Saturday, February 13, 2010

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/13/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5108 North Market
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 5:38 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Dave Haworth and Steve Sabo, responded to a Structure Fire at 5108 North Market (Alaskan Tavern).

While enroute to the incident, companies were notified there were reports that civilians may be trapped on the second floor and confirmed that fire was showing. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find a two-story "taxpayer" type building with a full basement. The first companies described the building as a wood-frame with heavy smoke showing from the rear of the building. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately after arriving and secured water supply and stretched a line in attempt to control the fire's progress toward the living areas in the building. Simultaneously the first-due Ladder Company searched each apartment unit under heavy smoke/fire conditions for savable civilians. All companies assigned on the first alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the building while trying to suppress the fire's progress when they arrived. Chief Haworth arrived and assumed command at 5:45 and struck a second alarm, two-minutes after his arrival. A third alarm was eventually struck at 6:18 AM and filled out the incident's resources to include; 10 Engines, 3 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, 9 Command Staff , 1 AMR Ambulance and Supervisor and Red Cross.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in a confirmation that all six occupants were outside and accounted for. The fire was declared under control in five hours and no injuries were reported.

Off-Duty and Mutual Aid Firefighters were utilized to staff SFD Stations and respond to simultaneous incidents during the Market Street Fire.

For continuous updated information and *Photos* Please Refer to our Blog (http://www.spokanefire.blogspot.com) and our Facebook Page.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU. The displaced families are receiving assistance from the Inland NW Chapter of the American Red Cross.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was limited to the building itself and the fire did not extend to adjacent buildings or into the railway area. The building was a total loss. Railway traffic was halted during the incident and was reopened after the incident was declared under control.

DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 52
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

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