Two Fire Press Releases

West Central Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013006407 
Date of Incident: 02/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday February 10, 2013 at 8:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1924 W Augusta in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.  While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke could be seen from the home and occupants appeared to be evacuating. Station 3 firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the east side of the single story, single family home.  While en route, the North Battalion Chief requested the incident to be upgraded to a 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene.  The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire on the first floor and basement. At one point in the incident, all firefighters had to abandoned their efforts and withdraw due to untenable fire conditions in the basement below them.  Once the fire was attacked from the exterior and progress was made in the fight, the firefighters returned to the interior to resume their aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s basement and first floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however two canines perished from the smoke and extreme heat.

Cause:Members from the SIU have just arrived on the scene and details regarding the investigation will be released when available.

Damage:
Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the occupant’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited to the basement and areas of the first floor, the need to secure the residence’s utilities render it untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting two adults with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 75000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Apartment Fire with Rescue

Incident #: 2013006426
Date of Incident: 02/10/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:03 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to an apartment fire at 3724 North Cook Street. While en route to the incident, companies were notified the resident in apartment 248 smelled smoke for the past couple hours and described it as worsening.  The fire communication specialists handling the call updated the companies responding and advised the residents to evacuate and pull the fire alarm to alert their neighbors.  The first in Chief also modified the response while en route to add an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and supervisor.

The first fire company arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story apartment building with approximately eight units, however no smoke was showing from the building initially.  Upon their investigation however, they discovered a working fire in a lower unit in the apartment complex. The Engine and Ladder went to work immediately to secure a water supply and stretch a hoseline in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward other living areas in the building.  Simultaneously, companies searched the apartment unit under smoke conditions and located an adult male in bed and quickly removed him to safety.  All companies assigned on the initial alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the initial and adjacent units while trying to suppress the fire’s progress when they arrived. SFD Paramedics treated the adult male and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital and reportedly in fair condition.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in one victim being rescued and confirmation that all other residents accounted for.  The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes hours and no firefighter injuries were reported. 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:The majority of damage is located in the kitchen area. The family is being assisted by Red Cross as the unit of fire origin is not currently inhabitable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 12000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Please Vote No on Proposition Two

Your Spokane Firefighters urge you to please vote No on Proposition Two.

Why? Well, as corny as it may sound, firefighters don't quit caring about the people they serve once their shift ends. 

If you remember, a few months ago, the Spokane city council voted 4 to 3 against raising property taxes by one percent. What this meant is that due to rising fuel costs, rising natural gas rates, rising equipment and maintenance costs, rising electrical rates, rising water rates and rising medical insurance rates, the city will not be able to keep pace economically. The simple majority 4 to 3 vote to not take a one percent raise in property taxes was a vote to shut down the South Hill's Engine 9. Already, residents of the South Hill have seen the bad consequences of this poor decision.

Proposition 2 would require a super majority of 5 to 2 (71%) to raise taxes this one percent. This means that, no matter who you vote in on the next city council election, it will be almost insurmountable to gain a super majority and raise taxes this one percent. That's right - a minority faction within the city council could very much block the will of the majority of citizens and their elected officials' wishes.

If there were to be any tax increase, a special election would have to be held costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. It would be very difficult to get this request on the ballot. 

Proposition 2 will make Spokane a less desirable place to have a business or to raise a family. You witness the rising crime rates, the deadly fires every day in the news. It will only get worse because some in our city council would rather pledge allegiance to power brokers like The Washington Policy Center, ALEC, Tim Eyman and the Koch Brothers than to retain and use the tools of good governance we have entrusted them with. 

How radical is Proposition 2? A 71% super majority requirement has never been put in place anywhere ever before. We don't believe any municipality has ever had any super majority requirement implemented to raise existing taxes. Proposition 2 is so radical that even the Spokesman-Review has spoken out against it. 

Proposition 2 will have no effect on Spokane firefighter wages. It will, however, contribute to a dwindling tax base, as people who can flee Spokane will flee Spokane as its quality of life continues to slide. Businesses will relocate. Our citizen will move. More fires. More crime. 

We care about Spokane and its people. That's why we also join you in voting Yes for Prop 3 - the Library Lid Lift. If you support your libraries, think of the disastrous effects Prop 2 will have for them. 

Spokane shouldn't be a proving ground for the Washington Policy Center and Tim Eyman's ideologically-driven bad experiments and the problems they will create for all of us. 

Two Fire Press Releases

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013005292#
Date of Incident: 02/03/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative: On February 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 am the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, one pumper ladder, three engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1023 West Fairview. Upon arrival companies reported light smoke emitting from the gable roof vents and light smoke on the second floor apartment of a converted multifamily two story home. The first arriving Chief sent companies to locate the fire in the attic along with searching the first and second floor apartment units. All residents were soon accounted for and the firefighters located the fire in the attic above the kitchen on the second floor. The smoldering fire was located utilizing thermal imaging cameras and quickly extinguished. Companies remained on scene for approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.  One resident from the second floor apartment will be displaced until the structural damage and wiring issues can be repaired. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident with lodging. The first floor residents were able to remain in the home. There were no injuries reported from the residents or firefighters on scene.

Cause: The attic fire appears to have been caused by faulty knob and tube wiring as reported by the Special Investigation Unit Investigator who responded to the scene.

Damage: 
There is structural and wiring damage to the second floor apartment unit only.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Red Cross and the Spokane Police Department.

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

South Battalion Motel Fire

Incident #: 2013005239#
Date of Incident: 02/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:On February 2nd 2013 at 17:03 the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, four engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a report of smoke in a second floor motel room at 2703 West Sunset Boulevard which is the West Winn Motel. When companies arrived they reported nothing showing and went into the investigative mode. They soon reported smoke in a second floor motel unit coming out of the ceiling lights. Companies were assigned to the second floor to attack the fire along with the ladder company assigned to the roof to potentially ventilate the attic. Other firefighters were assigned to search the building and evacuate all the occupants. The Safety Officer from Rescue 9 while doing an investigative walk around the building reported smoke coming from the basement utility room. At this time the fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional ladder company was dispatched.  Companies were then sent into the basement and soon reported that the source of the smoke was from a commercial dryer fire. The fire was contained to the dryer and there was no extension to the structure. Companies then focused on removing the smoke and lingering carbon monoxide from the rest of the two story motel. After approximately one hour the residents were allowed back inside the building after their rooms were cleared of the smoke and carbon monoxide. There were no injuries reported from the occupants or fire fighters.

Cause:Although the fire appears to have started in the natural gas fired commercial dryer the exact cause is still under investigation the Spokane Fire Department investigation Unit.

Damage:The commercial dryer was destroyed by the fire along with moderate smoke damage to the basement and light smoke damage to the second floor. There was also investigative damage to the ceiling in one room on the second floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 8,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and A.M.R. Ambulance

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

Fire Press Release

Fire In NW Spokane

Incident #: 2013004820
Date of Incident: 01/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 31, 2013 at 01:59 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 6018 N. Greenwood Blvd. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee from Station 16 arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of being dispatched. (Station 16 is located at Assembly and Sanson.)

Captain McNamee reported over the radio that they had a single story home with smoke showing from the rear of the home and around the eaves. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain McNamee made immediate contact with the family living in the home and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the rear side of the home and attic area along this rear side. These efforts brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 2 1/2 hours overhauling the fire damaged areas and assisting the occupants.
Investigators determined that a fish smoker on the back porch started the fire which moved up the outside wall and into the attic. There were no injuries reported, although one of the occupants was treated for smoke inhalation. (This occupant had used a garden hose to extinguish some of the fire on the home’s exterior.) The local Red Cross is assisting this family with their immediate needs.

Cause:
Electical Fish Smoker

Damage:
Kitchen, two bedrooms and rear attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 35,000

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

Location:Fire Press Release

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013003779
Date of Incident: 01/24/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Thursday, January 24, at 4:19 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 ladder companies, 5 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1203 W 8th Ave. Rescue 9 arrived first from it's 19th and Bernard station and reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 6 unit, wood constructed, 3 story apartment building. While several crews were initially directed to search the structure to ensure all occupants were out, others were directed to attack the fire, make sure the fire did not extend to other areas, and remove the smoke. Fortunately all occupants exited safely and were sheltered for the duration of the incident in an STA bus. The fire was located in a bedroom on the first floor and was extinguished within 40 minutes. 6 occupants were displaced and the Red Cross was providing assistance to them. SPD provided units for traffic control and AMR kept an ambulance unit on standby. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit

Damage:
Damage was confined to 3 apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

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


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fire Press Release

Warming Fire Burns Duplex Incident #: 2013003393 Date of Incident: 01/22/2013 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief Narrative: On January 22nd, 2013 at 4:42 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire inside a duplex at 1540 E. South Riverton. Engine 8, from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca was able to arrive within minutes and found a fire that had been in a fireplace now extending into the flooring and flooring system below. Assignments were quickly made to the other units arriving which included fire attack, ventilation, search, water supply, backup and rapid intervention. It was soon discovered that 4 teenage boys had been inside the structure and were attempting to heat it with wooden pallets that they had cut into pieces. The electrical system had been shut off due to a previous fire on January 16th, 2013 that was unrelated to this fire. That fire was confined to the attic space. This fire had extended into wooden flooring in front of the fireplace and consequently, had burned downward through the flooring and into the floor joists below. Ladder 2 stationed at North Foothills and Nevada, had cut an area approximately 3 feet by 3 feet to expose this burnt area properly for final extinguishment and to make sure the fire had not extended any further horizontally through the void spaces. All of the boys had made it out of the duplex without injury. The mother of two of these boys was staying at a local motel as a result of the first fire. The Red Cross is currently handling this most recent case and will be making arrangements for the family. The Avista Company arrived and did confirm that the electricity had been shut off. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is handling the final phases of the investigation process. The Spokane Fire Department Prevention Division has also been notified for any necessary follow-up. All occupants have been told to vacate these premises due to the unsafe condition of the flooring until repairs can be made. Cause: A warming fire in the firplace that escaped to adjacent wood flooring and sub flooring. Damage: Extensive damage to a 3 foot by 3 foot square area of flooring. Minor smoke damage throughout first floor. # Firefighters Responding: 22 Dollar Loss: $ 10,000 estimated End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

North Side Duplex Fire Incident #: 2013002857 Date of Incident: 01/18/2013 Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief Narrative: On January 18, 2013 at 11:41 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 629 E. Gordon Ave. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Ken Miller from Station 2 arrived within 4 minutes. (Station 2 is located at North Foothills Blvd. and Nevada.) Captain Miller reported that they found a single story duplex with smoke and fire showing in the front unit. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain Miller made immediate contact with the families living in the duplex and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the kitchen and the attic area directly over the kitchen. These efforts brought the fire under control within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 1 ½ hours overhauling the fire damaged area and assisting the occupants. Investigators determined the fire cause to be electrical in nature. There were no injuries at this incident. The families are currently being assisted by the Spokane Red Cross. Cause: Electrical Damage: Fire in Kitchen area and Attic. # Firefighters Responding: 23 Dollar Loss: $ 25000 End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release - Medical Call is really a House Fire

South Battalion House Fire Incident #: 2013002498 Date of Incident: 01/16/2013 Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth Narrative: On Wednesday, January 16, at 0146 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 heavy rescue, 1 ladder company, 5 engines, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported fire in a residence with injured occupants. SFD medic units were initially dispatched to a report of an injured person at this address but the incident was upgraded to fire response based on further information. SE7, located in the Southeast neighborhood, arrived first and reported smoke coming from a 1 story residence with three injured occupants outside. AMR Ambulance arrived and began to care for the injured occupants while fire crews prepared to enter the structure to search for further victims. As additional crews arrived they were directed to advance fire attack hoses, assist with searching the structure, and remove smoke. SPD assisted by cordoning off the area and providing crowd control. No other occupants were found during the search and the fire was located in a bedroom at the rear of the structure. The patients were transported to SHMC and their condition is unknown at the time of this release. Cause: Under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators Damage: Damage was confined to the rear bedroom with heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence # Firefighters Responding: 30 Dollar Loss: $ 25000 End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire press release

Basement Fire in Home

Incident #: 2013002293
Date of Incident: 01/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Monday, January 14th at 17:02 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 1639 E. Glass Ave. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Ladder 2, responding from Fire Station 2 located at North Foothills Blvd and Nevada. Ladder 2’s Captain, reported a basement fire with smoke showing from the front door of the home. Station 2’s firefighters verified that all occupants were out of the home, but communicated over the radio that the family was unsure of the location of their dogs.
Command was established, and firefighters went to work. A hose line was advanced into the burning basement by Lt. Todd Chism and Firefighter Steven Harms, both off Engine 2. Other crews were simultaneously assigned to search the home for the missing dogs, secure a hydrant’s water supply and provide additional hose lines to curb the fire's extension while protecting crews working inside the home. Both a Safety Officer and a Rapid Intervention Team were established, and in place if needed.
Within 10 minutes, E2 reported that they had the fire knocked down in the basement. Two of the dogs had been accounted for and one was still missing. The fire was confined to the basement with heavy fire damage on this level of the home. The first floor of the home sustained smoke damage, but very little damage otherwise. Primary and secondary searches were made by fire crews, however, they were unable to account for the one missing dog which may be wandering somewhere in the neighborhood. Spokane’s Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. The Red Cross volunteers do a great job in helping Spokane families in time of need.

Cause:
The cause of this fire has been determined to be one, accidental in nature. Investigators found an electrical space heater that had been left too close to combustibles. The fire department wants to remind everyone the importance of monitoring portable electrical appliances and leaving an adequate clear space around them while they are in use.

Damage:
Extensive fire damage to contents in basement, smoke damage on first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013001969
Date of Incident: 01/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 1306 E. 29th Ave. at 15:14 hrs on Saturday, January 12th for a reported structure fire. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Engine 11, located in the upper South East section of the City, and they reported smoke visible in the windows of one of the units of the duplex at that address. The crew from Engine 11 announced that they were going to enter the structure and begin an interior attack on what they believed to be was a kitchen fire in that unit. As additional fire crews began arriving on scene they were given assignments by the Incident Commander that included providing water supply from a fire hydrant, an Incident Safety Officer, search and rescue of the unit on fire and additionally to force open the front door of the neighboring unit in the duplex as neighbors had reported that they thought the tenants might still be inside. Other crews were assigned to ladder the structure and to be in position should vertical ventilation be required on the rooftop, some crews were assigned to enter the fire unit and help with the pulling of ceilings and opening walls to get at any concealed fire in those areas and the deployment of a RIT Team to be in position should the rescue of a lost or injured fire fighter become necessary. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes. Fire damage to the kitchen in the unit was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened up by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls, ceilings, and attic space. The areas of the unit not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions that were present. The Red Cross is assisting the tenant of the fire unit and her family with temporary lodging and the Spokane City Police provided much needed traffic control on a very congested 29th Ave. There were no reports of any injuries to fire fighters or to the tenants of the duplex. Four engines, one ladder, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles responded to this incident with 20 fire fighters on scene to get the fire confined and extinguished. The Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit has determined that the cause of the fire was an accidental fire related to the preparation of food in the kitchen.




Cause:
Cooking related fire.

Damage:
Total loss of the kitchen in the fire unit, considerable smoke damage to the rest of the fire unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

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

A year of fires on a Highland Park firefighter's helmet cam.

A new year and a twist on an annual tradition.

In keeping with a Spokane tradition, the number of firefighters on the street dedicated to protecting life, property and the infrastructure of Spokane has once again shrunk in the new year. From 59 on-duty firefighters (not counting the 2 response chiefs) we are now down to 56, in spite of the growth in the city's population, area and economy.

It is a well-documented fact that Spokane is one of Washington's most underfunded departments, not just in its cities, but its rural fire districts, as well. A quick comparison between Tacoma, the next smallest city, after Spokane, shows that the Tacoma Fire Department receives about three times the funding of the Spokane Fire Department. Three times! Yet, Spokane goes on more calls than Tacoma, and with a lot less people.



In 2013, response times will rise and favorable outcomes in emergencies will decline. This is not a New Year's prediction. It is simple math. Less people going on more calls has been the trend year after year, but this year, a bizarre variable has been thrown into the formula.



Engine 9, after one hundred years of service to the South Hill will cease to operate in 2013. That is where the three positions have been eliminated. 

This will put a strain on the South Hill. Rescue 9 (formerly Rescue 1), staffed with only two people, and with no way to fight fire, will be assigned to Station 9. However, it is still tasked with some Station 1 duties - Hazmat, SCBA maintenance, etc. Rescue 9 will respond to every structure fire and auto extrication (jaws of life) in the city, so anytime there is a fire or major car accident, Rescue 9 will be gone. That leaves Station 4 from Downtown or Engine 11 from Perry and 32nd to respond into Engine 9's former area.



And here's where things get bizarre. 

According to a new policy, Engine 11 will no longer be taking its fire engine on medical calls, but a small truck with no firefighting capability. That means if they have a fire in their area or in Engine 9's former area, or any other place, they will have to return to the station and swap out of their small ambulance-like vehicle and into the fire truck if they are not already at their station.

In what would have been a 3 minute response to your house that is on fire, it will now be a 10-15 minute response.

Unbelievable. 



Usually when cuts are made in an organization, cuts like shutting down a fire station, there is usually some sort of "force multiplier" that is sought - some new way of doing business or buying a piece of equipment or an innovative allocation of personnel and resources that will help alleviate the crisis brought about by short staffing. This new policy of taking firefighters out of firetrucks, actually divides firefighters from their firetrucks and their firefighting equipment. In essence, a "force divisor" is created. This "force divisor" makes the closure of Engine 9 more detrimental to public safety. 


For 2013, things went instantly from bad to worse on the South Hill, simultaneously. Eliminate a fire engine and then hamstring those who would have tried to pick up the slack. Incredible.



In 2013, the entire South Hill will have only three firefighters permanently in one fire engine, down from nine firefighters permanently in three engines, spread across the South Hill in 2012. 



But, if you live on the north side or have a business downtown and you feel like you were spared from this separation of firefighters from their firefighting equipment, think again. Engine 13 on the corner of Jefferson and Wellesley will be doing the same thing as Engine 11. And, likewise, Downtown's Ladder 1 will now be driving around in a pickup truck much of the time, hopefully not when the 3 alarm fire comes in for a Downtown high rise fire. 



Separating firefighters from their firefighting equipment keeps them from acting as firefighters all of the time. In a new year, with another round of cuts to the fire department, we need all of our firefighters to be firefighters all of the time.

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2012056715
Date of Incident: 12/31/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:On Monday, Dec 31 at 0324 AM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1405 W 8th. First arriving Station 4, located in the Brown's Addition neighborhood, arrived and reported a fire in one of the upstairs units. Ladder 4 organized a search of the second floor and had Engine 4 advance a hose to attack the fire. Subsequent arriving crews were assigned to search the rest of the building,  check for extension of the fire, and remove the smoke. The fire was confined to the unit of origin, with smoke damage to two other nearby apartments. SPD officers assisted by isolating the area from traffic and coordinating help for the displaced occupants. STA also assisted by providing a bus to shelter the displaced occupants during the incident. 3 units were declared uninhabitable and Red Cross provided assistance to those occupants. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept Investigation Unit

Damage:Damage was confined to the unit of origin with some smoke extension to adjoining apts.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 30000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

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

Fire Press Release

Family Saved by Smoke Detector

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

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

Cause:Under Investigation.

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

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

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

Fire Press Release Twofer

South Battalion Residence Fire

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

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

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

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

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

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Fire at County Jail Facility

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

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

Cause:
Under Investigation: Possible equipment malfuction.

Damage:
Industrial dryer.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 5000

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

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

North Battalion Garage Fire

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

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

Cause:

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

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

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 7000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Coats for Kids at Stevens Elementary

Press Release - Coats for Kids Operation - Today!

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

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

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

Thanks, John

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

Fire Press Release

West Central Residence Fire

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

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

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

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

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

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

Local 29 Santa Sleigh Flying To Your Neighborhood!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!

Patrick Moore, Local 29

(509)475-6916

News story on trading fire trucks for pick up trucks.

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

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

Congrats to the newly elected and reelected!

The results are in!

Don Waller was elected as Local 29 President.

Jason Archibald and Shane Skipworth were reelected to eboard.

Dan Strobeck and Kasey Austin were elected to Grievance Committee.

Congrats to all and thanks for your service!

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

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

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

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

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

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

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

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

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

From Spokanarama blog. 

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

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

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

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

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

Article about Engine 9 closure.

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

Why firefighters take the big trucks on medical calls

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

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

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

Heres the article:

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Why does a big fire truck go on medical calls?

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

Why is this the norm?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire press release

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

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

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



Cause:
Electrical malfunction.

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

# Firefighters Responding: 34

Dollar Loss: $ 80,000

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

Fire press coverage

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

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

Here's the Spokesman-Review story. 

Fire press release

North Battalion Residence Fire

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

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

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

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

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving Spokane!

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

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

From Spokanarama:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spokesman-Review article is here.