ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 923 E. Walton
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just before 2:00 am Friday August 21, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was called to a house full of smoke at 923 E. Walton in Spokane, WA. Four Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Rescue Unit and two Battalion Chiefs were dispatched for a total of twenty one Firefighters. Upon arrival of Engine 2 found a single family residence with moderate smoke coming out of the front door. They advanced a 1 ¾" hose line to the front door. Inside they found a window air conditioning unit that had burned up. They reported the fire was out and all they needed was two Engine Companies and a Ladder Truck to assist with ventilating the smoke out of the residence. The air conditioner was plugged into an extension cord with other electrical items in the living room. Damage was confined to the air conditioner, a chair, some items on a desk, molding around the window, smoke throughout the house and scorched paint around the window. A neighbor assisted by helping get birds out of the house and fighting the fire with a garden hose. Both adults at home at the time as well as one of the neighbors said they had breathed some smoke but refused aid when looked at by Engine 15 a Paramedic unit. The quick actions by the neighbor most likely minimized the fire damage but it can be dangerous using a garden hose to fight a fire inside or involving a structure. Smoke inhalation, electrical shock, and the intensity of the fire being too much for the small amount of water coming from a standard garden hose are just some of the dangers faced when citizens attack a fire involving a structure using a garden hose. Smoke detectors inside the house were sounding and everyone got out safely. The air conditioning unit in this house appeared to be plugged into an extension cord. Don't use extension cords to power air conditioners as they draw too much electricity for an extension cord to handle. It can quickly lead to overheating which causes a fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental, electrical
DAMAGE EXTENT: The air conditioner, a chair, some items on a desk, molding around the window, broken glass in the window, smoke throughout the house and scorched paint around the window.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Binkoski discovers this gem...
Abolish the Nazi-Commie Nightmare of Public Firefighting
The patriots who have killed off this so-called "public option" for so-called "healthcare reform" need to learn from the mistakes the first President Bush made way back in 1991 when he chickened out and blew his chance to march all the way to Baghdad and dethrone Saddam Hussein.
Unlike Poppy Bush, today's pro-corporate, pro-capitalist warriors need to show some backbone. They need to keep marching. Because, though they are on a righteous path, they have been thinking small. Way too small.
Consider this your formal invitation to join in THE fight for the future of American freedom. I'm referring to the fight to abolish public firefighting. For too long we have endured the socialistic nightmare of tyrannical laws that incite our neighbors to call 911 and report us TO THE GOVERNMENT when our homes are on fire.
Americans are so brainwashed that only a tiny, patriotic sliver of us have truly understood the fascist flood that gushes from taxpayer-funded fire hoses every day in these United States. The facts are chilling. So wake up, America!
FACT: When a neighbor reports your burning home to the government, you as the property owner are helpless. The taxpayer-funded sirens come ever closer, whether you like it or not, until finally the trucks arrive on your property. Soon your door is bashed from its hinges, your windows are in shards, your belongings are soaked with the fluoridated poison that passes for a municipal water supply.
FACT: You as the property owner get no say whatsoever as to who is sent to extinguish a blaze in your home. The government DOES NOT CARE about the sacred trust that is supposed to exist between an individual homeowner and the individual firefighter he would select to be the defender of his little piece of the American dream. No. Instead, callous government bureaucrats DECIDE FOR US which masked, helmeted strangers will be dispatched to breach our supposedly sacred homes. Breathing taxpayer-funded oxygen from taxpayer-funded tanks, these strangers even have the authority to snatch our children from their beds. Our children! FROM THEIR BEDS! Again, I say: WAKE UP, AMERICA!
FACT: Government bureaucrats decide which firefighting services will be available and which will be rationed. Under a market-based system, we would be able to contract for firefighting that is tailored to our individual needs. Instead, we get this one-size-fits-all travesty of a system. Just one example: Try calling 911 and asking for a firefighter to come blow out your birthday candles. At best, the bureaucrats will laugh at you. At worst, the bureaucrats will send straightjacket-wielding thugs to your home. All the while, it is you -- the taxpayer, the property owner -- who is paying the salaries of these jackals and hyenas.
FACT: The property owner loses all authority to decide what or whom should be saved from his burning home. The unthinking bureaucratic drones will always choose human life over an inanimate object. Heaven help you if you want the firefighters to save some precious possession and let your house guests burn alive. The bureaucrats refuse to listen.
Even if your house guests are parasites who have overstayed their welcome.
Even if your house guests are the sort of people who write satire.
Even if the precious object is a Bible.
Even if the precious object an American flag.
Even if the precious object is the original copy of the Second Amendment.
Without fail, the bureaucrats will save the parasite, save the satirist. Without fail, they will let the Bible burn, let the American flag burn, let our God-given right to bear arms go up in flames. Can there be any more clear evidence of the tyranny we are up against? NO!
Keep marching.
If we seize this moment, if we maintain this momentum, we can give our children an America free from the totalitarian, communist abomination of public firefighting.
Keep marching!
KEEP MARCHING!
Huffington Post blogger David Quigg lives in Seattle where some of his photographs will be on display through September 10.
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3303 S. Inland Empire Way
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 08/19/09 at approximately 0522 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3303 S. Inland Empire Way upon report of a structure fire. First arriving units found a one and one half story, wood-frame, single family residence with smoke and fire showing from the second floor. First arriving firefighters were able to quickly determine that all occupants were out of the building and were then able to concentrate on extinguishing the blaze. Fire was evident coming from the structures 2nd floor west end, which contained sleeping areas, and from the 1st floor's east end, which was attic space. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines up the stairs to the second floor and were able to get and initial knock down of the fire within about 15 minutes. At the same time other crews used chain saws to ventilate the roof, covered the belongings of the tenants with tarps, provided first aid to one burn victim, and pull down ceilings on the first floor to gain access to fire above. A total 12 apparatus, with 33 firefighters fought this blaze. The first knock down of the fire took about 15 minutes but fire crews will continue to be on scene for some time to overhaul the scene looking for any hidden fire and to clean up areas of the residence as necessary. Fire Investigators are also on to scene to determine the fire cause.
There was one civilian burn injury at this fire. The owner of the property and one tenant advanced a garden hose to the second floor in an attempt to extinguish the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. On scene reports indicate a portion of the burning structure fell onto them causing the burn injuries. Aid was rendered to the patient by on scene medics and he was transported to the hospital. No injuries to firefighters were reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently on scene and are investigating the cause of this fire. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to structure included fire damage to the entire second floor and attic space of the single story portion of the residence. Smoke and water damage was also evident on the first floor of the structure. In addition crews had to open the ceilings on the first floor in an attempt to find any hidden fire so it would not extend to other areas of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 90,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 33
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3303 S. Inland Empire Way
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 08/19/09 at approximately 0522 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3303 S. Inland Empire Way upon report of a structure fire. First arriving units found a one and one half story, wood-frame, single family residence with smoke and fire showing from the second floor. First arriving firefighters were able to quickly determine that all occupants were out of the building and were then able to concentrate on extinguishing the blaze. Fire was evident coming from the structures 2nd floor west end, which contained sleeping areas, and from the 1st floor's east end, which was attic space. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines up the stairs to the second floor and were able to get and initial knock down of the fire within about 15 minutes. At the same time other crews used chain saws to ventilate the roof, covered the belongings of the tenants with tarps, provided first aid to one burn victim, and pull down ceilings on the first floor to gain access to fire above. A total 12 apparatus, with 33 firefighters fought this blaze. The first knock down of the fire took about 15 minutes but fire crews will continue to be on scene for some time to overhaul the scene looking for any hidden fire and to clean up areas of the residence as necessary. Fire Investigators are also on to scene to determine the fire cause.
There was one civilian burn injury at this fire. The owner of the property and one tenant advanced a garden hose to the second floor in an attempt to extinguish the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. On scene reports indicate a portion of the burning structure fell onto them causing the burn injuries. Aid was rendered to the patient by on scene medics and he was transported to the hospital. No injuries to firefighters were reported.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently on scene and are investigating the cause of this fire. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to structure included fire damage to the entire second floor and attic space of the single story portion of the residence. Smoke and water damage was also evident on the first floor of the structure. In addition crews had to open the ceilings on the first floor in an attempt to find any hidden fire so it would not extend to other areas of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 90,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 33
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Local 29 members approve change of insurance plan to help city's finances...
Stand by for immense coverage from Spokesman-Review. Well, you may want to sit down.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3724 N Cook
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 3724 N Cook at 2:15 in the afternoon of Thursday, Aug 13th, for a reported structure fire. Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer was first on the scene and reported heavy black smoke issuing from a ground floor apartment in a 2 story wood/frame multi- building apartment complex. Under the direction of Chief Schaeffer the arriving crews of fire fighters were given assignments that, when carried out, led to a rapid extinguishment of this fire and their aggressive tactics kept the fire contained to the room of origin. All tenants of this particular building in the complex had successfully exited their apartments before fire fighters arrived on scene. As always the fire fighters did a thorough search of the entire building to insure that everyone was safely outside. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to any of the escaping civilians. The fire damage was confined to the apartment of origin with the majority of the fire damage contained to the room of origin. Smoke damage was also contained to the apartment of origin because the fire fighters were able to get to the seat of the fire very quickly. The involved apartment will be untenable until repairs can be made and it was learned that the displaced tenant will be staying with friends until such time as the apartment can be repaired. A cause for this fire is still being investigated by the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to one room that was being used as an office, smoke damage to most of the remainder of the apartment along with some minor water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3724 N Cook
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 3724 N Cook at 2:15 in the afternoon of Thursday, Aug 13th, for a reported structure fire. Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer was first on the scene and reported heavy black smoke issuing from a ground floor apartment in a 2 story wood/frame multi- building apartment complex. Under the direction of Chief Schaeffer the arriving crews of fire fighters were given assignments that, when carried out, led to a rapid extinguishment of this fire and their aggressive tactics kept the fire contained to the room of origin. All tenants of this particular building in the complex had successfully exited their apartments before fire fighters arrived on scene. As always the fire fighters did a thorough search of the entire building to insure that everyone was safely outside. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to any of the escaping civilians. The fire damage was confined to the apartment of origin with the majority of the fire damage contained to the room of origin. Smoke damage was also contained to the apartment of origin because the fire fighters were able to get to the seat of the fire very quickly. The involved apartment will be untenable until repairs can be made and it was learned that the displaced tenant will be staying with friends until such time as the apartment can be repaired. A cause for this fire is still being investigated by the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to one room that was being used as an office, smoke damage to most of the remainder of the apartment along with some minor water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Thursday, August 13, 2009
VOTE!
Don't forget to vote on how you feel about the proposed insurance plan. The meeting on Tuesday answered a lot of questions (including what happens if this doesn't pass). If you weren't able to go to that meeting or the one today, ask around. A lot of people were there and can answer your questions. Plus, all the worksheets and documents were mailed out to everybody who has registered on the local 29 account. The union has some hard copies too.
If you forgot your user name or password (like me) to vote, it can be emailed to your account through the local's website.
Find out what the facts are, think it over, and vote as soon as you can! You have until 08/19/2009 08:00:00.
If you forgot your user name or password (like me) to vote, it can be emailed to your account through the local's website.
Find out what the facts are, think it over, and vote as soon as you can! You have until 08/19/2009 08:00:00.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Fumes from rotting seaweed on France's northern beaches could kill
Probably something we should be aware of on the Spokane River.
Hopefully cell phone speed dialers will not read this article and add this to their list of potential 9-1-1 calls, along with bicycle-near-the-river and abandoned-raft-floating-down-the-river.
"Engine Four cell phone caller states that he saw some seaweed like growth washed up in People's Park. Check and advise."
If this story hits FOX News, you know we're going to get the call!
Hopefully cell phone speed dialers will not read this article and add this to their list of potential 9-1-1 calls, along with bicycle-near-the-river and abandoned-raft-floating-down-the-river.
"Engine Four cell phone caller states that he saw some seaweed like growth washed up in People's Park. Check and advise."
If this story hits FOX News, you know we're going to get the call!
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West 4930 Princeton Pl.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: This evening, August 4, 2009 at 4:46 pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched Engine 16 under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee to West 4930 Princeton Pl. E16 was sent to investigate smoke coming from a chimney in a home. Engine 16 arrived on the scene within two minutes of being dispatched and found a home that not only had smoke coming from the chimney, but also had smoke coming from the back side of the home.
Captain McNamee established Princeton Command and activated a normal fire response which dispatched 4 additional fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to the location. E16s crew masked up, stretched hose lines, and determined that the main body of fire was in the home's basement.
As the additional companies arrived, an aggressive fire attack was made into the structure and down the stairs into the basement to attack the fire. Firefighters from Station's 3 and 13 searched the first floor of the home for occupants. The searching firefighters located a large unconscious dog that had succumbed to the heavy smoke inside the home.
The unconscious dog was rescued from the burning home while crews extinguished the fire in the basement. The dog was treated and revived by Medic Bill Gonzalez and his crew from Station 13. Medic Gonzalez worked on the family pet for about 20 minutes. The family (who had returned home during the firefighting operations), transported the revived dog to their Veterinarian where it will be evaluated and treated. The family did lose one cat in the fire.
The fire in the home was knocked down within twenty minutes, with the majority of the fire damage confined to the basement. Smoke damage was sustained throughout the home. No injuries were incurred by Firefighters at this incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time and the official pronouncement will be made by Investigators after all the evidence had been reviewed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West 4930 Princeton Pl.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: This evening, August 4, 2009 at 4:46 pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched Engine 16 under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee to West 4930 Princeton Pl. E16 was sent to investigate smoke coming from a chimney in a home. Engine 16 arrived on the scene within two minutes of being dispatched and found a home that not only had smoke coming from the chimney, but also had smoke coming from the back side of the home.
Captain McNamee established Princeton Command and activated a normal fire response which dispatched 4 additional fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to the location. E16s crew masked up, stretched hose lines, and determined that the main body of fire was in the home's basement.
As the additional companies arrived, an aggressive fire attack was made into the structure and down the stairs into the basement to attack the fire. Firefighters from Station's 3 and 13 searched the first floor of the home for occupants. The searching firefighters located a large unconscious dog that had succumbed to the heavy smoke inside the home.
The unconscious dog was rescued from the burning home while crews extinguished the fire in the basement. The dog was treated and revived by Medic Bill Gonzalez and his crew from Station 13. Medic Gonzalez worked on the family pet for about 20 minutes. The family (who had returned home during the firefighting operations), transported the revived dog to their Veterinarian where it will be evaluated and treated. The family did lose one cat in the fire.
The fire in the home was knocked down within twenty minutes, with the majority of the fire damage confined to the basement. Smoke damage was sustained throughout the home. No injuries were incurred by Firefighters at this incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time and the official pronouncement will be made by Investigators after all the evidence had been reviewed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Monday, July 20, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1423 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At 2:55 am the Spokane Fire was called to 1423 E. Sanson in the Northeast part of the city to a kitchen fire. This was in a duplex that has 6 adults and 4 children living in one apartment. There was no working smoke detector and the cause of the fire appears to be an unattended pan of grease being heated on the stove. The pan of grease ignited catching the cabinets on fire. Upon arrival Engine 15 found the residents out of the structure and the fire growing in intensity in the kitchen. A quick fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line knocked the fire down. At the same time a search of the apartment was made while ventilating the smoke out. The ceiling above the kitchen stove was opened up to make sure there was no extension of fire into the structure and there was not. Red Cross was called to assist the residents as the kitchen was damaged and electrical power shut off to the apartment. One civilian injury was reported caused by smoke inhalation. She was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics but not transported at her request. Damage was confined to fire damage in the kitchen with smoke damage on the main floor. There were no injuries to Firefighters on scene and crews began to be released about 15 minutes after the arrival of the first crew. In all 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke detectors. Fortunately these people got out. Do not count on smoke waking you up; a working smoke detector will sound giving you time to evacuate yourself from the structure. Secondly, cooking fires like this happen quite often and can be prevented by not leaving the kitchen while cooking. When using any type of heating or cooking appliance your vigilance is required to stay safe.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended pan of grease
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen and smoke throughout the main floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1423 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At 2:55 am the Spokane Fire was called to 1423 E. Sanson in the Northeast part of the city to a kitchen fire. This was in a duplex that has 6 adults and 4 children living in one apartment. There was no working smoke detector and the cause of the fire appears to be an unattended pan of grease being heated on the stove. The pan of grease ignited catching the cabinets on fire. Upon arrival Engine 15 found the residents out of the structure and the fire growing in intensity in the kitchen. A quick fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line knocked the fire down. At the same time a search of the apartment was made while ventilating the smoke out. The ceiling above the kitchen stove was opened up to make sure there was no extension of fire into the structure and there was not. Red Cross was called to assist the residents as the kitchen was damaged and electrical power shut off to the apartment. One civilian injury was reported caused by smoke inhalation. She was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics but not transported at her request. Damage was confined to fire damage in the kitchen with smoke damage on the main floor. There were no injuries to Firefighters on scene and crews began to be released about 15 minutes after the arrival of the first crew. In all 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke detectors. Fortunately these people got out. Do not count on smoke waking you up; a working smoke detector will sound giving you time to evacuate yourself from the structure. Secondly, cooking fires like this happen quite often and can be prevented by not leaving the kitchen while cooking. When using any type of heating or cooking appliance your vigilance is required to stay safe.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended pan of grease
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen and smoke throughout the main floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Budget cuts, the news media and the Spokesman-Review opinion article.
As predicted here, Phase Two of the SR's push to form public opinion around the city's budget happened today in a piece by their editorial board. I am pretty sure I know what Phase Three is going to look like (sound like?). If you want to hear my prediction, email me. If I know you, I will tell you.
Before I get started here, I would like to thank Chiefs Schaeffer and Williams for not sugar-coating it for the media yesterday. The cuts, if they come to fruition, will mean 15 firefighters and the closure of one station. Thanks for telling it like it is.
Now then, this morning's editorial. It is basically a rehashing of the Journal of Business' editorial which I addressed here. No wonder, the Journal is an arm of the Cowles Publishing Co. Here is a more complete picture of the Cowles Publishing Co. It is easy to see how the information is controlled in Spokane and that the formation of public opinion is almost like a lab experiment where all the input is planned for a desired result.
The tone of the editorial this morning is that we are all one community and that many in our community are hurting financially and that city workers have good compensation, better than most of our citizens. There is a funding gap and we should chip in to help. Fair enough. I hate to sound like a broken record, but here we go again:
1. How will the community ever know when we give up compensation and benefits when the Spokesman-Review won't tell them? Why won't they tell the citizens? Please refer again to the Wikipedia article. The Cowles have not been a friend to organized labor or government employment. To squash positive stories of city workers is a "two-fer," in that city employees are both government employees and organized labor.
2. Yes, we are one community. In fact, we are the second largest city in the state. Interestingly, we are the only major city in the state without a B and O tax. Why is that? Who would stand to lose from a B and O tax? I know who would stand to gain - those of us who shop in the city and pay a whopping sales tax, those of us who live in the city and pay property taxes, cable TV taxes and other surcharges that go a long way to offset Spokane's bizarre lack of a B and O tax. Hey Journal of Business and Spokesman-Review, show us what community supporters you are by proposing a B and O tax. I've told you what we could do in response.
OK this is old news and my old opinion. Don't ever expect to see it in print. That's fine, the way things are going, probably just as many are reading this blog as are reading the paper.
Here is something new to chew on. Yes, the community is hurting. Foreclosures are up. The ranks of the uninsured are swelling. Medical assistance to the mentally ill is dwindling. Guess who takes care of these folks? Guess who stops the insurance arson fire from spreading from the building next door into your abode or business? That's right. And these are the folks you are going to cut. It's like being in the middle of a war set to escalate and you want to cut troop levels and troop compensation. Except this war is not in some far-off land. It's right here and right now. And those who get the most benefit from those fighting it are the ones least willing to pay for it.
Some things never change.
Before I get started here, I would like to thank Chiefs Schaeffer and Williams for not sugar-coating it for the media yesterday. The cuts, if they come to fruition, will mean 15 firefighters and the closure of one station. Thanks for telling it like it is.
Now then, this morning's editorial. It is basically a rehashing of the Journal of Business' editorial which I addressed here. No wonder, the Journal is an arm of the Cowles Publishing Co. Here is a more complete picture of the Cowles Publishing Co. It is easy to see how the information is controlled in Spokane and that the formation of public opinion is almost like a lab experiment where all the input is planned for a desired result.
The tone of the editorial this morning is that we are all one community and that many in our community are hurting financially and that city workers have good compensation, better than most of our citizens. There is a funding gap and we should chip in to help. Fair enough. I hate to sound like a broken record, but here we go again:
1. How will the community ever know when we give up compensation and benefits when the Spokesman-Review won't tell them? Why won't they tell the citizens? Please refer again to the Wikipedia article. The Cowles have not been a friend to organized labor or government employment. To squash positive stories of city workers is a "two-fer," in that city employees are both government employees and organized labor.
2. Yes, we are one community. In fact, we are the second largest city in the state. Interestingly, we are the only major city in the state without a B and O tax. Why is that? Who would stand to lose from a B and O tax? I know who would stand to gain - those of us who shop in the city and pay a whopping sales tax, those of us who live in the city and pay property taxes, cable TV taxes and other surcharges that go a long way to offset Spokane's bizarre lack of a B and O tax. Hey Journal of Business and Spokesman-Review, show us what community supporters you are by proposing a B and O tax. I've told you what we could do in response.
OK this is old news and my old opinion. Don't ever expect to see it in print. That's fine, the way things are going, probably just as many are reading this blog as are reading the paper.
Here is something new to chew on. Yes, the community is hurting. Foreclosures are up. The ranks of the uninsured are swelling. Medical assistance to the mentally ill is dwindling. Guess who takes care of these folks? Guess who stops the insurance arson fire from spreading from the building next door into your abode or business? That's right. And these are the folks you are going to cut. It's like being in the middle of a war set to escalate and you want to cut troop levels and troop compensation. Except this war is not in some far-off land. It's right here and right now. And those who get the most benefit from those fighting it are the ones least willing to pay for it.
Some things never change.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Health Insurance Insider Tells How the Insurance Industry Works to Form Public Opinion and Influence Legislators Against Reform
Probably there is no national issue which will affect our benefits, the financial health of Spokane, our patients' health, the type of calls we go on as much as health care reform. It is important to know that because of their deep pockets, and consequently the influence that the health insurance industry exerts upon our legislators and the media, we will have to dig hard to get to the truth of the issue.
Wendell Potter is an insider who has been at the helm of influencing public opinion and legislators for the insurance industry. This first clip is an introduction. To watch the whole thing, with a transcript click here.
Click here to watch the entire interview with transcript.
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. The industry influences both parties.
Wendell Potter is an insider who has been at the helm of influencing public opinion and legislators for the insurance industry. This first clip is an introduction. To watch the whole thing, with a transcript click here.
Click here to watch the entire interview with transcript.
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. The industry influences both parties.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A response to yesterday's S-R article on city unions...
Yesterday’s Spokesman-Review article by Jonathan Brunt was pretty typical and not a big surprise. When it comes to our wages and the city budget, I guess there are some key items that will never be mentioned in the Spokesman-Review:
1. The 48 hours that each of us worked for free to help the city in its last budget crisis. We never received a media mention when we did it. And it won’t ever be noted in an article concerning the budget crisis de jour.
2. The fact that Spokane is the only city in the state without a B and O tax. The budget continues to be balanced on the backs of home and property owners, cable subscribers, shoppers and visitors. Hmmm, who would be effected by a B and O tax? Perhaps that is why it never gets mentioned.
3. Spokane’s firefighters respond to more emergencies with less people for about a fourth (I think) less funding than our comparables. Quite a good deal for the taxpayer. Don’t expect to ever see that in print.
4. Insurance company’s premiums continue to escalate, even while their bank accounts swell. Actually there was a mention of this in an opinion article yesterday but there was no connection to Brunt’s article. Insurance companies generate a lot of advertising revenue.
It will be interesting to see if Sunday’s article is the beginning of the predictable pattern the newspaper uses to form public opinion in Spokane. We’ll see if Phase Two manifests itself, as scheduled, tomorrow.
I have to admit that Mr. Brunt’s article, while definitely slanted, wasn’t completely lopsided. Maybe he didn’t get the memo about how this is supposed to work.
Here’s what I would propose Local 29 put forward to help the city budget. After reading this, you probably will be glad I’m not calling the shots.
1. We would be willing to give up a commensurate percentage of our next cost-of-living wage for every percentage the city is willing to tax businesses. The Journal of Business talks a good game about how we are all in this together. Let’s see them put up or shut up.
2. Forget about giving up any of our upcoming raises. Let’s have a business and occupation tax for anyone or any entity that makes money in Spokane - including firefighters, cops, plumbers, newspaper reporters, businesses - everyone who makes money off the infrastructure (including fire protection) Spokane provides.
3. How about a gasoline tax to pay for the emergency calls that automobiles generate? Beside car fires and MVAs, you can throw heart disease, diabetes and obesity-related calls into the mix. Along those lines, a tax on “high gravity” beer might make the imbibers of such pay for the detox service they periodically enjoy.
4. This is my favorite idea. Every percentage that an insurance company raises its rates on city-provided plans, there is a commensurate tax on the revenues they receive for providing insurance to Spokane citizens and companies. They raise their rates 10%, we slap them with a 10% tax. Next year, if they raise their rates another 10%, it’s now a 20% tax. I think they would get the message. There is no free market competition for health insurance companies. Never has been. This might help.
All to say, the Spokesman-Review has, from its earliest days, despised organized labor and the ability of working men and women to come together and effect change. It threatens the oligarchy of inherited wealth and power. Whenever there is a chance to put the blame in the lap of labor, they will make sure it happens. The continued news blackout of our previous concessions just makes this more obvious.
Whatever decision we make in regard to concessions, or medical insurance reform, we need to make sure we do it because it’s the right thing to do and be prepared that not one of our citizens will ever hear about it from the Spokesman-Review.
John
1. The 48 hours that each of us worked for free to help the city in its last budget crisis. We never received a media mention when we did it. And it won’t ever be noted in an article concerning the budget crisis de jour.
2. The fact that Spokane is the only city in the state without a B and O tax. The budget continues to be balanced on the backs of home and property owners, cable subscribers, shoppers and visitors. Hmmm, who would be effected by a B and O tax? Perhaps that is why it never gets mentioned.
3. Spokane’s firefighters respond to more emergencies with less people for about a fourth (I think) less funding than our comparables. Quite a good deal for the taxpayer. Don’t expect to ever see that in print.
4. Insurance company’s premiums continue to escalate, even while their bank accounts swell. Actually there was a mention of this in an opinion article yesterday but there was no connection to Brunt’s article. Insurance companies generate a lot of advertising revenue.
It will be interesting to see if Sunday’s article is the beginning of the predictable pattern the newspaper uses to form public opinion in Spokane. We’ll see if Phase Two manifests itself, as scheduled, tomorrow.
I have to admit that Mr. Brunt’s article, while definitely slanted, wasn’t completely lopsided. Maybe he didn’t get the memo about how this is supposed to work.
Here’s what I would propose Local 29 put forward to help the city budget. After reading this, you probably will be glad I’m not calling the shots.
1. We would be willing to give up a commensurate percentage of our next cost-of-living wage for every percentage the city is willing to tax businesses. The Journal of Business talks a good game about how we are all in this together. Let’s see them put up or shut up.
2. Forget about giving up any of our upcoming raises. Let’s have a business and occupation tax for anyone or any entity that makes money in Spokane - including firefighters, cops, plumbers, newspaper reporters, businesses - everyone who makes money off the infrastructure (including fire protection) Spokane provides.
3. How about a gasoline tax to pay for the emergency calls that automobiles generate? Beside car fires and MVAs, you can throw heart disease, diabetes and obesity-related calls into the mix. Along those lines, a tax on “high gravity” beer might make the imbibers of such pay for the detox service they periodically enjoy.
4. This is my favorite idea. Every percentage that an insurance company raises its rates on city-provided plans, there is a commensurate tax on the revenues they receive for providing insurance to Spokane citizens and companies. They raise their rates 10%, we slap them with a 10% tax. Next year, if they raise their rates another 10%, it’s now a 20% tax. I think they would get the message. There is no free market competition for health insurance companies. Never has been. This might help.
All to say, the Spokesman-Review has, from its earliest days, despised organized labor and the ability of working men and women to come together and effect change. It threatens the oligarchy of inherited wealth and power. Whenever there is a chance to put the blame in the lap of labor, they will make sure it happens. The continued news blackout of our previous concessions just makes this more obvious.
Whatever decision we make in regard to concessions, or medical insurance reform, we need to make sure we do it because it’s the right thing to do and be prepared that not one of our citizens will ever hear about it from the Spokesman-Review.
John
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1904 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just after 2pm Saturday afternoon July 11, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1904 E. Gordon in the Northeast part of the city. Due to the fast action of the homeowner by calling the Fire Department and a quick coordinated fire attack from below the attic fire and ventilating the roof with a chainsaw the fire was kept to a minimum. Upon arrival of the first fire crew, smoke could be seen coming from every opening in the roof. A search of the house was made to make sure all occupants had gotten out. Simultaneously a hole was cut in the roof to ventilate the hot gasses out of the attic and a 1 ¾" fire hose was pulled to the upstairs and used to extinguish the fire. The utilities to the house were shut off for safety and an investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Fire crews had a knockdown of the fire about 15 minutes after arrival. There are no reports of injuries to either the homeowner or the fire crews. 4 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, a Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded to the fire but crews began to be put back in service about 45 minutes after the fire attack began.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but first look by responding crews it appears to be electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling on the second floor, roof decking and some smoke/water damage on the second floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1904 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just after 2pm Saturday afternoon July 11, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1904 E. Gordon in the Northeast part of the city. Due to the fast action of the homeowner by calling the Fire Department and a quick coordinated fire attack from below the attic fire and ventilating the roof with a chainsaw the fire was kept to a minimum. Upon arrival of the first fire crew, smoke could be seen coming from every opening in the roof. A search of the house was made to make sure all occupants had gotten out. Simultaneously a hole was cut in the roof to ventilate the hot gasses out of the attic and a 1 ¾" fire hose was pulled to the upstairs and used to extinguish the fire. The utilities to the house were shut off for safety and an investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Fire crews had a knockdown of the fire about 15 minutes after arrival. There are no reports of injuries to either the homeowner or the fire crews. 4 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, a Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded to the fire but crews began to be put back in service about 45 minutes after the fire attack began.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but first look by responding crews it appears to be electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling on the second floor, roof decking and some smoke/water damage on the second floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 614 West Montgomery
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday July 8, 2009 at 08:30 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 614 West Montgomery. A resident in the two-story single family residence converted to an apartment contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the residence was filling with smoke and there was a fire.
The neighborhood fire company arrived within four-minutes and reported smoke showing from all sides of the two-story apartment house. They followed up with additional information that a significant amount of fire was spreading in the rear of the home from the first floor to the second floor. It was unknown at the time of the alarm whether all occupants were able to evacuate from the home during the fire. The first engine stretched pre-connected hose lines to the first floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to allow for a safer atmosphere for other companies as they searched for possible victims. Nearly simultaneously, a Ladder Company arrived and immediately entered and began to search both floors of the home to locate potential victims. Additional companies placed ground ladders to the exterior, ventilated the roof and backed up the initial attack crews and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while continuing to search victims. The fire was controlled in just twenty minutes. They were successful in confining the fire to the rear of the home and attic and limited spread into the address side (front) of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The official cause is under investigation currently by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary information given from residents at the scene to the media suggested that the cause was electrical; however the cause has not been determined at the time of this release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant structural damage on all floors and attic in the rear of the converted structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 614 West Montgomery
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Wednesday July 8, 2009 at 08:30 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 614 West Montgomery. A resident in the two-story single family residence converted to an apartment contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the residence was filling with smoke and there was a fire.
The neighborhood fire company arrived within four-minutes and reported smoke showing from all sides of the two-story apartment house. They followed up with additional information that a significant amount of fire was spreading in the rear of the home from the first floor to the second floor. It was unknown at the time of the alarm whether all occupants were able to evacuate from the home during the fire. The first engine stretched pre-connected hose lines to the first floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to allow for a safer atmosphere for other companies as they searched for possible victims. Nearly simultaneously, a Ladder Company arrived and immediately entered and began to search both floors of the home to locate potential victims. Additional companies placed ground ladders to the exterior, ventilated the roof and backed up the initial attack crews and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while continuing to search victims. The fire was controlled in just twenty minutes. They were successful in confining the fire to the rear of the home and attic and limited spread into the address side (front) of the structure.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The official cause is under investigation currently by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary information given from residents at the scene to the media suggested that the cause was electrical; however the cause has not been determined at the time of this release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant structural damage on all floors and attic in the rear of the converted structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Monday, July 06, 2009
PRESS RELEASE - SPOKANE FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Spokane Firefighters IAFF LOCAL 29 and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation team up to provide citizens of Spokane free smoke detectors.
The WSCFF has matched a $500 donation made by the Spokane Firefighters Union to buy $1000 worth of smoke detectors for Spokane families. 55 smoke detectors have already been purchased. They will be presented to Jan Doherty, the Spokane Fire Department’s education officer by Greg Borg, President of Local 29. There will be more smoke detectors to follow.
When the fire department responds to a call in a residential home, if there is no detector, one - if available, can be installed by Local 29 members - City of Spokane firefighters. This service, as well as the detector, is free to homeowners and renters. However, landlords are required by law to provide detectors for their renters, and may be charged for the cost of the detector. City of Spokane residents can also stop by a fire station to obtain a detector. Detectors will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis until all are distributed.
Greg Borg, IAFF Local 29 president says, “There is no doubt that smoke detectors save lives. As we are seeing more and more fires in the last few weeks, it is just a matter of time for a tragedy to occur. Unfortunately, someone will soon be killed or seriously injured in a fire because their home did not have a detector. We want to provide that ounce of prevention.”
The smoke detectors will soon be available.
For more information, please contact Local 29 President Greg Borg at 998-3617, Vice-President Mark Vietzke at 710-2045, or the Local 29 office at 484-5598.
Spokane Firefighters IAFF LOCAL 29 and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation team up to provide citizens of Spokane free smoke detectors.
The WSCFF has matched a $500 donation made by the Spokane Firefighters Union to buy $1000 worth of smoke detectors for Spokane families. 55 smoke detectors have already been purchased. They will be presented to Jan Doherty, the Spokane Fire Department’s education officer by Greg Borg, President of Local 29. There will be more smoke detectors to follow.
When the fire department responds to a call in a residential home, if there is no detector, one - if available, can be installed by Local 29 members - City of Spokane firefighters. This service, as well as the detector, is free to homeowners and renters. However, landlords are required by law to provide detectors for their renters, and may be charged for the cost of the detector. City of Spokane residents can also stop by a fire station to obtain a detector. Detectors will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis until all are distributed.
Greg Borg, IAFF Local 29 president says, “There is no doubt that smoke detectors save lives. As we are seeing more and more fires in the last few weeks, it is just a matter of time for a tragedy to occur. Unfortunately, someone will soon be killed or seriously injured in a fire because their home did not have a detector. We want to provide that ounce of prevention.”
The smoke detectors will soon be available.
For more information, please contact Local 29 President Greg Borg at 998-3617, Vice-President Mark Vietzke at 710-2045, or the Local 29 office at 484-5598.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Fire Press Release - Three Fer
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian SchaefferDATE OF INCIDENT: 7/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5408 East Commerce Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99212
NARRATIVE: On Friday July 3, 2009 at 08:41 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Inman responded to a reported residence fire at 5408 East Commerce Avenue on the City's far east side. The neighborhood's Fire Engine (Engine 8) arrived within five minutes and reported a single family home fully involved in fire. Nearby residents also reported that fire was blowing from all of the windows of the home and the front yard. As the first company was establishing a water supply and preparing to take action on the fire, two patients were identified as occupants from the home by neighbors. An adult female and 4-year old male (mother and son) were able to escape from the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival and were found across the street suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Simultaneously, other companies arrived and provided advanced life support to the patients as other companies made entry into the home to search for additional family members and attack the fire. Neighbors had reported to on-scene personnel that multiple family members routinely stayed at the home which resulted in companies searching the home and its basement four-times under heavy fire conditions.
Both patients were transported to Sacred Heart and are receiving treatment there for injuries received from the incident. The fire was controlled in 30-minutes with all of the assigned resourced working extremely hard in difficult conditions. Firefighters were successful in confining the fire to the home, limiting loss to the family's possessions and preventing the fire's spread to adjacent homes. The Spokane Police Department's Chaplain was also successful in locating and accounting for family members which were off-site with relatives.
The outcome of this incident reinforces the importance of the Fire Department providing Paramedic-Level Emergency Medical Services in the fashion that we do. Dual trained Firefighters as Paramedics allows us to immediately treat injured/ill people without delay and truly bring the Emergency Room to the patient in need. In a Fire/EMS deployment system, time is of the essence; and the life saved today is a perfect example of the components of the system coming together for a successful outcome.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire has been determined to be the child playing with a lighter.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The majority of the home was destroyed by the fire. Some of the family's possessions were removed by firefighters and salvageable.
DOLLAR LOSS: 200,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 111 East Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: On Saturday July 4, 2009 at 4:33 AM, 9 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 3 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius responded to a reported residence fire at 111 East Sinto near the Gonzaga Campus.
A patrolling Police Officer discovered and reported the fire through SPD Dispatch. Police Officers made attempts to evacuate residents of the apartment prior to SFD's arrival. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and reported an older multiple-story home with smoke and fire coming from the back of the building. The building was actually a large older home converted into apartments occupied with multiple tenants. Initial arriving companies were able to rescue two persons which crawled onto a roof their bedroom window with ladders and evacuate the remaining tenants through doorways. Other companies ventilated and attacked the fire simultaneously while performing detailed searches on all three floors. One occupant was treated on-scene by SFD Paramedics and transported via AMR due to injuries received from the fire and products of combustion. Her condition was listed as stable at the time of this release.
The fire was confined to bedroom and adjoining area within 15 minutes. Aside from the occupant transported, no other injuries were reported. Both SFD and SPD are anticipated to be remaining on scene for most of the morning.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currently under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Smoke damage throughout and focused fire damage to the rear of structure. Seven adualts and three children are receiving assistance by the American Red Cross/ Inland NW Chapter.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 32
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1516 E. Sharp Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: At 7:42 P.M. on July 4th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in an attached garage at 1516 E. Sharp Ave. Multiple crews reported heavy smoke visible while enroute to the scene. The first crew arriving on scene reported an attached garage fully involved in fire, and fire extending through an enclosed breezeway and beginning to enter the house. Arching overhead power lines which burned through and dropped to the ground presented an additional hazard to the firefighters. As some crews began extinguishing the fire, others searched the house to make sure any occupants were out. No one was found in the house, and it was later determined that the tenant was visiting at a nearby house at the time of the fire. An aggressive fire attack combined with rapidly opening-up concealed spaces stopped the advancing fire before it could gain a strong foothold in the house. Crews remained on scene for more than three hours completing salvage and overhaul.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The area of origin of the fire appeared to be on the exterior of the garage, but the exact cause is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The single car garage and breezeway attaching it to the house were heavily damaged. The house received some fire damage and will not be habitable until repairs can be made.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Never mind the previous post.
Our condolences to the Jackson family, friends and fans. Sounds like the fire department did their best, but it was too late. There are numerous fansites set up where fans can leave their thoughts. This is not really one of them, but if you would like to say something you can.
Fire Department Saves Michael Jackson's Life...
Another good reason for you guys who are on the fence to consider becoming paramedics. No word on Bubbles the chimp.
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1908 E. Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On the morning of June 25th, 2009 at 3:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 26 firefighters with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1908 E. Wellesley. Engine 15 under the command of Capt. Ryan Reding found a single family home with fire coming out the back side. A report was received by the dispatch center stating that there were two people possibly trapped inside. A fast and aggressive search of the structure was started utilizing two fire crews. These search crews split into two groups and were able to cover the main floor of the burning home in rapid fashion. At the same time of the ongoing search, a fire attack team along with a roof team were working together in order to confine the fire as soon as possible. A roof ventilation hole was cut by the roof team and the fire attack team below was starting to darken down the fire but the fire had gained a significant amount of headway and was continuing to spread inside void areas above, in the attic. After a hard battle of hose line stretching, extinguishment, searching, cutting and breaching it was determined to "go defensive" as the house had been considerably weakened by the fire. An immediate withdrawal of firefighters from the interior was ordered. Although the majority of the home had been searched for victims, a small portion remained that had not been searched. Defensive tactics began which involved crews controlling the fire from above using an aerial nozzle stream and from hose lines on the ground on the outside of the structure. As soon as defensive tactics were underway, a report was received that the two occupants were out of town and this was later confirmed to be true. Fire crews also searched the garage behind the home and found a number of dogs to be in good condition. Shortly after this, a partial collapse of the porch roof occurred on the back side of the house momentarily trapping 3 firefighters. The Rapid Intervention Team consisting of firefighters from Ladder 1's crew were deployed to assist. All 3 firefighters were removed from the debris very quickly and one firefighter sustained a minor back injury and was transported to Holy Family Hospital. He was released a few hours later and is expected to recover soon. The other 2 firefighters were not injured. Another firefighter also sustained a minor back injury in the later stages of the fire while operating on the outside of the home and was not transported. As the fire was burning, two separate multi-occupancy complexes on either side of the home were under threat. Fire crews successfully kept the fire from extending to these structures. A complete evacuation was ordered early to ensure the safety of these occupants. All occupants were allowed to return after the fire was contained. The Red Cross arrived and assisted the family of the burned home with shelter, food and clothing. The home was a total loss and plans were being made early this morning to demolish the structure. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home and the majority of it's contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 170,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1908 E. Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On the morning of June 25th, 2009 at 3:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 26 firefighters with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1908 E. Wellesley. Engine 15 under the command of Capt. Ryan Reding found a single family home with fire coming out the back side. A report was received by the dispatch center stating that there were two people possibly trapped inside. A fast and aggressive search of the structure was started utilizing two fire crews. These search crews split into two groups and were able to cover the main floor of the burning home in rapid fashion. At the same time of the ongoing search, a fire attack team along with a roof team were working together in order to confine the fire as soon as possible. A roof ventilation hole was cut by the roof team and the fire attack team below was starting to darken down the fire but the fire had gained a significant amount of headway and was continuing to spread inside void areas above, in the attic. After a hard battle of hose line stretching, extinguishment, searching, cutting and breaching it was determined to "go defensive" as the house had been considerably weakened by the fire. An immediate withdrawal of firefighters from the interior was ordered. Although the majority of the home had been searched for victims, a small portion remained that had not been searched. Defensive tactics began which involved crews controlling the fire from above using an aerial nozzle stream and from hose lines on the ground on the outside of the structure. As soon as defensive tactics were underway, a report was received that the two occupants were out of town and this was later confirmed to be true. Fire crews also searched the garage behind the home and found a number of dogs to be in good condition. Shortly after this, a partial collapse of the porch roof occurred on the back side of the house momentarily trapping 3 firefighters. The Rapid Intervention Team consisting of firefighters from Ladder 1's crew were deployed to assist. All 3 firefighters were removed from the debris very quickly and one firefighter sustained a minor back injury and was transported to Holy Family Hospital. He was released a few hours later and is expected to recover soon. The other 2 firefighters were not injured. Another firefighter also sustained a minor back injury in the later stages of the fire while operating on the outside of the home and was not transported. As the fire was burning, two separate multi-occupancy complexes on either side of the home were under threat. Fire crews successfully kept the fire from extending to these structures. A complete evacuation was ordered early to ensure the safety of these occupants. All occupants were allowed to return after the fire was contained. The Red Cross arrived and assisted the family of the burned home with shelter, food and clothing. The home was a total loss and plans were being made early this morning to demolish the structure. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home and the majority of it's contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 170,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)