Downtown fire and fatality.

South Battalion Fire Involving a Fatality

Incident #:  2012041831
Date of Incident:  9/26/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
On Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 1:23 PM, eight companies of Spokane Firefighters, seven engines and one senior ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder responded to a civilian fatality fire at 328 West 8th Avenue on Spokane's lower South Hill. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover light smoke showing from the west side of the four story apartment building. Additionally, as they were approaching the scene, they observed a civilian lying on the ground with bystanders performing CPR on the victim. The Chief arrived nearly simultaneously and ordered arriving resources (FD Paramedics) to treat the critical patient while sending other companies to supply the building's fire standpipe system and attack the fire. Companies had to use the external stairwells to evacuate occupants and used the internal stairs to deploy firefighters with their equipment. The first two fire companies reaching the fourth floor (Engine 11, Ladder 1) encountered smoke in both the stairwell and hallways; but despite the conditions, they were able to successfully locate the fire in unit 410. They successfully extinguished the fire in the apartment and limited their overhaul work to the immediate area in order to facilitate an investigation. Additional companies were used to evacuate occupants from the fourth and third floors as well as control the building's internal systems. The patient was resuscitated on scene and transported in critical condition to the closest trauma center for definitive treatment. Companies remained on scene assisting the SFD investigator and SPD Major Crimes for approximately an hour. Except for the aforementioned patient, there were no additional injuries to either civilians or to firefighters.
Cause:
Spokane Police Major Crimes and SFD's SIU are jointly investigating this incident. Preliminary information received thus far indicates that the victim (unknown adult female) was burned from a fire in the apartment and jumped from the west-facing window in unit 410. No other information is available and the next likely release will be from Police Major Crimes.
Damage:
Physical damage is minor and will not affect the remaining units on the fourth floor. Occupants will be allowed to return after the SPD investigation is completed.
# Firefighters Responding: 24
Dollar Loss: $1000

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

4 Alarm Apartment Fire

Four Alarm Fire

Incident #: 2012041697
Date of Incident: 9/25/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday 25, 2012 at 4:03 PM, a single engine company was dispatched to a report of smoke in the area of Deaconess Hospital. As the company arrived in the area, they were met with heavy smoke showing from a three-story 160' x 50' apartment building at 725 South Lincoln. The alarm was immediately upgraded to include a reinforced assignment of 7 additional companies of Spokane Firefighters-3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 3-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Donahoe. As the additional companies were arriving they were assigned to rescue and evacuate the occupants in the three-story, multiple unit apartment building. A second alarm was requested at 4:12 pm and subsequent third and fourth alarms followed shortly after. Due to the area's narrow roads and parked cars, SPD was forced to tow vehicles in order to allow access by fire apparatus so they could fight the fire. All three of the City's ladder companies were utilized to search for victims and provide vertical ventilation on the roof, just above the fire. Engine companies simultaneously attacked the rapidly progressing fire from the building's interior on all three floors in an attempt to prevent its growth and limit damage. It took nearly 75 Firefighters and staff over two hours to control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to a third of the building and prevent it from spreading into adjacent single family homes. There were no injuries to either civilians or to firefighters as a result of the incident.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation and the American Red Cross assisted any displaced occupants. More information regarding this incident will be available tomorrow.

Damage:
Firefighters are remaining on scene throughout the night, protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. A formal damage assessment will be completed tomorrow.

# Firefighters Responding: 75

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1, Fire District 9

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

Fire Press Release - 125 E. Providence

125 E. Providence

Incident #:  2012041577
Date of Incident:  9/24/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
Yesterday, September 24, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 8:06 PM to 125 East Providence Avenue on a reported structure fire. Fire dispatch received several calls from neighbors in the area reporting fire showing from the front of the home. The first crew on-scene reported fire at the front of a 1-story, wood framed house. The fire was extending from a window at the south (front) and the south west corner of the home with possible fire extension into the attic. Fire fighters advanced a pre-connected hose line through the front door and quickly extinguished the fire. Additional fire crews completed search and rescue, vertical ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and there were no reported injuries firefighters. Ten fire companies with 27 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2 hours. The home was reported to be vacant however neighbors reported transients had been living at the home.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the front living room with heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure
# Firefighters Responding: 27
Dollar Loss: $45000

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

Press Release - Hillyard Apartment Fire

2804 E. Diamond Incident #:  2012041152 
Date of Incident:  9/22/2012 
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief Narrative:
Yesterday at 10:26 AM, September 22, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 2804 E. Diamond on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing from the southeast corner of the 2-story, wood-framed apartment building. Within a matter of minutes the fire had spread from the first floor to the second floor and then into the attic via an exterior gable vent located on the south side of the structure. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure while additional fire crews completed vertical ventilation, search and rescue and fire overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and fire crews were on scene throughout the evening to complete the salvage and overhaul process. Four Engine companies, three Ladders companies, a heavy rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs were on scene during the initial operations of this incident. Red Cross arrived on scene and are assisting the occupants that were displaced. The Spokane Police Department was also on scene and provided traffic control and scene security during the operational period of this incident. Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit. Damage:
The main floor kitchen and the attic sustained significant fire damage with smoke and water damage to the rest of the structure. # Firefighters Responding: 28 End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Tunnel to Towers Run online registration

Online registration will soon be closing for Saturday's run. You have until  tomorrow at midnight. You will still be able to register at the North Bank Shelter at Riverfront Park the the morning of the race. If you wait until then, there is no guarantee you will get a shirt. More info here. 

2012 Election Endorsements

2012 Elections

Endorsed by Local 29, the WSCFF, or the IAFF

Federal

President – Barack Obama

US Senate – Maria Cantwell

US House of Representatives – Rich Cowan

State

Governor – Jay Inslee

Secretary of State – Kathleen Drew

Attorney General – Bob Ferguson

Legislative

Senate, District 3 – Andy Billig

House, District 3 – Marcus Ricelli

                             Timm Ormsby

House, District 6 – Dennis Delwo

County Commissioner – John Roskelley 

IAFF Frontline News Brief

http://www.iaff.org/comm/Frontline/2011News/11news.htm

Click here to view or subscribe.

Not forgotten.

Great union reading for the weekend!

The Huffington Post, Richard Trumka Speech At DNC Spotlights Workers' Rights

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/05/richard-trumka-speech-_n_1858589.html?utm_hp_ref=elections-2012

CNN, What Have Unions Done for Us?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/04/opinion/brazile-unions/index.html

USA Today, Unions Hard at Work on Labor Day

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-09-03/labor-day-unions/57563410/1?csp=34news

Bangor Daily News (and others), Solutions to big problems don’t fit on a bumper sticker

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/08/31/opinion/solutions-to-big-problems-dont-fit-on-a-bumper-sticker/

The Hill, Labor tries to soften image with 'hug a union thug' booth in Charlotte

http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/247139-labor-tries-to-soften-its-image-with-hug-a-union-thug-booth-in-charlotte

Fill The Boot

Hello Everyone,

 

I just wanted to drop everyone a note and let them know Fill the Boot will be on  Saturday Sept 15^th this year and will be in the same location as last year at Spokane Falls and Division.

 

I am looking for your help and support to come out and give us a hand raising money for MDA.  We have had a long few months dealing with the city council getting an ordinance passed that allowed us to continue doing our fill the boot drive.

 

What you get for helping is a nice new T-shirt, free drinks (pop and water…LOL),  lunch will be BBQ burgers and dogs again (I think), the nice fuzzy feeling in your heart for helping with a good cause and for those of you wanting to take the next promotional test you will get a ¼ point for helping.

 

If you can find it in your busy day to come out and help I would like to build a list of names and the day can be broke up into a morning or afternoon time or really if you want the ¼ point, any 4 hours you can make it.  I think if we can get folks there by 0900 for the morning and lunch will be at noon or so and the afternoon can start at 1300 till about 1700.  I will also need a few folks to help set up in the morning around 0730 and tear down around 1700.  I will also need a few money counters on the bus (which can be non-fire folks, family members ect) to help out.

 

If you can make it, please send me a note with your name and the time you would like to come down and maybe the size of shirt you need.  If you are going to bring some money counters that are of the small size, let me know so we can get them the shirt as well.

 

Thank you in advance for your help and support!!!

 

Gonzo

wgonzalez@spokanefire.org

Southside house fire Press Release

At 10:42 A.M. on Friday, August 31st the Spokane Fire Department dispatched six engines, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue truck, and two battalion chiefs to a reported house fire at 1914 E. Hartson Ave. The first engine on scene reported a single family one and one-half story wood frame house with heavy smoke and flames issuing from a side window on the main floor. Flames were also spreading up the exterior siding and extending through soffit vents into the attic. Fire attack was immediately initiated, as was a search of the house for any victims. No human victims were found, however, four dogs and two cats succumbed to the heat and smoke. One dog survived the fire with minor injuries. The occupant of the house arrived shortly after the fire was reported and confirmed to firefighters that there was no one in the house at that time. The fire on the main floor was quickly located in a bathroom and knocked down. The fire in the attic proved much more stubborn due to double thickness tongue and groove ceilings and walls, and extensive insulation, making access difficult. Crews had to use chainsaws to open up the roof and siding, as well as interior walls and ceilings to locate and extinguish the spreading fire. In all, 32 firefighters worked at this fire, with several crews remaining on scene for nearly four hours. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. While operations were in progress at this house fire, other Spokane Fire Department crews were dispatched to a severed natural gas line at 29th and Latawah. These simultaneous incidents stretched fire department resources thin as they continued to respond to the usual volume of medical and other calls.;For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

5708 N Maple

Incident #: 2012036647
Date of Incident: 8/25/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At 2:08 PM, this afternoon, August 25th, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 5708 North Maple Street on a reported structure fire. Responding fire crews reported a column of smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported fire and smoke showing from 3 windows at the northwest corner of a 1-story, wood framed residence with fire quickly spreading into the attic. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and fire crews were on scene for several hours to complete the overhaul process. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Eight fire companies with 22 firefighters and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to this fire. Red Cross responded to assist the family of 2 adults and 5 children with clothing, food and housing. The Spokane Police Department was on scene and assisted with traffic and crowd control as Maple Street north bound was closed for 1.5 hours.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the attic and a bedroom located at the northwest corner of the home with heat and smoke damage throughout 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 - 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