Saturday, February 13, 2010
Fire Press Release
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/13/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5108 North Market
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 5:38 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Dave Haworth and Steve Sabo, responded to a Structure Fire at 5108 North Market (Alaskan Tavern).
While enroute to the incident, companies were notified there were reports that civilians may be trapped on the second floor and confirmed that fire was showing. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find a two-story "taxpayer" type building with a full basement. The first companies described the building as a wood-frame with heavy smoke showing from the rear of the building. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately after arriving and secured water supply and stretched a line in attempt to control the fire's progress toward the living areas in the building. Simultaneously the first-due Ladder Company searched each apartment unit under heavy smoke/fire conditions for savable civilians. All companies assigned on the first alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the building while trying to suppress the fire's progress when they arrived. Chief Haworth arrived and assumed command at 5:45 and struck a second alarm, two-minutes after his arrival. A third alarm was eventually struck at 6:18 AM and filled out the incident's resources to include; 10 Engines, 3 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, 9 Command Staff , 1 AMR Ambulance and Supervisor and Red Cross.
Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in a confirmation that all six occupants were outside and accounted for. The fire was declared under control in five hours and no injuries were reported.
Off-Duty and Mutual Aid Firefighters were utilized to staff SFD Stations and respond to simultaneous incidents during the Market Street Fire.
For continuous updated information and *Photos* Please Refer to our Blog (http://www.spokanefire.blogspot.com) and our Facebook Page.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU. The displaced families are receiving assistance from the Inland NW Chapter of the American Red Cross.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was limited to the building itself and the fire did not extend to adjacent buildings or into the railway area. The building was a total loss. Railway traffic was halted during the incident and was reopened after the incident was declared under control.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 52
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 37th and Rebecca
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: This evening, February 11, 2010, at 2109 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 37th and Rebecca.
Engine 14 from Fire Station 14, arrived on the scene a little over 4 minutes after being dispatched. Lt. Doug Dodson reported that he had a single story vacant structure with heavy smoke showing from the boarded up windows. He and his crew advanced a pre-connected hose line to the rear of the structure to attack the fire. The next arriving officer assumed Command and had arriving crews pull plywood from the windows and doors to assist in the extinguishment of the fire.
Crews gaining entry into the structure found a well seated fire that had worked its way into the ceiling and attic areas. "Tongue and Groove" wood used in the ceilings along with remodeled sections of the home made access to the fire difficult. These conditions kept crews working for several hours in the extinguishment of the fire. Extensive fire damage finished destroying this vacant home. The cause is still under investigation at this time. A total of 22 Firefighters responded to this incident. There were no reported injuries.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Cause is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage finished destroying this vacant home.
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
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lunch (tomato soup) succombs...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Fire Press Release
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 903 E. Rich
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 903 E. Rich at 12:22 AM on Wednesday, February 10th, to a reported structure fire. As the first arriving fire unit was nearing the scene they reported large amounts of smoke being visible in the night sky. Once that unit reached the scene they reported that there was heavy smoke coming from a 2 story, townhouse style, wood/frame, side-by-side duplex and that they were preparing to gain entry into the structure. Additional units began arriving on scene shortly after and they were given assignments that included; laddering the building, searching the structure for anyone who might be inside, fire attack, back-up hose lines to protect those fire fighters who were going into the building to locate and extinguish the fire, horizontal and vertical ventilation, water supply, safety, and the mandated Rapid Intervention Team for the protection of all fire fighters involved in the work at the incident scene. Further reports from the crews who were inside the building indicated that the fire was in the basement and that it was spreading upward through the construction openings and void spaces that are present in all buildings. Crews who were on the first floor began opening walls in an effort to cut off the fire's upward spread and because of their aggressive actions, in concert with the actions of the crews in the basement, the fire was quickly darkened down. Once the fire had been knocked down the labor intensive job of searching for signs of hidden fire in other parts of the building began. Both units of the duplex were in the process of being vacated by their tenants so very little interior furnishings and/or furniture were present, which made the fire fighters overhaul and salvage work a little less demanding. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters at the scene or to any civilians. Damage to the fire unit was severe in the basement where some of the floor joists had actually burnt away thus weakening the structural supports for that entire side of the duplex. The unit that burned will not be habitable until major repair work is completed. Fire fighters working on the first floor in that unit reported very spongy flooring and crews were cautioned to avoid certain areas on that first floor out of concerns that the floor might collapse. Smoke and heat damage were evident on the first and second floors. There was some additional smoke damage to the neighboring unit caused by the smoke migrating from the burning unit; however that side of the duplex should be able to be occupied. The Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit was requested to respond to this incident to determine the cause of this early morning fire. They were on scene soon after the fire was extinguished and began their investigation work. They were to return to the scene to continue their task once the sun comes up. Twenty three fire fighters were delivered to this incident on 6 pieces of fire fighting apparatus, 2 Command vehicles, and 1 fire investigation truck.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation by SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Severe fire damage in the basement of the fire unit causing structural instabilty to the first floor and possibly to the entire east side of the duplex. Heavy smoke damage to all floors of the fire unit and some smoke damage to the neighboring unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
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
Great Union Meeting Last Night!

For those of you who weren't able to make it, the newsletter next month will have the minutes.
This month's newsletter is on the local's website, under the member's only tab.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Reminder - Borg Bash Today
Where: O'Doherty's - Spokane Fall Blvd and just east of Howard.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Fire Press Release
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5933 N. Atlantic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: This evening, February 4th, at 2109 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 5933 N. Atlantic.
Engine 18 from Fire Station 18, arrived on the scene a little over 4 minutes after being dispatched. Lt. Pat Sanders reported that he had a single story tri-plex with smoke showing from the center unit. He and his crew advanced a pre-connected hose line into the fire unit and extinguished a fire in the kitchen. Other fire crews verified that occupants in the adjoining apartment units were safely outside and assisted in ventilating the fire unit.
Engine 18 had the fire under control within 5 minutes of their arrival. The fire was confined to the apartment of origin and the cause was cooking related. 22 Firefighters responded to this incident. There were no reported injuries.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking Related
DAMAGE EXTENT: Apartment kitchen area. Smoke damage throughout the entire unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
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
Thursday, February 04, 2010
A very nice note.
On 11 -- 23 -- 09, my truck broke down just north of the Maple Street Bridge. Fire Truck #3 stopped and assisted me. I am so thankful for your help that day... It was cold, I had all three of my kids in the truck, on my way to drop two off at school. Our family just wanted to again tell you all thank you for your help!You don't know how much I appreciated your assistance... By the way, it was our fuel pump. It went out. Bummer... But we are so thankful we were all safe.
Merry Christmas from our family to all of yours! The Spokane community is very fortunate to have you!
From: the McCandless/Merritt Family.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Fire Press Release
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2518 E 5th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Feb 2, at 1406 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2518 E 5th Ave. The first arriving company, SE7, reported smoke issuing from basement vents and from the front door. After confirming that all occupants were out, companies began a coordinated attack on the basement fire and quickly extinguished it. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Special Investigative Unit and no cause has been determined at the time of the media release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to bedroom contents with moderate smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Borg Bash!
No, not the usual Borg Bashing that many have enjoyed over the years, but an actual gathering and celebration of Greg's many years of service to Local 29.
When: February 6th - 4 pm until ?
Where: O'Doherty's - Downtown Spokane. Here.
Every union gathering we have had at O'Doherty's has been a very good time. So come on down and raise a pint, eat some good food and share some stories.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fire press release
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/26/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5112 W. Rosewood
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204
NARRATIVE: Late this evening, January 26, at 2146 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 7 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 5112 W Rosewood Ave.
Engine 16 from Fire Station 16, arrived on the scene 4 minutes after being dispatched. Captain Jim McNamee reported that he had a single story home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and living room area of the home. He and his crew made an immediate attack on the fire located on the front entry portion of the home. Simultaneously, Engine 16s crew worked in an effort to determine if the home was occupied.
Captain McNamee made contact with a woman who was living in the home. She informed him that she was alright, but that she was unsure if her son had arrived home from work. She stated that her son might be in home's basement.
Incoming fire companies extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire while other firefighters searched the home in an effort to locate the son. The fire was knocked down within 5 minutes and it was determined that the son was not home.
The aggressive actions of the first arriving crews confined the fire damage to the front porch and living room. Most of the first floor sustained smoke damage. There were no injuries reported relating to this fire. The fire cause is still being investigated at the time of this media release.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
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
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Facebook Access
During the first e-board meeting I was given the task of aligning all of our media stuff. Next week I will have all the website info to work on. This week I linked this blog to facebook, so when there's an update here it should automatically go to facebook.
Currently there are two facebook pages with Local 29 on them. This is the current one. I am going to ask Don Waller to erase the other one. Many of you probably know more about facebook than I do. I still am not sure whether we should have a group or a fansite or what. I will leave it alone for a while.
I also flipped a switch so you can see all the updates on the Local 29 facebook page. After I get done with this posting it should automatically go there. So yes, this is an experiment too. Thanks for bearing with me on this.
John
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Fire Press Relief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4110 North Cedar
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: Yesterday, January 13, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:15 PM to 4110 North Cedar. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the front of the 1-1/2-story, wood framed house and they could hear the home's smoke detectors sounding. The fire crews forced the front door and aggressively attacked the fire from the front of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants. One firefighter received a laceration to his hand and was sent to the hospital for treatment. Six fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.
The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to state the importance of having properly working smoke detectors through out your home. This fire was detected in its early stage by the next door neighbors who heard the smokes detectors activating within the house and they called 911 to report the fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by SFD Special Investigation Unit
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor living area with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
Fire Press Release
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3004 N. Crestline
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: Early Monday morning at 12:42 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 3004 N. Crestline. Engine 15 from the neighborhood fire station at Wellesley and Crestline was the first to arrive within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire enveloping the second floor of a two story apartment building. An early call for additional fire companies was made given the large volume of fire and smoke coming from the structure. Within minutes these resources arrived and assisted in the extinguishment of the fire. A rapid thorough search was coordinated on the second level of the building and at the same time, a ventilation crew was vertically venting the flat roof overhead for the fire crews inside involved in the extinguishment and search efforts. Two adult occupants were found to be safe outside of the structure and all the other neighboring occupants were able to safely evacuate. A rapid knockdown of the flames was achieved after 20 minutes. Fire crews were then busy with overhaul work which consists of searching out all areas within the building for hot spots. A top to bottom secondary search of the entire complex was also begun to confirm reports that all occupants were out of the building.
The Red Cross arrived to assist the occupants with shelter and belongings. The Spokane Fire Department assisted in making transportation arrangements for the occupants to stay in a nearby hotel. There were 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs on the first alarm. The fire was then upgraded which brought another engine company to the scene. Shortly after this, a second alarm was struck sending an additional engine, pumper ladder and ladder company to the fire. Two apartment units suffered damage in the blaze with most of the damage confined to the apartment where the fire originated. The cause is undetermined at this time; however the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department has been searching for a cause since the early morning hours and will be at the incident site throughout much of the day. One firefighter sustained a shoulder injury while on the roof top engaged in ventilation. He was treated and released from Deaconess Hospital.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit received heavy fire, smoke and structural damage including damage to contents. An adjacent apartment unit sustained minor fire damage and moderate smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 34
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 10, 2010
Fire Press Two fer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1712 W Nora Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 01/09/2010 at 1409 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 3 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 W Nora Ave. First arriving company, SE3, reported heavy smoke coming from a 2 story residential structure. The first arriving ladder company was assigned to search the structure for occupants while other companies began a coordinated attack on the fire, which was located on the first floor and the basement. The basement location presented a challenge due to the fact there was no access for fire attack companies or windows to remove smoke. Companies had to manually create openings to expose and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries to civilians and one firefighter received a minor laceration to his hand.
PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to the basement and the first floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
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: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2311 N Stevens St
CITY: Spokane
STATE:
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On 01/09/2010 at 1110 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2311 N Stevens. First arriving SE3 reported smoke coming from the structure. After ensuring all occupants were out, companies began a coordinated attack on the fire which was located in the basement. Basement fires present a unique challenge to firefighters due to the fact they can be very hard to access, difficult to ventilate, and have the potential to extend vertically throughout the structure. Companies had to remove a large portion of the first floor to finally expose and extinguish the fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit determined that the fire was caused by a space heater which was placed in a crawl space under the first floor to keep water pipes from freezing. The heater ignited wood framing under the floor.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to the basement and first floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
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
Monday, December 28, 2009
Fire Press Release Redux
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201
NARRATIVE: Early this morning, December 27, 2009, at 0351 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 8 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 4111 E. 8th Ave.
Engine 14 responding from Fire Station 14, located at 17th and Ray, was the first apparatus to arrive. Lieutenant Jeff Martin reported that he had a large home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and the west side of the home. After confirming that all occupants were out of the burning home, he quickly made assignments for the other responding fire companies while he and his crew made an immediate attack on the upper floor fire.
Incoming fire companies established a water supply and extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire. Roof ventilation was performed to assist firefighters working inside the burning structure. The main body of fire was knocked down in a short time. Initial crews were on the scene a total of 3 hours making sure the fire was out. Three fresh companies from the oncoming shift worked an additional 3 hours removing debris during overhaul operations.
Cold winter weather combined with difficult access created a challenge for on scene Firefighters. One Firefighter sustained minor injuries after falling on ice.
Approximately a third of the home sustained significant fire and smoke damage. 4 vehicles that were parked in the driveway were also damaged by the intense radiant heat.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Although the cause of the fire has not been determined as this time, wood stove ashes placed to close to combustibles is one potential cause that still is being looked at.
DAMAGE EXTENT: see narrative above
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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



