Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2627 South Southeast Blvd.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: At 10:05 this morning, March 6, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 27th Avenue and Southeast Blvd. for smoke reported in the area. Upon arrival, the first engine investigated and found a 2 ½ story, single family house with smoke issuing from the basement. A full structure alarm was requested, responding four additional engines, a ladder, a rescue truck, and two Battalion Chiefs. Crews forced entry and attacked the fire, while other crews ventilated and searched for victims. The were no occupants home at the time of the fire. The fire was knocked down within ten minutes, but complete overhaul of the burned area took nearly three hours. There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors. There were no firefighter injuries. The homeowner arrived while crews were still on the scene. The homeowner lives alone, and will be unable to occupy the house until repairs are made. The American Red Cross is assisting him with lodging.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be a wood stove in the basement, installed with its chimney too close to a combustible wall surface.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2627 South Southeast Blvd.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: At 10:05 this morning, March 6, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 27th Avenue and Southeast Blvd. for smoke reported in the area. Upon arrival, the first engine investigated and found a 2 ½ story, single family house with smoke issuing from the basement. A full structure alarm was requested, responding four additional engines, a ladder, a rescue truck, and two Battalion Chiefs. Crews forced entry and attacked the fire, while other crews ventilated and searched for victims. The were no occupants home at the time of the fire. The fire was knocked down within ten minutes, but complete overhaul of the burned area took nearly three hours. There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors. There were no firefighter injuries. The homeowner arrived while crews were still on the scene. The homeowner lives alone, and will be unable to occupy the house until repairs are made. The American Red Cross is assisting him with lodging.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be a wood stove in the basement, installed with its chimney too close to a combustible wall surface.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Video from Local 257 Meeting...
It looks like their meetings are a little more lively, but not as well attended.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
KXLY Report on Todd's work to clear his name...
Thanks to Dean Carr for sending this information. If I read this correctly, they are "letting" Todd have a computer image of his hard drive, but only if he promises not to tell anyone what his investigator does/does not find on it.
Incredible! Is that legal?
And the way the story now reads on the KXLY post, Todd's home was searched one day and he was arrested the next! Wasn't Todd arrested first and then his home searched? This revision falls perfectly into line with the way the WSP says it does business in the article - namely seizing evidence without any notice to the alleged perpetrator (so he/she can't erase it), examining that evidence and then making the arrest if there is, indeed, evidence.
But, that's not what happened, is it? And even, it was, why would they seize evidence, arrest a suspect and then examine the evidence?
Strange. Very, very strange.
Incredible! Is that legal?
And the way the story now reads on the KXLY post, Todd's home was searched one day and he was arrested the next! Wasn't Todd arrested first and then his home searched? This revision falls perfectly into line with the way the WSP says it does business in the article - namely seizing evidence without any notice to the alleged perpetrator (so he/she can't erase it), examining that evidence and then making the arrest if there is, indeed, evidence.
But, that's not what happened, is it? And even, it was, why would they seize evidence, arrest a suspect and then examine the evidence?
Strange. Very, very strange.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/29/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4214 N WASHINGTON ST
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Friday February 29, 2008 at 1:31 PM an SFD Pumper-Ladder 13 was dispatched to check on a good samaritan report of smoke that appeared to be coming from a vent at a home in the 4200 block of Washington. After the dispatch, Spokane Police Officers that we in the area arrived and reported a two story home with fire showing on both the first and second floors. The officers also reported that they were not sure if anyone was inside and they had attempted to make entry. The officers were prevented from doing so by security measures (bars on windows and doors) placed by the home owner.
The alarm was upgraded to a full-response and added 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, one Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius. When the first company officer arrived, she reported a two story house with heavy smoke and fire showing. The home was an older "balloon frame" constructed home which included a full basement. First, second and third-in companies established a water supply and forced entry into the north and west sides of the home in attempts to search for victims and attempt to extinguish the quickly moving fire. The truck company performed vertical ventilation over the fire which had already extended into the attack and void spaces on the second floor. A two-person team from Engine 3 was nearly trapped in the basement during the attack and made it out as the basement flashed over. At that point as the incident commander was confirming all personnel were accounted for, a second alarm was struck to assist the companies operating at the fire.
Information was received (and confirmed) by the incident commander that the two occupants of the house were outside and accounted for. The strategy of the incident was changed to 'defensive' and the arriving second alarm companies deployed master streams from Ladder Companies and from the ground to confine the fire to the residence of origin.
Despite the difficulties with access and rapid fire growth prior to the SFD's arrival, the fire was contained. Both company members on Engine 3 were seen by paramedics, but not transported. They are still at work, and at time of this release are on the second structure fire at 1528 West Alice.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home is a complete loss. Two occupants are being assisted by the Spokane Fire Department CARES Team and Red Cross.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 35
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/29/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4214 N WASHINGTON ST
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Friday February 29, 2008 at 1:31 PM an SFD Pumper-Ladder 13 was dispatched to check on a good samaritan report of smoke that appeared to be coming from a vent at a home in the 4200 block of Washington. After the dispatch, Spokane Police Officers that we in the area arrived and reported a two story home with fire showing on both the first and second floors. The officers also reported that they were not sure if anyone was inside and they had attempted to make entry. The officers were prevented from doing so by security measures (bars on windows and doors) placed by the home owner.
The alarm was upgraded to a full-response and added 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, one Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius. When the first company officer arrived, she reported a two story house with heavy smoke and fire showing. The home was an older "balloon frame" constructed home which included a full basement. First, second and third-in companies established a water supply and forced entry into the north and west sides of the home in attempts to search for victims and attempt to extinguish the quickly moving fire. The truck company performed vertical ventilation over the fire which had already extended into the attack and void spaces on the second floor. A two-person team from Engine 3 was nearly trapped in the basement during the attack and made it out as the basement flashed over. At that point as the incident commander was confirming all personnel were accounted for, a second alarm was struck to assist the companies operating at the fire.
Information was received (and confirmed) by the incident commander that the two occupants of the house were outside and accounted for. The strategy of the incident was changed to 'defensive' and the arriving second alarm companies deployed master streams from Ladder Companies and from the ground to confine the fire to the residence of origin.
Despite the difficulties with access and rapid fire growth prior to the SFD's arrival, the fire was contained. Both company members on Engine 3 were seen by paramedics, but not transported. They are still at work, and at time of this release are on the second structure fire at 1528 West Alice.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home is a complete loss. Two occupants are being assisted by the Spokane Fire Department CARES Team and Red Cross.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 35
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Local 29! What have you ever done for us?!?!
This from Dan Renner, and of course, Monty Python and the JPF (not to be confused with the PFJ).
See you at the party tonight!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Minneapolis Bars figure out a way around smoking ban - "Theatre Night"...
It has been nice - going on calls into what were once smoky bars.
But, I have to admit I voted against banning smoking in bars. I thought, and I still do think, that it was an unnecessary government intrusion into the lives of those who frequent bars.
Looks like the folks in Minneapolis have found a way around the law. I don't know if Washington's law is the same, but if it is, don't be surprised to go to the Rainbow Tavern on an assault and find a very smoky rendition of Hamlet taking place.
Alas poor Yorick...
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3724 South Tekoa
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: On the afternoon of February 24, 2008 at 5:01 pm the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3724 South Tekoa for a reported fire in the kitchen ceiling. The first apparatus on scene reported light smoke showing from the roof. Upon further investigation fire was discovered in the ceiling above the kitchen. Crews quickly removed the ceiling and extinguished the fire. This fire was confined to the underside of the roof and insulation above the ceiling. The fire was knocked down with in minutes of the fire departments arrival. The crews checked for extensions and completed overhaul in about an hour and a half. Damage was confined to the kitchen ceiling and light smoke throughout the main floor. The cause of the fire appears to be an over heated recessed light above the kitchen sink. There were no injuries to report
PROBABLE CAUSE: Over heated recessed light
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling above the kitchen. Light smoke throughout the main floor
DOLLAR LOSS: 7000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3724 South Tekoa
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203
NARRATIVE: On the afternoon of February 24, 2008 at 5:01 pm the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3724 South Tekoa for a reported fire in the kitchen ceiling. The first apparatus on scene reported light smoke showing from the roof. Upon further investigation fire was discovered in the ceiling above the kitchen. Crews quickly removed the ceiling and extinguished the fire. This fire was confined to the underside of the roof and insulation above the ceiling. The fire was knocked down with in minutes of the fire departments arrival. The crews checked for extensions and completed overhaul in about an hour and a half. Damage was confined to the kitchen ceiling and light smoke throughout the main floor. The cause of the fire appears to be an over heated recessed light above the kitchen sink. There were no injuries to report
PROBABLE CAUSE: Over heated recessed light
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling above the kitchen. Light smoke throughout the main floor
DOLLAR LOSS: 7000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Friday, February 15, 2008
Fire Press Release
Issuing Officer:
Ken Kirsch/ Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/14/2008
Incident Address:
1228 W Chelan
Spokane, Wa
Structure Fire
On 02/14/08 at approximately 1828 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1228 W Chelan upon report of a structure fire. First arriving Fire Department units found a 1 ½ story, wood-frame, duplex, heavily involved in fire. Fire was evident in the rear or south portion of the residence. Fire Department members advanced pre-connected hose-lines into the south side of the structure, advanced to the second floor and soon had the fire under control. While the fire was being extinguished, other firefighters, searched the 1st and 2nd stories for possible victims, and ventilated the roof to allow smoke to escape the building. The fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes but SFD crews remained on to scene assure extinguishment for about another 4 hours. A total of 28 firefighters on 10 trucks initially fought this blaze with many other crews rotating into the scene to assist with overhaul and to provide security throughout the night. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or tenants of the residence. Significant fire damage was evident to the south stairway of the residence and to most portions of the second floor. The first floor had moderate water damage. Four tenants were displaced from the duplex with the Red Cross assisting each.
Probable Cause:
The cause of this fire is still undetermined and under investigation. Investigators were on scene during the evening hours and will return in the morning to continue the origin and cause determination.
Damage Extent:
Damage was extensive to the south stairway as well as to most of the 2nd floor. Water damage was evident on the 1st floor.
Firefighter Response: 28
Dollar Loss: $
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
Ken Kirsch/ Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/14/2008
Incident Address:
1228 W Chelan
Spokane, Wa
Structure Fire
On 02/14/08 at approximately 1828 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1228 W Chelan upon report of a structure fire. First arriving Fire Department units found a 1 ½ story, wood-frame, duplex, heavily involved in fire. Fire was evident in the rear or south portion of the residence. Fire Department members advanced pre-connected hose-lines into the south side of the structure, advanced to the second floor and soon had the fire under control. While the fire was being extinguished, other firefighters, searched the 1st and 2nd stories for possible victims, and ventilated the roof to allow smoke to escape the building. The fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes but SFD crews remained on to scene assure extinguishment for about another 4 hours. A total of 28 firefighters on 10 trucks initially fought this blaze with many other crews rotating into the scene to assist with overhaul and to provide security throughout the night. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or tenants of the residence. Significant fire damage was evident to the south stairway of the residence and to most portions of the second floor. The first floor had moderate water damage. Four tenants were displaced from the duplex with the Red Cross assisting each.
Probable Cause:
The cause of this fire is still undetermined and under investigation. Investigators were on scene during the evening hours and will return in the morning to continue the origin and cause determination.
Damage Extent:
Damage was extensive to the south stairway as well as to most of the 2nd floor. Water damage was evident on the 1st floor.
Firefighter Response: 28
Dollar Loss: $
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Fire Press Release
Issuing Officer:
BC Craig Cornelius
Date of Incident:
2/13/2008
Incident Address:
4016 N. Division
Spokane, WA 99201
Structure Fire
This evening, February 13, 2008 at 2210 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in the Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant located at 4016 N. Division St. The first arriving fire companies arrived within 5 minutes of being dispatched and found heavy grey smoke coming from the rear of the building. Workers from the restaurant reported that the fire was in the rear kitchen area and that everyone had safely evacuated the burning building. Fire crews forced a rear metal door off the kitchen area and attacked the fire with several fire attack leads. Additional crews ventilated the roof and front windows to assist the firefighters advancing the leads inside the building. Interior crews fought fire throughout the entire kitchen and rear roof areas. The firefighters brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this incident. The restaurant sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The official pronouncement will be made by investigators after all evidence has been reviewed. Fire crews will likely be on the scene for the remainder of the night.
Probable Cause:
Still Under Investigation.
Damage Extent:
Extensive damage to the entire kitchen area.
Firefighter Response: 24
Dollar Loss: $
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
BC Craig Cornelius
Date of Incident:
2/13/2008
Incident Address:
4016 N. Division
Spokane, WA 99201
Structure Fire
This evening, February 13, 2008 at 2210 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in the Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant located at 4016 N. Division St. The first arriving fire companies arrived within 5 minutes of being dispatched and found heavy grey smoke coming from the rear of the building. Workers from the restaurant reported that the fire was in the rear kitchen area and that everyone had safely evacuated the burning building. Fire crews forced a rear metal door off the kitchen area and attacked the fire with several fire attack leads. Additional crews ventilated the roof and front windows to assist the firefighters advancing the leads inside the building. Interior crews fought fire throughout the entire kitchen and rear roof areas. The firefighters brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this incident. The restaurant sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The official pronouncement will be made by investigators after all evidence has been reviewed. Fire crews will likely be on the scene for the remainder of the night.
Probable Cause:
Still Under Investigation.
Damage Extent:
Extensive damage to the entire kitchen area.
Firefighter Response: 24
Dollar Loss: $
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Fire Press Release - Spokane Family is burned out of their home - No mention in the media!
Issuing Officer:
Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/9/2008
Incident Address:
2654 N. Walnut
Spokane, WA 99205
Structure Fire
On February 8th, 2008 at 3:10 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 2654 N. Walnut. Fire crews found a wood frame home with fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. A simultaneous attack, consisting of hose lines inside, ventilation crews on the roof, search teams inside and backup crews, were deployed and effectively, the fire was cutoff and contained after 25 minutes. The home had been occupied by a family of 5 and all were able to escape the house. There was a large population of pets inside the home consisting of cats, dogs, lizards, chinchillas, birds and rabbits and all were spared as most of them were on the first and basement levels. The Spokane Fire Department Community Assistance Resource Team (CARES) arrived along with the Red Cross and assisted with the family in making arrangements for lodging, clothing and food. The entire second floor suffered damage from fire and smoke. The roof was cut open to relieve the atmosphere below of heat and smoke, and some of the floor and wall in the bedroom on the second level was also breached in order to seek out and extinguish any hidden fire that remained. A thermal imaging camera was used to assist with this operation. There were a total 19 firefighters that fought this blaze. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the fire appears to be electrical in origin. A fire department investigator was called to the scene.
Probable Cause:
Electrical wiring underneath the bedroom floor.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire and smoke damage to both second floor bedrooms. Clothing, furniture, children's toys and keepsakes were all damaged in this fire. The structure suffered some water damage as well.
Firefighter Response: 19
Dollar Loss: $96,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/9/2008
Incident Address:
2654 N. Walnut
Spokane, WA 99205
Structure Fire
On February 8th, 2008 at 3:10 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 2654 N. Walnut. Fire crews found a wood frame home with fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. A simultaneous attack, consisting of hose lines inside, ventilation crews on the roof, search teams inside and backup crews, were deployed and effectively, the fire was cutoff and contained after 25 minutes. The home had been occupied by a family of 5 and all were able to escape the house. There was a large population of pets inside the home consisting of cats, dogs, lizards, chinchillas, birds and rabbits and all were spared as most of them were on the first and basement levels. The Spokane Fire Department Community Assistance Resource Team (CARES) arrived along with the Red Cross and assisted with the family in making arrangements for lodging, clothing and food. The entire second floor suffered damage from fire and smoke. The roof was cut open to relieve the atmosphere below of heat and smoke, and some of the floor and wall in the bedroom on the second level was also breached in order to seek out and extinguish any hidden fire that remained. A thermal imaging camera was used to assist with this operation. There were a total 19 firefighters that fought this blaze. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the fire appears to be electrical in origin. A fire department investigator was called to the scene.
Probable Cause:
Electrical wiring underneath the bedroom floor.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire and smoke damage to both second floor bedrooms. Clothing, furniture, children's toys and keepsakes were all damaged in this fire. The structure suffered some water damage as well.
Firefighter Response: 19
Dollar Loss: $96,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002
Friday, February 08, 2008
Washington State Council of Firefighters Concert Tickets
Here is some concert footage of the band - La Pequeña Prohibida. Supposedly the union office has some free tickets. Supplies are limited. I think Ed Miller used to manage this group.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Columbia Stair Climb
It will soon be here.
If you would like to be a vital member of the team, without even breaking a sweat, please click here
Your donations will help fund blood disease research!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Fire Press Release
Issuing Officer:
Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/4/2008
Incident Address:
1417 W. Shannon
Spokane, WA 99205
Structure Fire
On 2-4-08 at 8:01 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and a battalion chief to a fire in a home located at 1417 W. Shannon. Firefighters found a fire burning near a wooden stairway and rapidly extending through walls and floors nearby. Two adults and two children made their way to safety because they were alerted by working smoke detectors. A centrally supervised alarm system was present in the home and the fire department was alerted immediately because of this. Crews worked hard to expose the hidden fire in the walls and floor by cutting open these areas with pike poles, axes and chain saws. Due to the smoky conditions inside, this took some time but eventually, firefighters were able to expose all areas where the fire had traveled. The fire was successfully contained after 45 minutes. It appears that the fire began after a fire had been built inside a fireplace insert. After heavy use, hot fires and repeated exposure to radiant and conducted heat, wooden framing members surrounding the chimney ignited. Once this ignition occurred, the fire then extended vertically inside the wall and also caught a portion of the wooden stairway and floor above on fire. There was smoke damage throughout the home, a minimal amount of water damage, and heavy fire damage to the walls, staircase and floor. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Shortly after the fire was contained, the Red Cross arrived to assist the family with arrangements. A working smoke detection and alarm system was key in alerting the family in this fire. The father had said that he had just put his children to bed and then his detectors began to activate. Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately midnight making sure all of the hotspots had been thoroughly extinguished. A fire crew will report to the scene this morning as well to complete some follow up work.
Probable Cause:
Repeated and heavy use of a fireplace insert that had with time, ignited adjacent structural framing members due to conducted and radiant heat.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire damage to walls, a floor and the staircase. Smoke damage throughout the home and a small amount of water damage.
Firefighter Response: 21
Dollar Loss: $75,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/4/2008
Incident Address:
1417 W. Shannon
Spokane, WA 99205
Structure Fire
On 2-4-08 at 8:01 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and a battalion chief to a fire in a home located at 1417 W. Shannon. Firefighters found a fire burning near a wooden stairway and rapidly extending through walls and floors nearby. Two adults and two children made their way to safety because they were alerted by working smoke detectors. A centrally supervised alarm system was present in the home and the fire department was alerted immediately because of this. Crews worked hard to expose the hidden fire in the walls and floor by cutting open these areas with pike poles, axes and chain saws. Due to the smoky conditions inside, this took some time but eventually, firefighters were able to expose all areas where the fire had traveled. The fire was successfully contained after 45 minutes. It appears that the fire began after a fire had been built inside a fireplace insert. After heavy use, hot fires and repeated exposure to radiant and conducted heat, wooden framing members surrounding the chimney ignited. Once this ignition occurred, the fire then extended vertically inside the wall and also caught a portion of the wooden stairway and floor above on fire. There was smoke damage throughout the home, a minimal amount of water damage, and heavy fire damage to the walls, staircase and floor. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Shortly after the fire was contained, the Red Cross arrived to assist the family with arrangements. A working smoke detection and alarm system was key in alerting the family in this fire. The father had said that he had just put his children to bed and then his detectors began to activate. Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately midnight making sure all of the hotspots had been thoroughly extinguished. A fire crew will report to the scene this morning as well to complete some follow up work.
Probable Cause:
Repeated and heavy use of a fireplace insert that had with time, ignited adjacent structural framing members due to conducted and radiant heat.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire damage to walls, a floor and the staircase. Smoke damage throughout the home and a small amount of water damage.
Firefighter Response: 21
Dollar Loss: $75,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
Fire Press Release
Issuing Officer:
Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/4/2008
Incident Address:
2006 W. Gardner
Spokane, WA 99201
Structure Fire
On 2-4-08 at 12:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and a battalion chief to an apartment fire located at 2006 W. Gardner. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fire burning on the second level of a 2 story home that had been converted into 4 apartment units. The fire was located in a wall and was rapidly extending into the attic. A rapid search was conducted throughout the structure and it was found that all occupants either had made their way to safety or were not at home. Firefighters had to fight their way through very poor visibility due to the thickening smoke and growing fire. Two teams of ladder crews were able to successfully ventilate the roof by cutting it open with their chain saws. This allowed the build up of heat and smoke to rise and increase visibility while at the same time, help confine the fire by drawing it in one direction. Firefighters were able to contain the fire after 40 minutes. The fire was caused by a plumber's propane torch that was too close to combustibles while doing some repair work within the home. There were 4 occupants that will be displaced temporarily while repairs are made to the home. These occupants will be staying with friends/relatives. An SFD CARES (community assistance response team) representative was helping with making arrangements for the tenants. A total of 23 firefighters responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that when using open flame, a clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained between the flame and the combustibles. It is also recommended that a fully operational extinguisher be kept nearby at all times.
Probable Cause:
A plumber's torch while performing repair work, too close to combustibles.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire damage to the upstairs bathroom and kitchen. Smoke and water damage throughout the 4 unit apartment building.
Firefighter Response: 23
Dollar Loss: $60,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
Date of Incident:
2/4/2008
Incident Address:
2006 W. Gardner
Spokane, WA 99201
Structure Fire
On 2-4-08 at 12:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and a battalion chief to an apartment fire located at 2006 W. Gardner. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fire burning on the second level of a 2 story home that had been converted into 4 apartment units. The fire was located in a wall and was rapidly extending into the attic. A rapid search was conducted throughout the structure and it was found that all occupants either had made their way to safety or were not at home. Firefighters had to fight their way through very poor visibility due to the thickening smoke and growing fire. Two teams of ladder crews were able to successfully ventilate the roof by cutting it open with their chain saws. This allowed the build up of heat and smoke to rise and increase visibility while at the same time, help confine the fire by drawing it in one direction. Firefighters were able to contain the fire after 40 minutes. The fire was caused by a plumber's propane torch that was too close to combustibles while doing some repair work within the home. There were 4 occupants that will be displaced temporarily while repairs are made to the home. These occupants will be staying with friends/relatives. An SFD CARES (community assistance response team) representative was helping with making arrangements for the tenants. A total of 23 firefighters responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that when using open flame, a clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained between the flame and the combustibles. It is also recommended that a fully operational extinguisher be kept nearby at all times.
Probable Cause:
A plumber's torch while performing repair work, too close to combustibles.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire damage to the upstairs bathroom and kitchen. Smoke and water damage throughout the 4 unit apartment building.
Firefighter Response: 23
Dollar Loss: $60,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
END OF RELEASE
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Talked with Todd this morning...
He wanted you to know the circumstances of his situation.
Todd was notified by Bank of America that his credit card was compromised in July or early August. The charges were made earlier in the spring. Someone had used his number to buy a camera and there were charges made to a Yahoo account. There was no description of these charges. Whoever had made the charges had used the wrong names and birth dates. Todd canceled the account immediately. He had no idea what the Yahoo account charges were about. There was no description.
Todd wanted all of you to know that he very much appreciates your support. Your phone messages to him have meant a lot after what he has been through.
Todd says that this has been a very humiliating experience for him, and your confidence in his strength of character has helped him a lot.
Todd, know that here in the stations you have our support and you'll get through this.
Todd was notified by Bank of America that his credit card was compromised in July or early August. The charges were made earlier in the spring. Someone had used his number to buy a camera and there were charges made to a Yahoo account. There was no description of these charges. Whoever had made the charges had used the wrong names and birth dates. Todd canceled the account immediately. He had no idea what the Yahoo account charges were about. There was no description.
Todd wanted all of you to know that he very much appreciates your support. Your phone messages to him have meant a lot after what he has been through.
Todd says that this has been a very humiliating experience for him, and your confidence in his strength of character has helped him a lot.
Todd, know that here in the stations you have our support and you'll get through this.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
When Fire Strikes, Stop, Drop and... Sing?
Interesting article on the future of soundwaves in firefighting. Click link above to read the whole thing.
An excerpt:
"I throw more power into my voice, and now the flame is extinguished," wrote Irish scientist John Tyndall about his experiments with sound and fire in 1857. Countless public demonstrations and a handful of lab tests later, researchers are still struggling to determine exactly how sound snuffs flames.
Sound travels in waves, which are simply variations of pressure in a medium—whether solid, liquid or gas. The energy from vibrating objects, such as speaker membranes, moves from particle to particle in the air in a repeating pattern of high- and low-pressure zones that we perceive as sound. According to the ideal gas law, temperature, pressure and volume are related; therefore, a decrease in pressure can lead to a corresponding decrease in temperature, which may explain how sound can extinguish a flame.
In 2004 Dmitriy Plaks and several of his fellow students at the University of West Georgia tested whether sound waves can douse fires in hopes of using sound to extinguish flames in a spacecraft. VIDEO They placed a candle in a large topless chamber with three bass speakers attached to the walls. The candle was lit and the Canadian rock band Nickelback's "How you remind me" was pumped through the subwoofers. Within roughly 10 seconds, once the song hit a low note, the flame was out, according to results published in 2005 in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Oakland Firefighters Overtime Extravaganza!
WARNING:There is no nudity in this clip, but there are some scantily clad women with flaming pasties. The Oakland Firefighters discuss the hazard with which these present. You make the call on whether you will be offended or whether this is safe for work viewing.
Now that the city has their own fire-department-related blog, the Local 29 blog will try to raise the bar, in an effort to bring you the highest-quality, timely articles and information.
And in a nod of collegiality, we invite the fire department blogsters a link to this video for their use, as well.
Now that the city has their own fire-department-related blog, the Local 29 blog will try to raise the bar, in an effort to bring you the highest-quality, timely articles and information.
And in a nod of collegiality, we invite the fire department blogsters a link to this video for their use, as well.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Cruise Line Discount for Firefighters
From Roger Libby:
My wife is a travel consultant and has just informed me that one of the major cruise lines is now offering special discounted fares to police, fire, teachers & military personnel. The itineraries include Alaska/Australia & New Zealand/Canada & New England/The Caribbean/Europe/Hawaii/Mexico/and the South Pacific. Depending on the itinerary, some of the sailings begin in March (a great time to get away). Fares start at around $499 per person (not incl. taxes and applicable fees). I have personally sailed with this cruise line, and loved it. For my money, cruising is one of the best bargains in travel, and these fares make it even more appealing. If anyone is interested, please contact:
Debbie Alexander
AAA Travel
509-358-7006
email: deborahalexander@aaawin.com
Please identify yourself as a firefighter so she can quote you the best price.
My wife is a travel consultant and has just informed me that one of the major cruise lines is now offering special discounted fares to police, fire, teachers & military personnel. The itineraries include Alaska/Australia & New Zealand/Canada & New England/The Caribbean/Europe/Hawaii/Mexico/and the South Pacific. Depending on the itinerary, some of the sailings begin in March (a great time to get away). Fares start at around $499 per person (not incl. taxes and applicable fees). I have personally sailed with this cruise line, and loved it. For my money, cruising is one of the best bargains in travel, and these fares make it even more appealing. If anyone is interested, please contact:
Debbie Alexander
AAA Travel
509-358-7006
email: deborahalexander@aaawin.com
Please identify yourself as a firefighter so she can quote you the best price.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Fire Press Release
Structure Fire
On January 20th, 2008 at 12:16 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 3110 N. Alberta. As crews were enroute to this incident, it was reported that there may have been an explosion and that a child may still be inside the home. When firefighters arrived, the entire back half of the house and an attached storage shed were fully engulfed in flames. A search and rescue team was set up and coordinated with a fire attack team as well as rooftop ventilation and it was soon confirmed that all occupants were safe and accounted for on the outside of the home. The fire was successfully knocked down and contained within 30 minutes and through firefighting efforts, crews were able to prevent the fire from consuming the front half of the home. As soon as the fire was contained, the long and arduous task of overhaul began and continued until 4:00 A.M. This involved pulling ceilings and removing burned items including structural members of the home. All of the occupants will be staying with friends and the Red Cross was notified for any other assistance that they may need. A total of 24 firefighters responded and fought this blaze. The cause is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit and has been undetermined at this time. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians on this incident.
Probable Cause:
Undetermined. Under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire Damage to the exterior and upper level of the home including the roof. Smoke damage throughout the home.
Firefighter Response: 24
Dollar Loss: $90,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
On January 20th, 2008 at 12:16 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 3110 N. Alberta. As crews were enroute to this incident, it was reported that there may have been an explosion and that a child may still be inside the home. When firefighters arrived, the entire back half of the house and an attached storage shed were fully engulfed in flames. A search and rescue team was set up and coordinated with a fire attack team as well as rooftop ventilation and it was soon confirmed that all occupants were safe and accounted for on the outside of the home. The fire was successfully knocked down and contained within 30 minutes and through firefighting efforts, crews were able to prevent the fire from consuming the front half of the home. As soon as the fire was contained, the long and arduous task of overhaul began and continued until 4:00 A.M. This involved pulling ceilings and removing burned items including structural members of the home. All of the occupants will be staying with friends and the Red Cross was notified for any other assistance that they may need. A total of 24 firefighters responded and fought this blaze. The cause is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit and has been undetermined at this time. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians on this incident.
Probable Cause:
Undetermined. Under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
Damage Extent:
Heavy fire Damage to the exterior and upper level of the home including the roof. Smoke damage throughout the home.
Firefighter Response: 24
Dollar Loss: $90,000
Mutual Aid: None Given
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