Fire Press Release Four Fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1100 N. Superior
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 at 10:38 P.M. units of the Spokane Fire Department responded on a fire reported at the Maplewood Gardens Nursing Home located at 1100 N. Superior. Initially, this call was received as an alarm system that had activated and then was shortly "upgraded" by the dispatch center to a full alarm after receiving additional calls reporting smoke on the 4th floor. The upgraded alarm brought additional fire companies to the scene. Fire crews first on the scene reported smoke coming from a 4th floor window and curling up towards the roof. A rapid entry was made into the building and interior search efforts were coordinated along with an aggressive fire attack using multiple crews to confine the fire and safely evacuate the tenants that remained inside the building. A tenant inside the apartment on fire was successfully rescued after being found on the floor by the crew of Ladder 1. After finding her, they were able to quickly remove her from her burning apartment unit. She was transported to a medical facility for an evaluation and was able to return to her home later in the evening. The sprinkler system had activated inside the apartment unit where the fire began and was responsible for assisting in keeping the fire small. As the fire suppression efforts were underway, there were 7 patients that were immediately identified and extra ambulances were ordered to help deal with the situation. Patient symptoms ranged from smoke inhalation to cold exposure. Two of these patients were transported to medical facilities. The fire was successfully knocked down and extinguished after 15 minutes. Station 1 from their neighborhood location of Riverside and Browne were the first crews to arrive. Their quick response, fast attack and search efforts supplemented by other neighboring crews were another key reason why this fire was kept small. A total of 30 firefighters on 5 engine companies, 3 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this fire. The fire currently is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit and remains undetermined at this time. Fire damage was confined to some of the apartment contents, a wall and carpeting. There was smoke damage to the apartment unit including some of the neighboring apartment units and some water damage to an apartment unit below. In this fire, the sprinkler system and alarm system both found to be operating in this complex, were important factors in allowing for early alerting and evacuation of the occupants, and quick suppression efforts on the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Light fire damage to the apartment unit. Moderate fire damage to contents. Moderate smoke damage throughout complex wing and moderate water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4708 North Cook
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:45 PM to 4708 North Cook on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a wood framed, 2-car garage. The fire was extinguished in approximately 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, however the fire is listed as suspicious in nature due to its close proximity to a garage fire that happened approximately 90 minutes earlier within the same neighborhood.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and its contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4904 North Lee
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:24 PM to 4904 North Lee on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a wood framed, single-car garage with the fire extending into a motor home parked in front of the garage. The fire was extinguished in approximately 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire totaled the garage, a vehicle parked inside the garage and the motor home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 12000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 926 E 8th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Saturday May 8, 2010 at 0:122 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Steve Sabo, Dave Haworth and Larry Mummey responded to a reported building fire at 926 E 8th Avenue, HiFumi En Apartments. The apartment building is a HUD subsidized building specifically for disabled persons and seniors 62 years of age or older. The building housed 41 living units and was 99% occupied at the time of the fire.

The first company arrived within 5-minutes and reported a two-story apartment building with smoke showing from the address side. The incident was upgraded to a working fire and companies went to work immediately upon arriving to search and rescue victims from both floors and confine the fire to the area of origin. Due to the high potential for multiple victims and difficulty rescuing non-ambulatory victims, a second alarm was struck at 0134. Additionally, a third alarm was struck at 0145 as well as a special alarm for 6 ambulances soon after.

It took 52 Firefighters just 20 minutes to locate and knock down the fire. The entire building's occupants were evacuated and many of those had to be rescued by Ladder and Engine Companies. Firefighters were able to limit the fire's damage to the first floor common areas and the main hallway. Seven (7) occupants were treated and transported from the scene to local hospitals (one critical, two serious and four minor). Nearly all of the occupants received medical care on scene and varying levels of support from the SFD Firefighter/Paramedics until they could be moved to temporary accommodations.

In cooperation with the Housing Authority, the SFD Command Team was able to place all of the occupants in a local hotel. The occupants were transported by an SIA Bus to the hotel and accounted for on arrival by facility staff members. The HiFumi En Apartments are not able to be reoccupied until significant repair can be performed and approved by the Fire Marshal and Building Department.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the SFD SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage on the first floor in the common area and hallway. The building is not able to be reoccupied without significant repair.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 66
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

Maplewood Gardens Fire Interview

Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 617 W Providence
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On May 3, at 1216 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 617 W Providence. First arriving companies reported light smoke throughout the residence with no obvious cause. After ensuring all residents were evacuated, companies began to search for the source of the smoke. The fire was eventually located in a crawlspace under the main floor laundry room. A small portion of the main floor had to be removed to expose and finally extinguish the fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was caused by lint buildup in a dryer vent hose.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the dryer and the structural members directly beneath the dryer with minimal smoke damage to the rest of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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: 5/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 8821 North Hill N Dale Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This afternoon (May 2, 2010), the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 4:36 PM to 8821 North Hill N Dale street on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing on the exterior of the south side of the 3-story wood framed apartment building. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire that had started in a shrub near a main floor patio and extended up to the third floor and was spreading into the attic when it was extinguished. Additional fire crews completed ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Six fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be children playing with matches.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the vinyl siding on the apartment building.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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

Recruit School Graduation

Congrats to all recent graduates! We're looking forward to getting to know you all and for all of you to get to know the job.

EMS LEVY PASSES!

Old news, but worth repeating. Thanks Spokane!!

TODAY, EMS Levy votes must be in!

Ballots must be postmarked today, April 27th. Don't forget you can drop them off at a ballot drop box in the city.

If you still are seeking info on this issue, check out the website.

KXLY - What do firefighters do all day?

BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY TOMORROW!!!

If you didn't vote yet, please do it today. If you don't want to use a stamp, every library has a ballot drop box! THANKS!!!

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/21/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 48 W. 26th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 04/20/2010 at 00:54 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 engines, 1 heavy rescue, 2 senior ladders and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 48 W.26th Ave. The first arriving company, SE9, under the direction of Lt. Edens, reported smoke and fire coming from a residential home. E9's crew made an aggressive attack on the fire with a pre-connected hose line. L4 was assigned to search the home for residents while other companies assisted in a coordinated attack on the fire. These efforts resulted in a quick knockdown of the fire and limited the fire extension to the front dining room and a portion of the attic. The search crew rescued a family dog and brought it out, unharmed. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The fire is still under investigation by SIU at this time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fie cause is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Front room and attic. Smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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

Letter to the editor

As I said last week, please send in letters to the editor to the Spokesman-Review in support of the EMS Levy. If they don't publish them, I will put them on the blog. Here's the first one that I know of that they didn't publish:

You probably recently received a ballot asking you to decide on continuing the EMS Levy. Your Spokane firefighters are asking you to vote YES on this proposition. This levy was first approved in 1980, and has been approved every six years by Spokane voters.

The levy continues a 50 cent assessment per $1000 of home value. In other words, a $100,000 dollar home gets assessed $50 per year. Every Spokane firefighter pulls double duty as an EMT or paramedic. The EMS levy is the sole funding for up to 90 firefighters, well over a third of us.

Because this is a levy, just a simple majority saying, “yes” will not be enough to assure the majority’s will. We need over 60% approval to continue the EMS levy and continue this current funding for the fire department. That’s why your vote is so important.

Thank you for your support in the past. Please vote YES for EMS today!

John Griffith
Spokane Firefighters - IAFF Local 29


We've had some good letters for the EMS Levy in the Spokesman-Review. Thanks to all who have written.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/13/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1824 W Maxwell
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On 04/13/2010 at 0632 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 3 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1824 W Maxwell. The first arriving company, SE3, reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a 1 story residential triplex. Two of the initial arriving companies were assigned to search the structure for residents while other companies began a coordinated attack on the fire. These efforts resulted in a quick knockdown of the fire and limited the extension from the fire unit to the rest of the structure. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The involved unit sustained severe fire damage with some extension to the exterior walls and roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50000
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

Knighten Pizza Fundraiser

All… from Kelly Smith-

Pizza Hut is helping the Save John Knighten fund by offering to donate 20% of all their proceeds from this Thursday, the 15th!

You must have a voucher in order to take advantage of this. You can either ask for one in person at the counter or you can go on-line to the Save John Knighten site (http://www.savejohnknighten.com/) and they have a link to a printable coupon. This is for delivery or take-out only, since they have no inside dining at this location. Some vouchers have also been delivered to most fire stations.

This is the South Hill location ONLY. 2630 E. 29th 11am-8pm

Let's all have pizza for lunch or dinner this Thursday and help a friend. Thank you. And a big thanks to Pizza Hut (South Hill) too !!!

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1708 E. 10th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 5:00 PM to 1708 East 10th Avenue on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy fire showing from the front porch of the 1-story, wood framed residence. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. 8 fire companies with 27 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the front porch and attic space of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000
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

Good article in the Spokesman-Review this morning about the EMS Levy

Click on the link to read.

Donkey Basketball

DONKEY BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER FOR JOHN KNIGHTEN ~ MAY 16th 3:00 p.m. WE NEED PLAYERS!!! Looking for players/riders from SPOKANE CITY FIRE; SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE; SPOKANE POLICE DEPARTMENT and SPOKANE SHERIFF's. Riders have to be right around 200 pounds. Please contact terrakile888@yahoo.com if you are interested in playing or volunteering.


THANK YOU!

From Erin Rogers-Walsh

Entry forms are out for the John Knighten Benefit Golf Tournament. Visit any fire station or the credit union to pick one up. Thanks!

Taco Dinner Silent Auction for John Knighten Planning Taking Place!

The Taco Dinner / Silent Auction is coming up! A meeting for volunteers for the event is planned this Thursday at 6pm. I would like to meet at the VFW so that everyone can get an idea of the space and to exchange set up ideas. I need to confirm that we can meet there first, though. The day and time are definite. Please stay tuned for a confirmation of the location. Join the Facebook page here. Or keep in touch via the Save John Knighten website.

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1707 W. Agusta
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: This evening, April 4th 2010, at 23:24 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 7 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported fire in a home located at 1707 W. Agusta.

Engine 3, responding from the neighborhood fire station located Ash and Indiana arrived at the scene within 3 minutes of being Dispatched. Engine 3 reported that they had fire showing in the front living room of the home. Engine 3 pulled a pre-connected hose line from Engine 3 and immediately started knocking down the fire.

Upon his arrival, Chief Haworth assumed Agusta Command. Additional arriving fire crews were tasked with searching the home to verify the occupants were out, providing a backup hose line and ventilating the structure with a fan. A Rapid Intervention Team was also staged at the scene, but was not activated.

Engine 3's attack crew quickly knocked down the fire in the front portion of the home. The 3 people living in the home were unhurt, however, searching Firefighters found an unconscious dog in the home. Firefighters attempted to revive the family pet with oxygen and a special canine mask, but were unsuccessful in their efforts.

The fire was confined to the front living room and entry area of the home, but the entire home sustained heavy smoke damage. The Red Cross responded and is assisting the 3 family members with shelter and belongings.

A fire investigator was called in to the fire scene. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage: Front portion of home.
Smoke damage: Throughout
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000
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

EMS Levy Tweets!

We've added a new button to the side of the blog, if you want to subscribe to the EMS Levy twitter feed. You can get these feeds as texts to your phone too. Here's the link.

City Council Connection EMS Levy Video