Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Fire Press Release - Two Fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1206 S. "F" Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: At 6:50 PM this evening, Monday, February 02, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported shed fire at 1206 S. "F" Street. Upon arrival the first fire crews reported a detached 12'X18' storage building heavily involved in fire. Siding on the main house at that address, which was less than 20' away from the storage building, was smoking and near ignition from the radiant heat. Fire crews applied water to the house and checked the inside for any fire extension as other crews simultaneously attacked and extinguished the fire in the storage building. During their investigation of the house one of the crews located the occupant, who reported he had received burns from the fire. The victim, an adult male, was working on his motorcycle in the storage building when gasoline vapors were ignited by a kerosene heater used to heat the building. The victim sustained second degree burns to both hands and first degree burns to his face prior to escaping the burning building. He was treated at the scene by Spokane Fire Department paramedics and transported by ambulance to Deaconess Medical Center. His injuries are not considered life threatening.

PROBABLE CAUSE: As was noted, the cause of the fire was accidental ignition of gasoline vapors inside the storage building.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to a total loss of the storage building and its contents, as well as minor damage to trim and siding on the house at this address.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1607 West Nora
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday February 3, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:52 AM to 1607 West Nora on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke coming from the back of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom in the basement with smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Jason Reser and he can be contacted at 625-7051.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the basement with smoke damage through out the residence
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

CARTNE Removed (for a while).

For those of you who never got the chance to see CARTNE, I apologize. It has been removed from YouTube. There was nothing derogatory about the SFD, the city, Local 29 or anything objectionable in this video whatsoever. So what made one person complain? And why do we all bend to the whim of a single person? After his first complaint, I went through the video and took out any references to SFD or Spokane, but that wasn't good enough. It's not about the video.

This person has a problem with me. I could post anything and this fellow would have a problem with it. If it is who I think it is, I have invited him to discuss his problem with me, but the person that he is, he has declined. Whomever he is, he would rather work behind the scenes to destroy what others create than to do anything productive himself. It is an affront to him that anyone would care enough to actually do some work on their day off to give something back to others. Oh well, having to live inside his skin is punishment enough for him.

This person is not in the upper echelons of our department. He is not a chief.

He is just a sad little man (whomever he is). CARTNE will be back. It's just going to take a little longer this time. But, you can't let the cowards, the sadsacks, the haters win!

Pebbles and BamBam sang it best:

EMS in the movies! The Report!



Been enjoying old westerns this winter - a lot! I think many of the themes I find in these movies resonate with me.

Anyway, here is a short clip from Lonely are the Brave starring Kirk Douglas. It's near the end, so if you don't want to know the ending of the movie, don't watch the clip!

It made me laugh. Have things changed?

Monday, February 02, 2009

Official Spokane Fire Department YouTube Site...

Dean Pearcy has put together some great videos over the past few years. Take a gander and you might see yourself in action! Here is his 2007 year in review. Looking forward to 2008's.


Sunday, February 01, 2009

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/31/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 911 W. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On January 31st, 2009 at 5:09 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 7 apparatus and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 911 W. Jackson. Firefighters discovered a well advanced fire in the basement of a home with a report that there may have been an explosion accompanying the fire. Crews used a transitional approach and first knocked down what fire they could through an available exterior basement window. At the same time, the natural gas was turned off and ladder crews began their search and ventilation duties. It was found that the occupants were not at home, however two dogs were successfully rescued and safely taken outside. Hose line crews on the inside with help from roof crews cutting holes to ventilate were able to knock down the basement fire after approximately 15 minutes and as they began to check for hidden hot spots throughout the building, they also discovered a python snake, a boa constrictor, a tortoise and a Nile monitor lizard. All were caged and unharmed but due to the special nature of this situation, arrangements for transportation for these exotic animals proved challenging but eventually Spokanimal arrived to transport the animals to a warmer and safer place. Close examination of the structure revealed that there was a concussion which disrupted a portion of the concrete foundation and walls. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews will remain at the home throughout the night and early morning hours finishing their job looking for hidden pockets of fire that could remain in the floors, walls and roof areas. There were no injuries to firefighters. The Red Cross is in contact with the family and is assisting them with their displacement.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame home received extensive heat, smoke and water damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
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

Saturday, January 31, 2009

POLL RESULTS ARE IN

How should the SFD decide who gets the new engines?

Busier engine companies get the new engines.

11 (44%)

Slower engine companies get the new engines.

2 (8%)

In an arbitrary or random fashion.

2 (8%)

Rap song contest.

1 (4%)

Crews that look the best get the best.

3 (12%)

None of the above (email Bill Foss with your answer and he will post it).

0 (0%)
Magic 8 Ball.

6 (24%)

Friday, January 30, 2009

This month's Local 29 Bullseye Safety Science video...



After doing this assignment, if you need a certificate, let me know...

WAY TO GO STICKBOY!!!

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE - FEB 4

I try to get the newsletter out the day before our next union meeting. So the deadline is always about a week before the meeting. Please email me with any articles, opinions or pictures you want published.

Thanks, John

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/29/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1107 W. Carlisle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. Dispatch Center received a call at 10:34 in the morning on Thursday, Jan. 29th, reporting that there was smoke coming from a house located at 1107 W. Carlisle. After gathering all pertinent information from the caller, the Dispatcher sent fire fighting crews and their apparatus responding to this address for a possible house fire. The first fire crew to arrive on scene reported heavy smoke issuing from under the eaves and coming out of the roof. That first arriving Officer made assignments to the other incoming crews by radio and then proceeded to make entry into the building in an effort to determine not only the cause of the smoke but also to determine where it was coming from. As the other responding crews arrived on scene they began to go about completing their pre-assigned tasks of search and rescue, fire attack, ventilation (both vertical and horizontal), and laddering the building. The fire posed some initial problems to the fire crews in that it was burning in the confined spaces of the building and spreading into the attic and the under-side of the roof assembly. In order to find the fire, firefighters used power saws, pike poles, axes, and other hand tools to dig this stubborn fire out from the walls and ceilings. As this "opening-up" proceeded, crews were finally able to get water on the fire and get a pretty good knock down on it. There were two adults in the home at the time of the fire that were able to escape with a pet dog, the family cat was not located but it is hoped that he used one of his nine lives and escaped successfully. The two children who live at the home were at school. There were no reports of any injuries to the tenants or to the fire fighters at the incident. Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the family since damage to the interior of the house and to the structural members of the roof was considerable and extensive repairs will need to be completed before anyone will be allowed to live in the structure. Avista was notified and responded to pull the electrical supply to the house because many of the electrical circuits were severely damaged. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary indications point to the fireplace and the structural support members of the building that were in direct contact with the brick and mortar of that fireplace, a fairly common construction practice in older homes of this area. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 25 fire fighters to this morning fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Old, dry, wooden structrural components being in direct contact with the brick and mortar of an older masonary fireplace which has been used to augment the other heating systems of the building.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The walls, ceilings, floors, and a closet that were near the chimney, which was centrally located in the house, received heavy damage. The attic and especially the under-side of the roof system sustained severe damage. Smoke damage to the contents was kept to a minimum since most of the smoke traveled upward through the attic and out the roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3503 E. 36th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 1:55PM the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at 3503 E. 36th Ave. The first arriving company, E14 under the direction of Lt. John Trautman arrived at the scene within 5 minutes of being dispatched.

The initial report from Lt. Trautman was that the home had fire on its rear side and that the fire had possibly entered the rear portion of the home. Engine 14s crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, other crews searched and verified that the home was not occupied. The main body of the fire was knocked down within 5 minutes. Crews were on the scene for a couple of hours making sure the fire was out.

Firefighters found 3 dogs inside the home and several cats. All of the animals are in good condition and have been reconnected with their owners.

There were no injuries at this incident. Damage was confined to the rear of the home and a portion of the kitchen. The cause of this fire is still under investigation, but does not appear to be suspicious at this time.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Rear of home and kitchen.
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

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Photo Album

There's a new icon on the sidebar that will feature pictures that you send in to me. We'll see if anybody does.

billfoss@comcast.net

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4203 North Calispel
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: - This morning, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 12:53 AM to 4203 North Calispel on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the front door of a 1-story, house. Further investigation by the on scene fire crews found fire burning within a wall next to a brick fire place. The fire crews gained access to the wall and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire damage was confined to the wall only with no fire extension into the attic. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters.

The two occupants of the house were asleep at the time of the fire and were alerted by the sounding of their smoke detector as the house was filling up with smoke. The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to express the well known fact that properly working smoke detectors do save lives.


PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was caused by combustible, structural framing members that supported the brick chimney igniting from the heat of the fire place
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage was confined to an interior wall and the brick fireplace
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Mike Inman
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4103 W. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At 3 am January 25, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 fire apparatus and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported house fire across the street from 4108 W. Sanson in Spokane, Washington. Engine 16 was the first fire crew on scene. They arrived very quickly as their Fire Station is less than a mile from the incident. Upon arrival Engine 16 reported the basement of a split level house at 4103 W. Sanson fully involved and upgraded the fire to a working fire requesting an additional Engine Company and a fire investigator. A rapid fire attack by Engine 16 was started and their efforts stopped the spread of the fire. The crew advanced the hose line through the house for further fire attack and extinguishing hot spots. The next apparatus on scene was Pumper Ladder 13 and they backed up Engine 16 as well as beginning a search of the house for anyone still inside. Additional crews arrived to assist with water supply from a nearby hydrant, ventilation of heat and smoke from the house and a safety backup team. The fire was quickly brought under control, no residents were still inside but 3 pets did not make it out. Two cats and a bird died in the fire. The residents were asked if they were awaken by their smoke detectors but said they were not as they did not have batteries in them. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters, Red Cross was called for the displaced 4 residents, Spokanimal was called for the deceased pets and AVISTA to disconnect electrical and gas services to the burned structure. 26 Firefighters responded on 4 fire Engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 pumper ladder, 1 rescue unit and 2 staff vehicles. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. At this time the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to make sure their smoke detectors are operational and change the batteries at least twice a year. Do not count on someone smelling smoke and waking up as this is not a reliable way to alert the occupants of a home to fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown. It is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage to the room of origin with heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the house.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Survey results and new survey...

In the survey "Which shift is serving and protecting the most excellently?," A Shift won in a landslide. Congrats. Your commitment to excellence is excellent.

New survey -

"How should the SFD decide who gets the new engines?

"The survey is on the right sidebar. Have your say. It will make you feel good.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4314 N. Stevens
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On January 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a garage fire located at 4314 N. Stevens. Fire crews found a garage behind a home that was well involved in fire. A knockdown of the fire was successful and was achieved after 10 minutes. A live power line had dropped during the fire and the area was cleared out in order to isolate and protect civilians and firefighters from electrical shock. The Avista Company arrived shortly and shut down the power. The structure and its contents sustained heavy fire damage. The cause of this fire was an improperly discarded cigarette inside the garage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: An improperly discarded cigarette.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame garage and contents were severely damaged by the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 18,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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, January 23, 2009

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: !906 West Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On 1/23/09 at 5:51 PM the City of Spokane fire department responded 8 fire apparatus 27 Firefighters and 2 command personnel to 1906 West Pacific for a reported fire in the Mary Manor apartments. Fire companies from Station 4 on arrival reported smoke showing from one of the lower apartments. Attack leads were advanced into the apartment and a quick knock down of the main body of the fire took place. Crews search the upper floors and lower floors for any residents that were not accounted for. Other crews checked the apartments above and adjacent to the fire room for any fire extension. The fire was contained to the kitchen and declared out in about 15 minutes. Overhaul took about one hour. Once the smoke was cleared out the residents were allowed to return to their apartments. There were no reports of any injuries. Fire investigators were called to the scene and it was determined that this was an accidental fire. On adult male was displaced, Red Cross was notified.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental , kitchen fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: KItchen was burned out. Smoke damage through out.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
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

Firefighter Stairclimb Donation Site


Give a little because the climbers are going to give a lot!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Obama's Inauguration Speech Makes Mention of Firefighter's courage...


"It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."