. Because of the damage, Red Cross representatives were requested to the scene and they were in the process of assisting the tenants with temporary lodging and supplies. There were no reported injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene or to the two tenants of the dwelling who were able to get out safely along with their pet dog. Investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted by a member of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit and at the time of this release an electrical problem is being considered as the most likely cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: An unspecified electrical problem appears to be the most likely cause of this fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Severe fire damage to the walls and ceilings on the main floor and second floor including the attic spaces, the structural members supporting the roof, and the roof itself. Smoke and water damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

END OF RELEASE

Great KXLY story on 9-1-1 abuse...

but no mention of this:

fire press release

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1506 E. Desmet
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 11/07/09, at approximately 0353 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire responded to 1506 E Desmet upon report of a structure fire. Initial reports indicated that an attached deck on the structure was on fire and that the tenants were evacuating. First arriving fire department crews found a two-story, wood-frame, duplex, with heavy smoke coming from the roof and eaves. Fire was evident in the soffit area on the north side of the home. Pre-connected hose-lines were advanced to the main floor of the residence to extinguish the fire. At the same time fire crews conducted search and rescue operations to assure all civilians had evacuated the duplex and to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate hot smoke and gases from the structure. The fire was extinguished within approximately 20 minutes with overhaul of fire damaged areas continuing for another 2 hrs.

A total of 10 apparatus with 27 firefighters fought this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians. Tenants of the fire damaged unit of the duplex declined assistance from the Red Cross and were going to stay with relatives. The other half of the duplex was reoccupied by its tenants.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently attempting to determine the exact fire cause. The fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The area of greatest fire damage was to the attic. It appears the fire started on the deck, moved up the exterior wall, and then entered the attic. The ceiling in the kitchen and living room of the unit was removed to gain access to the attic area and extinguish the fire. In addition a portion of the roof was removed to find hidden hot spots.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

END OF RELEASE