Don't forget to vote on how you feel about the proposed insurance plan. The meeting on Tuesday answered a lot of questions (including what happens if this doesn't pass). If you weren't able to go to that meeting or the one today, ask around. A lot of people were there and can answer your questions. Plus, all the worksheets and documents were mailed out to everybody who has registered on the local 29 account. The union has some hard copies too.
If you forgot your user name or password (like me) to vote, it can be emailed to your account through the local's website.
Find out what the facts are, think it over, and vote as soon as you can! You have until 08/19/2009 08:00:00.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Fumes from rotting seaweed on France's northern beaches could kill
Probably something we should be aware of on the Spokane River.
Hopefully cell phone speed dialers will not read this article and add this to their list of potential 9-1-1 calls, along with bicycle-near-the-river and abandoned-raft-floating-down-the-river.
"Engine Four cell phone caller states that he saw some seaweed like growth washed up in People's Park. Check and advise."
If this story hits FOX News, you know we're going to get the call!
Hopefully cell phone speed dialers will not read this article and add this to their list of potential 9-1-1 calls, along with bicycle-near-the-river and abandoned-raft-floating-down-the-river.
"Engine Four cell phone caller states that he saw some seaweed like growth washed up in People's Park. Check and advise."
If this story hits FOX News, you know we're going to get the call!
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West 4930 Princeton Pl.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: This evening, August 4, 2009 at 4:46 pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched Engine 16 under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee to West 4930 Princeton Pl. E16 was sent to investigate smoke coming from a chimney in a home. Engine 16 arrived on the scene within two minutes of being dispatched and found a home that not only had smoke coming from the chimney, but also had smoke coming from the back side of the home.
Captain McNamee established Princeton Command and activated a normal fire response which dispatched 4 additional fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to the location. E16s crew masked up, stretched hose lines, and determined that the main body of fire was in the home's basement.
As the additional companies arrived, an aggressive fire attack was made into the structure and down the stairs into the basement to attack the fire. Firefighters from Station's 3 and 13 searched the first floor of the home for occupants. The searching firefighters located a large unconscious dog that had succumbed to the heavy smoke inside the home.
The unconscious dog was rescued from the burning home while crews extinguished the fire in the basement. The dog was treated and revived by Medic Bill Gonzalez and his crew from Station 13. Medic Gonzalez worked on the family pet for about 20 minutes. The family (who had returned home during the firefighting operations), transported the revived dog to their Veterinarian where it will be evaluated and treated. The family did lose one cat in the fire.
The fire in the home was knocked down within twenty minutes, with the majority of the fire damage confined to the basement. Smoke damage was sustained throughout the home. No injuries were incurred by Firefighters at this incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time and the official pronouncement will be made by Investigators after all the evidence had been reviewed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
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: 8/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West 4930 Princeton Pl.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: This evening, August 4, 2009 at 4:46 pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched Engine 16 under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee to West 4930 Princeton Pl. E16 was sent to investigate smoke coming from a chimney in a home. Engine 16 arrived on the scene within two minutes of being dispatched and found a home that not only had smoke coming from the chimney, but also had smoke coming from the back side of the home.
Captain McNamee established Princeton Command and activated a normal fire response which dispatched 4 additional fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to the location. E16s crew masked up, stretched hose lines, and determined that the main body of fire was in the home's basement.
As the additional companies arrived, an aggressive fire attack was made into the structure and down the stairs into the basement to attack the fire. Firefighters from Station's 3 and 13 searched the first floor of the home for occupants. The searching firefighters located a large unconscious dog that had succumbed to the heavy smoke inside the home.
The unconscious dog was rescued from the burning home while crews extinguished the fire in the basement. The dog was treated and revived by Medic Bill Gonzalez and his crew from Station 13. Medic Gonzalez worked on the family pet for about 20 minutes. The family (who had returned home during the firefighting operations), transported the revived dog to their Veterinarian where it will be evaluated and treated. The family did lose one cat in the fire.
The fire in the home was knocked down within twenty minutes, with the majority of the fire damage confined to the basement. Smoke damage was sustained throughout the home. No injuries were incurred by Firefighters at this incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time and the official pronouncement will be made by Investigators after all the evidence had been reviewed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
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, July 20, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1423 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At 2:55 am the Spokane Fire was called to 1423 E. Sanson in the Northeast part of the city to a kitchen fire. This was in a duplex that has 6 adults and 4 children living in one apartment. There was no working smoke detector and the cause of the fire appears to be an unattended pan of grease being heated on the stove. The pan of grease ignited catching the cabinets on fire. Upon arrival Engine 15 found the residents out of the structure and the fire growing in intensity in the kitchen. A quick fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line knocked the fire down. At the same time a search of the apartment was made while ventilating the smoke out. The ceiling above the kitchen stove was opened up to make sure there was no extension of fire into the structure and there was not. Red Cross was called to assist the residents as the kitchen was damaged and electrical power shut off to the apartment. One civilian injury was reported caused by smoke inhalation. She was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics but not transported at her request. Damage was confined to fire damage in the kitchen with smoke damage on the main floor. There were no injuries to Firefighters on scene and crews began to be released about 15 minutes after the arrival of the first crew. In all 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke detectors. Fortunately these people got out. Do not count on smoke waking you up; a working smoke detector will sound giving you time to evacuate yourself from the structure. Secondly, cooking fires like this happen quite often and can be prevented by not leaving the kitchen while cooking. When using any type of heating or cooking appliance your vigilance is required to stay safe.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended pan of grease
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen and smoke throughout the main floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
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: 7/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1423 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At 2:55 am the Spokane Fire was called to 1423 E. Sanson in the Northeast part of the city to a kitchen fire. This was in a duplex that has 6 adults and 4 children living in one apartment. There was no working smoke detector and the cause of the fire appears to be an unattended pan of grease being heated on the stove. The pan of grease ignited catching the cabinets on fire. Upon arrival Engine 15 found the residents out of the structure and the fire growing in intensity in the kitchen. A quick fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line knocked the fire down. At the same time a search of the apartment was made while ventilating the smoke out. The ceiling above the kitchen stove was opened up to make sure there was no extension of fire into the structure and there was not. Red Cross was called to assist the residents as the kitchen was damaged and electrical power shut off to the apartment. One civilian injury was reported caused by smoke inhalation. She was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics but not transported at her request. Damage was confined to fire damage in the kitchen with smoke damage on the main floor. There were no injuries to Firefighters on scene and crews began to be released about 15 minutes after the arrival of the first crew. In all 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke detectors. Fortunately these people got out. Do not count on smoke waking you up; a working smoke detector will sound giving you time to evacuate yourself from the structure. Secondly, cooking fires like this happen quite often and can be prevented by not leaving the kitchen while cooking. When using any type of heating or cooking appliance your vigilance is required to stay safe.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended pan of grease
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen and smoke throughout the main floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
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
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Budget cuts, the news media and the Spokesman-Review opinion article.
As predicted here, Phase Two of the SR's push to form public opinion around the city's budget happened today in a piece by their editorial board. I am pretty sure I know what Phase Three is going to look like (sound like?). If you want to hear my prediction, email me. If I know you, I will tell you.
Before I get started here, I would like to thank Chiefs Schaeffer and Williams for not sugar-coating it for the media yesterday. The cuts, if they come to fruition, will mean 15 firefighters and the closure of one station. Thanks for telling it like it is.
Now then, this morning's editorial. It is basically a rehashing of the Journal of Business' editorial which I addressed here. No wonder, the Journal is an arm of the Cowles Publishing Co. Here is a more complete picture of the Cowles Publishing Co. It is easy to see how the information is controlled in Spokane and that the formation of public opinion is almost like a lab experiment where all the input is planned for a desired result.
The tone of the editorial this morning is that we are all one community and that many in our community are hurting financially and that city workers have good compensation, better than most of our citizens. There is a funding gap and we should chip in to help. Fair enough. I hate to sound like a broken record, but here we go again:
1. How will the community ever know when we give up compensation and benefits when the Spokesman-Review won't tell them? Why won't they tell the citizens? Please refer again to the Wikipedia article. The Cowles have not been a friend to organized labor or government employment. To squash positive stories of city workers is a "two-fer," in that city employees are both government employees and organized labor.
2. Yes, we are one community. In fact, we are the second largest city in the state. Interestingly, we are the only major city in the state without a B and O tax. Why is that? Who would stand to lose from a B and O tax? I know who would stand to gain - those of us who shop in the city and pay a whopping sales tax, those of us who live in the city and pay property taxes, cable TV taxes and other surcharges that go a long way to offset Spokane's bizarre lack of a B and O tax. Hey Journal of Business and Spokesman-Review, show us what community supporters you are by proposing a B and O tax. I've told you what we could do in response.
OK this is old news and my old opinion. Don't ever expect to see it in print. That's fine, the way things are going, probably just as many are reading this blog as are reading the paper.
Here is something new to chew on. Yes, the community is hurting. Foreclosures are up. The ranks of the uninsured are swelling. Medical assistance to the mentally ill is dwindling. Guess who takes care of these folks? Guess who stops the insurance arson fire from spreading from the building next door into your abode or business? That's right. And these are the folks you are going to cut. It's like being in the middle of a war set to escalate and you want to cut troop levels and troop compensation. Except this war is not in some far-off land. It's right here and right now. And those who get the most benefit from those fighting it are the ones least willing to pay for it.
Some things never change.
Before I get started here, I would like to thank Chiefs Schaeffer and Williams for not sugar-coating it for the media yesterday. The cuts, if they come to fruition, will mean 15 firefighters and the closure of one station. Thanks for telling it like it is.
Now then, this morning's editorial. It is basically a rehashing of the Journal of Business' editorial which I addressed here. No wonder, the Journal is an arm of the Cowles Publishing Co. Here is a more complete picture of the Cowles Publishing Co. It is easy to see how the information is controlled in Spokane and that the formation of public opinion is almost like a lab experiment where all the input is planned for a desired result.
The tone of the editorial this morning is that we are all one community and that many in our community are hurting financially and that city workers have good compensation, better than most of our citizens. There is a funding gap and we should chip in to help. Fair enough. I hate to sound like a broken record, but here we go again:
1. How will the community ever know when we give up compensation and benefits when the Spokesman-Review won't tell them? Why won't they tell the citizens? Please refer again to the Wikipedia article. The Cowles have not been a friend to organized labor or government employment. To squash positive stories of city workers is a "two-fer," in that city employees are both government employees and organized labor.
2. Yes, we are one community. In fact, we are the second largest city in the state. Interestingly, we are the only major city in the state without a B and O tax. Why is that? Who would stand to lose from a B and O tax? I know who would stand to gain - those of us who shop in the city and pay a whopping sales tax, those of us who live in the city and pay property taxes, cable TV taxes and other surcharges that go a long way to offset Spokane's bizarre lack of a B and O tax. Hey Journal of Business and Spokesman-Review, show us what community supporters you are by proposing a B and O tax. I've told you what we could do in response.
OK this is old news and my old opinion. Don't ever expect to see it in print. That's fine, the way things are going, probably just as many are reading this blog as are reading the paper.
Here is something new to chew on. Yes, the community is hurting. Foreclosures are up. The ranks of the uninsured are swelling. Medical assistance to the mentally ill is dwindling. Guess who takes care of these folks? Guess who stops the insurance arson fire from spreading from the building next door into your abode or business? That's right. And these are the folks you are going to cut. It's like being in the middle of a war set to escalate and you want to cut troop levels and troop compensation. Except this war is not in some far-off land. It's right here and right now. And those who get the most benefit from those fighting it are the ones least willing to pay for it.
Some things never change.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Health Insurance Insider Tells How the Insurance Industry Works to Form Public Opinion and Influence Legislators Against Reform
Probably there is no national issue which will affect our benefits, the financial health of Spokane, our patients' health, the type of calls we go on as much as health care reform. It is important to know that because of their deep pockets, and consequently the influence that the health insurance industry exerts upon our legislators and the media, we will have to dig hard to get to the truth of the issue.
Wendell Potter is an insider who has been at the helm of influencing public opinion and legislators for the insurance industry. This first clip is an introduction. To watch the whole thing, with a transcript click here.
Click here to watch the entire interview with transcript.
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. The industry influences both parties.
Wendell Potter is an insider who has been at the helm of influencing public opinion and legislators for the insurance industry. This first clip is an introduction. To watch the whole thing, with a transcript click here.
Click here to watch the entire interview with transcript.
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. The industry influences both parties.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A response to yesterday's S-R article on city unions...
Yesterday’s Spokesman-Review article by Jonathan Brunt was pretty typical and not a big surprise. When it comes to our wages and the city budget, I guess there are some key items that will never be mentioned in the Spokesman-Review:
1. The 48 hours that each of us worked for free to help the city in its last budget crisis. We never received a media mention when we did it. And it won’t ever be noted in an article concerning the budget crisis de jour.
2. The fact that Spokane is the only city in the state without a B and O tax. The budget continues to be balanced on the backs of home and property owners, cable subscribers, shoppers and visitors. Hmmm, who would be effected by a B and O tax? Perhaps that is why it never gets mentioned.
3. Spokane’s firefighters respond to more emergencies with less people for about a fourth (I think) less funding than our comparables. Quite a good deal for the taxpayer. Don’t expect to ever see that in print.
4. Insurance company’s premiums continue to escalate, even while their bank accounts swell. Actually there was a mention of this in an opinion article yesterday but there was no connection to Brunt’s article. Insurance companies generate a lot of advertising revenue.
It will be interesting to see if Sunday’s article is the beginning of the predictable pattern the newspaper uses to form public opinion in Spokane. We’ll see if Phase Two manifests itself, as scheduled, tomorrow.
I have to admit that Mr. Brunt’s article, while definitely slanted, wasn’t completely lopsided. Maybe he didn’t get the memo about how this is supposed to work.
Here’s what I would propose Local 29 put forward to help the city budget. After reading this, you probably will be glad I’m not calling the shots.
1. We would be willing to give up a commensurate percentage of our next cost-of-living wage for every percentage the city is willing to tax businesses. The Journal of Business talks a good game about how we are all in this together. Let’s see them put up or shut up.
2. Forget about giving up any of our upcoming raises. Let’s have a business and occupation tax for anyone or any entity that makes money in Spokane - including firefighters, cops, plumbers, newspaper reporters, businesses - everyone who makes money off the infrastructure (including fire protection) Spokane provides.
3. How about a gasoline tax to pay for the emergency calls that automobiles generate? Beside car fires and MVAs, you can throw heart disease, diabetes and obesity-related calls into the mix. Along those lines, a tax on “high gravity” beer might make the imbibers of such pay for the detox service they periodically enjoy.
4. This is my favorite idea. Every percentage that an insurance company raises its rates on city-provided plans, there is a commensurate tax on the revenues they receive for providing insurance to Spokane citizens and companies. They raise their rates 10%, we slap them with a 10% tax. Next year, if they raise their rates another 10%, it’s now a 20% tax. I think they would get the message. There is no free market competition for health insurance companies. Never has been. This might help.
All to say, the Spokesman-Review has, from its earliest days, despised organized labor and the ability of working men and women to come together and effect change. It threatens the oligarchy of inherited wealth and power. Whenever there is a chance to put the blame in the lap of labor, they will make sure it happens. The continued news blackout of our previous concessions just makes this more obvious.
Whatever decision we make in regard to concessions, or medical insurance reform, we need to make sure we do it because it’s the right thing to do and be prepared that not one of our citizens will ever hear about it from the Spokesman-Review.
John
1. The 48 hours that each of us worked for free to help the city in its last budget crisis. We never received a media mention when we did it. And it won’t ever be noted in an article concerning the budget crisis de jour.
2. The fact that Spokane is the only city in the state without a B and O tax. The budget continues to be balanced on the backs of home and property owners, cable subscribers, shoppers and visitors. Hmmm, who would be effected by a B and O tax? Perhaps that is why it never gets mentioned.
3. Spokane’s firefighters respond to more emergencies with less people for about a fourth (I think) less funding than our comparables. Quite a good deal for the taxpayer. Don’t expect to ever see that in print.
4. Insurance company’s premiums continue to escalate, even while their bank accounts swell. Actually there was a mention of this in an opinion article yesterday but there was no connection to Brunt’s article. Insurance companies generate a lot of advertising revenue.
It will be interesting to see if Sunday’s article is the beginning of the predictable pattern the newspaper uses to form public opinion in Spokane. We’ll see if Phase Two manifests itself, as scheduled, tomorrow.
I have to admit that Mr. Brunt’s article, while definitely slanted, wasn’t completely lopsided. Maybe he didn’t get the memo about how this is supposed to work.
Here’s what I would propose Local 29 put forward to help the city budget. After reading this, you probably will be glad I’m not calling the shots.
1. We would be willing to give up a commensurate percentage of our next cost-of-living wage for every percentage the city is willing to tax businesses. The Journal of Business talks a good game about how we are all in this together. Let’s see them put up or shut up.
2. Forget about giving up any of our upcoming raises. Let’s have a business and occupation tax for anyone or any entity that makes money in Spokane - including firefighters, cops, plumbers, newspaper reporters, businesses - everyone who makes money off the infrastructure (including fire protection) Spokane provides.
3. How about a gasoline tax to pay for the emergency calls that automobiles generate? Beside car fires and MVAs, you can throw heart disease, diabetes and obesity-related calls into the mix. Along those lines, a tax on “high gravity” beer might make the imbibers of such pay for the detox service they periodically enjoy.
4. This is my favorite idea. Every percentage that an insurance company raises its rates on city-provided plans, there is a commensurate tax on the revenues they receive for providing insurance to Spokane citizens and companies. They raise their rates 10%, we slap them with a 10% tax. Next year, if they raise their rates another 10%, it’s now a 20% tax. I think they would get the message. There is no free market competition for health insurance companies. Never has been. This might help.
All to say, the Spokesman-Review has, from its earliest days, despised organized labor and the ability of working men and women to come together and effect change. It threatens the oligarchy of inherited wealth and power. Whenever there is a chance to put the blame in the lap of labor, they will make sure it happens. The continued news blackout of our previous concessions just makes this more obvious.
Whatever decision we make in regard to concessions, or medical insurance reform, we need to make sure we do it because it’s the right thing to do and be prepared that not one of our citizens will ever hear about it from the Spokesman-Review.
John
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1904 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just after 2pm Saturday afternoon July 11, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1904 E. Gordon in the Northeast part of the city. Due to the fast action of the homeowner by calling the Fire Department and a quick coordinated fire attack from below the attic fire and ventilating the roof with a chainsaw the fire was kept to a minimum. Upon arrival of the first fire crew, smoke could be seen coming from every opening in the roof. A search of the house was made to make sure all occupants had gotten out. Simultaneously a hole was cut in the roof to ventilate the hot gasses out of the attic and a 1 ¾" fire hose was pulled to the upstairs and used to extinguish the fire. The utilities to the house were shut off for safety and an investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Fire crews had a knockdown of the fire about 15 minutes after arrival. There are no reports of injuries to either the homeowner or the fire crews. 4 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, a Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded to the fire but crews began to be put back in service about 45 minutes after the fire attack began.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but first look by responding crews it appears to be electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling on the second floor, roof decking and some smoke/water damage on the second floor.
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: 7/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1904 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just after 2pm Saturday afternoon July 11, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1904 E. Gordon in the Northeast part of the city. Due to the fast action of the homeowner by calling the Fire Department and a quick coordinated fire attack from below the attic fire and ventilating the roof with a chainsaw the fire was kept to a minimum. Upon arrival of the first fire crew, smoke could be seen coming from every opening in the roof. A search of the house was made to make sure all occupants had gotten out. Simultaneously a hole was cut in the roof to ventilate the hot gasses out of the attic and a 1 ¾" fire hose was pulled to the upstairs and used to extinguish the fire. The utilities to the house were shut off for safety and an investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Fire crews had a knockdown of the fire about 15 minutes after arrival. There are no reports of injuries to either the homeowner or the fire crews. 4 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, a Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded to the fire but crews began to be put back in service about 45 minutes after the fire attack began.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but first look by responding crews it appears to be electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling on the second floor, roof decking and some smoke/water damage on the second floor.
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
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 614 West Montgomery
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday July 8, 2009 at 08:30 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 614 West Montgomery. A resident in the two-story single family residence converted to an apartment contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the residence was filling with smoke and there was a fire.
The neighborhood fire company arrived within four-minutes and reported smoke showing from all sides of the two-story apartment house. They followed up with additional information that a significant amount of fire was spreading in the rear of the home from the first floor to the second floor. It was unknown at the time of the alarm whether all occupants were able to evacuate from the home during the fire. The first engine stretched pre-connected hose lines to the first floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to allow for a safer atmosphere for other companies as they searched for possible victims. Nearly simultaneously, a Ladder Company arrived and immediately entered and began to search both floors of the home to locate potential victims. Additional companies placed ground ladders to the exterior, ventilated the roof and backed up the initial attack crews and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while continuing to search victims. The fire was controlled in just twenty minutes. They were successful in confining the fire to the rear of the home and attic and limited spread into the address side (front) of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The official cause is under investigation currently by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary information given from residents at the scene to the media suggested that the cause was electrical; however the cause has not been determined at the time of this release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant structural damage on all floors and attic in the rear of the converted structure.
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: 7/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 614 West Montgomery
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday July 8, 2009 at 08:30 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 614 West Montgomery. A resident in the two-story single family residence converted to an apartment contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the residence was filling with smoke and there was a fire.
The neighborhood fire company arrived within four-minutes and reported smoke showing from all sides of the two-story apartment house. They followed up with additional information that a significant amount of fire was spreading in the rear of the home from the first floor to the second floor. It was unknown at the time of the alarm whether all occupants were able to evacuate from the home during the fire. The first engine stretched pre-connected hose lines to the first floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to allow for a safer atmosphere for other companies as they searched for possible victims. Nearly simultaneously, a Ladder Company arrived and immediately entered and began to search both floors of the home to locate potential victims. Additional companies placed ground ladders to the exterior, ventilated the roof and backed up the initial attack crews and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while continuing to search victims. The fire was controlled in just twenty minutes. They were successful in confining the fire to the rear of the home and attic and limited spread into the address side (front) of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The official cause is under investigation currently by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary information given from residents at the scene to the media suggested that the cause was electrical; however the cause has not been determined at the time of this release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant structural damage on all floors and attic in the rear of the converted structure.
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
Monday, July 06, 2009
PRESS RELEASE - SPOKANE FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Spokane Firefighters IAFF LOCAL 29 and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation team up to provide citizens of Spokane free smoke detectors.
The WSCFF has matched a $500 donation made by the Spokane Firefighters Union to buy $1000 worth of smoke detectors for Spokane families. 55 smoke detectors have already been purchased. They will be presented to Jan Doherty, the Spokane Fire Department’s education officer by Greg Borg, President of Local 29. There will be more smoke detectors to follow.
When the fire department responds to a call in a residential home, if there is no detector, one - if available, can be installed by Local 29 members - City of Spokane firefighters. This service, as well as the detector, is free to homeowners and renters. However, landlords are required by law to provide detectors for their renters, and may be charged for the cost of the detector. City of Spokane residents can also stop by a fire station to obtain a detector. Detectors will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis until all are distributed.
Greg Borg, IAFF Local 29 president says, “There is no doubt that smoke detectors save lives. As we are seeing more and more fires in the last few weeks, it is just a matter of time for a tragedy to occur. Unfortunately, someone will soon be killed or seriously injured in a fire because their home did not have a detector. We want to provide that ounce of prevention.”
The smoke detectors will soon be available.
For more information, please contact Local 29 President Greg Borg at 998-3617, Vice-President Mark Vietzke at 710-2045, or the Local 29 office at 484-5598.
Spokane Firefighters IAFF LOCAL 29 and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation team up to provide citizens of Spokane free smoke detectors.
The WSCFF has matched a $500 donation made by the Spokane Firefighters Union to buy $1000 worth of smoke detectors for Spokane families. 55 smoke detectors have already been purchased. They will be presented to Jan Doherty, the Spokane Fire Department’s education officer by Greg Borg, President of Local 29. There will be more smoke detectors to follow.
When the fire department responds to a call in a residential home, if there is no detector, one - if available, can be installed by Local 29 members - City of Spokane firefighters. This service, as well as the detector, is free to homeowners and renters. However, landlords are required by law to provide detectors for their renters, and may be charged for the cost of the detector. City of Spokane residents can also stop by a fire station to obtain a detector. Detectors will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis until all are distributed.
Greg Borg, IAFF Local 29 president says, “There is no doubt that smoke detectors save lives. As we are seeing more and more fires in the last few weeks, it is just a matter of time for a tragedy to occur. Unfortunately, someone will soon be killed or seriously injured in a fire because their home did not have a detector. We want to provide that ounce of prevention.”
The smoke detectors will soon be available.
For more information, please contact Local 29 President Greg Borg at 998-3617, Vice-President Mark Vietzke at 710-2045, or the Local 29 office at 484-5598.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Fire Press Release - Three Fer
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian SchaefferDATE OF INCIDENT: 7/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5408 East Commerce Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99212
NARRATIVE: On Friday July 3, 2009 at 08:41 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Inman responded to a reported residence fire at 5408 East Commerce Avenue on the City's far east side. The neighborhood's Fire Engine (Engine 8) arrived within five minutes and reported a single family home fully involved in fire. Nearby residents also reported that fire was blowing from all of the windows of the home and the front yard. As the first company was establishing a water supply and preparing to take action on the fire, two patients were identified as occupants from the home by neighbors. An adult female and 4-year old male (mother and son) were able to escape from the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival and were found across the street suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Simultaneously, other companies arrived and provided advanced life support to the patients as other companies made entry into the home to search for additional family members and attack the fire. Neighbors had reported to on-scene personnel that multiple family members routinely stayed at the home which resulted in companies searching the home and its basement four-times under heavy fire conditions.
Both patients were transported to Sacred Heart and are receiving treatment there for injuries received from the incident. The fire was controlled in 30-minutes with all of the assigned resourced working extremely hard in difficult conditions. Firefighters were successful in confining the fire to the home, limiting loss to the family's possessions and preventing the fire's spread to adjacent homes. The Spokane Police Department's Chaplain was also successful in locating and accounting for family members which were off-site with relatives.
The outcome of this incident reinforces the importance of the Fire Department providing Paramedic-Level Emergency Medical Services in the fashion that we do. Dual trained Firefighters as Paramedics allows us to immediately treat injured/ill people without delay and truly bring the Emergency Room to the patient in need. In a Fire/EMS deployment system, time is of the essence; and the life saved today is a perfect example of the components of the system coming together for a successful outcome.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire has been determined to be the child playing with a lighter.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The majority of the home was destroyed by the fire. Some of the family's possessions were removed by firefighters and salvageable.
DOLLAR LOSS: 200,000
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: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 111 East Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Saturday July 4, 2009 at 4:33 AM, 9 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 3 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius responded to a reported residence fire at 111 East Sinto near the Gonzaga Campus.
A patrolling Police Officer discovered and reported the fire through SPD Dispatch. Police Officers made attempts to evacuate residents of the apartment prior to SFD's arrival. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and reported an older multiple-story home with smoke and fire coming from the back of the building. The building was actually a large older home converted into apartments occupied with multiple tenants. Initial arriving companies were able to rescue two persons which crawled onto a roof their bedroom window with ladders and evacuate the remaining tenants through doorways. Other companies ventilated and attacked the fire simultaneously while performing detailed searches on all three floors. One occupant was treated on-scene by SFD Paramedics and transported via AMR due to injuries received from the fire and products of combustion. Her condition was listed as stable at the time of this release.
The fire was confined to bedroom and adjoining area within 15 minutes. Aside from the occupant transported, no other injuries were reported. Both SFD and SPD are anticipated to be remaining on scene for most of the morning.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currently under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Smoke damage throughout and focused fire damage to the rear of structure. Seven adualts and three children are receiving assistance by the American Red Cross/ Inland NW Chapter.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 32
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: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1516 E. Sharp Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: At 7:42 P.M. on July 4th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in an attached garage at 1516 E. Sharp Ave. Multiple crews reported heavy smoke visible while enroute to the scene. The first crew arriving on scene reported an attached garage fully involved in fire, and fire extending through an enclosed breezeway and beginning to enter the house. Arching overhead power lines which burned through and dropped to the ground presented an additional hazard to the firefighters. As some crews began extinguishing the fire, others searched the house to make sure any occupants were out. No one was found in the house, and it was later determined that the tenant was visiting at a nearby house at the time of the fire. An aggressive fire attack combined with rapidly opening-up concealed spaces stopped the advancing fire before it could gain a strong foothold in the house. Crews remained on scene for more than three hours completing salvage and overhaul.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The area of origin of the fire appeared to be on the exterior of the garage, but the exact cause is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The single car garage and breezeway attaching it to the house were heavily damaged. The house received some fire damage and will not be habitable until repairs can be made.
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, June 25, 2009
Never mind the previous post.
Our condolences to the Jackson family, friends and fans. Sounds like the fire department did their best, but it was too late. There are numerous fansites set up where fans can leave their thoughts. This is not really one of them, but if you would like to say something you can.
Fire Department Saves Michael Jackson's Life...
Another good reason for you guys who are on the fence to consider becoming paramedics. No word on Bubbles the chimp.
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1908 E. Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On the morning of June 25th, 2009 at 3:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 26 firefighters with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1908 E. Wellesley. Engine 15 under the command of Capt. Ryan Reding found a single family home with fire coming out the back side. A report was received by the dispatch center stating that there were two people possibly trapped inside. A fast and aggressive search of the structure was started utilizing two fire crews. These search crews split into two groups and were able to cover the main floor of the burning home in rapid fashion. At the same time of the ongoing search, a fire attack team along with a roof team were working together in order to confine the fire as soon as possible. A roof ventilation hole was cut by the roof team and the fire attack team below was starting to darken down the fire but the fire had gained a significant amount of headway and was continuing to spread inside void areas above, in the attic. After a hard battle of hose line stretching, extinguishment, searching, cutting and breaching it was determined to "go defensive" as the house had been considerably weakened by the fire. An immediate withdrawal of firefighters from the interior was ordered. Although the majority of the home had been searched for victims, a small portion remained that had not been searched. Defensive tactics began which involved crews controlling the fire from above using an aerial nozzle stream and from hose lines on the ground on the outside of the structure. As soon as defensive tactics were underway, a report was received that the two occupants were out of town and this was later confirmed to be true. Fire crews also searched the garage behind the home and found a number of dogs to be in good condition. Shortly after this, a partial collapse of the porch roof occurred on the back side of the house momentarily trapping 3 firefighters. The Rapid Intervention Team consisting of firefighters from Ladder 1's crew were deployed to assist. All 3 firefighters were removed from the debris very quickly and one firefighter sustained a minor back injury and was transported to Holy Family Hospital. He was released a few hours later and is expected to recover soon. The other 2 firefighters were not injured. Another firefighter also sustained a minor back injury in the later stages of the fire while operating on the outside of the home and was not transported. As the fire was burning, two separate multi-occupancy complexes on either side of the home were under threat. Fire crews successfully kept the fire from extending to these structures. A complete evacuation was ordered early to ensure the safety of these occupants. All occupants were allowed to return after the fire was contained. The Red Cross arrived and assisted the family of the burned home with shelter, food and clothing. The home was a total loss and plans were being made early this morning to demolish the structure. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home and the majority of it's contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 170,000
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: 6/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1908 E. Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On the morning of June 25th, 2009 at 3:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 26 firefighters with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1908 E. Wellesley. Engine 15 under the command of Capt. Ryan Reding found a single family home with fire coming out the back side. A report was received by the dispatch center stating that there were two people possibly trapped inside. A fast and aggressive search of the structure was started utilizing two fire crews. These search crews split into two groups and were able to cover the main floor of the burning home in rapid fashion. At the same time of the ongoing search, a fire attack team along with a roof team were working together in order to confine the fire as soon as possible. A roof ventilation hole was cut by the roof team and the fire attack team below was starting to darken down the fire but the fire had gained a significant amount of headway and was continuing to spread inside void areas above, in the attic. After a hard battle of hose line stretching, extinguishment, searching, cutting and breaching it was determined to "go defensive" as the house had been considerably weakened by the fire. An immediate withdrawal of firefighters from the interior was ordered. Although the majority of the home had been searched for victims, a small portion remained that had not been searched. Defensive tactics began which involved crews controlling the fire from above using an aerial nozzle stream and from hose lines on the ground on the outside of the structure. As soon as defensive tactics were underway, a report was received that the two occupants were out of town and this was later confirmed to be true. Fire crews also searched the garage behind the home and found a number of dogs to be in good condition. Shortly after this, a partial collapse of the porch roof occurred on the back side of the house momentarily trapping 3 firefighters. The Rapid Intervention Team consisting of firefighters from Ladder 1's crew were deployed to assist. All 3 firefighters were removed from the debris very quickly and one firefighter sustained a minor back injury and was transported to Holy Family Hospital. He was released a few hours later and is expected to recover soon. The other 2 firefighters were not injured. Another firefighter also sustained a minor back injury in the later stages of the fire while operating on the outside of the home and was not transported. As the fire was burning, two separate multi-occupancy complexes on either side of the home were under threat. Fire crews successfully kept the fire from extending to these structures. A complete evacuation was ordered early to ensure the safety of these occupants. All occupants were allowed to return after the fire was contained. The Red Cross arrived and assisted the family of the burned home with shelter, food and clothing. The home was a total loss and plans were being made early this morning to demolish the structure. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home and the majority of it's contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 170,000
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1708 W Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 telephone call from a concerned passer-by at approximately 12:20 in the early morning on Monday, June 15th, 2009. The caller reported that a building located at the corner of Mission and Ash was on fire. Immediately a full fire response was sent out, fortunately one of the Stations dispatched is located just a couple of blocks north of that intersection and they arrived on scene within minutes and reported that the building was involved by fire and that the fire was growing in intensity and beginning to gain entry into the building. That initial fire crew rapidly set about attacking the fast spreading fire and was able to get it knocked down very quickly. They forced entry into the locked building at the front door and extinguished the fire that had penetrated to the inside of the structure. As other fire crews began arriving on scene they were directed to begin laddering and ventilating the building, still other crews began the labor intensive process of pulling ceilings and opening walls to get into the concealed spaces where fire tends to hide. The actual address of the burned structure is 1708 W. Mission. An investigator from the Spokane City Fire Special Investigation Unit was requested to respond to the incident since the circumstances surrounding this fire appeared to be suspicious; his work on this case is on-going at this time.. There were no reports of injury to any of the firefighters at the scene. The damage to the building was confined to the area around the front door, including the large soffit area above the front door which is a conduit to the attic spaces. Fire damage was also present in the foyer area just inside the building. Smoke damage occurred throughout the interior of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Front door area ouside of the building including the large overhanging soffit that conceals the attic space, interior damage to the entry area inside the front door, and smoke damage throughout the building.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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: 6/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1708 W Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 telephone call from a concerned passer-by at approximately 12:20 in the early morning on Monday, June 15th, 2009. The caller reported that a building located at the corner of Mission and Ash was on fire. Immediately a full fire response was sent out, fortunately one of the Stations dispatched is located just a couple of blocks north of that intersection and they arrived on scene within minutes and reported that the building was involved by fire and that the fire was growing in intensity and beginning to gain entry into the building. That initial fire crew rapidly set about attacking the fast spreading fire and was able to get it knocked down very quickly. They forced entry into the locked building at the front door and extinguished the fire that had penetrated to the inside of the structure. As other fire crews began arriving on scene they were directed to begin laddering and ventilating the building, still other crews began the labor intensive process of pulling ceilings and opening walls to get into the concealed spaces where fire tends to hide. The actual address of the burned structure is 1708 W. Mission. An investigator from the Spokane City Fire Special Investigation Unit was requested to respond to the incident since the circumstances surrounding this fire appeared to be suspicious; his work on this case is on-going at this time.. There were no reports of injury to any of the firefighters at the scene. The damage to the building was confined to the area around the front door, including the large soffit area above the front door which is a conduit to the attic spaces. Fire damage was also present in the foyer area just inside the building. Smoke damage occurred throughout the interior of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Front door area ouside of the building including the large overhanging soffit that conceals the attic space, interior damage to the entry area inside the front door, and smoke damage throughout the building.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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
Friday, June 12, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/12/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2122 West Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Friday June 12, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 4:10 AM to 2122 West Gardner on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the roof and fire showing from the eaves on the east side of the home. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the attic. The fire was brought under control with in 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the attic and the ceilings in the kitchen and living room
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: 6/12/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2122 West Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Friday June 12, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 4:10 AM to 2122 West Gardner on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the roof and fire showing from the eaves on the east side of the home. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the attic. The fire was brought under control with in 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the attic and the ceilings in the kitchen and living room
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
Monday, June 08, 2009
Fire Press Release
NARRATIVE: On 06/08/09 at approximately 0232 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 303 W North River Drive, Red Lion Inn at the Park Hotel, upon activation of the fire alarm system. First arriving crews could smell smoke but initially did not see any active fire. Upon further investigation SFD crews found a fire in the laundry room in the lower level of the hotel. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the fire area, and with the assistance of the sprinkler system quickly extinguished the fire. Many tenants of the hotel had evacuated the building prior to the arrival of firefighters on scene.
While the fire was being extinguished, other SFD units checked the floors above the fire to assure no fire extension to those areas. Once all areas of the hotel were determined to be safe tenants were allowed to return to their rooms.
A total of 31 firefighters on 10 apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 0500 hrs.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation. No final fire cause has been determined at this time. More information to follow.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire is currently under investigation. No final fire cause has been determined at this time. More information to follow.
DOLLAR LOSS: 2,500
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
While the fire was being extinguished, other SFD units checked the floors above the fire to assure no fire extension to those areas. Once all areas of the hotel were determined to be safe tenants were allowed to return to their rooms.
A total of 31 firefighters on 10 apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 0500 hrs.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation. No final fire cause has been determined at this time. More information to follow.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire is currently under investigation. No final fire cause has been determined at this time. More information to follow.
DOLLAR LOSS: 2,500
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
Friday, June 05, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1710 East 12 Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On the 4th day of June 2009 at 5:00 p/m the City of Spokane Fire department responded 6 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to 1710 East 12th for a reported structure fire. The first company on scene reported light smoke coming from the basement on side Delta. Upon further investigation a fire was discovered in the basement of the one and one half story house. Hose lines were advanced to the interior and the fire was quickly extinguished. A search of the residence was made and no one was home at this time. The fire was confined to the basement and contents with heavy smoke damage. The fire did not extend to the main floor which did suffer some smoke damage. There were no reported injuries. The residents were displaced and will be staying with relatives. Fire department investigators were called in to determine the cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electronic Gaming Device shorted out.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Basement and contents . Smoke through out
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: 6/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1710 East 12 Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On the 4th day of June 2009 at 5:00 p/m the City of Spokane Fire department responded 6 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to 1710 East 12th for a reported structure fire. The first company on scene reported light smoke coming from the basement on side Delta. Upon further investigation a fire was discovered in the basement of the one and one half story house. Hose lines were advanced to the interior and the fire was quickly extinguished. A search of the residence was made and no one was home at this time. The fire was confined to the basement and contents with heavy smoke damage. The fire did not extend to the main floor which did suffer some smoke damage. There were no reported injuries. The residents were displaced and will be staying with relatives. Fire department investigators were called in to determine the cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electronic Gaming Device shorted out.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Basement and contents . Smoke through out
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
Thursday, June 04, 2009
An open response to the Journal of Business’ open letter to the Workers of City Hall.
An open response to the Journal of Business’ open letter to the Workers of City Hall.
Dear Journal of Business Editorial Staff:
I write this letter as a member of Local 29 - the city firefighters’ union - a member of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce (Greater Spokane), and as a citizen of Spokane.
Everyone knows that business is the economic engine of our city. Your fine publication showcases and promotes regional businesses that are directly responsible for the success of Spokane. We firefighters, more than anyone, want to see local businesses flourish. I think you would be hard pressed to find a group of people who are more willing to give (and have given their all) for the physical structures of business, the employees and owners of Spokane businesses and their families. We are sure that you know, that like the military that protects our freedoms, your firefighters are willing to lay it on the line to protect you, your business, your customers and the entire infrastructure of a city. Without protecting this infrastructure and human population, chances are Spokane’s days would be numbered. To say the least, that would be bad for business. We are intertwined with each other and dependent upon each other - as it has been since the earliest days of our nation and our city.
You didn’t say much about how it is that our wages are determined. Simply put, our wages and working conditions are basically derived by comparison to similar cities in similar economic conditions. Both sides (labor and administration) negotiate along these lines and binding arbitration assures a fair settlement for all (and also forbids us from striking). When comparable firefighter wages go up, ours could go up in a future contract. Likewise, if there is an economic downturn and wages fall, ours could follow suit.
Your letter states that as a public relations gesture, we should lower our wages. With that in mind, I would like to tell you about our experience with your suggestion. A few years ago, the city administration came to the city’s three unions and asked if they would make some concessions to help them out of a financial bind they were in. This request was brought to the firefighters of Local 29. A vote was taken. Overwhelmingly, we voted to gift the city with 48 hours of free labor from each and every firefighter (over a two-year period). This saved the city over $600,000. Press releases were dispatched, and we awaited feedback from citizens, The Spokesman-Review and even The Journal of Business. Nothing happened. The news was never reported. We made contacts again with the press - nothing. I think many of our members now see this effort as a failed trial balloon. It would be hard to believe that any further future concessions would sway those who already have a bias against us and unionized labor in general. Our experience is that these concessions would not even be made public by members the news media (The Journal of Business included).
The Journal of Business, businesses in Spokane, unions, city workers, citizens - retired, employed, unemployed, our families - we are all in this together. You need us and we need you. It’s time to drop some of our biases and take a truthful look at what we can do together.
First off, a simple question. “Why are city employees costing the city so much money?” Raises have been modest. Well, the truth of it is something that you mentioned in your letter - health insurance. Twenty years ago, affordable health insurance was the norm for all workers. Even the smallest of businesses were able to insure their employees. You are right, city employees still enjoy this traditional benefit. But here’s something that you leave out of your analysis. It is the health insurance companies that are responsible for a greediness that has catapulted insurance costs higher than many mortgages. Is The Journal of Business, right now, willing to advocate for a national single-payer health care system, or some other reform, that would allow all to enjoy the benefits that city employees now enjoy? These are benefits that all workers used to enjoy until deregulated insurance companies took us to the cleaners. To be sure, their coffers are overflowing with cash. This cash makes its way into your publication. Most citizens and business owners know this. Maybe it’s time for you, not just as a public relations stunt but because you care about Spokane, to take a stand for small businesses, for government, for citizens and for our future against the true culprits of the budget - one of your patrons - the health insurance industry.
When you compare Spokane’s fire department with Tacoma’s (our most comparable) or any other city in Washington, the numbers are pretty stark. Spokane responds to more emergency calls with less firefighters for a fraction of the cost compared to other cities' fire departments. Citizens and businesses in Spokane get more bang for their buck. This is great news for all of us. However, there’s more to the picture. In Spokane, homeowners foot a bigger percentage of the city’s operating costs, when compared to cities where businesses offset property taxes with their contributions to a B and O tax. There is a B and O tax in every Washington city except Spokane. Will The Journal of Business advocate a city, or even a county, B and O tax? This would alleviate Spokane’s budget problems and help take some financial pressure off of our citizens and customers.
A new era has dawned in our nation, and in Spokane. We are beginning to see the folly of blindly following an ideology without question, and not looking with rational eyes at our circumstances. We need to logically consider, and perhaps implement, what has worked in other cities, states and countries. So far, your editorial board seems to want to stay on a course that has proven to be beneficial in the short run for a few, and disastrous in the long run for all. That’s understandable. It's a comfortable place for you. This is where The Journal of Business, like many, has strayed the past 20 years, intensifying in the last eight. But the times, they are a’changing. It won’t be easy to set aside a comfortable ideology. It may cost you (or us) some money, in the short run. Together we owe the future of Spokane nothing less, if there is to be a future for Spokane.
Here is one “Worker of City Hall” who has read what you had to say. I have taken it to heart. I hope you now have a better idea of why we need each other. And I hope you have considered what I have to say.
John Griffith
IAFF LOCAL 29
Dear Journal of Business Editorial Staff:
I write this letter as a member of Local 29 - the city firefighters’ union - a member of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce (Greater Spokane), and as a citizen of Spokane.
Everyone knows that business is the economic engine of our city. Your fine publication showcases and promotes regional businesses that are directly responsible for the success of Spokane. We firefighters, more than anyone, want to see local businesses flourish. I think you would be hard pressed to find a group of people who are more willing to give (and have given their all) for the physical structures of business, the employees and owners of Spokane businesses and their families. We are sure that you know, that like the military that protects our freedoms, your firefighters are willing to lay it on the line to protect you, your business, your customers and the entire infrastructure of a city. Without protecting this infrastructure and human population, chances are Spokane’s days would be numbered. To say the least, that would be bad for business. We are intertwined with each other and dependent upon each other - as it has been since the earliest days of our nation and our city.
You didn’t say much about how it is that our wages are determined. Simply put, our wages and working conditions are basically derived by comparison to similar cities in similar economic conditions. Both sides (labor and administration) negotiate along these lines and binding arbitration assures a fair settlement for all (and also forbids us from striking). When comparable firefighter wages go up, ours could go up in a future contract. Likewise, if there is an economic downturn and wages fall, ours could follow suit.
Your letter states that as a public relations gesture, we should lower our wages. With that in mind, I would like to tell you about our experience with your suggestion. A few years ago, the city administration came to the city’s three unions and asked if they would make some concessions to help them out of a financial bind they were in. This request was brought to the firefighters of Local 29. A vote was taken. Overwhelmingly, we voted to gift the city with 48 hours of free labor from each and every firefighter (over a two-year period). This saved the city over $600,000. Press releases were dispatched, and we awaited feedback from citizens, The Spokesman-Review and even The Journal of Business. Nothing happened. The news was never reported. We made contacts again with the press - nothing. I think many of our members now see this effort as a failed trial balloon. It would be hard to believe that any further future concessions would sway those who already have a bias against us and unionized labor in general. Our experience is that these concessions would not even be made public by members the news media (The Journal of Business included).
The Journal of Business, businesses in Spokane, unions, city workers, citizens - retired, employed, unemployed, our families - we are all in this together. You need us and we need you. It’s time to drop some of our biases and take a truthful look at what we can do together.
First off, a simple question. “Why are city employees costing the city so much money?” Raises have been modest. Well, the truth of it is something that you mentioned in your letter - health insurance. Twenty years ago, affordable health insurance was the norm for all workers. Even the smallest of businesses were able to insure their employees. You are right, city employees still enjoy this traditional benefit. But here’s something that you leave out of your analysis. It is the health insurance companies that are responsible for a greediness that has catapulted insurance costs higher than many mortgages. Is The Journal of Business, right now, willing to advocate for a national single-payer health care system, or some other reform, that would allow all to enjoy the benefits that city employees now enjoy? These are benefits that all workers used to enjoy until deregulated insurance companies took us to the cleaners. To be sure, their coffers are overflowing with cash. This cash makes its way into your publication. Most citizens and business owners know this. Maybe it’s time for you, not just as a public relations stunt but because you care about Spokane, to take a stand for small businesses, for government, for citizens and for our future against the true culprits of the budget - one of your patrons - the health insurance industry.
When you compare Spokane’s fire department with Tacoma’s (our most comparable) or any other city in Washington, the numbers are pretty stark. Spokane responds to more emergency calls with less firefighters for a fraction of the cost compared to other cities' fire departments. Citizens and businesses in Spokane get more bang for their buck. This is great news for all of us. However, there’s more to the picture. In Spokane, homeowners foot a bigger percentage of the city’s operating costs, when compared to cities where businesses offset property taxes with their contributions to a B and O tax. There is a B and O tax in every Washington city except Spokane. Will The Journal of Business advocate a city, or even a county, B and O tax? This would alleviate Spokane’s budget problems and help take some financial pressure off of our citizens and customers.
A new era has dawned in our nation, and in Spokane. We are beginning to see the folly of blindly following an ideology without question, and not looking with rational eyes at our circumstances. We need to logically consider, and perhaps implement, what has worked in other cities, states and countries. So far, your editorial board seems to want to stay on a course that has proven to be beneficial in the short run for a few, and disastrous in the long run for all. That’s understandable. It's a comfortable place for you. This is where The Journal of Business, like many, has strayed the past 20 years, intensifying in the last eight. But the times, they are a’changing. It won’t be easy to set aside a comfortable ideology. It may cost you (or us) some money, in the short run. Together we owe the future of Spokane nothing less, if there is to be a future for Spokane.
Here is one “Worker of City Hall” who has read what you had to say. I have taken it to heart. I hope you now have a better idea of why we need each other. And I hope you have considered what I have to say.
John Griffith
IAFF LOCAL 29
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 809 N. Canon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 4:31pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at
809 N. Cannon St. The first arriving company, E3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched.
The initial report from Lt. Greenamyer was that he had a one story wood frame home with fire on the exterior that had extended up the siding into the attic. Engine 3's crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to start extinguishment of the fire while verifying that all occupants were out of the structure. The additional arriving crews provided roof ventilation, covered interior furnishings with water proof tarps, and searched for a missing family cat. The main body of fire was knocked down within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for approximately 1 ½ hours.
There were no injuries at this incident.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the exterior siding on the north side of the house, the attic area where the fire went up the siding and into the attic via the roof soffit, two bedrooms where fire fighters had to open walls and pull ceilings to get at the fire, and of course a major section of the building's roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 809 N. Canon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 4:31pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at
809 N. Cannon St. The first arriving company, E3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched.
The initial report from Lt. Greenamyer was that he had a one story wood frame home with fire on the exterior that had extended up the siding into the attic. Engine 3's crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to start extinguishment of the fire while verifying that all occupants were out of the structure. The additional arriving crews provided roof ventilation, covered interior furnishings with water proof tarps, and searched for a missing family cat. The main body of fire was knocked down within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for approximately 1 ½ hours.
There were no injuries at this incident.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the exterior siding on the north side of the house, the attic area where the fire went up the siding and into the attic via the roof soffit, two bedrooms where fire fighters had to open walls and pull ceilings to get at the fire, and of course a major section of the building's roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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
Friday, May 15, 2009
TEAM SFD IN CANADA!
For those of you who have been reading the facebook entries about the "Wherethefugawi" team you already know what a tough race this was! For those who don't, you'll have to hear it firsthand from Jason, Jeff B., Doug or Jeff W. They were one of only six teams that actually finished the race. It looks like a lot of work and courage went into this.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 South Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday May 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Pumper-Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Cornelius responded to a reported apartment fire at 5111 South Regal on the City's South Hill. A citizen reported what appeared to be a deck on fire on the second floor of a two-story apartment building with ten units. While the first-alarm assignment was enroute, the first due Engine reported a heavy column of smoke showing and requested a second alarm.
The closest fire company arrived on the scene within seven-minutes and immediately established a water supply and stretched hose lines to attack the rapidly progressing fire which had already extended into adjoining units and the attic. Ladder 4 arrived five minutes after the first companies and quickly laddered the apartment building's roof and placed a ventilation trench cut at the building's fire wall to prevent additional extension into multiple other adjacent units. Additional companies from the second alarm (3-Engines, Heavy Rescue, CARES Team and multiple Chief Officers) were utilized to; simultaneously attack the fire from multiple areas, search for victims, ventilate and protect means of egress. The SFD's CARES Team was specifically utilized to manage the reunification of arriving children that had their homes affected by the fire from school busses with their families. The members also coordinated with the Red Cross in arranging temporary accommodations as well as assisting the citizens with coping with the trauma of losing their homes.
Due to the complexity of the fire and its continued escalation, a third alarm was requested at 1301 which brought three additional companies from the City's farthest north Stations. At several points throughout the near three-hour incident, all of SFD's Fire Companies were committed to either the third alarm fire or many other simultaneous incidents. Off-duty Spokane Firefighters as well as mutual aid companies from Fire District 9, Spokane Valley Fire Department and Fire District 8 were utilized for City coverage.
The fire was declared under control in approximately 90 minutes with all of the assigned resourced working extremely hard. They were successful in confining the fire to approximately five units and limiting damage to one side of the building.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters and companies are still on the scene at the time of this release. There were a total of 17 adults and 12 children living in 9 of the 10 apartment units.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The determination of the fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the building, however it is significant in at least 4 units. There appears to be moderate structural damage and smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 68
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, 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: 5/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 South Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday May 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Pumper-Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Cornelius responded to a reported apartment fire at 5111 South Regal on the City's South Hill. A citizen reported what appeared to be a deck on fire on the second floor of a two-story apartment building with ten units. While the first-alarm assignment was enroute, the first due Engine reported a heavy column of smoke showing and requested a second alarm.
The closest fire company arrived on the scene within seven-minutes and immediately established a water supply and stretched hose lines to attack the rapidly progressing fire which had already extended into adjoining units and the attic. Ladder 4 arrived five minutes after the first companies and quickly laddered the apartment building's roof and placed a ventilation trench cut at the building's fire wall to prevent additional extension into multiple other adjacent units. Additional companies from the second alarm (3-Engines, Heavy Rescue, CARES Team and multiple Chief Officers) were utilized to; simultaneously attack the fire from multiple areas, search for victims, ventilate and protect means of egress. The SFD's CARES Team was specifically utilized to manage the reunification of arriving children that had their homes affected by the fire from school busses with their families. The members also coordinated with the Red Cross in arranging temporary accommodations as well as assisting the citizens with coping with the trauma of losing their homes.
Due to the complexity of the fire and its continued escalation, a third alarm was requested at 1301 which brought three additional companies from the City's farthest north Stations. At several points throughout the near three-hour incident, all of SFD's Fire Companies were committed to either the third alarm fire or many other simultaneous incidents. Off-duty Spokane Firefighters as well as mutual aid companies from Fire District 9, Spokane Valley Fire Department and Fire District 8 were utilized for City coverage.
The fire was declared under control in approximately 90 minutes with all of the assigned resourced working extremely hard. They were successful in confining the fire to approximately five units and limiting damage to one side of the building.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters and companies are still on the scene at the time of this release. There were a total of 17 adults and 12 children living in 9 of the 10 apartment units.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The determination of the fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the building, however it is significant in at least 4 units. There appears to be moderate structural damage and smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 68
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, 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
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2220 south Grand Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99206
NARRATIVE: On Thursday May 7th at 2:32 in the afternoon the City of Spokane Fire Department responded seven fire apparatus and two command vehicles to 2220 South Grand Blv. for a structure fire. Engine Company 9 the first fire apparatus on scene reported heavy smoke showing from a 2 story wood frame house. Crews advanced attack leads into the main floor and to the upstairs. A search was conducted as crew attacked the fire. Ladder companies laddered the roof and ventilated the hot smoke and gases from the structure. This coordinated effort resulted in a quick knock down and extinguishment of the fire. The structure had severe damage to the first floor living room and a small amount of fire extension to the up stairs. There was smoke damage throughout. This fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries to report. The family cat was lost in the fire. This fire is under investigation to determine the cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire in the main floor living room, upstairs bedroom, and smoke throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 110,000,00
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: 5/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2220 south Grand Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99206
NARRATIVE: On Thursday May 7th at 2:32 in the afternoon the City of Spokane Fire Department responded seven fire apparatus and two command vehicles to 2220 South Grand Blv. for a structure fire. Engine Company 9 the first fire apparatus on scene reported heavy smoke showing from a 2 story wood frame house. Crews advanced attack leads into the main floor and to the upstairs. A search was conducted as crew attacked the fire. Ladder companies laddered the roof and ventilated the hot smoke and gases from the structure. This coordinated effort resulted in a quick knock down and extinguishment of the fire. The structure had severe damage to the first floor living room and a small amount of fire extension to the up stairs. There was smoke damage throughout. This fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries to report. The family cat was lost in the fire. This fire is under investigation to determine the cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire in the main floor living room, upstairs bedroom, and smoke throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 110,000,00
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
From Don Waller - A culture of safety vs. a culture of extinguishment...
An interesting video:
Wow, looks like they pulled it again. Don Waller has been chasing this thing around the Internet. Is it really that controversial here is a synopsis.
Looks like it might be back.
Wow, looks like they pulled it again. Don Waller has been chasing this thing around the Internet. Is it really that controversial here is a synopsis.
Looks like it might be back.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 726 E. 43rd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 05/02/09 at approximately 1216 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a 726 E. 43rd upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews found a commercial structure, the Rocket Market, with smoke coming from the second floor. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the second floor to extinguish the fire, laddered the roof and ventilated the second floor, and made sure all civilians were out of the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews then concentrated on making sure no hidden fire was present within walls of the structure. The fire was under control within approximately 15 minutes with SFD crews remaining on scene another 90 minutes conducting overhaul operations.
A total of 22 firefighters on eight apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Steve Jones of The Special investigation Unit at 625-7057.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire was confined to a small, second floor, office area. This is the only area that had significant fire damage. Damage to other areas of the building was confined to a small amount of water damage on the first floor directly below the fire area. Smoke damage on the first floor was also minimal.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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: 5/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 726 E. 43rd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 05/02/09 at approximately 1216 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a 726 E. 43rd upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews found a commercial structure, the Rocket Market, with smoke coming from the second floor. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the second floor to extinguish the fire, laddered the roof and ventilated the second floor, and made sure all civilians were out of the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews then concentrated on making sure no hidden fire was present within walls of the structure. The fire was under control within approximately 15 minutes with SFD crews remaining on scene another 90 minutes conducting overhaul operations.
A total of 22 firefighters on eight apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Steve Jones of The Special investigation Unit at 625-7057.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire was confined to a small, second floor, office area. This is the only area that had significant fire damage. Damage to other areas of the building was confined to a small amount of water damage on the first floor directly below the fire area. Smoke damage on the first floor was also minimal.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 726 E. 43rd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 05/02/09 at approximately 1216 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a 726 E. 43rd upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews found a commercial structure, the Rocket Market, with smoke coming from the second floor. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the second floor to extinguish the fire, laddered the roof and ventilated the second floor, and made sure all civilians were out of the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews then concentrated on making sure no hidden fire was present within walls of the structure. The fire was under control within approximately 15 minutes with SFD crews remaining on scene another 90 minutes conducting overhaul operations.
A total of 22 firefighters on eight apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Steve Jones of The Special investigation Unit at 625-7057.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire was confined to a small, second floor, office area. This is the only area that had significant fire damage. Damage to other areas of the building was confined to a small amount of water damage on the first floor directly below the fire area. Smoke damage on the first floor was also minimal.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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: 5/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 726 E. 43rd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 05/02/09 at approximately 1216 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a 726 E. 43rd upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews found a commercial structure, the Rocket Market, with smoke coming from the second floor. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the second floor to extinguish the fire, laddered the roof and ventilated the second floor, and made sure all civilians were out of the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews then concentrated on making sure no hidden fire was present within walls of the structure. The fire was under control within approximately 15 minutes with SFD crews remaining on scene another 90 minutes conducting overhaul operations.
A total of 22 firefighters on eight apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Steve Jones of The Special investigation Unit at 625-7057.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire was confined to a small, second floor, office area. This is the only area that had significant fire damage. Damage to other areas of the building was confined to a small amount of water damage on the first floor directly below the fire area. Smoke damage on the first floor was also minimal.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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, April 27, 2009
Last Call Bloomsday
Last call for our Bloomsday water station...
If you haven't come down before or have other plans, cancel them and come help out.
We really need to support this event with a shown of force. KZZU 92.9 has agreed to give us PR/ads the week leading up to the event, they'll start tomorrow.
- I'm looking for a couple volunteers that would be willing to go on the Dave, Ken and Molly in the morning show to help promote the event this next week as your E-board is in Yakima attending educational classes.
- I also still need someone willing to take care of an Engine for the event (bring it down, take it back).
We have purchased two large banners promoting who we are, and have the radio station DJ's on site telling the runners who is supporting them. I let the promoters know this year we can handle our own station without the help of ShopKo, Walmart, or whoever else is always wanting in, so lets take charge of our own water station.
We will have shirts there for you to wear, other than that I usually wear warm-up pants over my shorts and comfortable sneakers.
After set-up, the peak of the work is between about 10am and noon or so, if you can show up for a couple hours or come back after running the race for a bit, great.
Every year there is a core group of about 25 people that come and work their butts off and go home exhausted - we really need 60-75 people to work this station.
Sun May 3rd 7am Broadway/Nettleton
Thanks - Thad 9A
251-6336 cell
Fire Press Release - Two Fer
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2727 E. 53rd Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: At 6:30 PM Thursday, April 23rd, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the Biltmore Apartments at 2727 E. 53rd Ave, on Spokane's south hill. The first engine company to arrive on-scene reported smoke from a second floor apartment in the three story wood frame Building D, of the complex. As the fire attack crews advance hoses into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire, other fire crews searched the fire apartment for possible victims. The fire was quickly knocked down. No human victims were found, however, a pet cat succumbed to the heat and smoke. Surrounding apartment units were evacuated and checked for fire extension. Although the fire was contained to the apartment of origin, three other apartments received varying degrees of smoke and water damage. The apartment of origin received heavy smoke, heat, and water damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this fire. Occupants of the affected apartments will be displaced until repairs can be made to their units. In all, seven fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire. They were on-scene for several hours.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total damage to Building D of this complex and the contents is estimated to be over $30000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2519 West Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Friday April 24th, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 8:50 PM to 2519 West Dean on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing from a window on the east side of the home with possible fire extension into the house next door. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the bathroom and attic with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control with in 30 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 Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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: 4/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2727 E. 53rd Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: At 6:30 PM Thursday, April 23rd, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the Biltmore Apartments at 2727 E. 53rd Ave, on Spokane's south hill. The first engine company to arrive on-scene reported smoke from a second floor apartment in the three story wood frame Building D, of the complex. As the fire attack crews advance hoses into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire, other fire crews searched the fire apartment for possible victims. The fire was quickly knocked down. No human victims were found, however, a pet cat succumbed to the heat and smoke. Surrounding apartment units were evacuated and checked for fire extension. Although the fire was contained to the apartment of origin, three other apartments received varying degrees of smoke and water damage. The apartment of origin received heavy smoke, heat, and water damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this fire. Occupants of the affected apartments will be displaced until repairs can be made to their units. In all, seven fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire. They were on-scene for several hours.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total damage to Building D of this complex and the contents is estimated to be over $30000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2519 West Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Friday April 24th, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 8:50 PM to 2519 West Dean on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing from a window on the east side of the home with possible fire extension into the house next door. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the bathroom and attic with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control with in 30 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 Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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, April 23, 2009
Fire Press Release - Two Fer
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4606 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 10:36 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4606 N. Monroe. Pumper ladder 13, the first arriving fire company, sized up the situation and discovered a fire inside of a 1 ½ story wood frame home. A preliminary report was received indicating that the occupants were all out of the home but another separate report from a neighbor stated otherwise. As a part of routine procedure, a "search group" was created and deployed to the interior of the home with the focus on searching sleeping areas as a priority. As areas were being searched, a simultaneous fire attack with hose lines, and ventilation by opening windows, were conducted. Fortunately, the search effort did not reveal any victims. The fire was contained after 15 minutes and was confined to the main floor near the stairway leading up to the bedrooms. Overhaul work began and involved searching for and digging out hot embers that remained within the void areas of the home. The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time and is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. 24 firefighters responded on this call. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the hallway ceiling, walls, floor and contents. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/22/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3728 E. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217
NARRATIVE: Early Wednesday morning, April 22nd 2009 at 1:10 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire at 3728 E. Cleveland. First arriving fire crews found a detached garage with fire inside. An aggressive interior attack was made using two hose lines, and at the same time, a rapid primary search was conducted to determine if anyone remained inside. After a quick knockdown of the flames was completed, ventilation was started to clear the atmosphere of hazardous smoke. The fire was confined to a corner of the garage and as a result, damage and flame spread were kept to a minimum and the dwelling next door was spared. No one was at home in the dwelling during this incident. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was summoned to the scene to help in determining the cause of the fire. Many of the same fire crews, along with the SIU, had been on a house fire an hour earlier on north Monroe Street. It was a busy night for investigators and fire crews. The two fires appear to be unrelated at this time. There were 19 firefighters that responded to this fire call and there were no injuries. The fire was called in by alert neighbors who noticed smoke coming from the garage. The structure sustained minor heat damage, and there was some smoke and heat damage to contents.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor heat damage to the structure. Minor to Moderate heat and smoke damage to contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
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: 4/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4606 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 10:36 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4606 N. Monroe. Pumper ladder 13, the first arriving fire company, sized up the situation and discovered a fire inside of a 1 ½ story wood frame home. A preliminary report was received indicating that the occupants were all out of the home but another separate report from a neighbor stated otherwise. As a part of routine procedure, a "search group" was created and deployed to the interior of the home with the focus on searching sleeping areas as a priority. As areas were being searched, a simultaneous fire attack with hose lines, and ventilation by opening windows, were conducted. Fortunately, the search effort did not reveal any victims. The fire was contained after 15 minutes and was confined to the main floor near the stairway leading up to the bedrooms. Overhaul work began and involved searching for and digging out hot embers that remained within the void areas of the home. The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time and is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. 24 firefighters responded on this call. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the hallway ceiling, walls, floor and contents. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/22/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3728 E. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217
NARRATIVE: Early Wednesday morning, April 22nd 2009 at 1:10 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire at 3728 E. Cleveland. First arriving fire crews found a detached garage with fire inside. An aggressive interior attack was made using two hose lines, and at the same time, a rapid primary search was conducted to determine if anyone remained inside. After a quick knockdown of the flames was completed, ventilation was started to clear the atmosphere of hazardous smoke. The fire was confined to a corner of the garage and as a result, damage and flame spread were kept to a minimum and the dwelling next door was spared. No one was at home in the dwelling during this incident. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was summoned to the scene to help in determining the cause of the fire. Many of the same fire crews, along with the SIU, had been on a house fire an hour earlier on north Monroe Street. It was a busy night for investigators and fire crews. The two fires appear to be unrelated at this time. There were 19 firefighters that responded to this fire call and there were no injuries. The fire was called in by alert neighbors who noticed smoke coming from the garage. The structure sustained minor heat damage, and there was some smoke and heat damage to contents.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor heat damage to the structure. Minor to Moderate heat and smoke damage to contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
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, April 19, 2009
New shirts. New look!
Hey, anybody else notice how much tighter our new shirts are? This picture shows the new shirt (L) on top of the old shirt (L). The name has been blocked to protect my the wearer's identity.
I'm not complaining that they are about 3 inches narrower and the shoulders have more slope. On the contrary, I think this will be a good incentive to keep exercising, eat right and do a lot of push-ups between runs.
The tightness of the shirt also gives the wearer a Batman/Superman/Spiderman feeling of spandex superhero invincibility.
I'm not complaining that they are about 3 inches narrower and the shoulders have more slope. On the contrary, I think this will be a good incentive to keep exercising, eat right and do a lot of push-ups between runs.
The tightness of the shirt also gives the wearer a Batman/Superman/Spiderman feeling of spandex superhero invincibility.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2317 West Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Thursday April 16, 2009 at 7:32 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 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 2317 West Dean Avenue in the City's West Central Neighborhood. A resident on the second floor of a two-story home contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the upstairs was full of smoke and there was a fire. She told dispatchers that she was unable to get out via the bedroom door and was going to try and make it through the smoke to the balcony. While a first-alarm assignment was being dispatch, a second 911 call was received from the son on his cell phone calling from the first floor. The son was reporting heavy smoke and a large amount of heat from the second floor and that his attempts to get to the stairs in a rescue effort for his mother were prevented due to the heat.
The neighborhood fire company, Engine 3, arrived within five-minutes and reported smoke showing from the two-story house and they notified other companies responding that there was a victim visible on the second floor. Engine 3 stretched pre-connected hose lines up to the second floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to protect the victim. Simultaneously, Ladder 4 arrived and placed ground Ladders to the victim and successfully rescued the 51 year-old female. Other companies arrived and backed up the initial attack crew and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while searching for other possible victims. The fire was controlled in just fifteen minutes with all of the assigned resourced working hard. They were successful in confining the fire to the second floor and limiting spread into the roof/attic and first floor areas of the structure.
The female resident was treated by Spokane Fire Department Paramedics and subsequently transported by AMR to Deaconess urgently. At last report the victim was in stable condition. Spokane Firefighters also were able to rescue the family's pet dog which is doing fine.
The outcome of this incident reinforces the importance of Fire Department staffing, adequate training and commitment to sustaining and improving the level of service. In a Fire/EMS deployment system, time is of the essence; and the life saved today is a perfect example of the components of the system coming together for a successful outcome.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU. The likely cause appears to be improperly discarded smoking materials. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the second floor contents are significant.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2317 West Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Thursday April 16, 2009 at 7:32 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 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 2317 West Dean Avenue in the City's West Central Neighborhood. A resident on the second floor of a two-story home contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the upstairs was full of smoke and there was a fire. She told dispatchers that she was unable to get out via the bedroom door and was going to try and make it through the smoke to the balcony. While a first-alarm assignment was being dispatch, a second 911 call was received from the son on his cell phone calling from the first floor. The son was reporting heavy smoke and a large amount of heat from the second floor and that his attempts to get to the stairs in a rescue effort for his mother were prevented due to the heat.
The neighborhood fire company, Engine 3, arrived within five-minutes and reported smoke showing from the two-story house and they notified other companies responding that there was a victim visible on the second floor. Engine 3 stretched pre-connected hose lines up to the second floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to protect the victim. Simultaneously, Ladder 4 arrived and placed ground Ladders to the victim and successfully rescued the 51 year-old female. Other companies arrived and backed up the initial attack crew and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while searching for other possible victims. The fire was controlled in just fifteen minutes with all of the assigned resourced working hard. They were successful in confining the fire to the second floor and limiting spread into the roof/attic and first floor areas of the structure.
The female resident was treated by Spokane Fire Department Paramedics and subsequently transported by AMR to Deaconess urgently. At last report the victim was in stable condition. Spokane Firefighters also were able to rescue the family's pet dog which is doing fine.
The outcome of this incident reinforces the importance of Fire Department staffing, adequate training and commitment to sustaining and improving the level of service. In a Fire/EMS deployment system, time is of the essence; and the life saved today is a perfect example of the components of the system coming together for a successful outcome.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU. The likely cause appears to be improperly discarded smoking materials. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the second floor contents are significant.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
We are gearing up to host our SFD Bloomsday water station..
your help is needed to make this a successful year
Sun May 3 7am
Broadway and Nettleton
I need someone willing to bring down a spare engine
Bloomsday is looking up to be a record breaking year with applicants up 28% as of our last update. Spokane Firefighters have sponsored the 4th water/aid station along the Bloomsday course about the last 17 years, it is one of the few events we have to get out and support a great community event - somewhere between 40-50k participants run, jog, or walk the course. While many participants travel in from out of town the vast majority are Spokane area residents. We have a couple of sponsors this year: Wake up call coffee and Mike's Old Fashioned donuts have graciously donated our morning treats. Spouses and kids are encouraged to come help out. T-shirts are provided and SFD members receive a 1/4 point. The event can last up to about 2pm by the time we are cleaned up and gone but there is not a specific time commitment or expectation, come on down and go when you gotta go. Please bring a snow shovel (I know you haven't put them away yet) and leaf rake if you got one. Give me a call with questions.
Thanks,
Thad 9A
251-6336
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 7010 N COLTON & 5302 E TRENT AVE-CS
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: All of Spokane Fire Department's on-duty companies were assigned today to multiple near-simultaneous events this afternoon. A first-alarm assignment was sent at 2:12 PM for smoke in the Burlington Northern building located at 5302 East Trent in far East Spokane. When companies arrived, the building was being evacuated as individuals reported smoke present on the interior. As additional companies arrived on the Trent Incident and investigated the situation, a second serious incident was dispatched at 2:25 PM on the far North side of Spokane at 7010 North Colton (Autumn Ridge Apartments) for a fire in an apartment. These two incidents along with another call had all of the on-duty companies committed for period of time.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the initial incident at 5302 East Trent resulted from a problem in boiler which caused over-pressurization and steam inside the building. It took firefighters an extended period to control the building's utilities thus preventing additional problems from the boiler.
The cause of the second incident at 7010 North Colton was accidental in nature and involved discarded ashes, however resulted in damage to various areas in the apartment's exterior walls and the unit's interior.
DAMAGE EXTENT: On the Trent Incident, damage is minor and repairable. The second incident (7010 N Colton) involves cosmetic damage to the structure and some contents. The occupant at the time of the fire was treated by SFD Paramedics for second degree burns and has been transported to a local hospital.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 58
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: 4/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 7010 N COLTON & 5302 E TRENT AVE-CS
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: All of Spokane Fire Department's on-duty companies were assigned today to multiple near-simultaneous events this afternoon. A first-alarm assignment was sent at 2:12 PM for smoke in the Burlington Northern building located at 5302 East Trent in far East Spokane. When companies arrived, the building was being evacuated as individuals reported smoke present on the interior. As additional companies arrived on the Trent Incident and investigated the situation, a second serious incident was dispatched at 2:25 PM on the far North side of Spokane at 7010 North Colton (Autumn Ridge Apartments) for a fire in an apartment. These two incidents along with another call had all of the on-duty companies committed for period of time.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the initial incident at 5302 East Trent resulted from a problem in boiler which caused over-pressurization and steam inside the building. It took firefighters an extended period to control the building's utilities thus preventing additional problems from the boiler.
The cause of the second incident at 7010 North Colton was accidental in nature and involved discarded ashes, however resulted in damage to various areas in the apartment's exterior walls and the unit's interior.
DAMAGE EXTENT: On the Trent Incident, damage is minor and repairable. The second incident (7010 N Colton) involves cosmetic damage to the structure and some contents. The occupant at the time of the fire was treated by SFD Paramedics for second degree burns and has been transported to a local hospital.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 58
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, March 27, 2009
This month's Local 29 Bullseye Safety Science video... Back to basics- Germs...
As usual, a certificate will be emailed to you upon completion.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Beautiful Rescue Music VIdeo
Bathtub IV from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.
This music video is more of a water rescue / air rescue story, but I found it to be very evocative.
We're fortunate that we get to live this life and get to be "rescuers" to make our livings. At least, that's what I think. Maybe after watching this video, you might feel the same. If you want to learn more about the video, here's a link.
Note from Doug Bacon
For those of you who were unable to attend Lori’s memorial service, I’ve attached a copy of the funeral program.
I believe it was a very nice service. The pastor told us he estimated the attendance at 1000 people, maybe more. Which shows what both Lori and Mike mean to a lot of people.
Most of us have been affected by the loss of a loved one, it is never easy. I think how badly I feel and then realize that I haven’t any idea how Mike feels.
Mike, Duke & I are so very glad that we have you. It is comforting to know that we have this giant extended family to support us in this.
On behalf of Mike and his family, I would like to make sure that all of you know how overwhelming your encouragement means to him and all of his family.
Camaraderie & support is the foundation of the fire service, and these thoughts of support from you reinforce that.
Doug
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1634 N Holliston Road
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 1634 N. Holliston Road at 11:25 PM on Saturday, March 14th, to a reported structure fire. Initially one Fire Company was dispatched to investigate a reported possible chimney fire at this address. Once that fire crew was on scene they noticed visible flames burning on the roof near the chimney of the 2 story wood/frame dwelling and immediately requested a full alarm to respond. While other apparatus were in route to this incident the on-scene crew began to stretch hose lines, don their SCBAs, and do the other tasks required prior to making entry into the building. Once some of the additional companies began arriving on scene, entry was made into the interior of the structure to determine the extent of the problem and to locate the source of the fire. As the remaining fire crews began arriving on scene, assignments were given to put ladders to the house for access to the roof, search the building for any possible victims, ventilate the house, put additional hose lines into the structure for fire suppression and to back-up the crew already inside, and to shut off the gas supply and shut down the electrical circuits in the house. Quick action and aggressive fire fighting techniques, both inside the structure and outside on the roof, resulted in a rapid knock down of the fire which prevented more serious damage to the house. All occupants of the structure were able to exit the building prior to Fire Dept. arrival. The occupants are a family of four who lived on the main floor of the building, the upper floor has been converted to an apartment and that tenant was not at home at the time of the fire. The Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary lodging and the apartment tenant was going to be staying with family until the structure can be repaired. There were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or to the displaced family. Damage to the house was substantial on the first and second floors and to the roof area around the chimney. There was some water and smoke damage in addition to the fire damage. Members of the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit arrived on scene as the fire fighting work was starting to wind down and began their investigation into the cause of this fire. Further investigation is scheduled to continue on Sunday as their work is made much easier by the light of day. Twenty three fire fighters were delivered to this incident on 6 pieces of fire fighting apparatus, 2 Command vehicles, and 1 fire investigation truck.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the roof area around the chimney; moderate fire, water, and smoke damage to the upper floor apartment, moderate fire, water, and smoke damage to the ground floor's living room especially the ceiling and the walls surrounding the fire place.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000
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: 3/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1634 N Holliston Road
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 1634 N. Holliston Road at 11:25 PM on Saturday, March 14th, to a reported structure fire. Initially one Fire Company was dispatched to investigate a reported possible chimney fire at this address. Once that fire crew was on scene they noticed visible flames burning on the roof near the chimney of the 2 story wood/frame dwelling and immediately requested a full alarm to respond. While other apparatus were in route to this incident the on-scene crew began to stretch hose lines, don their SCBAs, and do the other tasks required prior to making entry into the building. Once some of the additional companies began arriving on scene, entry was made into the interior of the structure to determine the extent of the problem and to locate the source of the fire. As the remaining fire crews began arriving on scene, assignments were given to put ladders to the house for access to the roof, search the building for any possible victims, ventilate the house, put additional hose lines into the structure for fire suppression and to back-up the crew already inside, and to shut off the gas supply and shut down the electrical circuits in the house. Quick action and aggressive fire fighting techniques, both inside the structure and outside on the roof, resulted in a rapid knock down of the fire which prevented more serious damage to the house. All occupants of the structure were able to exit the building prior to Fire Dept. arrival. The occupants are a family of four who lived on the main floor of the building, the upper floor has been converted to an apartment and that tenant was not at home at the time of the fire. The Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary lodging and the apartment tenant was going to be staying with family until the structure can be repaired. There were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or to the displaced family. Damage to the house was substantial on the first and second floors and to the roof area around the chimney. There was some water and smoke damage in addition to the fire damage. Members of the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit arrived on scene as the fire fighting work was starting to wind down and began their investigation into the cause of this fire. Further investigation is scheduled to continue on Sunday as their work is made much easier by the light of day. Twenty three fire fighters were delivered to this incident on 6 pieces of fire fighting apparatus, 2 Command vehicles, and 1 fire investigation truck.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the roof area around the chimney; moderate fire, water, and smoke damage to the upper floor apartment, moderate fire, water, and smoke damage to the ground floor's living room especially the ceiling and the walls surrounding the fire place.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000
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
Thursday, March 12, 2009
From Doug Bacon...
First, if I missed anyone, please pass this on.
Second, thank all of you for the support. I know I speak for Mike & Duke when I say this. I've seen how the SFD supports it's members in a crises and I'm never disappointed by the participation of it's members.
For anyone wanting to bring food to the memorial service. We are going by last name: A-G, bring a hot dish, H-T, bring a cold dish & U-Z, bring a dessert. I wasn't going to specify because I was hoping that everyone would bring brownies'. How bad could that be? If you want to send food to Mike because you know he can't cook, why not just invite him over for dinner sometime. I think he will appreciate anything that is done. I don't know if the shock of losing the light of your life ever goes away, so we just need to be there for him.
If you know Lori, enough said. If you didn't know Lori, you lost a chance to meet a very special lady. Even if she wasn't my "favorite" Sister-In-Law she would have touched my heart forever. To say she will be missed by many is an understatement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again and I hope to see as many of you as I can to thank you personally!!!
Doug
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Assistance for the Bacon Family
Please check your departmental email on a message from Craig Cornelius on ways you can help Mike and his family during this terrible time. I would put it here, but this is a public forum. Here are some contacts who are handling all assistance to Mike:
Rusty Stewart Station 1
Darryl Wisniewski Station 4
Tim Foster Station 1
Mark Vietzke Station 4
Greg Borg Station 3
Mike Thompson Station 1
DJ Hill Station 1
Todd Graves Station 1
Rusty Stewart Station 1
Darryl Wisniewski Station 4
Tim Foster Station 1
Mark Vietzke Station 4
Greg Borg Station 3
Mike Thompson Station 1
DJ Hill Station 1
Todd Graves Station 1
Funeral Services for Lori Bacon
Funeral Services for Lori Bacon will be Saturday March 14th at Faith Bible Church at 600 W Cora at
1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
Monday, March 09, 2009
MARCH UNION MEETING CANCELLED OR POSTPONED.
I have been requested to ask you to direct any questions that you may have regarding this morning's very bad news to any e-board member. Mike, Greg and Mark are unavailable at the hospital. I will keep you posted as directed.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3914 W. Longfellow Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 0511 this morning, Tuesday, March 3rd, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 3914 W. Longfellow Ave. Upon arrival, the first crew found a single family, one story house with light smoke coming from the eves of the roof, and light smoke on the main floor. The occupants reported that they experienced electrical problems in the kitchen last evening, and noticed a slight odor of smoke this morning. Thermal imaging cameras were used to locate the source of the smoke, which was in the kitchen ceiling and the upper portion of several walls in that area. As other crews arrived they assisted in opening up the walls and ceiling to expose and extinguish the fire. The fire had likely been burning in the attic insulation all night, and several ceiling joists had burned completely through. The occupants had an operating smoke detector, but it did not activate because the smoke was mostly confined to the attic. While there was minimal smoke or heat damage to the living area of the house, significant repairs will need to be made to the walls and ceiling in the kitchen and dining room due to the fire mitigation actions. The electrical wiring in those areas was also damaged. The four adult occupants of the house will be unable to stay there until repairs are made. The Red Cross is assisting them with temporary accommodations.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be malfunctioning electrical wiring in the attic, which ignited insulation and wood framing members.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the structure and wiring is estimated to be $10,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
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: 3/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3914 W. Longfellow Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 0511 this morning, Tuesday, March 3rd, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 3914 W. Longfellow Ave. Upon arrival, the first crew found a single family, one story house with light smoke coming from the eves of the roof, and light smoke on the main floor. The occupants reported that they experienced electrical problems in the kitchen last evening, and noticed a slight odor of smoke this morning. Thermal imaging cameras were used to locate the source of the smoke, which was in the kitchen ceiling and the upper portion of several walls in that area. As other crews arrived they assisted in opening up the walls and ceiling to expose and extinguish the fire. The fire had likely been burning in the attic insulation all night, and several ceiling joists had burned completely through. The occupants had an operating smoke detector, but it did not activate because the smoke was mostly confined to the attic. While there was minimal smoke or heat damage to the living area of the house, significant repairs will need to be made to the walls and ceiling in the kitchen and dining room due to the fire mitigation actions. The electrical wiring in those areas was also damaged. The four adult occupants of the house will be unable to stay there until repairs are made. The Red Cross is assisting them with temporary accommodations.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be malfunctioning electrical wiring in the attic, which ignited insulation and wood framing members.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the structure and wiring is estimated to be $10,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
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
FDM additions poll results.
Results for: "What malady would you like to see added to the FDM Reporting System?":
The winner is "fatfold hidden confection."
In the "other" category, were: "DTV Transition Problem" and "caller thinks (using telepathy) that someone in another apt. unit needs help."
Feet stuck to floor 1 (6%)
Itchy elbows 2 (12%)
Bad television reception0 (0%)
Can't find car keys (0%)
Just wanted to say "hi" 1 (6%)
Remote control missing 1 (6%)
Fatfold hidden confection 3 (18%)
Cold (common) 0 (0%)
Insane Clown Posse-itus 2 (12%)
Cat stuck in pants 2 (12%)
Other (email me your answer or put it in the comments) 4 (25%)
The winner is "fatfold hidden confection."
In the "other" category, were: "DTV Transition Problem" and "caller thinks (using telepathy) that someone in another apt. unit needs help."
Feet stuck to floor 1 (6%)
Itchy elbows 2 (12%)
Bad television reception0 (0%)
Can't find car keys (0%)
Just wanted to say "hi" 1 (6%)
Remote control missing 1 (6%)
Fatfold hidden confection 3 (18%)
Cold (common) 0 (0%)
Insane Clown Posse-itus 2 (12%)
Cat stuck in pants 2 (12%)
Other (email me your answer or put it in the comments) 4 (25%)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Local 29 Podcast #1
An interview with one of our own, with a one of a kind story. This a Local 29 Blog exclusive.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1221 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: At 1143 pm February 21, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched on a report of smoke coming from the roof of a building. The first fire crews on scene were Engine 3 and the North side Battalion Chief who saw a significant amount of smoke coming from what appeared to be the roof of a 3 story apartment building. As other fire crews arrived they went to the opposite side of the building and reported seeing fire in one room on the 3rd floor. At about the same time Engine 3 made entry to the 3rd floor from the inside and reported heavy smoke and heat conditions. The North side Battalion Chief requested the incident be upgraded to a working fire. When a second Battalion Chief arrived on scene and went to the back of the building it was decided to upgrade the fire to a 2nd alarm due to the fire on the 3rd floor and the potential number of people in the building. Crews were immediately assigned to search the building for occupants, attack the fire, ventilate the smoke and heat and set up a rapid intervention team in case anyone was to get trapped inside. Engine 3 was the first fire crew into the room on fire and did an aggressive attack with a 1 ¾" attack line. This knocked the main body of the fire down then the efforts of the Firefighters were directed to making sure the fire did not extend beyond the room of origin. Red Cross was called to assist approximately 20 displaced residents because the gas was shut off to the building for safety purposes while the fire was being extinguished so there was no heat in the building. In all 42 Firefighters were called to the scene with over half of the available fire crews in the city dedicated to the fire. AMR, American Medical Response ambulance company is based across the street from the apartment building and AMR opened up there building to shelter the displaced residents and give Red Cross a place to meet with the residents. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to one apartment on the 3rd floor with smoke throughout the 3rd floor.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 42
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: 2/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1221 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: At 1143 pm February 21, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched on a report of smoke coming from the roof of a building. The first fire crews on scene were Engine 3 and the North side Battalion Chief who saw a significant amount of smoke coming from what appeared to be the roof of a 3 story apartment building. As other fire crews arrived they went to the opposite side of the building and reported seeing fire in one room on the 3rd floor. At about the same time Engine 3 made entry to the 3rd floor from the inside and reported heavy smoke and heat conditions. The North side Battalion Chief requested the incident be upgraded to a working fire. When a second Battalion Chief arrived on scene and went to the back of the building it was decided to upgrade the fire to a 2nd alarm due to the fire on the 3rd floor and the potential number of people in the building. Crews were immediately assigned to search the building for occupants, attack the fire, ventilate the smoke and heat and set up a rapid intervention team in case anyone was to get trapped inside. Engine 3 was the first fire crew into the room on fire and did an aggressive attack with a 1 ¾" attack line. This knocked the main body of the fire down then the efforts of the Firefighters were directed to making sure the fire did not extend beyond the room of origin. Red Cross was called to assist approximately 20 displaced residents because the gas was shut off to the building for safety purposes while the fire was being extinguished so there was no heat in the building. In all 42 Firefighters were called to the scene with over half of the available fire crews in the city dedicated to the fire. AMR, American Medical Response ambulance company is based across the street from the apartment building and AMR opened up there building to shelter the displaced residents and give Red Cross a place to meet with the residents. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to one apartment on the 3rd floor with smoke throughout the 3rd floor.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 42
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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