Saturday, February 09, 2008

Fire Press Release - Spokane Family is burned out of their home - No mention in the media!

Issuing Officer:

Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

2/9/2008

Incident Address:

2654 N. Walnut



Spokane, WA 99205

Structure Fire

On February 8th, 2008 at 3:10 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 2654 N. Walnut. Fire crews found a wood frame home with fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. A simultaneous attack, consisting of hose lines inside, ventilation crews on the roof, search teams inside and backup crews, were deployed and effectively, the fire was cutoff and contained after 25 minutes. The home had been occupied by a family of 5 and all were able to escape the house. There was a large population of pets inside the home consisting of cats, dogs, lizards, chinchillas, birds and rabbits and all were spared as most of them were on the first and basement levels. The Spokane Fire Department Community Assistance Resource Team (CARES) arrived along with the Red Cross and assisted with the family in making arrangements for lodging, clothing and food. The entire second floor suffered damage from fire and smoke. The roof was cut open to relieve the atmosphere below of heat and smoke, and some of the floor and wall in the bedroom on the second level was also breached in order to seek out and extinguish any hidden fire that remained. A thermal imaging camera was used to assist with this operation. There were a total 19 firefighters that fought this blaze. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the fire appears to be electrical in origin. A fire department investigator was called to the scene.

Probable Cause:


Electrical wiring underneath the bedroom floor.

Damage Extent:

Heavy fire and smoke damage to both second floor bedrooms. Clothing, furniture, children's toys and keepsakes were all damaged in this fire. The structure suffered some water damage as well.

Firefighter Response: 19

Dollar Loss: $96,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

END OF RELEASE

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

Friday, February 08, 2008

Washington State Council of Firefighters Concert Tickets

Here is some concert footage of the band - La Pequeña Prohibida. Supposedly the union office has some free tickets. Supplies are limited. I think Ed Miller used to manage this group.


Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Columbia Stair Climb



It will soon be here.

If you would like to be a vital member of the team, without even breaking a sweat, please click here

Your donations will help fund blood disease research!

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

2/4/2008

Incident Address:

1417 W. Shannon



Spokane, WA 99205

Structure Fire

On 2-4-08 at 8:01 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and a battalion chief to a fire in a home located at 1417 W. Shannon. Firefighters found a fire burning near a wooden stairway and rapidly extending through walls and floors nearby. Two adults and two children made their way to safety because they were alerted by working smoke detectors. A centrally supervised alarm system was present in the home and the fire department was alerted immediately because of this. Crews worked hard to expose the hidden fire in the walls and floor by cutting open these areas with pike poles, axes and chain saws. Due to the smoky conditions inside, this took some time but eventually, firefighters were able to expose all areas where the fire had traveled. The fire was successfully contained after 45 minutes. It appears that the fire began after a fire had been built inside a fireplace insert. After heavy use, hot fires and repeated exposure to radiant and conducted heat, wooden framing members surrounding the chimney ignited. Once this ignition occurred, the fire then extended vertically inside the wall and also caught a portion of the wooden stairway and floor above on fire. There was smoke damage throughout the home, a minimal amount of water damage, and heavy fire damage to the walls, staircase and floor. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Shortly after the fire was contained, the Red Cross arrived to assist the family with arrangements. A working smoke detection and alarm system was key in alerting the family in this fire. The father had said that he had just put his children to bed and then his detectors began to activate. Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately midnight making sure all of the hotspots had been thoroughly extinguished. A fire crew will report to the scene this morning as well to complete some follow up work.

Probable Cause:


Repeated and heavy use of a fireplace insert that had with time, ignited adjacent structural framing members due to conducted and radiant heat.

Damage Extent:

Heavy fire damage to walls, a floor and the staircase. Smoke damage throughout the home and a small amount of water damage.

Firefighter Response: 21

Dollar Loss: $75,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

2/4/2008

Incident Address:

2006 W. Gardner



Spokane, WA 99201

Structure Fire

On 2-4-08 at 12:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and a battalion chief to an apartment fire located at 2006 W. Gardner. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fire burning on the second level of a 2 story home that had been converted into 4 apartment units. The fire was located in a wall and was rapidly extending into the attic. A rapid search was conducted throughout the structure and it was found that all occupants either had made their way to safety or were not at home. Firefighters had to fight their way through very poor visibility due to the thickening smoke and growing fire. Two teams of ladder crews were able to successfully ventilate the roof by cutting it open with their chain saws. This allowed the build up of heat and smoke to rise and increase visibility while at the same time, help confine the fire by drawing it in one direction. Firefighters were able to contain the fire after 40 minutes. The fire was caused by a plumber's propane torch that was too close to combustibles while doing some repair work within the home. There were 4 occupants that will be displaced temporarily while repairs are made to the home. These occupants will be staying with friends/relatives. An SFD CARES (community assistance response team) representative was helping with making arrangements for the tenants. A total of 23 firefighters responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that when using open flame, a clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained between the flame and the combustibles. It is also recommended that a fully operational extinguisher be kept nearby at all times.

Probable Cause:


A plumber's torch while performing repair work, too close to combustibles.

Damage Extent:

Heavy fire damage to the upstairs bathroom and kitchen. Smoke and water damage throughout the 4 unit apartment building.

Firefighter Response: 23

Dollar Loss: $60,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

END OF RELEASE

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Talked with Todd this morning...

He wanted you to know the circumstances of his situation.

Todd was notified by Bank of America that his credit card was compromised in July or early August. The charges were made earlier in the spring. Someone had used his number to buy a camera and there were charges made to a Yahoo account. There was no description of these charges. Whoever had made the charges had used the wrong names and birth dates. Todd canceled the account immediately. He had no idea what the Yahoo account charges were about. There was no description.

Todd wanted all of you to know that he very much appreciates your support. Your phone messages to him have meant a lot after what he has been through.

Todd says that this has been a very humiliating experience for him, and your confidence in his strength of character has helped him a lot.

Todd, know that here in the stations you have our support and you'll get through this.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

When Fire Strikes, Stop, Drop and... Sing?






Interesting article on the future of soundwaves in firefighting. Click link above to read the whole thing.


An excerpt:


"I throw more power into my voice, and now the flame is extinguished," wrote Irish scientist John Tyndall about his experiments with sound and fire in 1857. Countless public demonstrations and a handful of lab tests later, researchers are still struggling to determine exactly how sound snuffs flames.

Sound travels in waves, which are simply variations of pressure in a medium—whether solid, liquid or gas. The energy from vibrating objects, such as speaker membranes, moves from particle to particle in the air in a repeating pattern of high- and low-pressure zones that we perceive as sound. According to the ideal gas law, temperature, pressure and volume are related; therefore, a decrease in pressure can lead to a corresponding decrease in temperature, which may explain how sound can extinguish a flame.

In 2004 Dmitriy Plaks and several of his fellow students at the University of West Georgia tested whether sound waves can douse fires in hopes of using sound to extinguish flames in a spacecraft. VIDEO They placed a candle in a large topless chamber with three bass speakers attached to the walls. The candle was lit and the Canadian rock band Nickelback's "How you remind me" was pumped through the subwoofers. Within roughly 10 seconds, once the song hit a low note, the flame was out, according to results published in 2005 in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Oakland Firefighters Overtime Extravaganza!

WARNING:There is no nudity in this clip, but there are some scantily clad women with flaming pasties. The Oakland Firefighters discuss the hazard with which these present. You make the call on whether you will be offended or whether this is safe for work viewing.

Now that the city has their own fire-department-related blog, the Local 29 blog will try to raise the bar, in an effort to bring you the highest-quality, timely articles and information.

And in a nod of collegiality, we invite the fire department blogsters a link to this video for their use, as well.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Cruise Line Discount for Firefighters

From Roger Libby:

My wife is a travel consultant and has just informed me that one of the major cruise lines is now offering special discounted fares to police, fire, teachers & military personnel. The itineraries include Alaska/Australia & New Zealand/Canada & New England/The Caribbean/Europe/Hawaii/Mexico/and the South Pacific. Depending on the itinerary, some of the sailings begin in March (a great time to get away). Fares start at around $499 per person (not incl. taxes and applicable fees). I have personally sailed with this cruise line, and loved it. For my money, cruising is one of the best bargains in travel, and these fares make it even more appealing. If anyone is interested, please contact:

Debbie Alexander
AAA Travel
509-358-7006
email: deborahalexander@aaawin.com
Please identify yourself as a firefighter so she can quote you the best price.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Fire Press Release

Structure Fire

On January 20th, 2008 at 12:16 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 3110 N. Alberta. As crews were enroute to this incident, it was reported that there may have been an explosion and that a child may still be inside the home. When firefighters arrived, the entire back half of the house and an attached storage shed were fully engulfed in flames. A search and rescue team was set up and coordinated with a fire attack team as well as rooftop ventilation and it was soon confirmed that all occupants were safe and accounted for on the outside of the home. The fire was successfully knocked down and contained within 30 minutes and through firefighting efforts, crews were able to prevent the fire from consuming the front half of the home. As soon as the fire was contained, the long and arduous task of overhaul began and continued until 4:00 A.M. This involved pulling ceilings and removing burned items including structural members of the home. All of the occupants will be staying with friends and the Red Cross was notified for any other assistance that they may need. A total of 24 firefighters responded and fought this blaze. The cause is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit and has been undetermined at this time. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians on this incident.

Probable Cause:


Undetermined. Under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.

Damage Extent:

Heavy fire Damage to the exterior and upper level of the home including the roof. Smoke damage throughout the home.

Firefighter Response: 24

Dollar Loss: $90,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

Friday, January 18, 2008

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Battalion Chief Dan Brown

Date of Incident:

1/17/2008

Incident Address:

322 EAST Foothill Dr



Spokane, WA 99207

Structure Fire

On January 17th 2008 Thursday at 11:07 a fire was reported in a storage unit at Self Storage 322 East Foothills Dr. Upon leaving the Station Ladder Company 2 reported a large column of smoke showing from a storage complex. Arriving on scene L2 reported several units were fully involved in flame. Large diameter hose lines were advanced to attack the fire. The storage units were metal clad construction which made it very difficult to gain entry and attack the fire. All the metal doors faces had to be cut by saws in order to release smoke and heat so firefighters could advance leads into the units, also door locks were cut. The roof was trenched about 150 feet from the first storage unit on fire; this was done to prevent the spread of fire into other units. Five units and contents were heavily damaged by fire and smoke. In all eighteen units suffered smoke and heat damage. It took about forty minutes to knock the main body of fire down. Overhaul and final extinguishment took an additional four hours. There were no injuries to report. Twenty three firefighters and three command personnel responded to this incident The Fire Department Community Assistance Response team (CARES) responded to this incident to render any help that may be needed for the tenants of the storage units. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Probable Cause:


Under investigation

Damage Extent:

5 storage units and contents heavy damage. 13 other storage units suffered heat and smoke damage.

Firefighter Response: 23

Dollar Loss: $130,000,00

Mutual Aid: None Given

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Mike Inman / Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

1/16/2008

Incident Address:

7007 N. Tucannon



Spokane, WA 99208

Structure Fire

At 11:44 pm January 16, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Pumper Ladder, a Rescue Truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported house fire at 7007 N. Tucannon in Northwest Spokane. Upon arrival of the first Engine Company they reported a split level style house fully involved. Fire and smoke were coming out windows on the street side of the house. A 4th Engine Company and an investigator were dispatched for a total of 25 Firefighters. An aggressive frontal attack through the front door coordinated with ventilation of the house resulted in a fast knock down of the fire. A search of the house indicated that everyone had gotten out. At home at the time of the fire were an adult female and 3 school age children. The family was alerted to the fire by working smoke detectors in the house and there were no injuries to the occupants. There were no injuries of Firefighters as well. Firefighting efforts were made a little more difficult due to the cold temperatures in the low 20's F. and significant ice build up on the streets in the area. Crews will be on scene the rest of the night to assist with the investigation of the fire as the cause has not been determined at this time. Damage was extensive to one bedroom and a hallway with heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the house. The lives of 4 people could very well have been saved due to the smoke alarm activation that notified the family of the fire. Again the Fire Department cannot overstate the importance of working smoke detectors in the home, they do save lives.

Probable Cause:


Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department

Damage Extent:

Significant damage to 1 bedroom and part of a hallway with head and smoke damage throughout the 4 level house

Firefighter Response: 25

Dollar Loss: $

Mutual Aid: None Given

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

1/15/2008

Incident Address:

5727 N. Calispel



Spokane, WA 99205

Structure Fire

On 1/15/08 at 10:12 A.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 report of a fire in a house located at 5727 N. Calispel. Upon arrival, fire crews found a well involved home with fire coming from the windows. A rapid entry was made by forcing doors and crews began to search the structure for victims while at the same time extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the fire. However, one deceased cat was found inside. Spokanimal was summoned to the scene to assist with the cat. It took firefighters 15 minutes to extinguish the fire but they remained on scene for a number of hours to make sure all of the fire was completely out. Upon close examination, it was revealed that a portion of one of the exterior walls had been forced out. The special investigative unit of the Spokane Fire Department arrived and began their investigative work. It was found that the fire was caused by combustibles placed too close to a gas fired water heater. These combustibles soon ignited and then the flames burned through the regulator next to the water tank which allowed a larger amount of gas to escape and ignite. When the gas ignited it created an explosion which pushed out the exterior wall to the home. Two firefighters received minor injuries during the blaze. One received a foot injury and the other received a leg injury. Firefighters completed final extinguishment and then began the long process of debris removal. Crews were present at the home until the late afternoon. The Spokane Fire Department "Cares" unit was brought to the scene to assist the family with making arrangements for shelter, clothing and food. The American Red Cross was also notified. A total of 22 firefighters responded to this fire along with 2 battalion chiefs. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public that a 3 foot clearance or more needs to be kept around and from any hot water heater or electrical panel. Water tanks like these are typically located in basements or areas where storage items accumulate and sometimes these combustibles end up within the 3 foot radius of the tank. Make sure and keep your electrical panel doors shut as well. The family will be staying with friends while their home is repaired and restored.

Probable Cause:


Combustibles placed too close to a gas fired water heater.

Damage Extent:

Major fire and smoke damage throughout the structure.

Firefighter Response: 22

Dollar Loss: $200,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Barton Jeep Discount...

As you probably know, last year Local 29 became a member of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce. I just received some dandy looking certificates from a fellow chamber member that will entitle you to purchase a new Jeep for $100 over factory invoice or a used vehicle for $750 below what they're asking.

Is this a good deal? I have no idea. You've seen what I "drive."

I have five of these certificates. If you want one, email me and let me know.

Thanks, John

Monday, January 07, 2008

The January newsletter is available at the Local 29 website

There are quite a few people who receive the newsletter automatically via their email. If you would like this service (it's free and convenient), please email me and I will put you on the list.

Thanks,

BillFoss@comcast.net

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Saturday, January 05, 2008

More info from Terry Canfield on ID protection.

Just a reminder for everyone that prior to the Union meeting on Tuesday night there will be a presentation about protecting yourself against Identity Theft and providing yourself with a Family Legal Plan.

Also, there is an update for those who have already taken advantage of PrePaid Legal's service. They have upgraded the real time credit monitoring to include all three credit repositories. We will have more information regarding this "Gold" service at the meeting as well.

Thanks,
Terry


Click on the title above to view the e-book.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Batt. Chief Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 713 East 9th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: ON the morning of January 4, 2008 the City of Spokane's fire department responded 7 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to a reported fire located at 713 East 9th Avenue. Neighbors reported fire showing on the entire backside of the home.

Within 5 minutes of receiving the call, Engine 7 arrived on the scene under the command of Lt. Kelly Smith. Lt Smith reported that the home's occupant was safely out, and then, along with her crew advanced a hose line into the burning home to extinguish the fire. (During this initial attack fire was burning in the basement, first floor and attic areas.) Additional hose lines were used to extinguish fire in these areas. The main body of fire was extinguished inside 10 minutes.

There were no injuries to the homeowner or his dog. The home owner was alerted to the fast spreading fire by the home's smoke detector. The home sustained heavy fire damage to the backside, basement and attic areas, but many of the interior furnishings were salvaged by the firefighters.





PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire appears to have been caused by an electrical heating appliance that was located in a "Chicken Coop". This coop was adjacent to the backside of the home. The fire spread from this location into the home. (None of the chickens were injured.)

DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive structual damage to siding and attic areas.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Friday, January 04, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/3/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 38 West 32nd Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: ON the afternoon of January 3, 2008 the City of Spokane fire department responded 6 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to 38 West 32 nd Ave for a reported house fire. The first engine company reported a 1 St. Wood frame building with smoke and flame showing from the front window. A quick fire attack was made and the fire was knocked down with in minutes. A search was conducted and no one was found inside. Fire companies were on scene for three hours completing overhaul. The ceiling in the fire room was insulated with a large amount of sawdust which needed to be removed and taken outside. The fire was determined to be accidental, caused by a candle which ignited a Christmas tree. Two young boys' ages nine and ten were home at the time and were able to escape without injury. The fire Department would like to remind the public that any unattended open flame may become an ignition source to combustibles inside a home.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Candle ignited a Christmas tree.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Living room , smoke and heat throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given

With Dodd out, IAFF will wait until March to endorse next candidate...




At least that's the way it looks now. Until then, IAFF leadership will focus on efforts to educate voters on the real Rudy - an easy but putrid job. Hopefully they wear gloves and mask up, because once you start moving the stuff that Giuliani has buried himself in it's going to stink!