Fire Press Release

1113 W. York

Incident #: 2012021672
Date of Incident: 5/26/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Yesterday, May 26th, 2012, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 6:30 PM to 1113 West York on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene was Engine 3 from the local neighborhood fire station at Indiana and Ash. The Lieutenant reported a basement fire in a 1-story, wood framed residence. An aggressive interior attack by the first arriving crews confined the fire to the basement while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Six fire companies with 18 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the basement with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $10000

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

SFD buys used 1992 fire engine

Story here. The KREM site's HTML  does not let me make the video smaller, so that's why the right side is cut off. Apologies.

Fire press release

Vacant structure sustains heavy fire damage.

Incident #: 2012020707
Date of Incident: 5/20/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 3:40 AM, Sunday morning, May 20th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2623 E. Sprague Ave. The first engine company on-scene reported a one-story brick and wood frame house with heavy smoke and flames on the exterior west side and extending into the attic. The incident was upgraded to a working fire, which added a second aerial ladder to the five engines, one ladder truck, one heavy rescue, and two chief officers already enroute or on-scene. Crews quickly forced entry into the structure and advanced multiple hose lines through the smoky conditions to locate and extinguish the rapidly advancing fire. In addition to fire attack and roof ventilation, crews performed a search of the building for any victims. The house, which had multiple additions, was determined to be vacant, and no victims were found. There were no injuries to firefighters at this fire. The Spokane Police Department closed Sprague Avenue and provided traffic control during the 5-hour duration of this incident.

Cause:
Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit completed their on-scene fire cause investigation and preliminarily determined the area of origin to be on the exterior. At this time the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Electricity and gas had been disconnected to the vacant structure.

Damage:
Damage was confined to heavy fire damage to the exterior siding and to the roof. There was also smoke, water and overhaul damage to the interior walls and ceilings.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $40,000

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

Local 29 Firefighters will be serving and protecting the Lilac Parade tonight!

This from the Spokanarama blog. It shows the Aberdeen Bobcats practicing on the South Hill yesterday. Spokane's firefighters will be along the parade route in case things go awry with any marching, twirling or flaming batons.  Not sure which  engine or ladder is in the parade.

Final Bloomsday Tally

37 Bloomies were treated by Local 29 Spokane Fire Department Personnel during Bloomsday. Two of these folks died on the course but were brought back by Local 29 SFD paramedics. Great job!

Fire Press Release

Astor Terrace Apartments

Incident #:  2012019605
Date of Incident:  5/13/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
Today, May 13, 2012, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 3:16 PM to 406 East Montgomery on a reported structure fire. The first crew to arrive on scene, Engine 2 from the local neighborhood fire station, reported smoke showing from the roof of a 2-story- wood framed apartment building with a fire reported in a 2nd floor apartment. Engine 2 along with assistance from several neighborhood civilians, used ground ladders to rescue 2 trapped occupants from a window on the second floor. Firefighters from Engine 2 with the assistance from additional firefighters from Engine 3 then made entry into the structure and aggressively attacked the fire located in an apartment on the south east corner of the 2nd floor. Additional fire crews completed search and rescue, evacuation, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Nine fire companies with 31 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
Fire and smoke damage was confined to the 2nd floor apartment.
# Firefighters Responding: 34
Dollar Loss: $20000

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

Congrats to graduating recruits!

We'll  see you in the stations. Good luck with the rest of your year's probation - fires, medical emergencies, car wrecks, etc. Plus, lots of physical and skills testing and having to learn every reg and where every street in Spokane is. Congrats Class 2012-1!
 

Congrats to our own Tammy Tibbles - Inducted into the WIAA Hall of Fame!

Great story on a sports legend who is also a Local 29 member!

Local 29 endorses Jay Inslee for Governor!

Jay Inslee stopped by the union hall on Tuesday and we endorsed him. He asked a lot of questions about us and we asked him a lot of questions. He was very knowledgeable regarding what we do, not just as in what we do as a union, but also what we do in our jobs. He says he will stand up for our basic human right of collective bargaining, which is something you probably won't hear from his opponent. Please check out his website.  Beside being a US congressman, he has been a laborer in many industries, so he knows what it means to "work for a living." Please ask your friends and neighbors to support him as well.

Local 29 to endorse Inslee today at union hall

  MEDIA ADVISORY: Spokane Fire Fighters Announce Endorsement of Jay Inslee for Governor

Spokane Fire Fighters Union, Local 29, will be welcoming Democratic candidate for governor, Jay Inslee, to Spokane on Tuesday, May 8 and announcing their endorsement for his campaign.  Leaders of the Spokane Fire Fighters Union will gather for the announcement in front of their 1936 vintage fire truck with remarks from Local 29 President Mark Vietzke and Inslee.

When:             Tuesday, May 8 at 2:15 PM
Where:            Spokane Fire Fighters Union Hall, 911 E. Baldwin, Spokane

For more information, contact Mark Vietzke at 509.484.5598 or Inslee campaign press secretary, Jaime Smith, at 253.334.5670.

Imaginary pension under attack!

As many of you know, those responsible for  the global economic crisis seek to blame the only folks who are organized in opposition to them - us - unions.  Not only do they seek to limit our ability to help average working Americans, they would like us to be forced into dumping money into their war chests via 401Ks, by eliminating our pensions.  


As if this isn't bad enough, recently, the local weekly The Inlander had an editorial which sought to reform our "city pensions." The author, Robert Herold, suggested that our "lavish city pensions" were a cause for the city's financial problems. Well, as you know, we don't receive any city pensions. 


I emailed the author asking for a retraction. Nothing. I went to visit him during his office hours at Gonzaga University where he is an adjunct professor. He was a no show. Finally, he emailed me to tell me that if I didn't like what he had to say, I should just write a letter to the editor. Which I already had completed. Don Waller had also prepared a letter as an official response from the union. They were not published this week, probably because they had two published that said what we were going to say anyway.  


Don and I thought you may want to see what these letters looked like. So here you go. Thanks, John


Local 29's response:

In an article written by Robert Herold, and published by the Inlander on April 18^th 2012, there was misrepresentation about the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters II (LEOFF II) Pension.  Here are the facts. 

LEOFF is not a City pension as was stated.  While most all of the employees in the City are covered by a city pension; Police Officers and Fire Fighters are not.

The Police and Fire Departments make up the largest portion of the General Fund budget, however, pensions are an extremely small portion of each Department’s budget.  

The portion of the budget Police and Fire make up has been reduced over the last few decades as the workforce and emergency services have been reduced.  Money has been shifted to other parts of the City budget and our citizens have seen greatly reduced Police and Fire service delivery levels.  

The minimum retirement age is 53, not 50 as stated.  If a pension is collected before the minimum age of 53, a 3% per year penalty is imposed by the state.

  Under the LEOFF II pension, an employee pays 8.64% of their gross pay into the retirement system, the employer 5.24%. 

Most noteworthy is that the city does NOT contribute to Social Security for firefighters. All employers (government and private) contribute 6.2% to Social Security as required by Federal law.  The employer contributes 1% less for Fire Fighters and Police Officers than all other employers do for their employees.  Therefore, the LEOFF II Pension is saving our very own City several hundred thousand dollars every year.  While the vast majority of Fire Fighters do not qualify for Social Security, those who do, see a SS benefit reduction in direct correlation to their LEOFF II pension benefit.  Some Fire Fighters do not even qualify for Medicare, seemingly a right in this country.

Once a LEOFF II Fire Fighter separates from service, the employer no longer has any liability to that Fire Fighter for any reason, including their pension.  Washington State manages the funds in the LEOFF system where currently it is fully funded and healthy.  The funds that go in, 50% of which are the employees’, are maintaining all benefits and all actuarial reports show that it will sustain itself. The State has threatened to “borrow” money from the LEOFF pension recently like has happened in a few other states, elsewhere this has ended in catastrophe causing many other ramifications to follow.

My response:

As someone who usually enjoys Professor Robert Herold's editorials, I was very curious to read what he had to say about the City of Spokane reforming its pension system for firefighters and police officers. Why the curiosity? Because, interestingly, there is no City of Spokane pension system for firefighters and police officers.

It's a shame Bob wasted all that ink and paper to stridently plea for reform of something that doesn't even exist. At least he didn't waste much of his time preparing this editorial. Obviously, Professor Herold's academic forte is not research. 

I am a firefighter and a member of IAFF Local 29, the city firefighters' union. The majority of my state-administered pension plan's contributions are made by me. The city does contribute some and so does the state. However, Spokane's firefighters and police officers do not contribute to Social Security, nor will they receive it. Correspondingly, the City of Spokane makes no contribution to our Social Security. The taxpayers of Spokane pay one-percent less to a firefighter's or police officer's pension than they would if they were having to, instead, pay into his or her Social Security. That's right. The City of Spokane saves money because firefighters and police officers are on this pension plan and not on Social Security. 

Not satisfied with just attacking something that doesn't even exist, Bob also launches into general falsehoods about police and fire retirements. 

Bob, a  firefighter or police officer has to work until at least age 53 or be penalized up to 9%. Contrary to what you wrote, there is no retirement allowed before age 50. Most will not even retire at age 53 because much of their retirement would go to pay for private medical insurance until Medicare kicks in at age 65. 

Professor Herold worked for 31 years at EWU. He says he didn't have a pension plan - only a 401K. He neglected to disclose that he did have the option of joining a state pension plan, very similar to mine - except he also receives Social Security, but he declined. I suspect he may now be regretting this decision, and this may be the impetus for his editorial. If Professor Herold did as much research into choosing his stock portfolio for his 401K as he did for his article on mythical "police and fire city pensions," his investments surely have not done very well. 

Should there be a conversation about public employee pensions? Absolutely. But, why don't we start with discussing pensions that actually exist - what they cost, who pays for them, etc.? Bob, Like I said, I have enjoyed your editorials in the past. Now I have to wonder if they were all just works of fiction, as well. Do your homework next time. 

John Griffith

Spokane, WA

Press Release - Spokane Fire Fighters to Endorse Jay Inslee for Governor

MEDIA ADVISORY: Spokane Fire Fighters Announce Endorsement of Jay Inslee for Governor

Spokane Fire Fighters Union, Local 29, will be welcoming Democratic candidate for governor, Jay Inslee, to Spokane on Tuesday, May 8 and announcing their endorsement for his campaign.  Leaders of the Spokane Fire Fighters Union will gather for the announcement in front of their 1936 vintage fire truck with remarks from Local 29 President Mark Vietzke and Inslee.

When:             Tuesday, May 8 at 2:15 PM
Where:            Spokane Fire Fighters Union Hall, 911 E. Baldwin, Spokane

For more information, contact Mark Vietzke at 509.484.5598 or Inslee campaign press secretary, Jaime Smith, at 253.334.5670.

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012017964#
Date of Incident:  5/3/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
On Thursday May 3rd 2012 at 12:47 am, The Spokane Fire Dept responded one ladder, four engines, one heavy rescue and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported fire in a single family dwelling located at 1907 E. North Foothills Drive. The first arriving ladder officer reported smoke and intense heat on the second floor of the single family dwelling. Crews were assigned to attack the fire, search for occupants, and to ventilate the roof of the home. The quick actions of the crews resulted in the fire being confined to the bedroom of the second floor. The four occupants are being housed by the Red Cross until the home can be repaired. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
Cause:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit but appears to have started in the second floor bedroom.
Damage:
Direct fire damage was confined to the second floor bedroom with smoke damage to the entire second floor. The roof also sustained damage from the ladder crew performing the required vertical ventilation.
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $15,000.00

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

Great Website! WORK CONNECTS US ALL!

 Check it out here.

Two deputies saved the life of an 84-year-old man who suffered a heart attack Thursday

Great story in the Spokesman-Review this morning here.

Here's what it said:

"Two deputies saved the life of an 84-year-old man who suffered a heart attack Thursday, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Deputy Ray Miller was patrolling near the area of Thorpe and Assembly roads in southwest Spokane County when he saw the man’s vehicle blocking 37th Street.

As Miller approached, Deputy Matt Gould, who was off duty, stopped at the truck and told Miller he thought the man needed medical attention.

The man was in the driver’s seat and said he’d eaten oatmeal and coffee at a restaurant and didn’t feel well, according to a news release. He couldn’t stop vomiting but refused medical assistance. Miller called medics.

Medics confirmed the man was having heart problems; they later contacted Miller and said the man had just completed open-heart surgery and had been suffering a heart attack when deputies contacted him."

Fire Press Release

Automatic fire sprinklers contain blaze

Incident #: 2012016269
Date of Incident: 4/21/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 1550 hours on Saturday, April 21, 2012, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm activation at St. Margret's Shelter, 101 E. Hartson Ave. The first crew arrived within four minutes and reported smoke showing from second floor windows of the two-story women and children's shelter, and requested a full structure fire response. The first crew immediately initiated a primary search of the structure to confirm reports that all occupants had exited the building. As additional crews arrived on-scene, fire attack hose leads were stretched to the fire area, and ventilation procedures initiated to remove the pent-up smoke. Additionally, crews evaluated all occupants who were evacuated from the building, for any injuries. One adult female was treated for minor smoke inhalation and was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center for further evaluation. The fire was located in a closet in a second floor apartment-style room. Automatic fire sprinklers, activated by the fire, kept it from spreading to the contents of the apartment. Final extinguishment was completed by the fire crews. Although the fire damage was confined to the contents of the closet, there was considerable water damage from the activated sprinkler heads, to the first and second floors of the front end of the building. Due to the water damage, and until the sprinkler and alarm system can be returned to service, all occupants are being relocated to other accommodations, either through Catholic Charities or the Red Cross. Also assisting at this incident were supervisory and ambulance crews from American Medical Response and Spokane Police Department patrol officers.

Cause:
Investigators from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of the fire to be children playing with a cigarette lighter.

Damage:
There was minor fire and smoke damage to the fire apartment and considerable water damage to the first and second floors of the front end of the building.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $100,000

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

Fire Press Release

2717 N Altamont Structure Fire

Incident #: 2012014841
Date of Incident: 4/11/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On, Wednesday April 11, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:20 PM to 2717 North Altamont on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire showing at the back of a vacant 1-story, wood-framed single family home. After further investigation the fire crew discovered a fire that had originated at or near the back porch of the residence had extended into the kitchen and attic of the structure. The firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior while additional fire crews completed vertical ventilation, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to any civilians or firefighters. Seven fire companies with 25 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the back porch, kitchen and attic with minor smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $40,000

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

Two Philadephia firefighters killed, another two injured in warehouse blaze

Very sad news here.

From Our 7th District

Fire Press Release

Commercial Garage Fire In City's East End

Incident #: 2012013576
Date of Incident: 4/3/2012
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Tuesday, April 3rd at 2:55 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a commercial garage fire located at 120 N. Ralph in the city's east end. Engine 7 from their neighborhood station at 1st and Magnolia was first to arrive and noticed heavy black smoke coming from the garage. They immediately began an interior offensive attack using hose lines while later arriving crews began to search and ventilate the interior. All occupants made it out of the building safely. After 20 minutes, the fire was reported to be knocked down. Fire crews were able to successfully keep the fire out of the adjacent office areas and confine the fire to the area of origin which was a truck parked inside the garage. A total of six engines, two ladders, and two battalion chiefs responded on this fire. After the fire was out, fire crews assisted in removing water from the floor of the garage. The cause of the fire at this time appears to be caused by a welding operation near the parked truck. There was gasoline involved in this fire which makes for a very fast and hot fire. Through the use of water and foam carried on the fire apparatus, fire crews were able to achieve a quick knockdown and much of the building complex was saved. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department investigated this fire. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Cause:
Welding operation.

Damage:
Truck was destroyed. Significant fire and smoke damage throughout garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $30,000

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