ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1206 S. "F" Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204
NARRATIVE: At 6:50 PM this evening, Monday, February 02, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported shed fire at 1206 S. "F" Street. Upon arrival the first fire crews reported a detached 12'X18' storage building heavily involved in fire. Siding on the main house at that address, which was less than 20' away from the storage building, was smoking and near ignition from the radiant heat. Fire crews applied water to the house and checked the inside for any fire extension as other crews simultaneously attacked and extinguished the fire in the storage building. During their investigation of the house one of the crews located the occupant, who reported he had received burns from the fire. The victim, an adult male, was working on his motorcycle in the storage building when gasoline vapors were ignited by a kerosene heater used to heat the building. The victim sustained second degree burns to both hands and first degree burns to his face prior to escaping the burning building. He was treated at the scene by Spokane Fire Department paramedics and transported by ambulance to Deaconess Medical Center. His injuries are not considered life threatening.
PROBABLE CAUSE: As was noted, the cause of the fire was accidental ignition of gasoline vapors inside the storage building.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to a total loss of the storage building and its contents, as well as minor damage to trim and siding on the house at this address.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1607 West Nora
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Tuesday February 3, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:52 AM to 1607 West Nora on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke coming from the back of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom in the basement with smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Jason Reser and he can be contacted at 625-7051.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the basement with smoke damage through out the residence
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
CARTNE Removed (for a while).
For those of you who never got the chance to see CARTNE, I apologize. It has been removed from YouTube. There was nothing derogatory about the SFD, the city, Local 29 or anything objectionable in this video whatsoever. So what made one person complain? And why do we all bend to the whim of a single person? After his first complaint, I went through the video and took out any references to SFD or Spokane, but that wasn't good enough. It's not about the video.
This person has a problem with me. I could post anything and this fellow would have a problem with it. If it is who I think it is, I have invited him to discuss his problem with me, but the person that he is, he has declined. Whomever he is, he would rather work behind the scenes to destroy what others create than to do anything productive himself. It is an affront to him that anyone would care enough to actually do some work on their day off to give something back to others. Oh well, having to live inside his skin is punishment enough for him.
This person is not in the upper echelons of our department. He is not a chief.
He is just a sad little man (whomever he is). CARTNE will be back. It's just going to take a little longer this time. But, you can't let the cowards, the sadsacks, the haters win!
Pebbles and BamBam sang it best:
This person has a problem with me. I could post anything and this fellow would have a problem with it. If it is who I think it is, I have invited him to discuss his problem with me, but the person that he is, he has declined. Whomever he is, he would rather work behind the scenes to destroy what others create than to do anything productive himself. It is an affront to him that anyone would care enough to actually do some work on their day off to give something back to others. Oh well, having to live inside his skin is punishment enough for him.
This person is not in the upper echelons of our department. He is not a chief.
He is just a sad little man (whomever he is). CARTNE will be back. It's just going to take a little longer this time. But, you can't let the cowards, the sadsacks, the haters win!
Pebbles and BamBam sang it best:
EMS in the movies! The Report!
Been enjoying old westerns this winter - a lot! I think many of the themes I find in these movies resonate with me.
Anyway, here is a short clip from Lonely are the Brave starring Kirk Douglas. It's near the end, so if you don't want to know the ending of the movie, don't watch the clip!
It made me laugh. Have things changed?
Monday, February 02, 2009
Official Spokane Fire Department YouTube Site...
Dean Pearcy has put together some great videos over the past few years. Take a gander and you might see yourself in action! Here is his 2007 year in review. Looking forward to 2008's.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/31/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 911 W. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On January 31st, 2009 at 5:09 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 7 apparatus and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 911 W. Jackson. Firefighters discovered a well advanced fire in the basement of a home with a report that there may have been an explosion accompanying the fire. Crews used a transitional approach and first knocked down what fire they could through an available exterior basement window. At the same time, the natural gas was turned off and ladder crews began their search and ventilation duties. It was found that the occupants were not at home, however two dogs were successfully rescued and safely taken outside. Hose line crews on the inside with help from roof crews cutting holes to ventilate were able to knock down the basement fire after approximately 15 minutes and as they began to check for hidden hot spots throughout the building, they also discovered a python snake, a boa constrictor, a tortoise and a Nile monitor lizard. All were caged and unharmed but due to the special nature of this situation, arrangements for transportation for these exotic animals proved challenging but eventually Spokanimal arrived to transport the animals to a warmer and safer place. Close examination of the structure revealed that there was a concussion which disrupted a portion of the concrete foundation and walls. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews will remain at the home throughout the night and early morning hours finishing their job looking for hidden pockets of fire that could remain in the floors, walls and roof areas. There were no injuries to firefighters. The Red Cross is in contact with the family and is assisting them with their displacement.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame home received extensive heat, smoke and water damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/31/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 911 W. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On January 31st, 2009 at 5:09 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 7 apparatus and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 911 W. Jackson. Firefighters discovered a well advanced fire in the basement of a home with a report that there may have been an explosion accompanying the fire. Crews used a transitional approach and first knocked down what fire they could through an available exterior basement window. At the same time, the natural gas was turned off and ladder crews began their search and ventilation duties. It was found that the occupants were not at home, however two dogs were successfully rescued and safely taken outside. Hose line crews on the inside with help from roof crews cutting holes to ventilate were able to knock down the basement fire after approximately 15 minutes and as they began to check for hidden hot spots throughout the building, they also discovered a python snake, a boa constrictor, a tortoise and a Nile monitor lizard. All were caged and unharmed but due to the special nature of this situation, arrangements for transportation for these exotic animals proved challenging but eventually Spokanimal arrived to transport the animals to a warmer and safer place. Close examination of the structure revealed that there was a concussion which disrupted a portion of the concrete foundation and walls. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews will remain at the home throughout the night and early morning hours finishing their job looking for hidden pockets of fire that could remain in the floors, walls and roof areas. There were no injuries to firefighters. The Red Cross is in contact with the family and is assisting them with their displacement.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame home received extensive heat, smoke and water damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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
Saturday, January 31, 2009
POLL RESULTS ARE IN
How should the SFD decide who gets the new engines?
Busier engine companies get the new engines.
11 (44%)
Slower engine companies get the new engines.
2 (8%)
In an arbitrary or random fashion.
2 (8%)
Rap song contest.
1 (4%)
Crews that look the best get the best.
3 (12%)
None of the above (email Bill Foss with your answer and he will post it).
0 (0%)
Magic 8 Ball.
6 (24%)
Busier engine companies get the new engines.
11 (44%)
Slower engine companies get the new engines.
2 (8%)
In an arbitrary or random fashion.
2 (8%)
Rap song contest.
1 (4%)
Crews that look the best get the best.
3 (12%)
None of the above (email Bill Foss with your answer and he will post it).
0 (0%)
Magic 8 Ball.
6 (24%)
Friday, January 30, 2009
This month's Local 29 Bullseye Safety Science video...
After doing this assignment, if you need a certificate, let me know...
WAY TO GO STICKBOY!!!
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE - FEB 4
I try to get the newsletter out the day before our next union meeting. So the deadline is always about a week before the meeting. Please email me with any articles, opinions or pictures you want published.
Thanks, John
Thanks, John
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/29/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1107 W. Carlisle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. Dispatch Center received a call at 10:34 in the morning on Thursday, Jan. 29th, reporting that there was smoke coming from a house located at 1107 W. Carlisle. After gathering all pertinent information from the caller, the Dispatcher sent fire fighting crews and their apparatus responding to this address for a possible house fire. The first fire crew to arrive on scene reported heavy smoke issuing from under the eaves and coming out of the roof. That first arriving Officer made assignments to the other incoming crews by radio and then proceeded to make entry into the building in an effort to determine not only the cause of the smoke but also to determine where it was coming from. As the other responding crews arrived on scene they began to go about completing their pre-assigned tasks of search and rescue, fire attack, ventilation (both vertical and horizontal), and laddering the building. The fire posed some initial problems to the fire crews in that it was burning in the confined spaces of the building and spreading into the attic and the under-side of the roof assembly. In order to find the fire, firefighters used power saws, pike poles, axes, and other hand tools to dig this stubborn fire out from the walls and ceilings. As this "opening-up" proceeded, crews were finally able to get water on the fire and get a pretty good knock down on it. There were two adults in the home at the time of the fire that were able to escape with a pet dog, the family cat was not located but it is hoped that he used one of his nine lives and escaped successfully. The two children who live at the home were at school. There were no reports of any injuries to the tenants or to the fire fighters at the incident. Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the family since damage to the interior of the house and to the structural members of the roof was considerable and extensive repairs will need to be completed before anyone will be allowed to live in the structure. Avista was notified and responded to pull the electrical supply to the house because many of the electrical circuits were severely damaged. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary indications point to the fireplace and the structural support members of the building that were in direct contact with the brick and mortar of that fireplace, a fairly common construction practice in older homes of this area. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 25 fire fighters to this morning fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Old, dry, wooden structrural components being in direct contact with the brick and mortar of an older masonary fireplace which has been used to augment the other heating systems of the building.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The walls, ceilings, floors, and a closet that were near the chimney, which was centrally located in the house, received heavy damage. The attic and especially the under-side of the roof system sustained severe damage. Smoke damage to the contents was kept to a minimum since most of the smoke traveled upward through the attic and out the roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/29/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1107 W. Carlisle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. Dispatch Center received a call at 10:34 in the morning on Thursday, Jan. 29th, reporting that there was smoke coming from a house located at 1107 W. Carlisle. After gathering all pertinent information from the caller, the Dispatcher sent fire fighting crews and their apparatus responding to this address for a possible house fire. The first fire crew to arrive on scene reported heavy smoke issuing from under the eaves and coming out of the roof. That first arriving Officer made assignments to the other incoming crews by radio and then proceeded to make entry into the building in an effort to determine not only the cause of the smoke but also to determine where it was coming from. As the other responding crews arrived on scene they began to go about completing their pre-assigned tasks of search and rescue, fire attack, ventilation (both vertical and horizontal), and laddering the building. The fire posed some initial problems to the fire crews in that it was burning in the confined spaces of the building and spreading into the attic and the under-side of the roof assembly. In order to find the fire, firefighters used power saws, pike poles, axes, and other hand tools to dig this stubborn fire out from the walls and ceilings. As this "opening-up" proceeded, crews were finally able to get water on the fire and get a pretty good knock down on it. There were two adults in the home at the time of the fire that were able to escape with a pet dog, the family cat was not located but it is hoped that he used one of his nine lives and escaped successfully. The two children who live at the home were at school. There were no reports of any injuries to the tenants or to the fire fighters at the incident. Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the family since damage to the interior of the house and to the structural members of the roof was considerable and extensive repairs will need to be completed before anyone will be allowed to live in the structure. Avista was notified and responded to pull the electrical supply to the house because many of the electrical circuits were severely damaged. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary indications point to the fireplace and the structural support members of the building that were in direct contact with the brick and mortar of that fireplace, a fairly common construction practice in older homes of this area. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 25 fire fighters to this morning fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Old, dry, wooden structrural components being in direct contact with the brick and mortar of an older masonary fireplace which has been used to augment the other heating systems of the building.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The walls, ceilings, floors, and a closet that were near the chimney, which was centrally located in the house, received heavy damage. The attic and especially the under-side of the roof system sustained severe damage. Smoke damage to the contents was kept to a minimum since most of the smoke traveled upward through the attic and out the roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3503 E. 36th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 1:55PM the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at 3503 E. 36th Ave. The first arriving company, E14 under the direction of Lt. John Trautman arrived at the scene within 5 minutes of being dispatched.
The initial report from Lt. Trautman was that the home had fire on its rear side and that the fire had possibly entered the rear portion of the home. Engine 14s crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, other crews searched and verified that the home was not occupied. The main body of the fire was knocked down within 5 minutes. Crews were on the scene for a couple of hours making sure the fire was out.
Firefighters found 3 dogs inside the home and several cats. All of the animals are in good condition and have been reconnected with their owners.
There were no injuries at this incident. Damage was confined to the rear of the home and a portion of the kitchen. The cause of this fire is still under investigation, but does not appear to be suspicious at this time.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Rear of home and kitchen.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3503 E. 36th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 1:55PM the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at 3503 E. 36th Ave. The first arriving company, E14 under the direction of Lt. John Trautman arrived at the scene within 5 minutes of being dispatched.
The initial report from Lt. Trautman was that the home had fire on its rear side and that the fire had possibly entered the rear portion of the home. Engine 14s crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, other crews searched and verified that the home was not occupied. The main body of the fire was knocked down within 5 minutes. Crews were on the scene for a couple of hours making sure the fire was out.
Firefighters found 3 dogs inside the home and several cats. All of the animals are in good condition and have been reconnected with their owners.
There were no injuries at this incident. Damage was confined to the rear of the home and a portion of the kitchen. The cause of this fire is still under investigation, but does not appear to be suspicious at this time.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Rear of home and kitchen.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Photo Album
There's a new icon on the sidebar that will feature pictures that you send in to me. We'll see if anybody does.
billfoss@comcast.net
billfoss@comcast.net
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4203 North Calispel
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: - This morning, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 12:53 AM to 4203 North Calispel on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the front door of a 1-story, house. Further investigation by the on scene fire crews found fire burning within a wall next to a brick fire place. The fire crews gained access to the wall and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire damage was confined to the wall only with no fire extension into the attic. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters.
The two occupants of the house were asleep at the time of the fire and were alerted by the sounding of their smoke detector as the house was filling up with smoke. The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to express the well known fact that properly working smoke detectors do save lives.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was caused by combustible, structural framing members that supported the brick chimney igniting from the heat of the fire place
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage was confined to an interior wall and the brick fireplace
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4203 North Calispel
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: - This morning, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 12:53 AM to 4203 North Calispel on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the front door of a 1-story, house. Further investigation by the on scene fire crews found fire burning within a wall next to a brick fire place. The fire crews gained access to the wall and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire damage was confined to the wall only with no fire extension into the attic. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters.
The two occupants of the house were asleep at the time of the fire and were alerted by the sounding of their smoke detector as the house was filling up with smoke. The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to express the well known fact that properly working smoke detectors do save lives.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was caused by combustible, structural framing members that supported the brick chimney igniting from the heat of the fire place
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage was confined to an interior wall and the brick fireplace
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Mike Inman
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4103 W. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 3 am January 25, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported house fire across the street from 4108 W. Sanson in Spokane, Washington. Engine 16 was the first fire crew on scene. They arrived very quickly as their Fire Station is less than a mile from the incident. Upon arrival Engine 16 reported the basement of a split level house at 4103 W. Sanson fully involved and upgraded the fire to a working fire requesting an additional Engine Company and a fire investigator. A rapid fire attack by Engine 16 was started and their efforts stopped the spread of the fire. The crew advanced the hose line through the house for further fire attack and extinguishing hot spots. The next apparatus on scene was Pumper Ladder 13 and they backed up Engine 16 as well as beginning a search of the house for anyone still inside. Additional crews arrived to assist with water supply from a nearby hydrant, ventilation of heat and smoke from the house and a safety backup team. The fire was quickly brought under control, no residents were still inside but 3 pets did not make it out. Two cats and a bird died in the fire. The residents were asked if they were awaken by their smoke detectors but said they were not as they did not have batteries in them. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters, Red Cross was called for the displaced 4 residents, Spokanimal was called for the deceased pets and AVISTA to disconnect electrical and gas services to the burned structure. 26 Firefighters responded on 4 fire Engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 pumper ladder, 1 rescue unit and 2 staff vehicles. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. At this time the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to make sure their smoke detectors are operational and change the batteries at least twice a year. Do not count on someone smelling smoke and waking up as this is not a reliable way to alert the occupants of a home to fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown. It is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage to the room of origin with heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the house.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4103 W. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 3 am January 25, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported house fire across the street from 4108 W. Sanson in Spokane, Washington. Engine 16 was the first fire crew on scene. They arrived very quickly as their Fire Station is less than a mile from the incident. Upon arrival Engine 16 reported the basement of a split level house at 4103 W. Sanson fully involved and upgraded the fire to a working fire requesting an additional Engine Company and a fire investigator. A rapid fire attack by Engine 16 was started and their efforts stopped the spread of the fire. The crew advanced the hose line through the house for further fire attack and extinguishing hot spots. The next apparatus on scene was Pumper Ladder 13 and they backed up Engine 16 as well as beginning a search of the house for anyone still inside. Additional crews arrived to assist with water supply from a nearby hydrant, ventilation of heat and smoke from the house and a safety backup team. The fire was quickly brought under control, no residents were still inside but 3 pets did not make it out. Two cats and a bird died in the fire. The residents were asked if they were awaken by their smoke detectors but said they were not as they did not have batteries in them. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters, Red Cross was called for the displaced 4 residents, Spokanimal was called for the deceased pets and AVISTA to disconnect electrical and gas services to the burned structure. 26 Firefighters responded on 4 fire Engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 pumper ladder, 1 rescue unit and 2 staff vehicles. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. At this time the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to make sure their smoke detectors are operational and change the batteries at least twice a year. Do not count on someone smelling smoke and waking up as this is not a reliable way to alert the occupants of a home to fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown. It is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage to the room of origin with heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the house.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Survey results and new survey...
In the survey "Which shift is serving and protecting the most excellently?," A Shift won in a landslide. Congrats. Your commitment to excellence is excellent.
New survey -
New survey -
"How should the SFD decide who gets the new engines?
"The survey is on the right sidebar. Have your say. It will make you feel good.Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4314 N. Stevens
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On January 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a garage fire located at 4314 N. Stevens. Fire crews found a garage behind a home that was well involved in fire. A knockdown of the fire was successful and was achieved after 10 minutes. A live power line had dropped during the fire and the area was cleared out in order to isolate and protect civilians and firefighters from electrical shock. The Avista Company arrived shortly and shut down the power. The structure and its contents sustained heavy fire damage. The cause of this fire was an improperly discarded cigarette inside the garage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: An improperly discarded cigarette.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame garage and contents were severely damaged by the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 18,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4314 N. Stevens
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On January 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a garage fire located at 4314 N. Stevens. Fire crews found a garage behind a home that was well involved in fire. A knockdown of the fire was successful and was achieved after 10 minutes. A live power line had dropped during the fire and the area was cleared out in order to isolate and protect civilians and firefighters from electrical shock. The Avista Company arrived shortly and shut down the power. The structure and its contents sustained heavy fire damage. The cause of this fire was an improperly discarded cigarette inside the garage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: An improperly discarded cigarette.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame garage and contents were severely damaged by the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 18,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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
Friday, January 23, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: !906 West Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204
NARRATIVE: On 1/23/09 at 5:51 PM the City of Spokane fire department responded 8 fire apparatus 27 Firefighters and 2 command personnel to 1906 West Pacific for a reported fire in the Mary Manor apartments. Fire companies from Station 4 on arrival reported smoke showing from one of the lower apartments. Attack leads were advanced into the apartment and a quick knock down of the main body of the fire took place. Crews search the upper floors and lower floors for any residents that were not accounted for. Other crews checked the apartments above and adjacent to the fire room for any fire extension. The fire was contained to the kitchen and declared out in about 15 minutes. Overhaul took about one hour. Once the smoke was cleared out the residents were allowed to return to their apartments. There were no reports of any injuries. Fire investigators were called to the scene and it was determined that this was an accidental fire. On adult male was displaced, Red Cross was notified.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental , kitchen fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: KItchen was burned out. Smoke damage through out.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25000.00
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: !906 West Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204
NARRATIVE: On 1/23/09 at 5:51 PM the City of Spokane fire department responded 8 fire apparatus 27 Firefighters and 2 command personnel to 1906 West Pacific for a reported fire in the Mary Manor apartments. Fire companies from Station 4 on arrival reported smoke showing from one of the lower apartments. Attack leads were advanced into the apartment and a quick knock down of the main body of the fire took place. Crews search the upper floors and lower floors for any residents that were not accounted for. Other crews checked the apartments above and adjacent to the fire room for any fire extension. The fire was contained to the kitchen and declared out in about 15 minutes. Overhaul took about one hour. Once the smoke was cleared out the residents were allowed to return to their apartments. There were no reports of any injuries. Fire investigators were called to the scene and it was determined that this was an accidental fire. On adult male was displaced, Red Cross was notified.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental , kitchen fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: KItchen was burned out. Smoke damage through out.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25000.00
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
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Obama's Inauguration Speech Makes Mention of Firefighter's courage...
"It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Don't forget to take the survey in the sidebar: What shift is serving and protecting the most excellently?
There is more to it than shift pride. There's seeing if this survey dealio works.
Fire Press Release - Two Fer
ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1317 S Lacey
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 01/18/09 at approximately 1834 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1317 S. Lacey upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire department units found smoke coming from a 1 ½ story, wood-frame, single family structure. Crews advanced a pre-connected hose-line through the front door to the rear of the first floor of the structure and found fire within a kitchen wall. The wall was quickly opened up and the fire was quickly extinguished. At the same time other fire crews were busy completing tasks such as: checking the second floor of the residence for fire extension, laddering the roof in case ventilation in that area was necessary, placing tarps in various areas of the residence to protect the tenants personal items from smoke and water damage, as well as overhauling the fire area to detect potential hidden fire.
A total of 27 firefighters on 10 apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported. Two adults and one child lived at the residence and escaped the residence unharmed. Firefighters were on this fire scene for over two hours.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation but appears to have started inside a wall in close proximity to electrical wiring. Fire investigators will have more on the cause of this fire in the near future.
DAMAGE EXTENT: . Fire damage was confined mainly to a first floor kitchen wall and the adjacent bathroom, with minor fire damage evident in the attic above these areas. Minor smoke damage was also evident throughout the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2319 E. Springfield
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 01/19/09 at approximately 2332 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 2319 E. Springfield upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire departments units found a one story, wood-frame, single family residence heavily involved in fire. Approximately one half of the main floor was on fire as well as nearly the entire attic. Initial crews advanced pre-connected hose-lines to attack the fire on the main floor. After that fire was knocked down firefighters concentrated on attacking the fire in the attic. This task was made extremely difficult by the heavy construction of the ceiling materials, making access to the attic a time consuming process. While several crews battled the fire other members ventilated the roof, protected nearby buildings, and opened up areas that may conceal hidden fire. Initial fire crews were on scene for approximately 3 hrs, with other crews to be on scene the rest of the night. Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and both escaped safely.
Twenty-three firefighters on nine apparatus battled this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is currently under investigation and the cause is undetermined. Fire investigators will be back on scene in the morning to continue their efforts to determine the fire cause.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home is considered a total loss. Significant fire damage is evident to the south half of the main floor and to a major portion of the attic. Areas not damaged by fire have suffered smoke and/or water damage. Total dollar loss may be $100,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1317 S Lacey
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 01/18/09 at approximately 1834 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1317 S. Lacey upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire department units found smoke coming from a 1 ½ story, wood-frame, single family structure. Crews advanced a pre-connected hose-line through the front door to the rear of the first floor of the structure and found fire within a kitchen wall. The wall was quickly opened up and the fire was quickly extinguished. At the same time other fire crews were busy completing tasks such as: checking the second floor of the residence for fire extension, laddering the roof in case ventilation in that area was necessary, placing tarps in various areas of the residence to protect the tenants personal items from smoke and water damage, as well as overhauling the fire area to detect potential hidden fire.
A total of 27 firefighters on 10 apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported. Two adults and one child lived at the residence and escaped the residence unharmed. Firefighters were on this fire scene for over two hours.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation but appears to have started inside a wall in close proximity to electrical wiring. Fire investigators will have more on the cause of this fire in the near future.
DAMAGE EXTENT: . Fire damage was confined mainly to a first floor kitchen wall and the adjacent bathroom, with minor fire damage evident in the attic above these areas. Minor smoke damage was also evident throughout the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2319 E. Springfield
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 01/19/09 at approximately 2332 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 2319 E. Springfield upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire departments units found a one story, wood-frame, single family residence heavily involved in fire. Approximately one half of the main floor was on fire as well as nearly the entire attic. Initial crews advanced pre-connected hose-lines to attack the fire on the main floor. After that fire was knocked down firefighters concentrated on attacking the fire in the attic. This task was made extremely difficult by the heavy construction of the ceiling materials, making access to the attic a time consuming process. While several crews battled the fire other members ventilated the roof, protected nearby buildings, and opened up areas that may conceal hidden fire. Initial fire crews were on scene for approximately 3 hrs, with other crews to be on scene the rest of the night. Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and both escaped safely.
Twenty-three firefighters on nine apparatus battled this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is currently under investigation and the cause is undetermined. Fire investigators will be back on scene in the morning to continue their efforts to determine the fire cause.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home is considered a total loss. Significant fire damage is evident to the south half of the main floor and to a major portion of the attic. Areas not damaged by fire have suffered smoke and/or water damage. Total dollar loss may be $100,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Worcester firefighters Safety and Survival Seminar Highlights - Paul Binkoski
Editor's note: This appeared in this month's union newsletter - WORKER, this month. We thought it would be good to share with others what Paul heard at the conference.
Worcester firefighters Safety and Survival Seminar Highlights - Paul Binkoski
BC John Salka, FDNY, Leadership
As a leader you should:
Step back, remember where you came from, where you started at, do the right thing
Innovate - think outside the office, do not hold future leaders back, encourage, inspire
Be interested in what is going on, be interested in others and their ideas. Your way is not always the only way
Do your job when at the station. Leave your day off work at home. Do you spend as much time at home doing fire department stuff as you spend at the station doing day off work?
Passion and positive attitude outshines skill levels. Encourage training and leadership opportunities
Chief officers keep in touch with the troops, go to the stations to let them know who you are. Do not jump calls and take command from your subordinates. They need to learn and develop skills
If upper management lacks leadership qualities, look to other officers or firefighters for guidance. Rank is not an automatic that brings leadership skills or qualities, although some chiefs think it does.
When giving orders, do not give systematic instructions, remember you are working trained and knowledgeable firefighters
Captain Mike Dugan, Ladder 123, FDNY
Black Fire, means smoke is too hot to burn, damage to structure and contents taking place, high risk
Roof Ventilation - try using 7-9-8 cut the 7 first check for pressure turn the 7 into a 9 if you need a bigger hole make the hole a 8, quick smaller hole is better than large hole that takes a lot of time and effort
Watch for hurricane windows - almost impossible to break with hand tools
Coordinate venting with Engine Company. Ladder officer in charge of venting
Use horizontal venting when applicable
Lt. Mickey Conboy, Sq.41, FDNY
Size Up-Needs to be done by everyone on the scene
Look the structure over before going inside, escape routes, windows, doors
Information from the occupants may or may not be reliable
VES needs to be a coordinated effort - Risk vs. Reward - requires training before doing
Radio traffic between crews should be of more importance
Chief on the radio less, do not micro manage, have confidence in your crews, they should know their jobs
Timely reports to the chief from the crews PB
Worcester firefighters Safety and Survival Seminar Highlights - Paul Binkoski
BC John Salka, FDNY, Leadership
As a leader you should:
Step back, remember where you came from, where you started at, do the right thing
Innovate - think outside the office, do not hold future leaders back, encourage, inspire
Be interested in what is going on, be interested in others and their ideas. Your way is not always the only way
Do your job when at the station. Leave your day off work at home. Do you spend as much time at home doing fire department stuff as you spend at the station doing day off work?
Passion and positive attitude outshines skill levels. Encourage training and leadership opportunities
Chief officers keep in touch with the troops, go to the stations to let them know who you are. Do not jump calls and take command from your subordinates. They need to learn and develop skills
If upper management lacks leadership qualities, look to other officers or firefighters for guidance. Rank is not an automatic that brings leadership skills or qualities, although some chiefs think it does.
When giving orders, do not give systematic instructions, remember you are working trained and knowledgeable firefighters
Captain Mike Dugan, Ladder 123, FDNY
Black Fire, means smoke is too hot to burn, damage to structure and contents taking place, high risk
Roof Ventilation - try using 7-9-8 cut the 7 first check for pressure turn the 7 into a 9 if you need a bigger hole make the hole a 8, quick smaller hole is better than large hole that takes a lot of time and effort
Watch for hurricane windows - almost impossible to break with hand tools
Coordinate venting with Engine Company. Ladder officer in charge of venting
Use horizontal venting when applicable
Lt. Mickey Conboy, Sq.41, FDNY
Size Up-Needs to be done by everyone on the scene
Look the structure over before going inside, escape routes, windows, doors
Information from the occupants may or may not be reliable
VES needs to be a coordinated effort - Risk vs. Reward - requires training before doing
Radio traffic between crews should be of more importance
Chief on the radio less, do not micro manage, have confidence in your crews, they should know their jobs
Timely reports to the chief from the crews PB
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3014 N. Cincinnati
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On January 16th, 2009 at 3:53 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 3014 N. Cincinnati. Firefighters encountered flames coming from the roof area of a one and a half story house upon their arrival. A rapid and thorough search for victims of the home was begun and at the same time hose lines were stretched to the interior of the home where the fire was found to be rapidly extending into the walls and attic space on the upper level. It was then confirmed that all 5 occupants (two adults and three children) made their escape successfully from the home. It was however, discovered that they did not have a working smoke detector. A "knockdown" of the fire was achieved after 15 minutes. Crews remained on the scene for 2 ½ hours performing final extinguishment including searching for hotspots with their thermal imaging cameras. A total of 20 firefighters participated in controlling this fire. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene after it was determined that the smoke and heat damage was significant. The fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit and at this time, it appears that the fire may have been electrical in origin. The family of 5 will be taken care of by the Red Cross who will be providing lodging. It should be noted that this family did make it out of their burning home, however their smoke detector did not activate due to a poor battery. This family is very lucky to escape as they were sleeping at the time of the fire. Because most fire deaths occur from smoke in the home at night during sleeping hours, it is extremely important that a fresh battery be kept inside smoke detectors. Test batteries at least monthly and replace them at least once a year. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Smoke detectors save lives!
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. The focus at this time, is on electrical power as a possible source of the fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame home suffered extensive damage to the upper level attic space and also sustained smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3014 N. Cincinnati
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On January 16th, 2009 at 3:53 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 3014 N. Cincinnati. Firefighters encountered flames coming from the roof area of a one and a half story house upon their arrival. A rapid and thorough search for victims of the home was begun and at the same time hose lines were stretched to the interior of the home where the fire was found to be rapidly extending into the walls and attic space on the upper level. It was then confirmed that all 5 occupants (two adults and three children) made their escape successfully from the home. It was however, discovered that they did not have a working smoke detector. A "knockdown" of the fire was achieved after 15 minutes. Crews remained on the scene for 2 ½ hours performing final extinguishment including searching for hotspots with their thermal imaging cameras. A total of 20 firefighters participated in controlling this fire. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene after it was determined that the smoke and heat damage was significant. The fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit and at this time, it appears that the fire may have been electrical in origin. The family of 5 will be taken care of by the Red Cross who will be providing lodging. It should be noted that this family did make it out of their burning home, however their smoke detector did not activate due to a poor battery. This family is very lucky to escape as they were sleeping at the time of the fire. Because most fire deaths occur from smoke in the home at night during sleeping hours, it is extremely important that a fresh battery be kept inside smoke detectors. Test batteries at least monthly and replace them at least once a year. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Smoke detectors save lives!
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. The focus at this time, is on electrical power as a possible source of the fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame home suffered extensive damage to the upper level attic space and also sustained smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
SFD Scanner on the Interwebnets
Click on the link above to listen to all dispatch all the time. Why would you want to do a thing like that? Hey, I'm just telling you it's here. That's all!
You might have to register. I don't know.
Here's another one:
http://spokane.wa.scanamerica.us/index.php
You might have to register. I don't know.
Here's another one:
http://spokane.wa.scanamerica.us/index.php
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1528 E Boone Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 1528 E. Boone Ave. at 6:41 on the morning of Jan. 13th, 2009, for a reported structure fire. As fire crews were responding to this address they received additional reports from Fire Dispatch advising them that the four occupants of the structure had exited safely from the building. The first arriving fire crew reported that there was light smoke coming from the front of the structure and that they were preparing to enter to investigate for the cause of the smoke. Eventually two more fire fighting crews were assigned to assist in this investigation as they began arriving on scene. Armed with fire hoses, axes, pike poles, and thermal imaging cameras, these crews were able to dig out this fire from the walls and ceilings that were keeping it from being seen. Once uncovered the fire was quickly contained and extinguished by the crews who were inside doing their assigned work. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to the occupants of the building. This particular house was divided into two apartments; an upper unit which was occupied by the building owner, and a lower unit occupied by a young couple and their infant. The younger couple is being assisted by the Red Cross as their unit will be without electricity until electrical repairs can be completed. The owner, who resides in the upper portion of the duplex, may have to make other short-term living arrangements as well. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit was on scene shortly after the fire had been extinguished and his preliminary investigation has focused on the electrical system in the building as being the probable cause of this early morning fire. Damage to the structural members of the building was kept to a minimum since the fire crews were able to expose the fire and extinguish it before it could get a good foot-hold on the structure. Once the electrical repairs have been made and other additional interior repairs are finished, the house should once again be habitable.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The electrical system in the house is the apparent cause for the fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the electrical system is severe, structural damage was fairly slight, limited water damage, some smoke damage throughout the building, and some interior cosmetic damage was caused by having to breach walls in the search for the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1528 E Boone Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 1528 E. Boone Ave. at 6:41 on the morning of Jan. 13th, 2009, for a reported structure fire. As fire crews were responding to this address they received additional reports from Fire Dispatch advising them that the four occupants of the structure had exited safely from the building. The first arriving fire crew reported that there was light smoke coming from the front of the structure and that they were preparing to enter to investigate for the cause of the smoke. Eventually two more fire fighting crews were assigned to assist in this investigation as they began arriving on scene. Armed with fire hoses, axes, pike poles, and thermal imaging cameras, these crews were able to dig out this fire from the walls and ceilings that were keeping it from being seen. Once uncovered the fire was quickly contained and extinguished by the crews who were inside doing their assigned work. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to the occupants of the building. This particular house was divided into two apartments; an upper unit which was occupied by the building owner, and a lower unit occupied by a young couple and their infant. The younger couple is being assisted by the Red Cross as their unit will be without electricity until electrical repairs can be completed. The owner, who resides in the upper portion of the duplex, may have to make other short-term living arrangements as well. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit was on scene shortly after the fire had been extinguished and his preliminary investigation has focused on the electrical system in the building as being the probable cause of this early morning fire. Damage to the structural members of the building was kept to a minimum since the fire crews were able to expose the fire and extinguish it before it could get a good foot-hold on the structure. Once the electrical repairs have been made and other additional interior repairs are finished, the house should once again be habitable.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The electrical system in the house is the apparent cause for the fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the electrical system is severe, structural damage was fairly slight, limited water damage, some smoke damage throughout the building, and some interior cosmetic damage was caused by having to breach walls in the search for the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/6/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5720 North G Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 09:16 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius responded to a residence fire at 5720 North G Street.
Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station (Station 16) arrived within 5 minutes to discover a single family residence with smoke showing. Engine 16 and neighboring Engine 17 forced entry to the home under heavy smoke and heat conditions to discover a working basement fire. The alarm was upgraded to a working fire and efforts by arriving companies were focused at searching the home for trapped occupants and confining the fire to the area of origin.
A well coordinated interior fire attack combined with ventilation efforts allowed firefighters to quickly gain the upper hand on the fire. Firefighters were able to rescue two cats and one dog during their search. All three animals received emergency medical by crews on scene, including oxygen via special masks provided by a local Veterinarian group. All three animals were resuscitated and recovering well at the time of this release. The fire was controlled in just 15-minutes and was confined to the basement. There were no injuries reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home suffered heat, smoke and water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/6/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5720 North G Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 09:16 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius responded to a residence fire at 5720 North G Street.
Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station (Station 16) arrived within 5 minutes to discover a single family residence with smoke showing. Engine 16 and neighboring Engine 17 forced entry to the home under heavy smoke and heat conditions to discover a working basement fire. The alarm was upgraded to a working fire and efforts by arriving companies were focused at searching the home for trapped occupants and confining the fire to the area of origin.
A well coordinated interior fire attack combined with ventilation efforts allowed firefighters to quickly gain the upper hand on the fire. Firefighters were able to rescue two cats and one dog during their search. All three animals received emergency medical by crews on scene, including oxygen via special masks provided by a local Veterinarian group. All three animals were resuscitated and recovering well at the time of this release. The fire was controlled in just 15-minutes and was confined to the basement. There were no injuries reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home suffered heat, smoke and water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000
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
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bobby Williams, Fire Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/30/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3857 E. Olive, Empire Cold Storage
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 0
NARRATIVE: Release issued as of 2:00 pm
A fire broke out in the center portion of the Empire Cold Storage facility at approximately 10:09 am today. Initial arriving companies reported a working fire. Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer and Deputy Chief Dave Leavenworth were in the area and arrived on the scene shortly. Chief Schaeffer assumed command and requested a 2nd Alarm. The fire eventually went to a 3rd alarm utilizing 14 of the city fire department's 17 units along with a ladder from the Valley Fire Department.
A short time after being on scene, signs of structural collapse were observed and forced firefighter evacuation of the building and the incident going to a "Defensive" mode.
The facility stored approximately 100 tons of frozen food products. As a part of the cooling process the facility uses the chemical Anhydrous Ammonia. This is an extremely dangerous chemical that can react violently to fire creating a number of hazardous situations. Due to this chemical being on site and potentially exposed to the spreading fire, an evacuation was initiated in an area of 500 feet in all directions of the structure.
There were two separate Anhydrous Ammonia storage tanks at this location. One contained 2000 lbs of the chemical and the other 2500 lbs. Fire crews concentrated on protecting these storage tanks from fire as well as fire from spreading to other parts of the building.
The main building was generally divided into 3 areas separated by fire walls. The fire originated and thus far has been contained to the center divided area.
Water streams from aerial ladders and ground deluge guns were used to put water on the fire. There were some initial challenges for Firefighters to find and dig out fire hydrants. The city water department was extremely helpful in finding and digging out additional hydrants for possible use.
As the fire department gained control of the fire, the mandatory evacuation order was lifted at approximately 1:15 pm.
During the height of the incident, several city fire stations were filled with mutual aid units from surrounding fire departments and districts including the Valley Fire Department and Fire Districts 8, 9 and 10.
It is anticipated that the Spokane Fire Department will have units on the scene for several hours.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Preliminarily it has been determined that the fire was started by a cutting torch removing a portion of an awning that had collapsed from snow load over the weekend. Apparently, the awning collapse caused a gas leak during the weekend. The gas was immediately shut down by the utility company and had no contribution to the fire.
The building owner hired a contractor to repair the damage created by the awning collapse. In order to complete the repair, it was necessary to cut away a part of the awning from the main structure on the north side of the building in the center of the building. It was during the cutting operation that the fire began.
Fire Investigators will conduct additional work on the scene after the fire is totally extinguished and it is safe to do so.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The center of the building received extreme fire damage. At this time the extent of damage to the frozen food products stored at the facility is not know.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 60
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 10, Fire District 8, Fire District 9
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/30/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3857 E. Olive, Empire Cold Storage
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 0
NARRATIVE: Release issued as of 2:00 pm
A fire broke out in the center portion of the Empire Cold Storage facility at approximately 10:09 am today. Initial arriving companies reported a working fire. Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer and Deputy Chief Dave Leavenworth were in the area and arrived on the scene shortly. Chief Schaeffer assumed command and requested a 2nd Alarm. The fire eventually went to a 3rd alarm utilizing 14 of the city fire department's 17 units along with a ladder from the Valley Fire Department.
A short time after being on scene, signs of structural collapse were observed and forced firefighter evacuation of the building and the incident going to a "Defensive" mode.
The facility stored approximately 100 tons of frozen food products. As a part of the cooling process the facility uses the chemical Anhydrous Ammonia. This is an extremely dangerous chemical that can react violently to fire creating a number of hazardous situations. Due to this chemical being on site and potentially exposed to the spreading fire, an evacuation was initiated in an area of 500 feet in all directions of the structure.
There were two separate Anhydrous Ammonia storage tanks at this location. One contained 2000 lbs of the chemical and the other 2500 lbs. Fire crews concentrated on protecting these storage tanks from fire as well as fire from spreading to other parts of the building.
The main building was generally divided into 3 areas separated by fire walls. The fire originated and thus far has been contained to the center divided area.
Water streams from aerial ladders and ground deluge guns were used to put water on the fire. There were some initial challenges for Firefighters to find and dig out fire hydrants. The city water department was extremely helpful in finding and digging out additional hydrants for possible use.
As the fire department gained control of the fire, the mandatory evacuation order was lifted at approximately 1:15 pm.
During the height of the incident, several city fire stations were filled with mutual aid units from surrounding fire departments and districts including the Valley Fire Department and Fire Districts 8, 9 and 10.
It is anticipated that the Spokane Fire Department will have units on the scene for several hours.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Preliminarily it has been determined that the fire was started by a cutting torch removing a portion of an awning that had collapsed from snow load over the weekend. Apparently, the awning collapse caused a gas leak during the weekend. The gas was immediately shut down by the utility company and had no contribution to the fire.
The building owner hired a contractor to repair the damage created by the awning collapse. In order to complete the repair, it was necessary to cut away a part of the awning from the main structure on the north side of the building in the center of the building. It was during the cutting operation that the fire began.
Fire Investigators will conduct additional work on the scene after the fire is totally extinguished and it is safe to do so.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The center of the building received extreme fire damage. At this time the extent of damage to the frozen food products stored at the facility is not know.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 60
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 10, Fire District 8, Fire District 9
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
Monday, December 29, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bruce Moline
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 608 N. Maple
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On December 28th, 2008 at 12:02 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 5 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 608 N. Maple. This originally was reported as a possible transformer on fire as it was near a power substation and the caller was viewing this from a distance away. Engine 3, the first to arrive, could tell as they approached the area that this was more than just a transformer burning as there was a significant amount of dark colored smoke in the air. They immediately asked for a full alarm and upon arrival, discovered a wooden storage shed that was burning right next to a commercial warehouse and office facility. It was then reported that a person may still be inside the storage shed. A rapid primary search was begun along with an interior fire attack. The fire was impinging on a large metal garage door next to the storage shed and ladder crews began to force entry to the interior of the warehouse to prevent any further extension of fire. The fire was successfully kept out of the warehouse. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire and completed their searches in 15 minutes. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time however the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is currently investigating its source. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this fire. The storage shed and its contents received heavy damage. The warehouse garage door sustained heat damage. A total of 26 firefighters responded on this blaze.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wooden storage shed received heavy fire damage. The warehouse and office facility garage door sustained moderate fire damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 608 N. Maple
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On December 28th, 2008 at 12:02 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 5 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 608 N. Maple. This originally was reported as a possible transformer on fire as it was near a power substation and the caller was viewing this from a distance away. Engine 3, the first to arrive, could tell as they approached the area that this was more than just a transformer burning as there was a significant amount of dark colored smoke in the air. They immediately asked for a full alarm and upon arrival, discovered a wooden storage shed that was burning right next to a commercial warehouse and office facility. It was then reported that a person may still be inside the storage shed. A rapid primary search was begun along with an interior fire attack. The fire was impinging on a large metal garage door next to the storage shed and ladder crews began to force entry to the interior of the warehouse to prevent any further extension of fire. The fire was successfully kept out of the warehouse. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire and completed their searches in 15 minutes. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time however the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is currently investigating its source. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this fire. The storage shed and its contents received heavy damage. The warehouse garage door sustained heat damage. A total of 26 firefighters responded on this blaze.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wooden storage shed received heavy fire damage. The warehouse and office facility garage door sustained moderate fire damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1117 West 26th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday December 17 at 1233, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Craig Cornelius and Mike Inman responded to a reported structure fire at 1117 West 26th Avenue. The first fire company arrived within 4-minutes and found a one and one half story, single family wood frame home with light smoke showing from attached garage.
Ladder companies searched and ventilated the home's basement. Engine companies were able to locate the fire in a daylight basement and extinguished it using pre-connected hose-lines. Through the process of attacking the fire, the Fire Department member was injured when he made contact with an energized electrical line. His injury was minor and he was transported to the hospital as a precaution. After being evaluated at the hospital, the member was released and returned back to work.
The fire was contained to the area of origin and extinguished in 45 minutes. No civilians were injured in the fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the SFD's SIU and listed as undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage limited to the area of origin; smoke damage throughout the basement.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1117 West 26th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday December 17 at 1233, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Craig Cornelius and Mike Inman responded to a reported structure fire at 1117 West 26th Avenue. The first fire company arrived within 4-minutes and found a one and one half story, single family wood frame home with light smoke showing from attached garage.
Ladder companies searched and ventilated the home's basement. Engine companies were able to locate the fire in a daylight basement and extinguished it using pre-connected hose-lines. Through the process of attacking the fire, the Fire Department member was injured when he made contact with an energized electrical line. His injury was minor and he was transported to the hospital as a precaution. After being evaluated at the hospital, the member was released and returned back to work.
The fire was contained to the area of origin and extinguished in 45 minutes. No civilians were injured in the fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the SFD's SIU and listed as undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage limited to the area of origin; smoke damage throughout the basement.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
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
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1434 W. Indiana
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On December 17th, 2008 at 4:50 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department sent 6 companies of firefighters to a fire in a dwelling located at 1434 W. Indiana. Fire crews were confronted with a fire that was burning on the outside of the home and traveling vertically towards the second level next to the chimney. The fire was rapidly extinguished with hose lines on the outside while crews on the inside were quickly checking for any occupants that remained. Both tenants were able to escape on their own, safely. After this was confirmed, fire crews then began to check for hotspots that may have extended to other unseen portions of the house. The fire was declared out after 45 minutes. The occupants will be able to stay in the home as the damage was minimal. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department and it appears at this time that it was caused by embers from the fireplace that communicated through the brick and mortar to the outside wall where it burned 2 X 4 studs, insulation and both wood and vinyl siding. There were no injuries to either firefighters or occupants. The Spokane Fire Department would like to offer the following winter fire life saving tips:
.Install a smoke detector on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10 year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
.Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.
.Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
.Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
.Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a device, like a hand-held dryer, evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories. (UL).
.Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.
.Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
.If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Possibly caused by embers that escaped the fireplace through holes or cracks in the brick and mortar and lodged in the wall on the exterior side of the house. The fire is currently being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The exterior vinyl and wood siding as well as the insulation and stud wall all received damage from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 4,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1434 W. Indiana
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On December 17th, 2008 at 4:50 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department sent 6 companies of firefighters to a fire in a dwelling located at 1434 W. Indiana. Fire crews were confronted with a fire that was burning on the outside of the home and traveling vertically towards the second level next to the chimney. The fire was rapidly extinguished with hose lines on the outside while crews on the inside were quickly checking for any occupants that remained. Both tenants were able to escape on their own, safely. After this was confirmed, fire crews then began to check for hotspots that may have extended to other unseen portions of the house. The fire was declared out after 45 minutes. The occupants will be able to stay in the home as the damage was minimal. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department and it appears at this time that it was caused by embers from the fireplace that communicated through the brick and mortar to the outside wall where it burned 2 X 4 studs, insulation and both wood and vinyl siding. There were no injuries to either firefighters or occupants. The Spokane Fire Department would like to offer the following winter fire life saving tips:
.Install a smoke detector on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10 year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
.Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.
.Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
.Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
.Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a device, like a hand-held dryer, evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories. (UL).
.Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.
.Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
.If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Possibly caused by embers that escaped the fireplace through holes or cracks in the brick and mortar and lodged in the wall on the exterior side of the house. The fire is currently being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The exterior vinyl and wood siding as well as the insulation and stud wall all received damage from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 4,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Fire Press Release - Three Fer
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/15/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 515 South Sheridan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Monday, December 15, 2008 at 3:29 PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 3 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 515 South Sheridan. Residents reported a fire present in the floor area of their home and called 911. They exited the residence at the direction of the Fire Dispatcher and were all accounted for on arrival of the first company.
The resident's neighborhood fire company (Engine 7) was on scene within 5-minutes and reported a fire below the flooring of the home and believed that it may have spread to other areas of the home. Engine companies and Ladder companies working in concert located the fire, extinguished it and ventilated the home. The roof was laddered with Ladder 4's aerial ladder for rooftop access and they eventually overhauled and salvaged the remaining contents of the home.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being extinguished within 30 minutes and damage being limited to specific areas of the home. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters and the residents are temporarily staying with family and being assisted by Spokane Fire Department's CARES Team and the Red Cross.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's SIU. Preliminary information suggests a portable heating device may have contributed to the cause of the fire. A formal release regarding the cause may be disseminated tomorrow.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Structural members and areas in close proximity to the fire are damaged. Minor smoke damage exists throughout the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/15/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2503 W Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2503 W. Queen at 6:47 in the evening on Monday, December15th, for a reported basement fire. The first arriving fire officer reported heavy smoke issuing from the rear of a single story wood/frame dwelling, he reported that the family of four had safely exited the building and were outside, he further radioed to other arriving crews that he and his crew were going to attempt to enter the smoke filled building in an effort to locate the seat of the fire. Command of this fire was then transferred to the next arriving Fire Officer at the scene who made additional assignments to the other fire crews as they began arriving on scene. In a coordinated and systematic manner, the fire crews all went about completing their assigned tasks and as a result of their combined efforts the fire was located in the basement, it was confined, and then it was extinguished. The outside temperature created additional problems for the firefighters as they struggled in the single digit cold to fight this fire. Fortunately there were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters or to the family who was forced to leave their home. The family left the house with only the articles of clothing they happened to be wearing, however they were helped out by their neighbors who brought them warm clothing to ward off the bitter nighttime cold. The fire was contained to a bedroom in the basement which suffered very heavy fire damage, the rest of the basement sustained severe heat damage from the stubborn fire and the first floor of the house had considerable smoke damage throughout. The on-duty investigator from the Spokane City Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit was on the scene shortly after the fire was extinguished and his investigation concluded with the cause of the fire being attributed to the incomplete extinguishment of incense that had been burning in one of the basement bedrooms.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Incomplete extinguishment of burning incense in one of the basement bedrooms.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the room of origin, severe heat damage to the rest of the basement, and considerable smoke damage to the main floor of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/16/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1031 E. 34th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: At 0415 this morning, Tuesday, December 16, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1031 E. 34th Ave. The first fire company arrived on-scene five minutes after the dispatch, and reported moderate smoke from the attic and roof vents. The occupants, one adult and two children, along with their dog, were out of the house. The adult reported being awakened by the smell of smoke, and got the rest of his family out. They did have an operating smoke detector in the home, but it did not activate for unknown reasons.
Fire crews pulled ceilings in the kitchen and rear entry areas to get to the fire, which was burning in the ceiling framing members and attic insulation. The fire was quickly knocked down. Fire damage was confined to ceiling framing and electrical wiring, but damage due to accessing the fire and overhauling the burned area was extensive. The family will be unable to occupy the house until repairs can be made.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was investigated by Captain Smathers of the SFD Special Investigation Unit. He determined the cause to be electrical wiring in the attic. Further investigation will be done to determine if the wiring malfunctioned or was overloaded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the house is estimated to be $40,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/15/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 515 South Sheridan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Monday, December 15, 2008 at 3:29 PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 3 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 515 South Sheridan. Residents reported a fire present in the floor area of their home and called 911. They exited the residence at the direction of the Fire Dispatcher and were all accounted for on arrival of the first company.
The resident's neighborhood fire company (Engine 7) was on scene within 5-minutes and reported a fire below the flooring of the home and believed that it may have spread to other areas of the home. Engine companies and Ladder companies working in concert located the fire, extinguished it and ventilated the home. The roof was laddered with Ladder 4's aerial ladder for rooftop access and they eventually overhauled and salvaged the remaining contents of the home.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being extinguished within 30 minutes and damage being limited to specific areas of the home. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters and the residents are temporarily staying with family and being assisted by Spokane Fire Department's CARES Team and the Red Cross.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's SIU. Preliminary information suggests a portable heating device may have contributed to the cause of the fire. A formal release regarding the cause may be disseminated tomorrow.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Structural members and areas in close proximity to the fire are damaged. Minor smoke damage exists throughout the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/15/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2503 W Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2503 W. Queen at 6:47 in the evening on Monday, December15th, for a reported basement fire. The first arriving fire officer reported heavy smoke issuing from the rear of a single story wood/frame dwelling, he reported that the family of four had safely exited the building and were outside, he further radioed to other arriving crews that he and his crew were going to attempt to enter the smoke filled building in an effort to locate the seat of the fire. Command of this fire was then transferred to the next arriving Fire Officer at the scene who made additional assignments to the other fire crews as they began arriving on scene. In a coordinated and systematic manner, the fire crews all went about completing their assigned tasks and as a result of their combined efforts the fire was located in the basement, it was confined, and then it was extinguished. The outside temperature created additional problems for the firefighters as they struggled in the single digit cold to fight this fire. Fortunately there were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters or to the family who was forced to leave their home. The family left the house with only the articles of clothing they happened to be wearing, however they were helped out by their neighbors who brought them warm clothing to ward off the bitter nighttime cold. The fire was contained to a bedroom in the basement which suffered very heavy fire damage, the rest of the basement sustained severe heat damage from the stubborn fire and the first floor of the house had considerable smoke damage throughout. The on-duty investigator from the Spokane City Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit was on the scene shortly after the fire was extinguished and his investigation concluded with the cause of the fire being attributed to the incomplete extinguishment of incense that had been burning in one of the basement bedrooms.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Incomplete extinguishment of burning incense in one of the basement bedrooms.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the room of origin, severe heat damage to the rest of the basement, and considerable smoke damage to the main floor of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/16/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1031 E. 34th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: At 0415 this morning, Tuesday, December 16, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1031 E. 34th Ave. The first fire company arrived on-scene five minutes after the dispatch, and reported moderate smoke from the attic and roof vents. The occupants, one adult and two children, along with their dog, were out of the house. The adult reported being awakened by the smell of smoke, and got the rest of his family out. They did have an operating smoke detector in the home, but it did not activate for unknown reasons.
Fire crews pulled ceilings in the kitchen and rear entry areas to get to the fire, which was burning in the ceiling framing members and attic insulation. The fire was quickly knocked down. Fire damage was confined to ceiling framing and electrical wiring, but damage due to accessing the fire and overhauling the burned area was extensive. The family will be unable to occupy the house until repairs can be made.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was investigated by Captain Smathers of the SFD Special Investigation Unit. He determined the cause to be electrical wiring in the attic. Further investigation will be done to determine if the wiring malfunctioned or was overloaded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the house is estimated to be $40,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5231 W Navaho
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 6, 2008 at 3:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Kirsch responded to a reported residence fire at 5231 W Navaho. Residents reported a fire present in the interior wall of their home to SFD Dispatchers on 911. They stated that their smoke detectors were activating and they had discharged a fire extinguisher towards the fire, however it did not appear to affect the rapidly growing fire. The resident's neighborhood fire company (Engine 17) was on scene within 5-minutes and reported a fire in the interior of the home with high suspicion that the fire had spread to the attic. Additional engine companies laid a supply line from a nearby hydrant and assisted Engine 17 in gaining access to the fire and extinguishing it. Ladder companies provided ventilation, overhaul and salvage in coordination with the engine's efforts.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being extinguished within 45 minutes and damage being limited to specific areas of the home. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters and the residents are temporarily staying with family.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Investigators are on scene currently.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the residence. There appears to be moderate structural damage with variying levels of smoke damage throughout the home. The family of seven (two adults and five children ranging in ages from 6 years old to 16 years old.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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 RELEAS
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5231 W Navaho
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 6, 2008 at 3:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Kirsch responded to a reported residence fire at 5231 W Navaho. Residents reported a fire present in the interior wall of their home to SFD Dispatchers on 911. They stated that their smoke detectors were activating and they had discharged a fire extinguisher towards the fire, however it did not appear to affect the rapidly growing fire. The resident's neighborhood fire company (Engine 17) was on scene within 5-minutes and reported a fire in the interior of the home with high suspicion that the fire had spread to the attic. Additional engine companies laid a supply line from a nearby hydrant and assisted Engine 17 in gaining access to the fire and extinguishing it. Ladder companies provided ventilation, overhaul and salvage in coordination with the engine's efforts.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being extinguished within 45 minutes and damage being limited to specific areas of the home. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters and the residents are temporarily staying with family.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Investigators are on scene currently.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the residence. There appears to be moderate structural damage with variying levels of smoke damage throughout the home. The family of seven (two adults and five children ranging in ages from 6 years old to 16 years old.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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 RELEAS
Monday, November 24, 2008
Spokesman-Review thanks those of us who aren't "bad apples."
I think I have read The Spokesman-Review column The Slice perhaps once before I read the one on Sunday. A picture of a firefighter in full PPE caught my eye. I had to scan most of the article to get to the part about firefighters. Paul Turner, the author, had written about what he was thankful for. Here’s his thankfulness for us:
“Past or present employees of the Spokane Fire Department who are not an embarrassment: We all know it's just a few bad apples.”
Accordingly, I was moved to write this. I still haven’t sent it in as a letter to the editor. The SR doesn’t really have much space devoted to such things anymore. I doubt they would publish it:
Dear Editor,
I was heartened, as a firefighter, that Paul Turner, in November 23rd’s Slice, gave thanks for “Past or present employees of the Spokane Fire Department who are not an embarrassment: We all know it's just a few bad apples.”
Thank you, Paul.
We know that we are always under the Spokesman-Review’s worthy scrutiny, and as such, an incident that would not normally be newsworthy becomes newsworthy when a firefighter (past or present) is implicated.
That’s just the way it is.
I, in turn, would like to give thanks for all past, present and future Spokesman-Review employees who are not an embarrassment had their colleagues’ fall from grace been reported in the Spokesman-Review. We all know its just a few bad apples that we will never hear about.
I would like to extend a genuine “thank you” to the citizens of Spokane for the support of your fire department. Know that we are there for you – no matter what your emergency - 24/7. Have a safe and relaxing holiday season.
John Griffith
Local 29
Etc.
I would guess that any organization our size has about the same number of employees "in trouble." It just isn't newsworthy to report their screw-ups.
So while there are "bad apples" in every organization, so too the S-R, I would imagine, and you won't hear about most of them.
Maybe Mr. Turner was genuine in his thanks. It just seems odd to hear it from the S-R. What do you think?
“Past or present employees of the Spokane Fire Department who are not an embarrassment: We all know it's just a few bad apples.”
Accordingly, I was moved to write this. I still haven’t sent it in as a letter to the editor. The SR doesn’t really have much space devoted to such things anymore. I doubt they would publish it:
Dear Editor,
I was heartened, as a firefighter, that Paul Turner, in November 23rd’s Slice, gave thanks for “Past or present employees of the Spokane Fire Department who are not an embarrassment: We all know it's just a few bad apples.”
Thank you, Paul.
We know that we are always under the Spokesman-Review’s worthy scrutiny, and as such, an incident that would not normally be newsworthy becomes newsworthy when a firefighter (past or present) is implicated.
That’s just the way it is.
I, in turn, would like to give thanks for all past, present and future Spokesman-Review employees who are not an embarrassment had their colleagues’ fall from grace been reported in the Spokesman-Review. We all know its just a few bad apples that we will never hear about.
I would like to extend a genuine “thank you” to the citizens of Spokane for the support of your fire department. Know that we are there for you – no matter what your emergency - 24/7. Have a safe and relaxing holiday season.
John Griffith
Local 29
Etc.
I would guess that any organization our size has about the same number of employees "in trouble." It just isn't newsworthy to report their screw-ups.
So while there are "bad apples" in every organization, so too the S-R, I would imagine, and you won't hear about most of them.
Maybe Mr. Turner was genuine in his thanks. It just seems odd to hear it from the S-R. What do you think?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/19/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3122 E Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 11/19/08 at approximately 0650 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3122 E Gordon upon report of a structure fire. The first arriving apparatus on scene found smoke coming from the south-east portion of an approximately 60'X90', one story, wood-frame, commercial structure. The commercial structure was divided into approximately 8 separate units, each being used for a different purpose. The unit in which the fire occurred was used mostly for wood-working and wood floor installation. Fire crews forced open doors on both the north and south sides of the building and then advanced pre-connected hose-lines into those areas to extinguish the fire. While the hose-lines were being positioned, other crews accessed the roof for ventilation purposes and still other crews searched the building for any possible life hazards that might still in the structure. Search and Rescue crews continued the search as news that a civilian may be living in the building was reported. The search for the civilian was hampered by the conditions encountered by firefighters. The search area was accessed by breaching finished walls of two adjacent units. The search area was full of boxes and other ordinary items stacked from floor to near ceiling levels. The boxes numbered in the hundreds or possibly thousands, with various small living areas being found among the boxes. Fire-fighters found pathways under the boxes which led to and from the living areas. The civilian was found in an upper area of the boxes, obscured from view. Fire Department Para-medics attempted to revive the male victim but were unsuccessful.
A total of 28 firefighters on 11 apparatus fought this blaze. The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes of fire-fighters arrival on scene. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately another 2 hrs before turning the scene over to fire investigators. No injuries were reported to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The main body of fire was confined to a small room in the wood-floor installation unit. The fire appears to have originated in this room, in an area near the wood-stove. Less fire damage was evident in other areas of this unit. Smoke damage was evident throughout the wood floor installation unit, and to some extent, to almost all the units of the commercial structure. Investigation of the incident is being conducted by the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total dollar loss is approximately $30,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/19/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3122 E Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 11/19/08 at approximately 0650 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3122 E Gordon upon report of a structure fire. The first arriving apparatus on scene found smoke coming from the south-east portion of an approximately 60'X90', one story, wood-frame, commercial structure. The commercial structure was divided into approximately 8 separate units, each being used for a different purpose. The unit in which the fire occurred was used mostly for wood-working and wood floor installation. Fire crews forced open doors on both the north and south sides of the building and then advanced pre-connected hose-lines into those areas to extinguish the fire. While the hose-lines were being positioned, other crews accessed the roof for ventilation purposes and still other crews searched the building for any possible life hazards that might still in the structure. Search and Rescue crews continued the search as news that a civilian may be living in the building was reported. The search for the civilian was hampered by the conditions encountered by firefighters. The search area was accessed by breaching finished walls of two adjacent units. The search area was full of boxes and other ordinary items stacked from floor to near ceiling levels. The boxes numbered in the hundreds or possibly thousands, with various small living areas being found among the boxes. Fire-fighters found pathways under the boxes which led to and from the living areas. The civilian was found in an upper area of the boxes, obscured from view. Fire Department Para-medics attempted to revive the male victim but were unsuccessful.
A total of 28 firefighters on 11 apparatus fought this blaze. The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes of fire-fighters arrival on scene. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately another 2 hrs before turning the scene over to fire investigators. No injuries were reported to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The main body of fire was confined to a small room in the wood-floor installation unit. The fire appears to have originated in this room, in an area near the wood-stove. Less fire damage was evident in other areas of this unit. Smoke damage was evident throughout the wood floor installation unit, and to some extent, to almost all the units of the commercial structure. Investigation of the incident is being conducted by the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total dollar loss is approximately $30,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
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
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/13/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1622 E Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched two fire crews and their apparatus to 1622 E Wellesley, Rogers High School, at 8:12 in the evening on Thursday, November 13th, for a routine fire alarm system call. The first arriving fire crew was met at the school by school officials who happened to be there. The fire alarm system was sounding and the firefighters and the officials went to the alarm panel to determine where in the building the problem may be located. The enunciator information provided at the alarm panel led the firefighters to a part of the new building where it was obvious that no problem existed. Since the alarm system was not allowing itself to be re-set the fire crews continued to investigate the building for the cause of the alarm. Moving their investigation outside the main building, one of the firefighters picked up the familiar smell of burning wood in the area and followed that odor to one of the "portable" buildings just to the east of the main school building. By now the smoke was showing itself and beginning to spread, it was at this time that the Incident Commander requested a full alarm response to the school. At 8:51 the full alarm was sounded and additional resources were on their way. While the additional crews were responding the initial crews began to stretch hose lines to the building and started to make entry into the structure that was now starting to show visible fire in the attic area. As the additional crews were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included pulling down the ceilings in the portable classroom and cutting a trench in the roof. The combined efforts of the firefighting crews resulted in a rapid extinguishment of the fire that was located in the attic space and that was quickly beginning to spread through the light-weight structural members located in that small attic space. Damage was confined to one classroom of the two classroom "portable" building; the damage was mainly in the attic and on the west facing wall where the heating unit for the classroom is located. The amount of damage to the unit will make it unusable until repairs can be made. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters at the scene or to any civilians. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit with the focus of their investigation, at this time, to be the wall mounted heating unit of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One classroom of the two classroom "portable" structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/13/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1622 E Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched two fire crews and their apparatus to 1622 E Wellesley, Rogers High School, at 8:12 in the evening on Thursday, November 13th, for a routine fire alarm system call. The first arriving fire crew was met at the school by school officials who happened to be there. The fire alarm system was sounding and the firefighters and the officials went to the alarm panel to determine where in the building the problem may be located. The enunciator information provided at the alarm panel led the firefighters to a part of the new building where it was obvious that no problem existed. Since the alarm system was not allowing itself to be re-set the fire crews continued to investigate the building for the cause of the alarm. Moving their investigation outside the main building, one of the firefighters picked up the familiar smell of burning wood in the area and followed that odor to one of the "portable" buildings just to the east of the main school building. By now the smoke was showing itself and beginning to spread, it was at this time that the Incident Commander requested a full alarm response to the school. At 8:51 the full alarm was sounded and additional resources were on their way. While the additional crews were responding the initial crews began to stretch hose lines to the building and started to make entry into the structure that was now starting to show visible fire in the attic area. As the additional crews were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included pulling down the ceilings in the portable classroom and cutting a trench in the roof. The combined efforts of the firefighting crews resulted in a rapid extinguishment of the fire that was located in the attic space and that was quickly beginning to spread through the light-weight structural members located in that small attic space. Damage was confined to one classroom of the two classroom "portable" building; the damage was mainly in the attic and on the west facing wall where the heating unit for the classroom is located. The amount of damage to the unit will make it unusable until repairs can be made. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters at the scene or to any civilians. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit with the focus of their investigation, at this time, to be the wall mounted heating unit of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One classroom of the two classroom "portable" structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3121 N. Ash
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At just after 8 o'clock pm Engine 3 of the Spokane Fire Department was sent on a report of an illegal burn in the yard of 3121 N. Ash. Upon arrival E3 found the house had smoke coming from a side window and the front window they approached was hot to the touch. A full alarm of two additional Engines, a Ladder Company, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue Unit and two Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Two members of Engine 3 began an aggressive interior attack on the fire and ventilation of the structure with two Firefighters assisting from the outside. Additional ventilation along with search for victims was accomplished by other responding crews. Nobody was found inside the vacant house. In all 23 members of the Fire Department responded and there were no reports of any injuries. Due to the rapid attack by Engine 3, damage was kept to a minimum and the fire was controlled prior to the arrival of all of the additional crews. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department and appears to have started in the vicinity of an in - wall heating /cooling unit similar to those found in hotels and motels.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to the heating cooling unit in the wall and soot damage throughout the house
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3121 N. Ash
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At just after 8 o'clock pm Engine 3 of the Spokane Fire Department was sent on a report of an illegal burn in the yard of 3121 N. Ash. Upon arrival E3 found the house had smoke coming from a side window and the front window they approached was hot to the touch. A full alarm of two additional Engines, a Ladder Company, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue Unit and two Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Two members of Engine 3 began an aggressive interior attack on the fire and ventilation of the structure with two Firefighters assisting from the outside. Additional ventilation along with search for victims was accomplished by other responding crews. Nobody was found inside the vacant house. In all 23 members of the Fire Department responded and there were no reports of any injuries. Due to the rapid attack by Engine 3, damage was kept to a minimum and the fire was controlled prior to the arrival of all of the additional crews. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department and appears to have started in the vicinity of an in - wall heating /cooling unit similar to those found in hotels and motels.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to the heating cooling unit in the wall and soot damage throughout the house
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2617 W. Fairview
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 4:32 am the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 2617 W. Fairview. The first Engine Company, Engine 3, on scene reported flames and smoke showing out of the front of the residence. That Engine Company began an aggressive fire attack as well as a search of the structure for victims. Ladder 4 also began searching for victims as well as began ventilating the heat and smoke out of the structure. Additional apparatus as they arrived helped with roof ventilation, fire attack, and patient care. In all there were 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and a Fire Investigator that responded. Due to an aggressive interior attack and search for victims the fire was confined to the living room and the one person, an adult male, still in the house was rescued and transported with minor injuries. Fire damage to the attic, roof and exterior was a result of fire ventilating out of a small window on the side of the house. No other injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Investigation unit. The first crew inside had to force the door to make entry and said they did not hear any smoke detectors activated. We cannot stress the importance of working smoke detectors in protecting you from early notification of smoke the leading killer in fires.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage in the living room along with the exterior of the house along the roof line on one side of the house. Heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the interior and heat damage in places inside the home.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2617 W. Fairview
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 4:32 am the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 2617 W. Fairview. The first Engine Company, Engine 3, on scene reported flames and smoke showing out of the front of the residence. That Engine Company began an aggressive fire attack as well as a search of the structure for victims. Ladder 4 also began searching for victims as well as began ventilating the heat and smoke out of the structure. Additional apparatus as they arrived helped with roof ventilation, fire attack, and patient care. In all there were 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and a Fire Investigator that responded. Due to an aggressive interior attack and search for victims the fire was confined to the living room and the one person, an adult male, still in the house was rescued and transported with minor injuries. Fire damage to the attic, roof and exterior was a result of fire ventilating out of a small window on the side of the house. No other injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Investigation unit. The first crew inside had to force the door to make entry and said they did not hear any smoke detectors activated. We cannot stress the importance of working smoke detectors in protecting you from early notification of smoke the leading killer in fires.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage in the living room along with the exterior of the house along the roof line on one side of the house. Heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the interior and heat damage in places inside the home.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
Friday, November 07, 2008
The changes that are coming...
For those of you interested in what the Obama Administration has planned, click on the link above to view plans and submit your thoughts and ideas.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2208 E Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and firefighting crews to a report of a structure fire at 2208 E. Longfellow at 7:13 PM on Friday, Oct. 24th. The call for assistance was made by a neighbor who told Fire Dispatchers that there was smoke coming from the eaves of the structure and the caller was very concerned that the occupants of the home were still inside. The first arriving fire crew reported heavy smoke issuing from the eaves and other openings in the building, neighbors again voiced their concerns to the just arriving fire crews that they believed the occupants were still inside the house. Initial assignments were made by the Incident Commander on scene and those assignments were primarily focused on search and rescue priorities for occupants coupled with an aggressive interior attack at the seat of the fire. A primary search was completed and a secondary search followed, a third search was also ordered due to the concern voiced by neighbors at the scene. To the relief of firefighters and concerned neighbors it was determined that the two occupants of the home were not in the building. The seat of the fire was located in the basement and was quickly confined and extinguished. Although the fire was confined to the basement thermal and smoke damage was present in every room on the main floor and that damage was considerable. Structurally the house did not suffer serious damage however the interior finishes and the contents did sustain heavy damage. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 26 firefighters to the scene; there were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or to any civilians. Investigators from the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were dispatched to the fire scene and are currently undertaking the laborious process of determining a cause for this early evening house fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable fire damage to the basement, heavy smoke and thermal damage on the main floor. Contents in all areas of the building will need to be replaced.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2208 E Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and firefighting crews to a report of a structure fire at 2208 E. Longfellow at 7:13 PM on Friday, Oct. 24th. The call for assistance was made by a neighbor who told Fire Dispatchers that there was smoke coming from the eaves of the structure and the caller was very concerned that the occupants of the home were still inside. The first arriving fire crew reported heavy smoke issuing from the eaves and other openings in the building, neighbors again voiced their concerns to the just arriving fire crews that they believed the occupants were still inside the house. Initial assignments were made by the Incident Commander on scene and those assignments were primarily focused on search and rescue priorities for occupants coupled with an aggressive interior attack at the seat of the fire. A primary search was completed and a secondary search followed, a third search was also ordered due to the concern voiced by neighbors at the scene. To the relief of firefighters and concerned neighbors it was determined that the two occupants of the home were not in the building. The seat of the fire was located in the basement and was quickly confined and extinguished. Although the fire was confined to the basement thermal and smoke damage was present in every room on the main floor and that damage was considerable. Structurally the house did not suffer serious damage however the interior finishes and the contents did sustain heavy damage. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 26 firefighters to the scene; there were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or to any civilians. Investigators from the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were dispatched to the fire scene and are currently undertaking the laborious process of determining a cause for this early evening house fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable fire damage to the basement, heavy smoke and thermal damage on the main floor. Contents in all areas of the building will need to be replaced.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
Friday, October 17, 2008
'Stayin' Alive' has near-perfect rhythm to help jump-start heart
Next contract - gold chains for Class As.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 618 W. Shannon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On October 14th, 2008 at 6:32 pm the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command Officer to a reported basement fire in a home located at 618 W. Shannon Ave. A Spokane Police Officer at the Neighborhood COPS substation was also notified about the fire. He arrived at the residence within a minute and reported the fire conditions to Fire Dispatch. He also made sure the occupants were out and assisted an elderly gentleman from the front of the home.
Fire Engine 3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived with his crew within 4 minutes. Lt. Greenamyer reported that he had a single story residence with smoke and fire coming from the basement. Engine 3s crew descended through the smoke down into the basement and made a quick attack on the fire. Other fire crews on the scene provided ventilation and backup. One of the responding paramedic units tended to the elderly gentleman who was with the Spokane Police Officer.
The basement fire was knocked down within 10 minutes and was confined to the basement with heavy smoke damage occurring throughout the home. Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours.
The fast actions of the Spokane Police Officer in assisting the occupants from this home contributed to the occupant's safety, and allowed the first arriving Fire Crews to focus on quickly extinguishing the fire. The elderly gentleman assisted from the home was not injured and was not in need of transport to a hospital. Fire Crews did locate the family dog and reported it to be in good condition. The local Red Cross responded and is assisting the family.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation at this time. The fire investigator will look at several possible ignition sources. One of the items that will be checked out is a portable electric heater found in the fire room. Although, it is only one of the potential sources for ignition, the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the hazards of such electrical devices. When using these appliances this winter, remember electrical heaters should not be left on and unattended. They also pose a hazard to all combustible materials that are in close proximity the heater when it is operating.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage : Basement
Smoke Damage: Throughout structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 618 W. Shannon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On October 14th, 2008 at 6:32 pm the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command Officer to a reported basement fire in a home located at 618 W. Shannon Ave. A Spokane Police Officer at the Neighborhood COPS substation was also notified about the fire. He arrived at the residence within a minute and reported the fire conditions to Fire Dispatch. He also made sure the occupants were out and assisted an elderly gentleman from the front of the home.
Fire Engine 3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived with his crew within 4 minutes. Lt. Greenamyer reported that he had a single story residence with smoke and fire coming from the basement. Engine 3s crew descended through the smoke down into the basement and made a quick attack on the fire. Other fire crews on the scene provided ventilation and backup. One of the responding paramedic units tended to the elderly gentleman who was with the Spokane Police Officer.
The basement fire was knocked down within 10 minutes and was confined to the basement with heavy smoke damage occurring throughout the home. Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours.
The fast actions of the Spokane Police Officer in assisting the occupants from this home contributed to the occupant's safety, and allowed the first arriving Fire Crews to focus on quickly extinguishing the fire. The elderly gentleman assisted from the home was not injured and was not in need of transport to a hospital. Fire Crews did locate the family dog and reported it to be in good condition. The local Red Cross responded and is assisting the family.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation at this time. The fire investigator will look at several possible ignition sources. One of the items that will be checked out is a portable electric heater found in the fire room. Although, it is only one of the potential sources for ignition, the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the hazards of such electrical devices. When using these appliances this winter, remember electrical heaters should not be left on and unattended. They also pose a hazard to all combustible materials that are in close proximity the heater when it is operating.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage : Basement
Smoke Damage: Throughout structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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
Monday, October 06, 2008
Firefighters for Obama Store...
Some of you have asked me where to get IAFF Obama signs, shirts and stickers. Click on the link above. I've also heard that the union office was going to get some stuff, but so far, I haven't been told that they have received anything.
Here's a video from Wisconsin that shows some of our brothers and sisters in the fire service, and others in public service, and why they are voting for Obama.
Here's a video from Wisconsin that shows some of our brothers and sisters in the fire service, and others in public service, and why they are voting for Obama.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 817 E INDIANA AVE
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Saturday October 4, 2008 at 11:31 AM, Six Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Green responded to a reported structure fire at 817 East Indiana. The first company arrived within 6-minutes and reported light smoke showing from a two-story wood-framed home. Spokane Police Officers were already on-scene and had responded to a call for a subject actively setting fires from the exterior of the home.
Ladder 2 and Engine 7 were utilized to extinguish the multiple fire starts and the additional companies still enroute were cancelled as the incident was brought under control in just minutes. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: A 17-year old male suspect was detained by SPD as fire companies arrived on scene. Spokane Fire's SIU Officers were still on the Mission Incident and quickly joined SPD early in the incident. The suspect is now in custody and charged with Arson in the First Degree. Additional charges may be forthcoming; however at the time of this release the suspect has been booked into the Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is minor and predominately exterior and cosmetic to the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 817 E INDIANA AVE
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Saturday October 4, 2008 at 11:31 AM, Six Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Green responded to a reported structure fire at 817 East Indiana. The first company arrived within 6-minutes and reported light smoke showing from a two-story wood-framed home. Spokane Police Officers were already on-scene and had responded to a call for a subject actively setting fires from the exterior of the home.
Ladder 2 and Engine 7 were utilized to extinguish the multiple fire starts and the additional companies still enroute were cancelled as the incident was brought under control in just minutes. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: A 17-year old male suspect was detained by SPD as fire companies arrived on scene. Spokane Fire's SIU Officers were still on the Mission Incident and quickly joined SPD early in the incident. The suspect is now in custody and charged with Arson in the First Degree. Additional charges may be forthcoming; however at the time of this release the suspect has been booked into the Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is minor and predominately exterior and cosmetic to the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.
PROBABLE CAUSE: ** (UPDATED) The cause has been determined to be incendiary and SIU Investigators have charged Beverly Nagi (57 y/o) with Arson in the First Degree. SIU Officers arrested Nagi near the fire scene this morning and she was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure. The Spokane Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting the resident.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.
PROBABLE CAUSE: ** (UPDATED) The cause has been determined to be incendiary and SIU Investigators have charged Beverly Nagi (57 y/o) with Arson in the First Degree. SIU Officers arrested Nagi near the fire scene this morning and she was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure. The Spokane Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting the resident.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.
The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/1/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4621 N. Post
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On October 1st, 2008 at 10:30 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, a pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4621 N. Post. Upon arrival, fire crews found a wood frame structure that had fire coming out the front windows. Pumper Ladder 13's crew, the first to arrive, immediately attacked the fire while also asking for backup and a crew to ventilate the roof. It was soon determined that the adult occupant, who had been sleeping, had exited safely from the home. As the firefighters worked their way through the home to attack the fire, they soon found that the fire was mainly involving the front living room and kitchen areas. The fire was also rapidly extending vertically towards the attic. Through their fast and aggressive actions, the firefighters were able to knock down the fire and confine it to the front portion of the home and at the same time, keep it out of the attic area. The majority of the home was saved, however smoke damage was extensive throughout the building. A total of 24 firefighters responded to this call and it took them 15 minutes to effectively contain the fire. Fire crews will remain at this incident through the night conducting final extinguishment and making sure all of the "hotspots" are completely out. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was called in to investigate the fire cause. At this time, the incident remains under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The home suffered extensive smoke damage and also sustained heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen areas.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Suspicious. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/1/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4621 N. Post
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On October 1st, 2008 at 10:30 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, a pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4621 N. Post. Upon arrival, fire crews found a wood frame structure that had fire coming out the front windows. Pumper Ladder 13's crew, the first to arrive, immediately attacked the fire while also asking for backup and a crew to ventilate the roof. It was soon determined that the adult occupant, who had been sleeping, had exited safely from the home. As the firefighters worked their way through the home to attack the fire, they soon found that the fire was mainly involving the front living room and kitchen areas. The fire was also rapidly extending vertically towards the attic. Through their fast and aggressive actions, the firefighters were able to knock down the fire and confine it to the front portion of the home and at the same time, keep it out of the attic area. The majority of the home was saved, however smoke damage was extensive throughout the building. A total of 24 firefighters responded to this call and it took them 15 minutes to effectively contain the fire. Fire crews will remain at this incident through the night conducting final extinguishment and making sure all of the "hotspots" are completely out. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was called in to investigate the fire cause. At this time, the incident remains under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The home suffered extensive smoke damage and also sustained heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen areas.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Suspicious. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 558 E. Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On September 28th, 2008 at 12:54 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 558 E. Longfellow. Fire crews found a one story single family dwelling that was well involved in fire upon arrival. A quick attack using hose lines coupled with a rapid search of the interior of the home was conducted. Nobody was found in the home. The homeowner was located and contact was made to make sure everyone was accounted for. The fire extended vertically into the attic space and fire crews had to access this roof with ladders to begin the long and arduous process of locating and extinguishing what fire remained underneath it. This involved cutting the roof apart with chainsaws, circular saws, axes and pike poles. This task took approximately 3 hours to complete. Because the roof was weakened by the fire, care was taken to make sure the fire crews were in a safe position at all times. Avista assisted in controlling and securing the natural gas and electricity to the property. The house and contents sustained major fire, water and smoke damage. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. A total of 20 firefighters responded on this alarm with 3 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Fire crews remained at this location throughout the night working on final extinguishment and cleanup.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire, water and smoke damage to the structure and contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 558 E. Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On September 28th, 2008 at 12:54 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 558 E. Longfellow. Fire crews found a one story single family dwelling that was well involved in fire upon arrival. A quick attack using hose lines coupled with a rapid search of the interior of the home was conducted. Nobody was found in the home. The homeowner was located and contact was made to make sure everyone was accounted for. The fire extended vertically into the attic space and fire crews had to access this roof with ladders to begin the long and arduous process of locating and extinguishing what fire remained underneath it. This involved cutting the roof apart with chainsaws, circular saws, axes and pike poles. This task took approximately 3 hours to complete. Because the roof was weakened by the fire, care was taken to make sure the fire crews were in a safe position at all times. Avista assisted in controlling and securing the natural gas and electricity to the property. The house and contents sustained major fire, water and smoke damage. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. A total of 20 firefighters responded on this alarm with 3 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Fire crews remained at this location throughout the night working on final extinguishment and cleanup.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire, water and smoke damage to the structure and contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
Friday, September 26, 2008
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1115 W. Nebraska
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 2:53 pm September 25, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a single family house at 1115 W. Nebraska. The call was for a clothes dryer fire. Upon arrival of the first crew it was found that heavy smoke was issuing from all openings on the first floor of the structure. Red Cross was requested and was needed for four adults and 5 children that lived at the house. With an aggressive attack on the fire the first crew going in and backed up by a separate crew made their way into the basement where the fire was found. There were no injuries to Civilians or Firefighters. 4 cats and 1 dog were rescued and given oxygen. The fire was investigated and it appears the fire started in the clothes dryer vent and spread to surrounding combustibles in the basement. The fire had spread to floor joists but damage was kept to a minimum. Most damage was caused by the heavy smoke conditions in the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Debris in and around an electric clothes dryer vent.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy smoke damage throughout the house with fire damage to the area of the clothes dryer and structural members in the area of the dryer.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1115 W. Nebraska
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 2:53 pm September 25, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a single family house at 1115 W. Nebraska. The call was for a clothes dryer fire. Upon arrival of the first crew it was found that heavy smoke was issuing from all openings on the first floor of the structure. Red Cross was requested and was needed for four adults and 5 children that lived at the house. With an aggressive attack on the fire the first crew going in and backed up by a separate crew made their way into the basement where the fire was found. There were no injuries to Civilians or Firefighters. 4 cats and 1 dog were rescued and given oxygen. The fire was investigated and it appears the fire started in the clothes dryer vent and spread to surrounding combustibles in the basement. The fire had spread to floor joists but damage was kept to a minimum. Most damage was caused by the heavy smoke conditions in the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Debris in and around an electric clothes dryer vent.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy smoke damage throughout the house with fire damage to the area of the clothes dryer and structural members in the area of the dryer.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2630 North Cuba
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On the morning of September 24th at 5:27am the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2630 North Cuba. Engine Company 8 reported flames and smoke coming from the basement. Attack leads were advanced into the interior and a search was conducted. Fire crews entered the fully involved basement and started extinguishment, pined up smoke and heat presented a challenge for crews. The main body of fie was knocked down in about 15minuts after arrival and overhaul continued for another hour. After the search it was confirmed that everyone was out. The residents were awaken by sounds of smoke detectors and escaped to the outside. The Spokane Fire Department can not stress enough the importance of working smoke detectors. Red Cross was responded to assist the three adults that were displaced. No injuries were reported. The basement and contents suffered extreme damage from the fire and heat, the rest of the house had smoke and heat damage. This fire is under investigation.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Base and contents, smoke and heat throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2630 North Cuba
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On the morning of September 24th at 5:27am the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2630 North Cuba. Engine Company 8 reported flames and smoke coming from the basement. Attack leads were advanced into the interior and a search was conducted. Fire crews entered the fully involved basement and started extinguishment, pined up smoke and heat presented a challenge for crews. The main body of fie was knocked down in about 15minuts after arrival and overhaul continued for another hour. After the search it was confirmed that everyone was out. The residents were awaken by sounds of smoke detectors and escaped to the outside. The Spokane Fire Department can not stress enough the importance of working smoke detectors. Red Cross was responded to assist the three adults that were displaced. No injuries were reported. The basement and contents suffered extreme damage from the fire and heat, the rest of the house had smoke and heat damage. This fire is under investigation.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Base and contents, smoke and heat throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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
Greek DJ continues broadcast while studio catches fire...
I suppose this guy would not call the fire department even if he had a headache, was feeling weak, had the sniffles or needed help getting his pants on in the morning.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hydrants turned off to fight terrorism...
Privatization of a neighborhood's water supply and mindless fear of "terrorists" help burn down a house! Click here to see the video directly.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5906 N. Whitehouse
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: In the early morning hours of September 5th, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 5906 N. Whitehouse St. The responding fire companies were dispatched at 0256 hours. Engine 13, under the direction of Lt. Sherryl Hart was first on the scene and reported heavy fire involvement in the one story home. She, along with her crew started an aggressive fire attack within 5 minutes of the initial dispatch. Additional assignments, including searching the home for victims were given to the other fire crews as they arrived. The coordinated efforts of the fire crews brought the fire under control within 10 minutes after arrival.
There were no injuries to the firefighters or to the one occupant that lives at the home. The heavy fire involvement extensively damaged the interior of the home. Red Cross representatives responded and are assisting the one displaced occupant. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage throughout home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 70,000
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5906 N. Whitehouse
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: In the early morning hours of September 5th, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 5906 N. Whitehouse St. The responding fire companies were dispatched at 0256 hours. Engine 13, under the direction of Lt. Sherryl Hart was first on the scene and reported heavy fire involvement in the one story home. She, along with her crew started an aggressive fire attack within 5 minutes of the initial dispatch. Additional assignments, including searching the home for victims were given to the other fire crews as they arrived. The coordinated efforts of the fire crews brought the fire under control within 10 minutes after arrival.
There were no injuries to the firefighters or to the one occupant that lives at the home. The heavy fire involvement extensively damaged the interior of the home. Red Cross representatives responded and are assisting the one displaced occupant. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage throughout home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 70,000
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
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