Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Battalion Chief Dan Brown

Date of Incident:

1/17/2008

Incident Address:

322 EAST Foothill Dr



Spokane, WA 99207

Structure Fire

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

Probable Cause:


Under investigation

Damage Extent:

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

Firefighter Response: 23

Dollar Loss: $130,000,00

Mutual Aid: None Given

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Mike Inman / Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

1/16/2008

Incident Address:

7007 N. Tucannon



Spokane, WA 99208

Structure Fire

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

Probable Cause:


Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department

Damage Extent:

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

Firefighter Response: 25

Dollar Loss: $

Mutual Aid: None Given

Fire Press Release

Issuing Officer:

Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Date of Incident:

1/15/2008

Incident Address:

5727 N. Calispel



Spokane, WA 99205

Structure Fire

On 1/15/08 at 10:12 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a fire in a house located at 5727 N. Calispel. Upon arrival, fire crews found a well involved home with fire coming from the windows. A rapid entry was made by forcing doors and crews began to search the structure for victims while at the same time extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the fire. However, one deceased cat was found inside. Spokanimal was summoned to the scene to assist with the cat. It took firefighters 15 minutes to extinguish the fire but they remained on scene for a number of hours to make sure all of the fire was completely out. Upon close examination, it was revealed that a portion of one of the exterior walls had been forced out. The special investigative unit of the Spokane Fire Department arrived and began their investigative work. It was found that the fire was caused by combustibles placed too close to a gas fired water heater. These combustibles soon ignited and then the flames burned through the regulator next to the water tank which allowed a larger amount of gas to escape and ignite. When the gas ignited it created an explosion which pushed out the exterior wall to the home. Two firefighters received minor injuries during the blaze. One received a foot injury and the other received a leg injury. Firefighters completed final extinguishment and then began the long process of debris removal. Crews were present at the home until the late afternoon. The Spokane Fire Department "Cares" unit was brought to the scene to assist the family with making arrangements for shelter, clothing and food. The American Red Cross was also notified. A total of 22 firefighters responded to this fire along with 2 battalion chiefs. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public that a 3 foot clearance or more needs to be kept around and from any hot water heater or electrical panel. Water tanks like these are typically located in basements or areas where storage items accumulate and sometimes these combustibles end up within the 3 foot radius of the tank. Make sure and keep your electrical panel doors shut as well. The family will be staying with friends while their home is repaired and restored.

Probable Cause:


Combustibles placed too close to a gas fired water heater.

Damage Extent:

Major fire and smoke damage throughout the structure.

Firefighter Response: 22

Dollar Loss: $200,000

Mutual Aid: None Given

Barton Jeep Discount...

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

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

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

Thanks, John

The January newsletter is available at the Local 29 website

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

Thanks,

BillFoss@comcast.net

How we died in the line of duty for 2007...

Click on the link above for the breakdown. Thanks Gonzo for sharing this!

More info from Terry Canfield on ID protection.

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

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

Thanks,
Terry


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

Fire Press Release

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

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

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

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





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

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

Fire Press Release

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

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

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

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

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/28/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5008 N. Allen place
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On 12/28/07 at 2:43 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue company, 2 battalion chiefs and an assistant chief to a house fire located at 5008 N. Allen place. Fire crews found a fire in the attic that had been burning for a long period of time. All of the occupants had safely evacuated and the fire was contained within 5 minutes. The fire was electrical in origin and the occupants confirmed that they had been experiencing trouble with a number of electrical circuits within the home. As soon as smoke was detected, the occupants placed a call to the 911 center. Because of their quick action in placing this call, fire damage was kept to a minimum. Fire crews remained at the home for 1 ½ hours extinguishing "hot spots" and cleaning up fire debris. All of the electrical circuits are shut down and will remain so until they can be repaired and inspected. The occupants will be staying with other family members until the home is approved for occupancy. Fire damage was confined to wooden structural components in the attic, insulation, and ceiling. A total of 15 firefighters and 3 command officers responded to this alarm.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the attic, insulation and ceiling system.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 15
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bob Green
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2022 N Dakota
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus and crews to 2022 N Dakota at 0016 hrs. on the 24th of December for a reported structure fire. Initial reports from the first arriving crew indicated heavy smoke issuing from the front door and eaves of a 1.5 story wood/frame residence. Next arriving crews, arriving from different directions, reported fire blowing out the rear of the building from a small "dormer" window located at the attic level. Quick and aggressive actions by the crews at the scene resulted in a fairly quick knock down of the fire as they forced entry through the front door, extinguished the main body of fire burning on the first floor, and pushed the fire burning in the stairway leading to the attic out the "dormer" window. While specific fire crews were attacking and extinguishing the fire inside, other crews were doing a primary and a secondary search of the interior of the residence to insure that none of the tenants were trapped inside, and still other fire crews were assigned to be in position on the roof should conditions warrant cutting ventilation holes in the roof to release pent up smoke and gases. The searches that were conducted revealed that no one was at home at the time of the fire, their actual location is still not known but during the Holiday Season many folks travel to be with family and friends outside of the Spokane area. The damage caused by this early morning fire was extensive, nearly every room on the main floor sustained fire damage and the stairway and the attic were also heavily damaged. There were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters at the scene. Fire crews remained at the scene assisting the Fire Investigator as he worked to determine the cause of the fire until 0330 hrs. Six pieces of fire apparatus and their crews were dispatched to this fire along with two Battalion Chiefs in their Command vehicles and the on-duty Fire Investigator from the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. At the time of this media release the cause of the fire has not been determined.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time, still being investigated.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to all rooms and their contents on the first floor. The attic space and the stairway leading up to the attic were also seriously damaged. The main structural members of the house received minimal damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Santa Smith knockout makes CNN...

I hope this hasn't started some new kind of gang initiation.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/14/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1207 E. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On 12/13/07 at 11:39 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and one battalion chief to a fire in a motor home located behind a residence at 1207 E. Queen. First in units discovered a 20 foot motor home fully involved with flame extension involving a nearby wood frame dwelling about 10 feet away. A rapid deployment of hose lines including roof ventilation by ladder companies was conducted as were search operations to make sure everyone inside the house was safely evacuated. It took firefighters 10 minutes to contain the fire in the motor home and the dwelling. As a result of their actions, firefighters were able to keep damage to the dwelling to a minimum as only the exterior siding and a portion of the roof were damaged. The motor home was a total loss. A total of 23 firefighters responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The fire at this time is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit under the direction of Capt. Kevin Smathers. Firefighters remained on the scene for 2 hours completing final extinguishment and mop up duties. The dwelling was occupied by 3 people and they will be able to remain at the home.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The motor home was a total loss. The dwelling sustained fire damage to the siding and a small portion of the roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/13/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 10305 North Moore Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 5:17 PM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Moline responded to a reported house fire at 10305 North Moore Street.

The first company (Engine 17) arrived within four minutes to discover heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story, single family wood framed house with multiple exposures. Initial companies immediately upgraded the alarm to a "working fire" which added and additional Engine and support for the operation. Off-duty Battalion Chief Fielder was the initial incident commander as lives in the neighborhood. He assisted the initial crews assemble their equipment and coordinated their efforts.

Despite the safeguards in-place on scene, a two-person team of firefighters working on the first floor under heavy fire conditions experienced a partial fall into the basement when a section of flooring above the main fire collapsed beneath them. The company was in communication with the incident commander and they were able to exit the structure together to guarantee their accountability. Within minutes of the report, all firefighters were accounted for safely through the SFD's passport accountability system. The firefighters were briefly evaluated and returned to the fireground within minutes.

Notwithstanding the extreme cold and heavy snow, the fire was reported out nearly an hour into the incident. There were no injuries to civilians and minor injuries to a firefighter.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire originated in the basement and grew, undetected, for a significant amount of time. The family was home at the time of the fire, however were separated from the area of origin. The cause of the fire was determined to be an overloaded electrical outlet in the basement. Large amounts of combustibles fueled the fire and it spread rapidly causing significant damage to the first and second floors. A smoke detector was located on the second floor; however none were operating in the basement.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There is considerable damage throughout all floors due to heat and rapid fire promulgation. The most damage, however, is in the basement and first floor. The home is not able to be reoccupied and utilities have been disconnected.
DOLLAR LOSS: 250,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Spokane Garage Fire Featured on Jimmy Kimmel

This is from early November. His monologue regarding the fire starts at 6:30 on the timer. After you hit the "play" icon, you can drag the cursor to -3:20 and that should get you there.

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Batt. Chief Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/28/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3010 W.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On November 28, 2007, at 0758 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus and 22 personnel for a reported fire at the Taco Bell located at 3010 East 29th Ave. Employees had called 911 after smelling smoke inside the restaurant. Engine 14 arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke inside the structure. Engine 14 extended a pre-connected hose line inside and assigned work to the other incoming apparatus. Fire was located in a Heating / Air Conditioning unit on the roof and attic ductwork below the unit. The fire was controlled within 10 minutes, but several units worked at the scene for well over an hour.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this incident. The quick actions of the workers and firefighters minimized fire damage at this location. Taco Bell should be back in business within a few days as damaged was confined to a small portion of the building in the restaurant's storage area. The fire cause appears to be related to a malfunctioning mechanical part inside the Heating unit on the roof.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Mechanical Malfunction
DAMAGE EXTENT: HVAC unit and attic ductwork.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 926 E. 8th Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At 11:13 am the Spokane Fire Department was called to the Hifumi En (pronounced hi-fu-me in) apartments at 926 E. 8th Ave. in Spokane Washington. A fire was reported in apartment number 111. The first Engine Company on scene reported smoke and fire and initiated the fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line. The initial response of 5 Engines, 1 Ladder truck, 1 Rescue unit and 1 Battalion Chief was supplemented by an additional Engine and Pumper ladder that were requested due to the number of units and potential rescues in this facility. Heavy black smoke and heat were encountered by the crews in the hallways of the 1st floor. Some of the residents had gotten themselves out of the building but fire crews were instrumental in get the rest out of dangerous conditions. The primary focus for the Firefighters was getting the people out. Because of this there were no reported injuries. Many of the residents have special needs and due to the needs of the residents 2 Engine Companies were assigned the job of getting medicines and medical equipment out of the unaffected apartments for the residents. The Spokane Transit Authority sent a bus for the displaced residents to get out of the sub freezing weather. Red Cross was notified of the displaced residents and sent a team to assist where they could. The fire did minimal damage with significant damage to the room of origin and heavy damage in the hallways due to smoke and heat. The fire was determined to be accidental and the building was released back to the housing authority.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental using incense.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Completly destroyed one apartment damaged a second and smoked up all of the hallways.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/24/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1514 West 9th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This morning, November 24, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 12:13 AM to 1514 West 9th Avenue on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report fire showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported fire coming from the top floor of a 2-1/2-story, wood framed apartment building with 3 civilians trapped on the roof. All three civilians and their dog were rescued from the roof by Fire Station 4 personnel using their Ariel ladder. During the rescue operation other fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure and from an outside fire escape. The fire had extended into the attic and a ventilation hole was cut in the roof to relieve the pent up heat and smoke in the apartment on the top floor to aid in fire attack. The fire was brought under control within 40 minutes and crews remained on scene for the rest of the morning. Of the three civilians rescued from the roof two were treated and released from a local hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation and the third person was reported to have been transport to the Harbor View Burn Center and his condition is not known at the time of the this release. The remaining tenants of the structure are being assisted by Red Cross. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator, Captain Kevin Smathers and he may be contacted at 625-7052
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the third floor and the attic.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 36
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/23/2007
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1511 West Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This afternoon, November 23, 2007 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 12:39 PM to 1511 West Gardner on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident report smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed residence with fire showing from a window on the main floor at the back of the house. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure however they encountered a large volume of household goods and belongings that had been collected and stored through out the house that made fire attack extremely difficult. The fire had extended into the second floor and then into the attic as fire crews were able to find the stair way door leading to the upstairs. The fire crews were withdrawn from the structure due to safety concerns and fire attack transitioned to a defensive position. Once the fire vented completely through the roof fire crews were able to safely re-enter the structure for final extinguishment and salvage and overhaul. The owner was not home at the time of the fire however the family dog was found insdie the house near the front door by fire crews and was in respiratory distress. Oxygen was supplied to the dog via a special pet oxygen mask carried by the fire department and the dog was revived. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Nine fire companies with 28 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire Investigator, Captain Kevin Smathers and he may be contacted at 625-7052.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the first and second floor with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given