Fire Press Release - Shadle Area House Fire

On Thursday, August 23, at 11:02 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Rescue , and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 5304 N. Jefferson St. First arriving Engine 13, from the Shadle neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched. Engine 13's officer reported a fire in a single family home with heavy dark smoke showing from the structure. They also reported seeing vehicles parked at the home possibly indicating people inside. Engine 13 set up and attacked the well involved fire that had already consumed the kitchen portion of the home. Subsequent arriving Companies searched the home, extended additional hoses, acquired a water supply and established a Rapid Intervention Team to stand by for safety. The search crews located the family's dog inside the home and brought it to safety outside the structure. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes of arrival. The fire was confined to the kitchen and dining room with heavy smoke and heat damage on most of the first floor. There were no injuries at this fire and the 4 family pets are reported to be in good condition. The fire is still under investigation at this time.

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

South side garage fire

South Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #:  2012035801
Date of Incident:  8/20/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Monday, August 20, at 2:33 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 Ladders, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 633 South Greene St. First arriving SE14, from the Lincoln Heights neighborhood, reported a single car garage burning behind this address. SE14, after ensuring no one was in the garage, began to attack the fire, which by this time had spread to 2 other garages and 2 fences. Subsequent arriving Companies connected to a hydrant to ensure a water supply, pulled additional hoses to keep the fire from spreading further, and ensured all utilities were disconnected. SPD provided traffic and bystander control. Crews were able to minimize the damage to the 2 exposed garages but the original garage was a total loss. One citizen was treated on-scene for minor smoke inhalation by paramedics but was not transported to the hospital. There were no injuries to firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept SIU

Damage:
The original fire building is a total loss, 2 fences were destroyed, and 2 additional garages received moderate damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $30000

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012035337
Date of Incident:  8/17/2012
Issuing Officer:  B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On Friday, August 17, 2012 at 5:47 pm, 7 companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 4 Engines, and 1 Heavy Rescue, responded to a Structure Fire at the corner of Pacific street and Government Way . Spokane Firefighters from the Brown's Addition neighborhood Fire Station (Station 4) arrived within 4-minutes to find smoke showing from the second floor of a vacant two story structure. Firefighters completed a quick search of the structure as the first arriving Engine Companies attacked the fire and Ladder Companies prepared the roof for ventilation. The well coordinated effort of firefighters extinguished the fire within 1 hour. No injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Deparment's SIU.

Damage:
The Fire Damage was limited to the room of origin and smoke damage was throughout the second floor..

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

Register now for the Tunnel to Towers Run (or walk).

Hello everyone,

I am sending you this email to let you all know about a fundraising event for our Local 29 Benevolent Fund.  It's called the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run.  This is a 9/11 commemorative 5k run or walk going to be held in Spokane's downtown Riverfront Park on Saturday, September 22nd, at 9 AM.  Half of the registration dollars for this race come directly back to our own Benevolent Fund.  I've attached the advertising flyer to this email. 

To register for this event, please go to www.tunneltotowersrun.org and click on "911 Run Near You" to find Spokane's registration page.  The event is $25 online and $30 on race day.  A complimentary t-shirt will be available for those who pre-register.

Similar to the 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb we held last year, this event IS NOT A RACE.  You can run it, walk it, and even wear your bunker gear if you like.  There is no clock or timekeeping device.  Just come out and show your support!  Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Runs are held all over the United States and even in London and Guam.

Unlike the 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb, this event is for EVERYONE, not just firefighters.  So you can run or walk the course with all your family and friends or do it with your crew or station. 

 

We do need volunteers for this event!  The morning of the run (Sept. 22nd) we'll need help beginning at 6:45 A.M. The most help will be needed from 7:00 A.M. until 8:45 A.M. then again from 9:45 until 11:00 A.M. We'll only need a few people around between 8:45-10:00 who would not be running / walking. 

There will also be a need for "course marshals" to direct runner/walkers at certain turns to make sure no one gets lost. If you or one of your family or friends are interested in volunteering please contact Amy Black, event director, at (608) 658 - 4582 or email Tunnel2TowersSpokane@gmail.com

 

See you there!

Jason Keen

 

Thanks again to our sponsors for making the event possible; SERE Solutions, Spokane Firefighters Credit Union, Spokane Firefighters Local 29, Wolf Chiropractic, and The Glover Mantion

WHO WAS STEPHEN SILLER?

By the time Stephen Siller was 10 years old, he had already lost both parents.  Although he went through a period of struggle, because of the love of his siblings and the values instilled in him by his parents, he grew up to be an extraordinary individual.  More than most, he knew that time was precious and accomplished much in his 34 years. 

On September 11th, firefighter Stephen Siller had just gotten off the late shift at Squad 1, Park Slope, Brooklyn.  He was on his way to play golf with his brothers on that bright clear day when his scanner told of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers.  When he heard the news, he called his wife Sally to tell her he would be late because he had to help those in need.  He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear, then took his final heroic steps to the World Trade Center.  When Stephen drove his truck  to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, it was already closed to traffic .  With sixty pounds of gear strapped to his back, he ran through the Tunnel, hoping  to meet up with his own company, Squad 1.  

Stephen was first and foremost a loving husband and father to five children.  He was also a dedicated fireman, devoted brother, loyal friend and committed neighbor.  His life brought great  light to those around him.  

Stephen’s brother Russell wrote these words for Stephen’s Memorial which best expresses the effect of his life on all who knew him. “Like the comet Halle-Bopp that streaked across the sky a few years ago, Stephen’s light startled us all.  When we thought it could not get any brighter, it got brighter still.  Just when we were enjoying it so much, for it was so unexpected, so breathtaking, it shot across the sky and went well beyond us all, deeper into the mind of God.”

Stephen’s life and his heroic death serve as reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time hear on earth doing good - this is his legacy.  

Family friend, Jay Price, shared thoughts on Stephen’s lasting legacy when he wrote, “Every momentous event, even a tragedy, has its symbolic figures.  September 11th was no different; it just had a few more of them.  Rudy Giuliani, Father Mychal Judge, the four guys on United Flight 93…a hundred more…a thousand.  None bigger than Stephen Siller, whose stature only grows with time as New Yorkers and people from around the world follow his footsteps.”

Billboards are up around town.

Recreational Fire Burn Restrictions for the City of Spokane are in effect

Because of the hot and dry conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires, including campfires, have been restricted in the City of Spokane effective today, Aug. 14, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal.  The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions.

Citizens still may use backyard barbecues, chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, as long as approved fuel is used.  Approved fuel includes seasoned (clean and dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

• Fires must be in designated areas or on private property with approval from the owner.
• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.
• Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.
  • Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.
• Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist.
  • For one and two-family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance.  Be safe and use good judgment.
  • For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures.  Be safe and use good judgment.
• Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.
• Safe wind conditions (no more than 7 mph) must be present.
• A Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency “green light” indication for air quality must be present. 
• Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

Failure to comply with the burning restrictions could have serious consequences.  A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor.  That person can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Congrats!

Congratulations to the Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokane Fire District 9 and the Cheney Fire Department for having your levies overwhelmingly approved by voters.

Thanks to your citizens, you will continue to make your communities great places to live and have businesses.

Downtown apartment fire injury

South Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2012033080
Date of Incident: 8/4/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On Saturday, August 4, at 8:42 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, 5 Engines responded to a reported structure fire at the corner of 2nd and Bernard in Downtown Spokane. Firefighters from station one arrived within 3-minutes to find heavy smoke and flames showing from a third floor apartment window. Crews made a quick entry using the fire escape on the backside of the building and found the severely burned occupant still in the involved unit. The victim was rescued to the exterior of the building where he received treatment by 2 Advanced Life Support engine company's and was transported to the hospital by an AMR Ambulance where he was being prepared to be transferred to Harbor View. The remaining crews immediately began to attack the fire. Ladder Companies began by laddering the roof and ventilating the interior while engine companies confined the fire to the room of origin. The well coordinated effort prevented extension of the fire and quickly extinguished the fire in approximately 1 hour. There were no additional injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
The Damage was limited to the room the fire started in.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $20,000

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

Fire Press Release - Diamond Ave

House fire on East Diamond Ave.

Incident #: 2012033001
Date of Incident: 8/3/2012
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This evening, August 3, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 7:19 PM to 2720 E. Diamond Ave on a reported structure fire. Engine 15, stationed at Wellesley and Crestline arrived at the Diamond address within 3 minutes of being dispatched. Engine 15's officer reported smoke showing from a 1 ½ story home. Engine 15's officer gave tactical assignments to other responding fire companies and quickly attacked the fire. The home was searched and it was verified that the home's occupants were safely outside. The fire in this structure was brought under control within 10 minutes. Fire damage was confined to 1 bedroom with smoke damage to the upper floor. The fire cause was determined to be accidental overloading of electrical wiring. Six fire companies responded to this incident. There were no injuries.

Cause:
Electrical

Damage:
Fire Damage: Upstairs bedroom.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $8000

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

Fire Press Release - fire started by candle.

5815 North Elgin

Incident #: 2012032130
Date of Incident: 7/29/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This morning, July 29, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:56 AM to 5815 North Elgin on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing from 2 windows at the north east corner of a one-story, wood framed residence. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure. The fire had extended from the room of origin into a second bedroom and then the attic prior to extinguishment. The occupants of the house were home at the time of the fire and were able to escape through a kitchen door located on the south side of the home. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. 9 fire companies with 24 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2 hours.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is was determined to be a child playing with a lit candle.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to 2-bedrooms and the attic with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure

# Firefighters Responding: 24

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

Fire press release - N side House Fire

North Jefferson house fire

Incident #: 2012031922
Date of Incident: 7/28/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalon Chief Jones

Narrative:
On, Friday July 27, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 9:20 PM to 5218 North Jefferson on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the roof line of a 1-story, wood-framed single family home. After further investigation the fire crew discovered a fire that had original in a wall near a light switch on the North side of the structure. The firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior while additional fire crews completed vertical ventilation, search and recue, salvage and overhaul. The fire extinguished within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to any civilians or firefighters. Six fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene fore 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 North wall of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $25,00

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

Fire Press Release - Urban brush fire stopped from destroying homes.

Brush fire burns garage

Incident #:  2012031044
Date of Incident:  7/22/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
Narrative:
At 7:00 PM this evening, Sunday, July 22, 2012, Spokane Fire Department's Engine 2 was dispatched from their Logan Neighborhood station to a reported brush fire at 50 E. Euclid. As they approached the area a large column of smoke was visible as well as a large volume of fire involving brush and trees on a steep hillside behind the address. As Engine 2 arrived on scene they reported the fire also involved a detached garage and wood fence and was threatening several houses. The incident was upgraded to a working fire, adding three engines, two ladder trucks, one pumper/ladder, one heavy rescue truck and two battalion chiefs. While the additional resources were enroute, Engine 2's crew advanced hoses to protect the exposed houses. As the additional crews arrived on scene they were deployed to extinguish the garage fire and the fire on the hillside, as well as numerous burning objects such as the fence and a hot tub. The fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes, and final extinguishment was completed two hours later. Crews will return to the area throughout the night to check for any hotspots on the hillside. In all, twenty-eight firefighters responded to this incident, as well as multiple units from the Spokane Police Department. AMR dedicated one ambulance to the incident, but thankfully, there were no injuries to any civilians or firefighters.
Cause:
The fire was investigated by Captain Kevin Smathers of the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. He determined the cause to be children playing with a lighter, which ignited vegitation on the hillside. The ensuing brush fire raced up the steep hill, igniting the garage and other improvements.
Damage:
Damage was confined to the detached garage and its contents, a fifty foot section of wood fencing, a hot tub, and approximately one quarter acre of brush and small trees.
# Firefighters Responding: 28
Dollar Loss: $20,000

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

Press Release -Northside duplex fire

Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012029992
Date of Incident:  7/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
Narrative:
This afternoon, July 16, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 5:47 PM to 523 East Bridgeport on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported a garage at this location was fully involved with fire and fire spreading to a nearby duplex. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire within the duplex from the interior of the structure pulling the ceiling to gain access to the fire in the attic while the ladder crews completed search and rescue and vertical ventilation of the structure. Additional fire crews on scene extinguished the remaining fire in the garage. During the initial search of the structure fire crews found one occupant still inside the burning structure and he was safely removed. There were no reported injuries to civilians. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released for heat exhaustion. Nine fire companies with 23 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 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 first floor and attic area with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.
# Firefighters Responding: 23
Dollar Loss: $50000

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2012028830
Date of Incident: 7/10/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 4204 E 3rd Ave. at 22:11 hrs on Tuesday evening, July 10th, to a reported structure fire at that address. As the fire crews were in route to this incident they reported by radio that they could see heavy smoke and an orange glow in the night- time sky so they requested an upgrade to a "working fire". This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. Once fire crews arrived on scene they reported that the fire was in the attached garage and moving quickly into the 2 story wood/frame house. Reports from neighbors indicated that the house was not occupied and the decision to make a defensive attack on the fire was made. Shortly after the Fire Dept.'s arrival the entire garage was consumed and heavy fire was moving into the building and destroying critical structural support members in the structure making it too dangerous to put fire crews inside. Multiple hose lines began applying large amounts of water on and into the building from the exterior resulting in a very effective knock down of the flames. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained heavy fire damage on the first and second floors, the lack of sheetrock on most of the interior walls of the building left the structural framing exposed to the rapidly growing fire inside. The Fire Dept. had a fire crew remain at the scene throughout the night hitting hot spots and cooling smoldering embers. The cause of this fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. 5 engines, 1 senior ladder, 1 heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident.

Cause:
Under investigation.

Damage:
Garage portion of the structure was totally consumed. Very heavy fire damage to the first and second floors. Building may be too severly damaged to be salvaged.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $75,000

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

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2012028613
Date of Incident:  7/9/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
On Monday July 9th, 2012 at 6:19 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bill Donahoe and Bruce Moline, responded to a Structure Fire at 1423 W. Mission. Upon arrival the first arriving Engine Company reported light smoke coming out of the roof and heavy smoke coming out of a second floor window. The Incident was upgraded to a working fire by the Battalion Chief who requested an additional Senior Ladder along with another Engine Company. Crews were assigned to fight the fire, ventilate the roof and search for occupants. The Fire was declared under control within 30 minutes with crews remaining on scene for another hour conducting overhaul and salvaging resident's belongings. All occupants made it out safely and there were no injuries to residents or firefighters.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Departments SIU.
Damage:
There is damage from the smoke and fire in the second floor apartment along with damage to the roof. The electrical wiring was affected by the fire and has been shut off by Avista. Seven adults and one child are displaced by the fire in this apartment building with two units. The Occupants are being housed by the Red Cross until repairs can be made and the utilities restored.
# Firefighters Responding: 27
Dollar Loss: $15,000.00

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

Fire Press Release

Indian Trail Neighborhood Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012028335
Date of Incident: 7/8/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday July 8, 2012 at 05:58 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Haworth, responded to a Structure Fire at 10310 North Woodridge Drive in Spokane's Indian Trail neighborhood. Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy fire showing through the roof of a single family home which was built on a hillside and surrounded by a heavy wildland interface area. The incident was immediately upgraded to a working fire adding a second Senior Ladder Company and AMR Ambulance. Finding heavy fire in the home's ceilings and roof; and endangering the close wildland interface, initial arriving companies were forced to fight the fire from the exterior with large hose streams until additional personnel arrived and the fire was knocked down to allow entry to the residence's interior. Despite the intense flames reaching skyward and threatening adjacent large trees, firefighters worked skillfully to confine the blaze to the structure of fire origin, preventing it from consuming any more than one-third of the structure and limited wildland area. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2 hours. There were no injuries reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
The residence was not occupied and listed for sale. Damage to the structure is significant and loss is currently being estimated and was not available at the time of this release.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

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

New photos of Stn 16

Duane Wilcox sent in these pictures of Stn 16. They are now up on the website and FB and have been duly tweeted. If anybody else has some images that we could use, we'll get them up here too. Thanks Duane.

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012027181
Date of Incident:  7/1/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
On Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 7:33 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Moline, responded to a Structure Fire at 810 East Cascade Place in Northeast Spokane. Spokane Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station (Station 18) arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the second floor of a single family residence. The incident was upgraded to a "working fire" nearly immediately which added an additional Ladder Company and AMR Ambulance to the incident. Finding two occupants and one dog that had successfully escaped, firefighters immediately began to attack the fire. Ladder Companies began by laddering the roof to ventilate the fire while engine companies fought the fire from the home's interior. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home's second floor and extinguished the fire in just 1 hour. One female resident was treated by FD Paramedics and transported for smoke inhalation complications. There were no additional injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.
Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.
Damage:
The second floor and ceiling sustained significant damage which eliminates continued occupancy by the family. There was not a working smoke detector in the home and this family was incredibly fortunate to survive this experience. The SFD recommends that everyone check their smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries twice every year. Please, do not take the chance-be proactive and give your family every chance for survival from residential fires.
# Firefighters Responding: 18

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

President Schaitberger addressing the WSCFF Convention

He talked a lot about pending elections. Where the IAFF has been involved, we've been successful in beating back legislation and candidates who seek to scale back worker's rights.

Stated how ALEC used the 2008 Recession to turn workers against workers - channeling their anger, which should have been directed toward ALEC and their allies, against other workers.

Said that the IAFF historically made strides in benefits by saying, "Hey, we want what those guys have." Then we worked to achieve it. Now, Republicans have been successful at reversing this, getting others to say, "Hey, those guys have something we don't. Take it away from them."

Stressed that if Republicans gain Senate, that new committee heads have already stated their desire to take away what you have and destroy what we've built. That is their goal and they have said so.

If GOP wins they will take us back 100 years. 100 years ago, 10 families controlled our nation. Then there was the Workers Rights Movement and democracy. This took power away from the few wealthiest in our nation. They are going to take it back from all of us, if we let them.

Spokane Firefighter Combat Challenge Team Qualifies for World Championships!

June 24, 2012

Casper, Wyo. – Over the weekend, seven off-duty members of the Spokane Fire Departmentcompeted as individuals and teams in a national Firefighter Combat Challenge competition and qualified a team for the 2012 Scott Safety World Firefighter Combat Challenge Championships.The multi-day, multi-event competition was held in Casper, Wyoming on Friday and Saturday. 

The Combat Challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession's rigors. Wearing "full bunker gear" and the SCOTT Air-Pak breathing apparatus, pairs of competitors race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks including climbing the 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. dummy, or "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock.

Members of the Spokane Fire Department’s team competed individually on Friday before heading into the team relay and tandem races on Saturday. The relay team consisting of Jason Keen, Jeff Baxter, Darin Neiwert, Jeremy Mulvey, and Jeff Webb excelled, finishing the course in a time of 1 minute and 48 seconds, which was good enough to earn them a spot at the 2012 World Challenge Championships in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina later this year.

Three of Spokane’s tandem teams competed on Saturday; the tandem team of Baxter and Webb placed 2nd in the tandem relay for the over 40 category. Keen and Neiwert finished in the top 10 of the general tandem category.

“The Spokane Fire Department values physical fitness and wellness – obviously it is a necessary component of being able to complete the physical demands of our job day in and day out. A competition like the Combat Challenge is a great way to inspire individual firefighters to work out, take their health to a new level and represent our department. I couldn’t be more proud of what our team has accomplished this weekend and we are looking forward to representing Spokane at the international level this fall,” said Team Captain Darin Neiwert, who is a Lieutenant on Spokane’s Ladder 2.

Each year, the Combat Challenge attracts hundreds of firefighters from municipal fire departmentsto competitions at more than 25 locations around the world, including New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. ESPN provides regular coverage of Challenge events.