Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/28/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5008 N. Allen place
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On 12/28/07 at 2:43 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue company, 2 battalion chiefs and an assistant chief to a house fire located at 5008 N. Allen place. Fire crews found a fire in the attic that had been burning for a long period of time. All of the occupants had safely evacuated and the fire was contained within 5 minutes. The fire was electrical in origin and the occupants confirmed that they had been experiencing trouble with a number of electrical circuits within the home. As soon as smoke was detected, the occupants placed a call to the 911 center. Because of their quick action in placing this call, fire damage was kept to a minimum. Fire crews remained at the home for 1 ½ hours extinguishing "hot spots" and cleaning up fire debris. All of the electrical circuits are shut down and will remain so until they can be repaired and inspected. The occupants will be staying with other family members until the home is approved for occupancy. Fire damage was confined to wooden structural components in the attic, insulation, and ceiling. A total of 15 firefighters and 3 command officers responded to this alarm.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the attic, insulation and ceiling system.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 15
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bob Green
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2022 N Dakota
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus and crews to 2022 N Dakota at 0016 hrs. on the 24th of December for a reported structure fire. Initial reports from the first arriving crew indicated heavy smoke issuing from the front door and eaves of a 1.5 story wood/frame residence. Next arriving crews, arriving from different directions, reported fire blowing out the rear of the building from a small "dormer" window located at the attic level. Quick and aggressive actions by the crews at the scene resulted in a fairly quick knock down of the fire as they forced entry through the front door, extinguished the main body of fire burning on the first floor, and pushed the fire burning in the stairway leading to the attic out the "dormer" window. While specific fire crews were attacking and extinguishing the fire inside, other crews were doing a primary and a secondary search of the interior of the residence to insure that none of the tenants were trapped inside, and still other fire crews were assigned to be in position on the roof should conditions warrant cutting ventilation holes in the roof to release pent up smoke and gases. The searches that were conducted revealed that no one was at home at the time of the fire, their actual location is still not known but during the Holiday Season many folks travel to be with family and friends outside of the Spokane area. The damage caused by this early morning fire was extensive, nearly every room on the main floor sustained fire damage and the stairway and the attic were also heavily damaged. There were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters at the scene. Fire crews remained at the scene assisting the Fire Investigator as he worked to determine the cause of the fire until 0330 hrs. Six pieces of fire apparatus and their crews were dispatched to this fire along with two Battalion Chiefs in their Command vehicles and the on-duty Fire Investigator from the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. At the time of this media release the cause of the fire has not been determined.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time, still being investigated.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to all rooms and their contents on the first floor. The attic space and the stairway leading up to the attic were also seriously damaged. The main structural members of the house received minimal damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Santa Smith knockout makes CNN...

I hope this hasn't started some new kind of gang initiation.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/14/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1207 E. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On 12/13/07 at 11:39 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and one battalion chief to a fire in a motor home located behind a residence at 1207 E. Queen. First in units discovered a 20 foot motor home fully involved with flame extension involving a nearby wood frame dwelling about 10 feet away. A rapid deployment of hose lines including roof ventilation by ladder companies was conducted as were search operations to make sure everyone inside the house was safely evacuated. It took firefighters 10 minutes to contain the fire in the motor home and the dwelling. As a result of their actions, firefighters were able to keep damage to the dwelling to a minimum as only the exterior siding and a portion of the roof were damaged. The motor home was a total loss. A total of 23 firefighters responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The fire at this time is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit under the direction of Capt. Kevin Smathers. Firefighters remained on the scene for 2 hours completing final extinguishment and mop up duties. The dwelling was occupied by 3 people and they will be able to remain at the home.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The motor home was a total loss. The dwelling sustained fire damage to the siding and a small portion of the roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/13/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 10305 North Moore Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 5:17 PM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Moline responded to a reported house fire at 10305 North Moore Street.

The first company (Engine 17) arrived within four minutes to discover heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story, single family wood framed house with multiple exposures. Initial companies immediately upgraded the alarm to a "working fire" which added and additional Engine and support for the operation. Off-duty Battalion Chief Fielder was the initial incident commander as lives in the neighborhood. He assisted the initial crews assemble their equipment and coordinated their efforts.

Despite the safeguards in-place on scene, a two-person team of firefighters working on the first floor under heavy fire conditions experienced a partial fall into the basement when a section of flooring above the main fire collapsed beneath them. The company was in communication with the incident commander and they were able to exit the structure together to guarantee their accountability. Within minutes of the report, all firefighters were accounted for safely through the SFD's passport accountability system. The firefighters were briefly evaluated and returned to the fireground within minutes.

Notwithstanding the extreme cold and heavy snow, the fire was reported out nearly an hour into the incident. There were no injuries to civilians and minor injuries to a firefighter.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire originated in the basement and grew, undetected, for a significant amount of time. The family was home at the time of the fire, however were separated from the area of origin. The cause of the fire was determined to be an overloaded electrical outlet in the basement. Large amounts of combustibles fueled the fire and it spread rapidly causing significant damage to the first and second floors. A smoke detector was located on the second floor; however none were operating in the basement.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There is considerable damage throughout all floors due to heat and rapid fire promulgation. The most damage, however, is in the basement and first floor. The home is not able to be reoccupied and utilities have been disconnected.
DOLLAR LOSS: 250,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Spokane Garage Fire Featured on Jimmy Kimmel

This is from early November. His monologue regarding the fire starts at 6:30 on the timer. After you hit the "play" icon, you can drag the cursor to -3:20 and that should get you there.

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Batt. Chief Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/28/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3010 W.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On November 28, 2007, at 0758 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus and 22 personnel for a reported fire at the Taco Bell located at 3010 East 29th Ave. Employees had called 911 after smelling smoke inside the restaurant. Engine 14 arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke inside the structure. Engine 14 extended a pre-connected hose line inside and assigned work to the other incoming apparatus. Fire was located in a Heating / Air Conditioning unit on the roof and attic ductwork below the unit. The fire was controlled within 10 minutes, but several units worked at the scene for well over an hour.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this incident. The quick actions of the workers and firefighters minimized fire damage at this location. Taco Bell should be back in business within a few days as damaged was confined to a small portion of the building in the restaurant's storage area. The fire cause appears to be related to a malfunctioning mechanical part inside the Heating unit on the roof.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Mechanical Malfunction
DAMAGE EXTENT: HVAC unit and attic ductwork.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 926 E. 8th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At 11:13 am the Spokane Fire Department was called to the Hifumi En (pronounced hi-fu-me in) apartments at 926 E. 8th Ave. in Spokane Washington. A fire was reported in apartment number 111. The first Engine Company on scene reported smoke and fire and initiated the fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line. The initial response of 5 Engines, 1 Ladder truck, 1 Rescue unit and 1 Battalion Chief was supplemented by an additional Engine and Pumper ladder that were requested due to the number of units and potential rescues in this facility. Heavy black smoke and heat were encountered by the crews in the hallways of the 1st floor. Some of the residents had gotten themselves out of the building but fire crews were instrumental in get the rest out of dangerous conditions. The primary focus for the Firefighters was getting the people out. Because of this there were no reported injuries. Many of the residents have special needs and due to the needs of the residents 2 Engine Companies were assigned the job of getting medicines and medical equipment out of the unaffected apartments for the residents. The Spokane Transit Authority sent a bus for the displaced residents to get out of the sub freezing weather. Red Cross was notified of the displaced residents and sent a team to assist where they could. The fire did minimal damage with significant damage to the room of origin and heavy damage in the hallways due to smoke and heat. The fire was determined to be accidental and the building was released back to the housing authority.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental using incense.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Completly destroyed one apartment damaged a second and smoked up all of the hallways.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1514 West 9th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This morning, November 24, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 12:13 AM to 1514 West 9th Avenue on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report fire showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported fire coming from the top floor of a 2-1/2-story, wood framed apartment building with 3 civilians trapped on the roof. All three civilians and their dog were rescued from the roof by Fire Station 4 personnel using their Ariel ladder. During the rescue operation other fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure and from an outside fire escape. The fire had extended into the attic and a ventilation hole was cut in the roof to relieve the pent up heat and smoke in the apartment on the top floor to aid in fire attack. The fire was brought under control within 40 minutes and crews remained on scene for the rest of the morning. Of the three civilians rescued from the roof two were treated and released from a local hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation and the third person was reported to have been transport to the Harbor View Burn Center and his condition is not known at the time of the this release. The remaining tenants of the structure are being assisted by Red Cross. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator, Captain Kevin Smathers and he may be contacted at 625-7052
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the third floor and the attic.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 36
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/23/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1511 West Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This afternoon, November 23, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 12:39 PM to 1511 West Gardner on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed residence with fire showing from a window on the main floor at the back of the house. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure however they encountered a large volume of household goods and belongings that had been collected and stored through out the house that made fire attack extremely difficult. The fire had extended into the second floor and then into the attic as fire crews were able to find the stair way door leading to the upstairs. The fire crews were withdrawn from the structure due to safety concerns and fire attack transitioned to a defensive position. Once the fire vented completely through the roof fire crews were able to safely re-enter the structure for final extinguishment and salvage and overhaul. The owner was not home at the time of the fire however the family dog was found insdie the house near the front door by fire crews and was in respiratory distress. Oxygen was supplied to the dog via a special pet oxygen mask carried by the fire department and the dog was revived. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Nine fire companies with 28 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator, Captain Kevin Smathers and he may be contacted at 625-7052.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the first and second floor with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Newsletter Deadline

Monday, December 3rd.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/20/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1604 E. Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, November 20, 2007, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 05:48 AM to 1604 East Pacific on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the front door of a, 1-story, brick house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of fire to a bedroom in the basement with smoke damage through out the house. Crews completed a primary search of the residence and the house was found unoccupied. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Greg McClatchey and he can be contacted at 625-7052.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the basement and the main floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

9-1-1 Calls - from the Tonight Show...

Working Class Heroes Bar on Monroe

Great union meeting last night. Among other things, we learned that Working Class Heroes on Monroe likes us. They are offering discounts when you show your FF ID. They are a pro-union bar. In fact, the owner (a former union worker and union organizer) is helping the workers organize into a union. We think it may be the only union bar and grill in Spokane. Apparently, the food is good and they have a lot of microbrews on tap. The only time I've been in there is on calls. It is always really clean with a good, friendly crowd. Anyway, just thought I'd pass that on.

E-Board Candidate Letter

Re-Elect Darryl Wisniewski
For Executive Board

The Executive Board has been a fulfilling position for me to hold. The people who know me personally know how passionate I can be about the topics that come up from time to time. I can be, what some would call, hard headed at times, but I am willing to try to see the other side of the coin and get the job done. Some of the things that I would like to see happen in the near future are:

• Wild Land mobilization
• A new LEOFF II law for medical
• Continued active participation in the political arena
• Future Improvements in our contract language

I am asking for your vote, so I can continue to work hard for my brothers and sisters to better our job and our futures.

Please VOTE Darryl Wisniewski

November newsletter is out

Those of you who get it emailed to you should now have it. If you would like it emailed to you, let me know - billfoss@comcast.net

The newsletter will be posted soon on the local's website, I am told.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/12/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4004 E. 29th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 1028 pm November 12, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue Unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported house fire at 4004 E. 29th Ave. in Spokane Washington. Upon arrival Engine 14 reported heavy smoke from the structure with the occupants outside on the sidewalk. A second report indicated that heavy fire was coming out of the back of the house. A quick attack by the first two fire apparatus on scene knocked the main body of the fire down with two 1 ¾" attack lines and additional crews did a search of the house to make sure everybody had gotten out. As more crews arrived a thorough overhaul was initiated looking for extension of the fire into the structure. No extensions were found and the fire was reported to be out within 30 minutes. The fire crews assisted the tenants by retrieving personal items and medications prior to allowing them back in. Gas and electrical utilities to the house were shut off for safety reasons. The house, a rental, suffered significant damage to the kitchen with heavy heat and smoke damage to the rest of the houses main floor. Due to the quick thinking of the residents, one adult and one child, they closed their bedroom doors when exiting the house and suffered no smoke or heat damage to their rooms or their contents. Heat in the hallway was so intense that the smoke detector on the ceiling was destroyed and laying on the floor. The residents were awakened by a loud pop and discovered the fire in the kitchen area. There were no civilian or Firefighter injuries associated with the fire. A fire investigator was called to determine the origin of the fire and Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents. The only known casualty of the fire was a family pet. It is important to remember to keep doors in the house shut to slow down or stop the spread of the fire and make sure smoke detectors are working. Get yourself out of the structure and wait for the Fire Department, it is very hazardous to reenter a burning structure or delay getting out to save contents.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the kitchen with heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the rest of the main floor. Both bedrooms and the bathroom sustained little or no damage due the closing of the doors prior to exiting the house.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/10/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4328 N. Havana
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On 11/10/07 at 6:43 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 21 firefighters on 6 pieces of fire equipment to a report of a house on fire at 4328 N. Havana. Fire crews discovered a large two story home with fire enveloping the front porch area and extending to the porch roof above. Crews were successful in keeping the fire out of the interior of the home and quickly brought the fire under control within 5 minutes. Crews remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours making sure the fire was dead out. This activity involved the crews cutting apart the porch roof and using their thermal imaging camera to ensure that any embers remaining were thoroughly extinguished. No one was present at the home while firefighters were on the scene. A fire department investigator is currently looking into the cause of the fire. At this time, it appears that the fire began on the porch floor outside the home. This investigation will continue throughout the day. There were no injuries to firefighters at this incident. The dwelling sustained heavy fire damage to the front porch and roof areas. There was also smoke damage throughout the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by Spokane Fire Department investigators.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the front porch and porch roof. Smoke damage throughout the interior of the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Beating the odds!

Thanks to Frank W. for this picture that really illustrates the difference in campaign funding. Also, if you see any Mary Verner signs out there on public property, feel free to pull them. They are being collected at the union office.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: E. 222 Hoffman Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On November 8, 2007 at 2313 hours, the Spokane Fire Department received a call for a reported garage fire. The Combined Communication Center dispatched 6 fire apparatus to E. 222 Hoffman Ave. Pumper Ladder 13 arrived on the scene within 5 minutes. Lt. Jamie Newcomb reported that he had a fully involved detached garage fire and was assuming Command. Lt. Newcomb's crew advanced pre-connected hose lines to extinguish the fire while he directed the other incoming fire apparatus and personnel. The firefighters under the direction of Lt. Newcomb knocked down the fire within six minutes. The crews protected several cars that were parked near the garage and one exposure building to the east.

There were no injuries reported at this fire. A good deal of material was stored inside the garage and fire crews are expected to be on the scene for several hours removing the fire debris. The fire cause is still undetermined at this time. Early indicators are directing us towards an old wood stove that had been in use earlier this evening.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total Loss to garage structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given