Saturday, October 25, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2208 E Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and firefighting crews to a report of a structure fire at 2208 E. Longfellow at 7:13 PM on Friday, Oct. 24th. The call for assistance was made by a neighbor who told Fire Dispatchers that there was smoke coming from the eaves of the structure and the caller was very concerned that the occupants of the home were still inside. The first arriving fire crew reported heavy smoke issuing from the eaves and other openings in the building, neighbors again voiced their concerns to the just arriving fire crews that they believed the occupants were still inside the house. Initial assignments were made by the Incident Commander on scene and those assignments were primarily focused on search and rescue priorities for occupants coupled with an aggressive interior attack at the seat of the fire. A primary search was completed and a secondary search followed, a third search was also ordered due to the concern voiced by neighbors at the scene. To the relief of firefighters and concerned neighbors it was determined that the two occupants of the home were not in the building. The seat of the fire was located in the basement and was quickly confined and extinguished. Although the fire was confined to the basement thermal and smoke damage was present in every room on the main floor and that damage was considerable. Structurally the house did not suffer serious damage however the interior finishes and the contents did sustain heavy damage. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 26 firefighters to the scene; there were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or to any civilians. Investigators from the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were dispatched to the fire scene and are currently undertaking the laborious process of determining a cause for this early evening house fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable fire damage to the basement, heavy smoke and thermal damage on the main floor. Contents in all areas of the building will need to be replaced.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 618 W. Shannon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On October 14th, 2008 at 6:32 pm the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command Officer to a reported basement fire in a home located at 618 W. Shannon Ave. A Spokane Police Officer at the Neighborhood COPS substation was also notified about the fire. He arrived at the residence within a minute and reported the fire conditions to Fire Dispatch. He also made sure the occupants were out and assisted an elderly gentleman from the front of the home.

Fire Engine 3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived with his crew within 4 minutes. Lt. Greenamyer reported that he had a single story residence with smoke and fire coming from the basement. Engine 3s crew descended through the smoke down into the basement and made a quick attack on the fire. Other fire crews on the scene provided ventilation and backup. One of the responding paramedic units tended to the elderly gentleman who was with the Spokane Police Officer.

The basement fire was knocked down within 10 minutes and was confined to the basement with heavy smoke damage occurring throughout the home. Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours.

The fast actions of the Spokane Police Officer in assisting the occupants from this home contributed to the occupant's safety, and allowed the first arriving Fire Crews to focus on quickly extinguishing the fire. The elderly gentleman assisted from the home was not injured and was not in need of transport to a hospital. Fire Crews did locate the family dog and reported it to be in good condition. The local Red Cross responded and is assisting the family.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation at this time. The fire investigator will look at several possible ignition sources. One of the items that will be checked out is a portable electric heater found in the fire room. Although, it is only one of the potential sources for ignition, the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the hazards of such electrical devices. When using these appliances this winter, remember electrical heaters should not be left on and unattended. They also pose a hazard to all combustible materials that are in close proximity the heater when it is operating.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage : Basement
Smoke Damage: Throughout structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Monday, October 06, 2008

Firefighters for Obama Store...

Some of you have asked me where to get IAFF Obama signs, shirts and stickers. Click on the link above. I've also heard that the union office was going to get some stuff, but so far, I haven't been told that they have received anything.

Here's a video from Wisconsin that shows some of our brothers and sisters in the fire service, and others in public service, and why they are voting for Obama.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 817 E INDIANA AVE
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Saturday October 4, 2008 at 11:31 AM, Six Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Green responded to a reported structure fire at 817 East Indiana. The first company arrived within 6-minutes and reported light smoke showing from a two-story wood-framed home. Spokane Police Officers were already on-scene and had responded to a call for a subject actively setting fires from the exterior of the home.

Ladder 2 and Engine 7 were utilized to extinguish the multiple fire starts and the additional companies still enroute were cancelled as the incident was brought under control in just minutes. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters.


PROBABLE CAUSE: A 17-year old male suspect was detained by SPD as fire companies arrived on scene. Spokane Fire's SIU Officers were still on the Mission Incident and quickly joined SPD early in the incident. The suspect is now in custody and charged with Arson in the First Degree. Additional charges may be forthcoming; however at the time of this release the suspect has been booked into the Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is minor and predominately exterior and cosmetic to the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.

The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.


PROBABLE CAUSE: ** (UPDATED) The cause has been determined to be incendiary and SIU Investigators have charged Beverly Nagi (57 y/o) with Arson in the First Degree. SIU Officers arrested Nagi near the fire scene this morning and she was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure. The Spokane Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting the resident.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.

The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/1/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4621 N. Post
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On October 1st, 2008 at 10:30 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, a pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4621 N. Post. Upon arrival, fire crews found a wood frame structure that had fire coming out the front windows. Pumper Ladder 13's crew, the first to arrive, immediately attacked the fire while also asking for backup and a crew to ventilate the roof. It was soon determined that the adult occupant, who had been sleeping, had exited safely from the home. As the firefighters worked their way through the home to attack the fire, they soon found that the fire was mainly involving the front living room and kitchen areas. The fire was also rapidly extending vertically towards the attic. Through their fast and aggressive actions, the firefighters were able to knock down the fire and confine it to the front portion of the home and at the same time, keep it out of the attic area. The majority of the home was saved, however smoke damage was extensive throughout the building. A total of 24 firefighters responded to this call and it took them 15 minutes to effectively contain the fire. Fire crews will remain at this incident through the night conducting final extinguishment and making sure all of the "hotspots" are completely out. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was called in to investigate the fire cause. At this time, the incident remains under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The home suffered extensive smoke damage and also sustained heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen areas.



PROBABLE CAUSE: Suspicious. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 558 E. Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On September 28th, 2008 at 12:54 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 558 E. Longfellow. Fire crews found a one story single family dwelling that was well involved in fire upon arrival. A quick attack using hose lines coupled with a rapid search of the interior of the home was conducted. Nobody was found in the home. The homeowner was located and contact was made to make sure everyone was accounted for. The fire extended vertically into the attic space and fire crews had to access this roof with ladders to begin the long and arduous process of locating and extinguishing what fire remained underneath it. This involved cutting the roof apart with chainsaws, circular saws, axes and pike poles. This task took approximately 3 hours to complete. Because the roof was weakened by the fire, care was taken to make sure the fire crews were in a safe position at all times. Avista assisted in controlling and securing the natural gas and electricity to the property. The house and contents sustained major fire, water and smoke damage. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. A total of 20 firefighters responded on this alarm with 3 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Fire crews remained at this location throughout the night working on final extinguishment and cleanup.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire, water and smoke damage to the structure and contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Friday, September 26, 2008

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1115 W. Nebraska
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At 2:53 pm September 25, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a single family house at 1115 W. Nebraska. The call was for a clothes dryer fire. Upon arrival of the first crew it was found that heavy smoke was issuing from all openings on the first floor of the structure. Red Cross was requested and was needed for four adults and 5 children that lived at the house. With an aggressive attack on the fire the first crew going in and backed up by a separate crew made their way into the basement where the fire was found. There were no injuries to Civilians or Firefighters. 4 cats and 1 dog were rescued and given oxygen. The fire was investigated and it appears the fire started in the clothes dryer vent and spread to surrounding combustibles in the basement. The fire had spread to floor joists but damage was kept to a minimum. Most damage was caused by the heavy smoke conditions in the structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Debris in and around an electric clothes dryer vent.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy smoke damage throughout the house with fire damage to the area of the clothes dryer and structural members in the area of the dryer.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2630 North Cuba
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On the morning of September 24th at 5:27am the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2630 North Cuba. Engine Company 8 reported flames and smoke coming from the basement. Attack leads were advanced into the interior and a search was conducted. Fire crews entered the fully involved basement and started extinguishment, pined up smoke and heat presented a challenge for crews. The main body of fie was knocked down in about 15minuts after arrival and overhaul continued for another hour. After the search it was confirmed that everyone was out. The residents were awaken by sounds of smoke detectors and escaped to the outside. The Spokane Fire Department can not stress enough the importance of working smoke detectors. Red Cross was responded to assist the three adults that were displaced. No injuries were reported. The basement and contents suffered extreme damage from the fire and heat, the rest of the house had smoke and heat damage. This fire is under investigation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Base and contents, smoke and heat throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Greek DJ continues broadcast while studio catches fire...



I suppose this guy would not call the fire department even if he had a headache, was feeling weak, had the sniffles or needed help getting his pants on in the morning.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Hydrants turned off to fight terrorism...




Privatization of a neighborhood's water supply and mindless fear of "terrorists" help burn down a house! Click here to see the video directly.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5906 N. Whitehouse
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: In the early morning hours of September 5th, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 5906 N. Whitehouse St. The responding fire companies were dispatched at 0256 hours. Engine 13, under the direction of Lt. Sherryl Hart was first on the scene and reported heavy fire involvement in the one story home. She, along with her crew started an aggressive fire attack within 5 minutes of the initial dispatch. Additional assignments, including searching the home for victims were given to the other fire crews as they arrived. The coordinated efforts of the fire crews brought the fire under control within 10 minutes after arrival.

There were no injuries to the firefighters or to the one occupant that lives at the home. The heavy fire involvement extensively damaged the interior of the home. Red Cross representatives responded and are assisting the one displaced occupant. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time.


PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage throughout home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 70,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2801 N Napa
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and fire apparatus to 2801 N. Napa at 9:52 PM, Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, on a reported warehouse fire. A large column of black smoke was visible on the horizon as fire rigs were nearing the location, as the first responding rigs got closer they could see a large amount of fire coming through the roof of a metal-clad wood/framed warehouse. Within minutes a 2nd alarm response was requested and additional fire crews and equipment were added to the response. When crews arrived on scene the fire had already heavily involved much of the structure. As fire crews worked to force entry into the locked warehouse, other crews began laying water supply lines and fire hoses to be able to be in position to advance those hose leads inside the building once entry could be made. While this work by the crews was going on outside, the fire inside continued to grow in size and intensity. As doors were finally forced or cut to provide entry into the structure the decision was made to not risk injury, or possibly more serious risks to the firefighters, by attacking this fire from the outside. Large volume water delivery devices were brought into play from the perimeter of the building and the fire was gradually knocked down. Damage to the warehouse and its contents was considerable. With the help of Spokane Police Officers who were at the scene and a helpful citizen with a pick-up truck, a number of fiberglass boats stored up against the fire building were removed from danger to areas of safety away from the building. There were no reports of injuries to any of the firefighters at the scene or to any civilians. Ten pieces of fire fighting apparatus and two Command vehicles delivered 40 firefighters to the scene of this large fire. Fire investigators from the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were at the fire as it burned during the night and will be on scene today as soon as the sun rises to begin their task of determining a fire cause. Fire watch companies were at the scene during the night to insure that the fire was completely extinguished and to provide security for the scene as well as for the contents of the heavily damaged warehouse.



PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is curently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Very heavy damage to the building and to the contents of the two businesses located in the structure. Complete damage estimates have yet to be determined.
DOLLAR LOSS: 250,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 40
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

GENERAL FIRE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY - SEPTEMBER 18th





Featuring food (David's pizza), door prizes, vendors and some new futuristic apparatus. Starts at 10 am and goes until 3 PM. Sounds like a good time!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Fire Press Release

0ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: N 2220 Astor St.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: This morning, August 28, 2008 at approximately 0414 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 2 Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue apparatus to a reported fire at N 2220 Astor St. The first arriving apparatus were from Fire Station One under the direction of Captain Tim Foster. He reported that the home had fire in the kitchen ceiling and that the residents had been evacuated.

Engine Ones' crew under the direction of Act. Lieutenant Jason Archibald advanced a pre-connected hose line into the home and quickly knocked down the fire. The responding firefighters brought the fire under control within minutes. Fire crews stayed on the scene for approximately 1 hour checking for fire extension and cleaning up.

There were no injuries sustained at this fire and the primary damage was confined to the kitchen and the attic area above it. At this time the fire cause has not been determined, but early indicators are leaning towards an electrical cause.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of having smoke detectors in every home that are properly working and checked on a regular basis. Smoke detectors save lives!



PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Cause still under investiagtion.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Kitchen and Attic
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Spokefest!

There was a plug for this in a city email that went out. It looks like a lot of fun. I know that more and more are riding to work, and this might be a fun thing to do when us A-shifters get off on the morning of September 7th.

This is the first year, so you can get in on the ground floor of what, hopefully, will become a Spokane tradition. It costs $10 to register, or $25 for a family of three. Additional family members cost $5.
























The future?