Fire Press Release

Family Saved by Smoke Detector

Incident #: 2012055719
Date of Incident: 12/24/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 3218 W. Rosamond Ave. at 03:14 hrs on Monday morning, Dec. 24^th,  to a reported structure fire at that address. As Ladder #4 arrived on scene from their fire station located in Brown’s Addition, they reported by Fire Dept. radio that there was visible fire showing through a bedroom window of the structure, they also reported that all the occupants were safely outside, having been awakened by a working smoke detector. Shortly thereafter Engine #4 arrived at the scene, their response was somewhat delayed since they were away from their station finishing up on an EMS call. Once Engine #4 was on scene they were ordered to advance a lead inside the structure and locate the fire. As additional crews began arriving on scene they were given assignments that included search and rescue, a second fire attack lead, a back-up lead to protect the crews already inside, water supply, roof ventilation, a scene Safety Officer, and a Rapid Intervention Team to be in place should a fire fighter become injured or lost inside the building. The Incident Commander upgraded this fire to a “working fire”; this up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. The fire was located in one of the bedrooms and in a very well coordinated effort between the crews on scene the bedroom window was broken from the exterior just as the crews inside made their attack on the fire and the crew on the roof opened up the roof. The result of this well planned attack was a quick knock-down of the fire which kept the fire damage confined to that room of origin. While the fire damage was limited to the one room there was considerable smoke damage throughout the building. There were no reports of injuries to any of the occupants of the house or to fire fighters at the scene. The cause of this fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. 5 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 27 fire fighters to this incident.

Cause:Under Investigation.

Damage:One bedroom and contents completely destroyed. Smoke damage throughout. A large hole was cut in the roof for ventilation purposes. Electricity and natural gas utilities were shut off.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

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

Fire Press Release Twofer

South Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012055387
Date of Incident: 12/21/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, December 21, 2012 at 9:33PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Cornelius responded to a residential building fire in the South Perry District at 720 South Laura.

While responding, firefighters were notified by a neighbor reported flames being visible from the two-story home. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and found heavy pressurized smoke emanating from all floors and an intense fire inside the residence. The incident was upgraded to a “working fire” by the first Chief Officer which added an additional ladder company and other off-duty resources. Ladder companies had to vertically ventilate the roof and force entry into multiple sides of the building which allowed engine companies to access to the interior where they successfully located and extinguished the fire. All companies assigned to the initial stages of the fire completed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.

Cause:
The cause remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
There is heat and heavy smoke damage throughout the basement and first floor. The house in its current state is not inhabitable; however the aggressive efforts by the firefighters limited potentially catastrophic damage to only the area surrounding the origin.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire at County Jail Facility

Incident #: 2012055358
Date of Incident: 12/21/2012
Issuing Officer: C. Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday December 21, 2012 at 5:30PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 2 Senior Ladders, 5 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue responded to a basement fire in the Spokane County Jail. The first arriving fire companies at this high rise facility were met by jail personnel who reported a fire in a large industrial clothes dryer in the basement. Jail personnel activated and followed their emergency action plans which continued to provide security to the facility while allowing firefighters to gain access to the basement fire area. Firefighters from Station 4 extinguished and confined the fire to the industrial clothes dryer. Other fire companies verified that the fire had been confined to the one area and worked with jail personnel to ventilate the smoke from the enclosed structure. All floors were ventilated and monitored for carbon monoxide before leaving. Quick action and proper implementation of the Jail’s emergency plans resulted in a positive outcome. There were no injuries at this incident.

Cause:
Under Investigation: Possible equipment malfuction.

Damage:
Industrial dryer.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 5000

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

Fire Today. Why you take the big fire truck and not a little pickup truck on medical calls.

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012055134#
Date of Incident: 12/20/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday December 20, 2012 at 1:50 PM six companies of Spokane Firefighters including four engines, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported garage fire at 5004 North Martin. Engine 15 firefighters from the Hillyard Neighborhood had just cleared a medical call in their district and were able to respond within 3 minutes to the detached garage fire. Engine 15 through their quick attack was able to confine the fire to the involved garage. Other Companies were assigned to protect an exposed home and garage along with overhauling the involved structure. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:

The Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit has determined the fire was started to the exterior wall of the garage from the alley access and has been determined to be arson.

Damage:
Due to the quick actions of the firefighters, damage was limited to the garage of origin and a fence.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 7000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Coats for Kids at Stevens Elementary

Press Release - Coats for Kids Operation - Today!

With your help, tomorrow, we'll be handing out over 500 coats.

Mike Bacon still needs more of us to help deliver  and distribute these coats. As you can imagine, moving 553 coats from Station One to the school will be quite a chore. Then there is the distribution of the coats. Different sizes, colors and styles mixed with a lot of kids ready for Christmas vacation will make the logistics challenging. The more people we have,  the easier it will be. If you can make yourself available to help in the morning or the early afternoon, please call or text Mike at 998-3615.

This is a great way to help, on your day off, some of the families you help every day at work. This might be the best gift some of these kids will receive this Christmas, and you could be the one giving it to them.

Thanks, John

Here is a video of how these things usually play out:

Fire Press Release

West Central Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012054407
Date of Incident: 12/16/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Sunday December 16, 2012 at 09:03 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bill Donahoe and Bruce Moline, responded to reported structure fire at 1814 West Mission in Northwest Spokane. Engine 3 from the neighborhood fire station arrived within three minutes of dispatch to find flames and smoke showing from an exterior wall on the first floor progressing to the second floor and attic of the two story balloon framed dwelling. Residents met the firefighters as they arrived and reported that everyone had evacuated the building except two cats and pet birds on the second floor. The First arriving Battalion Chief arrived and upgraded the incident to a working fire which brought another Senior Ladder to the scene. Companies were assigned to the first and second floor along with the roof to attack and ventilate the rapidly progressing fire while another company rescued all the pets from the heavy smoke filled environment. Due to the quick response and coordinated attack the fire was completely extinguished within one hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters. The Family of three adults is being assisted by the Red Cross for shelter until the home can be repaired.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit has determined that the fire started from the wood stoves chimney which ignited the framing components of the exterior wall.

Damage:
There is significant fire damage to the first and second floor adjacent to the chimney along with moderate Smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

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

Local 29 Santa Sleigh Flying To Your Neighborhood!

Well it’s that time of year again!  As I write, the snow is falling, Thanksgiving is firmly behind us, and the Local 29 Firefighters of Spokane are heading out to share some Christmas Cheer!  

Of course, I am talking about the Local 29 Spokane Firefighters Union’s Santa Sleigh.  We are very lucky to have had a wonderful donation of an aging 1998 Chevy service truck (which was due for replacement) from Avista and with a lot of time and money invested on the part of the Local 29 members we have created a brand new Santa Sleigh!  They have done a lot of work to get it ready in time for the season.  

The weather between Thanksgiving and Christmas is always a mystery and now with the four wheel drive sleigh, Santa will be able to get out and about spreading the holiday spirit come freezing rain or snow.  In our old sleigh (which we still maintain and use on occasion) we were limited by the two wheel drive under the snowy conditions of December many years.

On any given night, a group of Local 29 firefighters check out the sleigh and head out to see as many kids as possible within a given Spokane neighborhood.  The music is blaring and candy canes are flying; almost as fast as the smiles!  Most crews try and meet by 5:30pm or so and get on the road early enough to see the kiddos before they head off to dreamland.  

For many kids, the firefighters realize, this is their only chance to see Santa.  The malls may be too expensive for many parents or the time required to go may be more than they can offer.  It is a very big deal, young or old, to see Santa!  And while the teenagers may have learned the secret behind the curtain I can assure you the magic is still very much alive!  Parents are overjoyed at a chance to shoot a photo with the kids with Santa! We attempt to stop (when and where safe) and hand out candy canes to every child we see.  Many kids and parents may wave from the window at first but if we pause they will frequently grab a coat and head out to visit.  

Again, right there in the street with Santa might be that kid’s only chance to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas.  We try and take the time to listen, not making any promises of course, remind them to be good for mom and dad, and ask them to have mom and dad help them write a letter and mail it to Santa so he doesn’t forget their big wish on Christmas night!  And since some kids catch on that “you aren’t the real Santa” we try to be straight with them. “Actually you are right!  I am not the real Santa, I am an elf.  Lots of Santa’s Elves make toys back at the North Pole and many others get out into the community and help Santa by finding out what all the good boys and girls want for Christmas.  St. Nicholas is very busy at this time of year getting ready and he needs us elves to help him out!” 

So, if you hear a little Christmas music blaring louder than your typical teen driver it just might be Santa Clause and his elves from your City of Spokane Firefighters Union!  And don’t forget to be nice, because Santa’s driving around checking on his Naughty and Nice list and you don’t want a lump of coal on Christmas morning do you?

Merry Christmas!

Patrick Moore, Local 29

(509)475-6916

News story on trading fire trucks for pick up trucks.

Here.  Make sure you read the comments. SFD had a call last week for a medical call, got there and it was a fire call.  This kind of thing happens a lot. If this call had happened next year, the crew would have had to go back and trade their pickup truck for their engine. In the minutes following, would the person who called have lived? Would her house have burned down?

Again, Why do firefighters, all over the world,  take a big fire truck on medical calls? It's a very simple answer.  And in other places, when citizens ask the question, they get the answer.

Congrats to the newly elected and reelected!

The results are in!

Don Waller was elected as Local 29 President.

Jason Archibald and Shane Skipworth were reelected to eboard.

Dan Strobeck and Kasey Austin were elected to Grievance Committee.

Congrats to all and thanks for your service!

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2012053362
Date of Incident: 12/09/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:At 8:40 PM on Sunday, December 9^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded two ladder trucks, four engines, one rescue truck and two battalion chiefs to a reported fire at 607 S. Monroe Street. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived on scene within four and one-half minutes from their Browne’s Addition station and reported smoke from the attic of the three-story Victorian style house, which had been converted to ten apartments. While Engine 4’s crew advanced a fire attack hose to the third floor, Ladder 4’s crew confirmed that all occupants of the structure had evacuated, and then began searching for the source of the smoke. As other crews arrived they were assigned to other necessary tasks including laddering the roof in case roof ventilation was needed, establishing a water supply from a hydrant, extending a backup attack hose and establishing the required rapid intervention team in case firefighter rescue was needed. The smoldering fire in the attic was quickly located, using thermal imaging cameras, and extinguishment was accomplished by opening a portion of the ceiling in one of the third floor apartments. Although crews were able to keep damage to the structure to a minimum, one apartment will not be habitable until repairs to the structure and to the electrical wiring can be completed. Until then, the Red Cross is assisting the occupant of that apartment with temporary housing.

During the fire, Spokane Police Officers assisted in routing traffic around the scene,  which closed the south Monroe Street hill for several hours. Street Department crews also sanded the hill, due to icing conditions created during firefighting operations. AMR responded an ambulance crew to standby during the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause: Investigators from the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of the fire to be malfunctioning electrical wiring in the attic.

Damage:Damage was confined to burned ceiling joists and the removed portion of ceiling area. Also, electrical wiring in the fire area will need to be replaced.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

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

Engine 9's last fire after a hundred years' service?

From Spokanarama blog. 

Soon-to-be-closed Engine 9 first in at neighbor's fire...

Too bad E-9's crew was in a spare rig this morning and not their regular engine.

There has been an Engine 9 for over a hundred years serving Spokane's South Hill. Hopefully, the last fire put out by Engine 9's crew, before the city council shuts it down in a couple of weeks, will be in the real Engine 9!

How does Spokane's fire service value stack up against its closest comparable?

And again, this underscores why firefighters take the big trucks to medical calls.

Article about Engine 9 closure.

@IAFFLocal29: This morn's @SpokesmanReview article on closure of historical South Hill Engine 9 after years of saving homes & lives here.

Why firefighters take the big trucks on medical calls

This article from Spokanarama . I will add two things to this article:

1. As budgets get smaller, the ranks of firefighters shrink, yet they are tasked to do more. In fact, there were around 25 more firefighters on duty every day in Spokane before firefighters added emergency medical services to their firefighting duties.

2. Yesterday's fire where E-15 and L-2 rescued the family from the house fire may have had very different results if E-15 or L-2 were in an ambulance or pickup truck on a medical call and had to return to the station to get the "big truck" with their turnout gear, their SCBAs, their ladders, their hoses, their pump, their axes, etc. and then proceed to the fire.

Heres the article:

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Why does a big fire truck go on medical calls?

This is a question that I get asked a lot. You can see from the photo above, and if you do a Google search of "fire trucks, engines, paramedics. etc.," the norm is that firefighters use fire engines and ladder trucks to deliver emergency medical services. The photo above is featured on this website.

Why is this the norm?

Quite simply, firefighters have to be prepared, no matter where they are, no matter what they may be doing - building surveys, fireworks patrol, training, etc.  - to respond to any type of emergency. These emergencies include house fires, heart attacks, auto accidents, hazmats, garage fires, strokes, entrapments, car fires, deaths, apartment fires, stabbings, heroin overdoses, people getting run over, shootings, etc.

So, firefighters take the fire engine or ladder truck with the pump, the hoses, the ladders, the nozzles, the breathing apparatus, the cutting tools, the axes, the chainsaws, the defibrillator, the medications, the oxygen, and the all their protective gear with them wherever they go.

If a fire call comes in and they are on a medical call and the patient is OK, or the ambulance shows up, if they are returning to the station from a medical call, if they are on their way to a medical call and they see smoke billowing out of a home, if they are picking up medical supplies from the hospital, they can respond immediately because they are already with, or in, a fire engine or ladder truck. Likewise, if they are at a fire, because they have medical gear on their fire apparatus, they can perform emergency medical services for a fire victim immediately.

All of this saves time. Time is the enemy for firefighters - whether they are in their EMT role helping a stroke or heart attack patient or whether they are acting in their fire suppression role in the early stages of an exponentially expanding apartment fire.

If you have a scanner and were listening to the recent Lincoln Terrace apartment fire, you would have heard fire companies, from all across the city, clear from the medical calls they were on ASAP and proceed directly to the fire. They didn't have to drive back to the station and get "the big fire truck." Today, you can walk by the scene of this fire on 7th and Lincoln, and see what could have happened, if the response had not been timely. With homes and apartments, uphill and right against the apartment complex, the fire would have spread quickly and pretty far into the neighborhood.

To me, and probably to you, this concept seems like a simple thing to explain to others.

If you ever get asked why firefighters take the big trucks on medical emergencies by a friend or neighbor, would you please let them know? Thanks! 

Fire press release

2923 E Central House Fire
Incident #: 2012052437
Date of Incident: 12/04/2012
Issuing Officer: Dave Leavenworth Deputy Chief
Narrative:
This morning December 4, 2012 at 0651 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 heavy rescue, 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 2 Battalion Chiefs, and 1 Deputy Chief to a reported structure fire with reports of occupants inside the home. The first arriving unit, Engine 15 from the Hillyard Neighborhood fire station reported a working structure fire in the basement of a residence with reports of two persons trapped inside. E15 immediately initiated a search operation of the structure. Other arriving units were assigned to conduct simultaneous search operations, ventilate smoke from the structure ,and assist with extinguishment of the fire. SFD personnel rescued two persons from the structure and brought them to medical aid provided by SFD paramedics. AMR personnel arrived to transport a total of five persons from the fire scene to local area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. One adult male victim has been transfered to Harbour View Medical Center in Seattle for definitive treatment of burn injuries. There were no injuries to fire personnel.
Cause:
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by members of the SFD SIU unit. As further information is available updates will be provided.
Damage:
Damage estimates were still being tabulated at the time of this release.
# Firefighters Responding: 25
Dollar Loss: $ N/A
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2012052316
Date of Incident: 12/03/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 2317 E. 4th Ave. at 12:20 hrs on Monday, December 3rd for a reported structure fire. As the crew from Station 7, located in the lower South East section of the City, was approaching the address they could see large amounts of black smoke in the sky and reported by radio that this was a working fire and requested an up-grade to the alarm which would bring additional resources to the incident scene. E7 arrived on the scene and reported a single story wood/frame dwelling with heavy black smoke showing from the roof and eaves of the building and immediately made a decision to make an offensive attack on the fire. As other apparatus began arriving on scene the Incident Commander started making assignments that included water supply, Safety Officer, search and rescue, fire attack, back-up hose lines to protect the fire fighters already engaged in the interior attack, vertical ventilation on the roof, horizontal ventilation at the ground floor level and the deployment of a RIT Team to be in position should the rescue of a lost or injured fire fighter become necessary. A complete search of the entire building was ordered, as per Fire Dept. policy, to ensure that there was no one inside while the simultaneous fire attack and ventilation efforts were undertaken. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the very hot and well-advanced fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Fire damage to the structure was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls, ceilings, and attic space. A large portion of the roof had to be opened to allow the hot, toxic gasses to ventilate into the atmosphere. The areas of the building not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions that were present. There was one reported injury to one of the fire fighters who responded to this early afternoon blaze. The fire fighter fell through a burnt out area of the floor inside the structure, the fire burning below the floor burned an area of skin on his lower leg that became exposed when his turnout pants were pushed up as his leg dropped through the floor. He was examined at the scene by AMR Para-Medics and deemed fit to return to duty at the scene. Five engines, three ladders, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles responded to this incident with 34 fire fighters on scene to get the fire confined and extinguished. The Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit has determined that the cause of the fire was an electrical malfunction inside the dwelling.



Cause:
Electrical malfunction.

Damage:
Heavy fire damage to the entire structure. Most of the interior contents were damaged either by the fire or the high heat that was present in the interior of the structure

# Firefighters Responding: 34

Dollar Loss: $ 80,000

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

Fire press coverage

Spokane Fire Department response on 46th and Stone saved the house next door and stopped the main fire before it got to the bedrooms and living room. Looks like the entire side of the exposed house next door was involved. The wood siding now looks like charcoal. They saved this house and it is still habitable while new siding is being put on. E14 put the water on this exposure and stopped the fire before it extended up to the soffits and into the attic.

The slated-to-be-closed-because-of-$4.50-per-year E9 was the first one into the interior of the primary fire with a nozzle. E11 was on the roof cutting vent holes and trenching.

Here's the Spokesman-Review story. 

Fire press release

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012051347
Date of Incident: 11/27/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative: On Tuesday, November 27,  2012 at 01:34 am, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and  4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a structure fire at 2602 N. Hogan. Fire fighters from Station 2 arrived within 2 minutes and reported smoke from the roof a two story residence and that all the occupants were outside and accounted for. The first arriving Chief upgraded the incident to a working fire which added an additional ladder company and ambulance to the scene. Companies quickly located the fire in the attic of the converted second story apartment unit using thermal imaging cameras. The ceiling was pulled, the roof was opened and the fire was quickly extinguished. The Fire Investigators have determined that the fire originated from faulty wiring in the attic.  Avista has disconnected the power to the second floor apartment until repairs can be made to the affected wiring. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident. 3 adults and 1 child were displaced from the second story apartment and are being assisted by the Red Cross. The first floor apartment was vacant at the time of the incident and was not affected.

Cause: The fire has been determined to be caused by faulty knob and tube wiring in the attic by the Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit.

Damage: There was moderate fire and smoke damage to the affected second floor apartment.There was no damage to the first floor apartment unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR Ambulance, Avista and the Red Cross.

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

Happy Thanksgiving Spokane!

From your Spokane Firefighters! We are thankful for you and proud to be a part of the community since the beginning of our city. Thanks for your support. We appreciate it and you!

Ask your neighbors and friends if they would like to keep Engine Nine open.

From Spokanarama:

Forecasted 2013 budget constraints will cause about nine  Spokane Fire Department layoffs. In addition, there are many vacant position (from retirements) that will also remain vacant for 2013.  For my neighborhood, this means Station Nine on 18th and Bernard will be losing the staffing for their fire engine by eliminating their 12 positions (three crewmembers, four shifts).

Current plans are to move Rescue One (a two person truck) from Station One (Downtown) to Station Nine, when the 12 positions are removed. This truck carries no water and has no pump. If there is a fire in the neighborhood, fire attack will have to wait until an engine can come that is able to pump water. This engine would likely come from Downtown or from Perry and 32nd. And even if Rescue One had a pump and water, because this will be a two-person crew instead of three, fire suppression safety laws would severely limit the ability of the crew to fight fire or rescue occupants, especially when first in.

Going from three to two persons also affects emergency medical services.

Because Rescue One is the city's one rescue truck, it is dispatched to every structure fire that occurs in the city. When that happens in the future, there will be no firefighters at Station Nine.

The city council is considering implementing a one-percent property tax hike. This has been done over the last few years by our previous mayors. The median cost would be $4.50 per year for each household (or about 38 cents per month per home).

Councilman Snyder has voiced his support for this. I don't know about Mike Allen, our other South Hill council member. His email is mallen@spokanecity.org and he can be reached at 625-6255. There will be public testimony on this tonight at the city council meeting.

If this passes, with some of the funds (some will go to the police too), they could save three to four positions and keep our neighborhood fire station open with a three-person fire engine, just like it is now. Downtown's two-person Rescue One would remain unstaffed until budget projections (another subject for another day) get better. 

As you know, I am a little biased about this, so my opinion won't count as much as yours. But, I can say that even if I weren't a firefighter, I would still be very supportive of paying 38 cents per month to keep a fully-staffed fire engine at Station Nine in my neighborhood.  How about you? Thank you!

Spokesman-Review article is here.

Fire Press Release

Structure Fire--North Lee 

Incident #: 2012049512
Date of Incident: 11/14/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Wednesday November 13, 2012 at 9:47 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1211 North Lee Street.  Firefighters from Station 7 arrived within 5-minutes to find smoke visible from the exterior of a one-story, single family residence. Initial arriving companies had to force entry (including removing iron bars for access) to access and attack the fire.  Within minutes of arriving, companies successfully stretched multiple hose leads into the structure while search teams crawled though the area to search for victims.  The fire was quickly located in a wall by engine companies and interior search teams confirmed that there were no victims.  The fire was confined to its primary area of origin and declared under control within 15-minutes.  There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

Cause:The nature was determined to be accidental and the cause was a wall-mounted baseboard heater.

Damage:Fire damage was limited to an interior wall and adjacent area(s). Unfortunately, there was smoke damage throughout the home.  Dollar loss from the incident is still being tabulated.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012049373
Date of Incident: 11/13/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:04 AM (simultaneously during the working fire at 728 E Mission), 6 Companies of Spokane and Spokane Valley
Firefighters, 1 City Senior Ladder, 4 City Engines and 1 Valley Engine under the direction of Battalion Chief Haworth and Deputy Chief Leavenworth, responded to a structure fire at 4521 South Cook Street.  Preliminary information from Fire Dispatch indicated the residence was not occupied and that the entire first floor was charged with smoke.  Firefighters from both departments arrived within 7-minutes to find smoke visible on the interior of the single-family residence.  Initial arriving companies forced entry and immediately searched the entire structure for victims.  As companies arrived they were assigned ventilation and fire attack. The fire was quickly located in subflooring near a furnace appliance and was extinguished with the resources on-scene.  There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

Cause:The cause was determined to accidental and related to a mechanical problem.

Damage:Firefighter’s judicious use of forced ventilation and detailed overhaul activity limited the damage to flooring material(s) and minor smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 4000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire Press Release

Logan Neighborhood Apt Fire

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 11/13/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 10:32 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Green responded to a structure fire at 728 East Mission in Spokane’s Logan Neighborhood. While companies were responding, smoke could be seen throughout the Gonzaga Campus and resulted in multiple 911 calls reporting the incident. Station 2 (Engine 2 and Ladder 2) firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the attic and roof areas of the two-story residence which had been modified to a multiple unit apartment building (Hare Apartments). The first arriving Chief Officer requested the incident to be upgraded to a working fire which added an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene.




The first arriving ladder companies immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut multiple ventilation holes above the apartments involved in fire to allow engine companies to reach the second floor and begin firefighting. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic and second floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however one firefighter suffered a musculoskeletal injury but was not transported to the hospital.

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the renter’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited the second floor, the need to secure the building’s utilities rendered areas of the building temporarily untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting the families with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 33

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

4 Fire Press Releases

It's been a busy couple of days for Spokane Firefighters.

Residential Fire

Incident #: 2012049106
Date of Incident: 11/11/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 12:22 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Sabo, responded to a structure fire at 1426 East Decatur Avenue. While enroute to the incident, companies were notified of a report that a civilian was trapped in the basement of the building. After hearing smoke alarms sounding, neighbors responded by calling 911 and discharged a fire extinguisher in attempt to minimize the fire’s growth. The neighbors were also able to awake the elderly man in the basement and lead him to safety. The first arriving companies described the home as a one-story, wood frame construction with heavy smoke showing from the rear of the residence. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately after arriving and stretched a line in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward the living areas in the house. Additionally, a Paramedic Engine Company was assigned to care for the resident. Simultaneously the Ladder Company searched both floors of the home for civilians and provided ventilation of the structure. The fire was declared under control in 15-minutes after the SFD’s arrival and no injuries were reported.

Cause:The nature of the fire has been determined to be accidental and caused by discarded smoking materials too close to combustibles.

Damage:Damage was limited to an external area in the rear of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 2000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012049081
Date of Incident: 11/11/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 7:58 AM, seven companies of Spokane Firefighters including four engines, two senior ladders and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Sabo responded to a residence fire at 4615 North Rustle in Spokane’s Northwest Side.

Firefighters arrived within three minutes to discover smoke showing on the interior of the single family home.  Firefighters entered the structure using handlines and thermal imaging cameras to locate and extinguish the fire.  Ladder companies simultaneously provided ventilation and access to the fire within the confines of the wood frame home.  The fire, which spread through attic and void spaces, was ultimately confined to the chimney and remote areas in the attic and extinguished by first-due companies within 30-minutes.  There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:The cause of this early morning blaze has been determined to be accidental and related to the condition of the fireplace and nearby combustibles

Damage:Due to the quick actions of the firefighters, damage was limited to the area of origin.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 2000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Riverpark Square Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012048960
Date of Incident: 11/10/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:42 PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe responded to a report of heavy smoke coming from the Riverpark Square Parking Garage.

Responding to an initial report of a vehicle fire, firefighters arrived within minutes to find a difficult to access, well involved vehicle on the seventh floor with flames rapidly threatening nearby automobiles and the adjacent building.  As additional personnel arrived, firefighters commenced a swift and well-coordinated attack on the fire by climbing the stairwell and assembling a fire attack group below the fire floor. The building’s standpipe system was charged by downtown fire engines and ladder trucks were raised to make access to the seventh and eight floors. Despite the personnel-intensive work required to access the fire, their efforts proved synergistic and the flames were extinguished in just 30 minutes. Damage was limited to one unoccupied vehicle with smoke damage to a portion of the seventh floor, with smoke and water impacting the stairwell.  Companies remained for several hours to ensure that smoke remained away from the mall and water was eliminated from the stairwell.  The immediate garage area and the mall was evacuated safely and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Cause:The cause has been determined to be accidental and related to the vehicle's engine.

Damage:The vehicle was destroyed and there is minor smoke damage to the immediate area and stairwell.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $ 40000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Riverpark Square Security

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

North Battalion Business Fire

Incident #: 2012048928
Date of Incident: 11/10/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 11:24 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a building fire at 2829 North Market (Starlite Spa).

While responding, fire dispatch received multiple 911 calls from citizens reporting that heavy smoke and fire was coming from the front door of the building. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and found an intense fire inside the front of the concrete building. The building appeared abandoned and the doors and windows were boarded up and secured with iron bars. The incident was upgraded to a working fire which added an additional company to the scene.  Ladder companies had to force entry into doors and windows on multiple sides of the fortified building which allowed engine companies access to the interior where they successfully located and extinguish the fire.  Ladder crews additionally ventilated the roof and ceilings above the fire. Initial arriving engines and ladder companies also simultaneously performed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing.  The fire was deemed under control within 30-minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.  There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.


 

Cause:The cause of this fire is categorized as incendiary (human caused).  The investigation remains open.

Damage:The building has been secured by a board up company and monetary loss to the facility is still being estimated by the SIU.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Election Day Volunteer Opportunities

Today, if you want to help Local-29-endorsed candidates become elected, drop by 239 West Main Suite A to do some phone calling or doorbelling.

Fire Press Release

Wedgewood Park Apartments

Incident #: 2012047239
Date of Incident: 10/30/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:Early this morning at 12:10 AM, October 30, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded to, The Wedgewood Park Apartments located at 202 East Wedgewood on a reported structure fire. Responding fire crews reported heavy smoke showing from a block away and upon arrival reported that they had a 3-story wood framed apartment building with fire showing from a ground floor apartment. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the front door of the apartment while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. Additional fire crews were called in due to the serious life hazard of an early morning fire in this apartment building that consists of 8-apartments in one building and 8 apartments in an adjoining building, connected by common walk ways.  The fire was brought under control within 1 hour and fire crews were on scene throughout the night to complete the salvage and overhaul process. Six Engine companies, Two Ladders, a heavy rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs were on scene during the initial operations of this incident. There were no reported injures to civilians or firefighters. The Red Cross arrived on scene to assist the occupants of the building that may have been displaced for the night. The Spokane Police Department was also on scene and provided traffic control and scene security during the operational period of this incident.

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

Damage:The apartment of origin on the main floor sustained significant fire damage with smoke damage to the 2 apartment units directly above.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 45,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Red Cross

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

Help get Local 29-endorsed candidates get elected!

Ballots are sitting in our supporters' homes right now. We need to make sure they get in the mail!  Email  cfriend@ofawashington.com to volunteer to ask our friends to get their ballots in.

Fire Press Release

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2012046498
Date of Incident: 10/25/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
On Thursday, October 25, at 07:18 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 727 E Illinois. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from all sides of a 1 ½ story single-family residence. After confirming the accountability of the occupants, firefighters entered the structure using pre-connected handlines and quickly located and extinguished the fire. Additional arriving companies simultaneously provided ventilation and extinguishment of extension from the fire’s originating area.

Cause:
The Fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:
Structural damage was limited to the area of origin; however damage to contents from smoke is moderate. The 4 occupants are being assisted by extended family due to the fact that the home cannot be inhabited until utilities are restored and critical repairs are completed.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000+

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR

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

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012046585
Date of Incident: 10/25/2012
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On Thursday evening, 10/25/2012, at 6:20 PM, The Spokane Fire Department responded to 1303 W Sinto on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene was Engine 3 from the West Central Neighborhood. They reported a fully involved detached two car garage that was threatening the nearby house. The crews on scene stretched hose lines to attack the fire, and protect the exposed structures. The fire was extinguished in one hour and two crews remained on scene to thoroughly search the large amount of contents for hot spots. The electrical service had been discontinued to both the house and the garage and neighbors stated it had been vacant for an extended period of time. No injuries were reported.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU is investigating.

Damage:
The damage was limited to the garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

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

Local 29 Election Picks

2012 Elections

Endorsed by Local 29, the WSCFF, or the IAFF

Federal

President – Barack Obama

US Senate – Maria Cantwell

US House of Representatives – Rich Cowan

State

Governor – Jay Inslee

Secretary of State – Kathleen Drew

Attorney General – Bob Ferguson

Legislative

Senate, District 3 – Andy Billig

House, District 3 – Marcus Ricelli

                             Timm Ormsby

House, District 6 – Dennis Delwo

County Commissioner – John Roskelley

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012045666
Date of Incident: 10/19/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Friday October 19, 2012 at 3:52 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Mike Thompson and Dave Haworth, responded to a structure fire at 1817 West Jackson Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Engine 3 from the neighborhood fire station arrived within three-minutes of dispatch to find heavy smoke showing from the address side of the residence.  Residents met the firefighters as they arrived and reported that everyone had successfully evacuated from the home and were accounted for prior to calling 911.  Finding heavy fire in the basement of the home with rapid extension to the first floor, firefighters from initial arriving engines coordinated an interior attack on the fire while ladder companies above them on the roof conducted vertical ventilation.   The fire was completely extinguished in just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to combustibles too close to the furnace.

Damage:There is significant damage to the basement and moderate smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista

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