Officer Shift Change Poll

We are currently conducting a poll to see if Local 29 members want to continue doing shift change for next year or to not have a shift change. If you are an active member of Local 29 and want to participate, go to the website and log in. Then access the "online voting" tab on the left side. The website is here.

MDA video from last week.

Spokesman-Review gets it wrong again...

Jonathan Brunt in this morning's Spokesman-Review reported that last year:

"Firefighters, for instance, gave up no pay or benefits. Instead, the city gave them an early retirement plan that saves money by removing higher-paid veterans from the payroll."

Actually, we did give up benefits. We agreed to dump our really good insurance for a high-deductible insurance plan. THIS SAVED THE CITY $400,000.00.

Come on Jonathan, this is getting a little old. A couple of years ago, we put out a press release saying how we voted to work two days for free for the city. The Spokesman-Review reported nothing. We tried again - nothing. And again with the same result.

It's understandable that every news reporting organization has a bias. That's to be expected. However, the same organization that owns the Spokesman-Review also owns The Journal of Business and, frankly, the expression of their collective bias against our union gets to be a sort of predictably humorous rite.

They say unions are on the ropes, but not as much as newspapers. Wonder why.

Hoppy contact info

Hey guys, check your city email for info on contacting Hoppy. It sounds like he is doing better!

MDA Golf Tournament

MDA and the Moses Lake Fire Department are having having a golf tournament at the Links at Moses Pointe Golf Course on Friday, September 24th. It is a 1pm shotgun tournament and all the money raised will go to MDA! Cost is $80 per person/$320 per team and includes greens fees, cart, range balls and a steak and salmon dinner. If you are interested or know of anyone who would play, let me know!

Jana Worthington
325-3747

Fire Press Release Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4323 W Sanson Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20, at 5:40 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4323 W Sanson. This address is located directly across the street from Fire Station 16, which is located in the Northwest neighborhood. SE16 arrived within one minute and reported smoke and fire issuing from the attic vents of a one story, wood framed residence. After ensuring all occupants were out of the structure, crews began a coordinate effort to extinguish the fire. Hoses were advanced to attack the fire in the attic, a supply hose was connected to a hydrant, holes were cut in the roof to relieve the hot smoke and fire from the attic area and tarps were placed on the homeowners possessions on the first floor to protect them. A backup hose was advanced to protect the crews working inside and a rescue team was put on standby to assist any firefighter who might run into trouble. The fire was finally extinguished after considerable effort but the the structure sustained heavy damage to the roof and first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The roof and first floor sustained heavy damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5023 South Stone
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20th 2010 at 4:34 pm, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters. 3 engines 1 ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported structure fire at 5023 South Stone.

Firefighters responding to the structure fire arrived quickly to find fire and smoke showing from the roof of a single family dwelling. To effectively fight the fire the incident commander immediately ordered another ladder company to assist with the heavy workload required.

The companies attacked the fire in the attic of the home and the attached garage while conducting a coordinated search. No residents were home at the time of the fire although 2 dogs and 2 cats were removed from the building without harm. Other crews cut and peeled off the smoldering roof and covered the homes furnishings with tarps to protect them from water damage.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. Crews remained on scene late into the night removing smoldering roofing material and searching for hot spots. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire was determined to be accidental, starting on the exterior of the attached garage in the area of garbage and recycling containers.
DAMAGE EXTENT: DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the roof of the attached garage and part of the home was extensive along with damage to the contents of the garage. The residence suffered smoke and water damage. A neighboring fence was also damaged from radiant heat from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000.00
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

Details for fill the boot

To all who have signed up and any who are still interested, my thanks and apologies! With all the other loose ends I completely forgot to get the info to the mass delivery that might answer questions for many.

For setting up For Fill The Boot

Time: 13:00 - ? Friday for set up

Dress: Casual

8:00 - 17:00 Saturday for FTB

Where: City yards just off Mission Mission & Greene and Division & Spokane Falls Blvd.

Dress: Powder Blacks

Four hours gets 0.25 promotional points so folks have been siginging up for AM and PM shifts at either location.

Any questions call me at 230.8197

Wildland Mobilization Earns the City Some Much Needed Moolah!

Paul Binkoski is back from one of the few MOBs this year. He reports that the Baird Springs Fire in Quincy had 2 brush engines - type 6, 2 structure engines - type 1 and 1 command rig.

13 SFD personnel went.

This 3 day deployment (9/10/10-9/13/10) brought in a profit of $10,000 to the city of Spokane, Paul estimates. How cool is that?

September Newsletter Up

Don't forget the union meeting tonight.

Thanks Pizza Hut!

For delivering free pizzas to all the fire stations, in remembrance of 9-11. That was a very nice thing to do. Your pizzas were really good too. Thanks too to all the nice families that baked cookies and brought food to Spokane stations. You guys are great!

Fire Press Release Three fer

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 S. Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 1622 hours, six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, 2 senior ladders and 1 heavy rescue apparatus responded to a report of a fire at the Regal Ridge apartments located at 5111 S. Regal.

The first arriving company was Engine 14 from the neighborhood fire station located at 18th and Ray. Engine 14 arrived at the back of the complex within 6 minutes from the time Fire Dispatch received the original call. Engine 14's officer, Lt. Schoenleber, reported that he had located an apartment unit at the back of the complex that was filled with black smoke. Engine 14 reported to the other responding fire crews that they were advancing a hose line into the involved unit and were evacuating tenants from the adjacent units.

Engine 14's crew (Lt. Schoenleber, Driver Gordon Ormesher, and FF Eric Ross) knocked the fire down with 150 gallons of water that is carried in the tank of E14. Arriving Firefighters assisted in ventilation and confining the fire to the one apartment unit. Although the fire was immediately knocked down, crews worked at the scene for about an hour and a half. The fire was confined to the kitchen area of the apartment with heavy smoke damage throughout. No civilians or Firefighters were injured at this incident. The Red Cross responded and is assisting the occupants from the burned out unit.

Narrow access driveways and improperly parked vehicles made it very difficult for the responding fire apparatus to maneuver to the back of this facility. This is reoccurring challenge that the Fire Department has to deal with when responding to fires in many of the apartments within the city. Citizens are encouraged to park only in the designated areas around their apartments and to keep the fire lanes clear for emergency vehicles.

This fire is under investigation at this time, but early indicators are leading to a cause of unattended cooking grease on the stove. (SFD investigators are still in the process of interviewing those connected to this incident.)

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is still under investigation. (More than likely accidental, cooking related.)
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit.
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 329 E Princeton
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus on Thursday evening, Sept. 2nd to 329 E. Princeton at 21:57 hrs. for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, from Sta. #15 located in the Hillyard neighborhood, reported smoke issuing from the closed front door and smoke and flame starting to appear at a basement window of the single story wood/frame residence. As other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, assignments were being made that would include forcing entry into the locked structure, placing hose lines in service to be taken inside the structure and down into the basement, horizontal ventilation of the building, search for any victims on all the floors, securing a water supply for the strategically placed Engine that would be supplying the water to the hose lines, a back-up hose line to protect the firefighters who would be making initial entry into the building, additional hose lines to protect neighboring structures that were beginning to be exposed to the growing flames as they were now extending out and up from the basement windows, and the formation of a Rapid Intervention Team who would be standing by to rescue any firefighter who might become injured, lost, or trapped inside the building. Crews began to force the front door and soon made entry into the structure dragging their hose lines in with them. As they searched in the blackness that greeted them they were unable to find the basement stairs due to a heavy accumulation of stored items and material piled high in the access area to those stairs. While all this was occurring on the first floor the fire continued to grow in size, intensity, and heat in the basement to the point where the firefighters had to abandon their original strategy of directly attacking the fire and were ordered to back out for safety considerations. Once the crews had exited the building a decision was made to introduce compressed air foam into the basement via the basement windows in the hope that the fire in the basement could be knocked down by the thick, wet, foam that was being produced by the Engine out in the street at the front of the structure. The foam soon began to get the upper hand on the growing flames and eventually the fire was extinguished. The combined efforts of the men and women of the Fire Dept. at this fire kept the flames confined to the basement but not before serious damage was done to the floor joist system of the building. The fire burned hot and for a long time before the cooling effects of the foam could put it out. Areas of the upper floor were sagging to the point that firefighters were ordered to stay off the floors in those areas as collapse of the floors became a real possibility. Five Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Heavy Rescue Rig, and two Command Vehicles delivered 25 firefighters to the scene of this stubborn blaze. The fire damage was limited to the basement although there was collateral damage done to areas of the first floor as efforts were made to get at the basement through other avenues since the stairs were not an option. The tenants of the home were out of town at the time of the fire. There were no reports of any injuries to firefighters at the scene. A member of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit was at the fire but not able to begin his investigation until the foam has dissipated in the basement and that would not occur until Friday morning around daybreak. A fire crew will remain at the scene all night long to be on the alert for any rekindle which might occur. The total damage assessment will be made by the investigator once he is able to examine the basement and the rest of the house in the light of day.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the basement, smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/4/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1838 East South Riverton Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217

NARRATIVE: On Saturday September 4, 2010 at 2:31 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Haworth Structure Fire at 1838 East South Riverton Avenue.

First arriving firefighters rapidly coordinated the evacuation and rescue of the dozens of occupants who had fled the building. As additional SFD crews arrived, they methodically searched the 170' x 70' three-story apartment building and removed many occupants from ladders and through exits.

The fire traveled quickly throughout the roof and the third floor. Ladder companies immediately and successfully vertically vented the fire from above as engines stretched multiple hoselines to the fire floors to successfully stop the fire's progress.

As a result of the fire and a need to secure utilities, 21 apartment units were deemed temporarily untenable. Assisting 60 residents in their need for temporary accommodations were staff from the building's management and volunteers from the Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There is extensive damage to the third floor throughout the entire building. Power to the building has been shut down and controlled by Avista. FD Command Staff are remaining on site to assist residents in retrieving their personal effects until morning when the structural integrity of the roof will be determined. Residents may be able to reoccupy limited areas later this afternoon depending on the result of the structural evaluation.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9

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 Two fer

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/1/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3627 North Division Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 9:48 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones, Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported Structure Fire at 3627 North Division Street (Tung Loon Restaurant).

Firefighters responding to the alarm arrived quickly to find fire and heavy smoke showing from the roof of the 3000 square foot restaurant. To more effectively fight the fire, the incident commander immediately ordered more resources including an additional Ladder and Engine.

Swiftly forcing entry into building, which was secured and appeared closed for the evening, Spokane Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the premises and an attack on the fire above. While their colleagues skillfully protected the restaurant's kitchen equipment and office below, firefighters held the flames within the attic, roof and circumferential mansard of the restaurant. During the attack on the fire, the incident commander did order a withdrawal of resources from the interior of the building due to concerns of collapse which occurred nearly 15 minutes after the order.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. There were neither injuries to civilians nor firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as electrical, and attributed to exterior lighting near the fire's origin.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the restaurant's roof and dining area is extensive.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
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: 9/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 734 East Baldwin Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday September 1, 2010 at 5:48 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 3-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Moline responded to a reported residential fire at 734 East Baldwin Avenue.

The first unit arrived within 2 minutes and reported a one-story duplex with smoke showing from the front of the building. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the affected unit and immediately searched for victims while other companies confined the fire to the area of origin. It took 24 Firefighters just 10 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one unit and prevent it from spreading into the adjoining unit and roof and ceiling areas. The occupant was not at home at the time of the fire, however two canines were rescued from the affected unit and returned to their owner through Spokanimal.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was determined to be accidental and a result of an energized curling iron next to combustibles.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage in the area of origin and moderate smoke damage throughout the unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 8000
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

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/29/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1003 E Ermina
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 0116 Hours (1:16AM PST), six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; three engines, two senior ladders and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Haworth responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1003 East Ermina in Spokane's Northeast Side.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire showing from all sides of the single story single-family residence. Another home and garage were quickly identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters entered the structure using handlines and mounted a bold assault on the fire, and simultaneously provided ventilation of heat and smoke to assist with the search for reported persons missing within the confines of the wood frame home.

The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the 700 square foot home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes.

During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an adult near an exit. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Three large canines were also found deceased.

During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered and the alarm was upgraded to a working fire which added supplementary resources to assist in the search and management of the incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or other civilians on this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status has not yet been determined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

SFD EMPLOYEES CHECK YOUR EMAIL NOW!

Either your home email if Local 29 has your address or your city email account. This concerns your paycheck you will receive tomorrow.

FREE SWIM DAYS FROM LOCAL 29!

I've put out this press release in various forms over the past month. I don't know if any of the news outlets have let any parents know that their kids can swim for free on these days. So, if you know someone who you think would benefit from this information, please pass it on!

A witter too late for today's pool.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Association of Firefighters Local 29 (The City of Spokane Firefighters' Union) is sponsoring three days of free swimming for Spokane's kids at the following locations:

Witter Pool August 25 1-5pm
Cannon Pool August 26 12-4pm
Comstock Pool August 27 12-4pm

In addition, firefighters at City of Spokane Station 3, in the West Central Neighborhood, replenished the swim lesson fund for Cannon Pool with a $300 gift.

If you have any questions, please contact me,

Thanks,

John Griffith
Local 29 Information Director

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: BC Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 702 S OAK
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99221

NARRATIVE: On August 16, 2010 at 2017 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 702 S Oak, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company L4 reported fire on the second floor of a three story wood/frame apartment building. They reported further, that they were going to stretch a hose line to the fire floor and attempt to make entry into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire. Additional fire fighting resources began arriving on scene. As they arrived, they were given various assignments which included search, rescue, and ventilation of the building. A back-up hose line was deployed to protect the fire fighters who had already made entry. A Rapid Intervention Team was established for fire fighter's who might be injured or become lost inside the structure. Fire fighters were able to quickly locate the seat of the fire and get a fast knock down on the rapidly growing fire. A search of the building was conducted. All residents of the building were safely evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries to civilians or to the fire fighters at the scene. The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room. The apartment above the fire floor had light smoke no fire damage. The apartment below sustained some water damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Seven pieces of fire fighting apparatus and two Command vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to the scene.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT:
The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,00
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

Twin Tower Presentation coming to Stateline ID

CRUISER'S IN STATELINE, IDAHO (OWNED AND OPERATED BY LARRY & SHERI HERBERHOLZ) WILL HOST AN EVENT ON AUG. 19TH WITH A EVENING OF TRIBUTES TO THE STEEL OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER STARTING WITH "THE COEUR D' ALENE FIREFIGHTERS PIPES & DRUMS" PERFORMING AMAZING GRACE AT 7 PM. THE PATRIOT GUARD WILL HELP RAISE MONEY BY SELLING PATCHS & T-SHIRTS. THE PATRIOT GUARD And Friends and riders of Cruiser's WILL STAGE AN ORGANIZED ESCORT ON AUG. 22 AT THE STATELINE SCALES TO BRING THE STEEL TO ITS RESTING GROUNDS AT THE KITSAP MEMORIAL PROJECT. ALL ARE WELCOME.

It's been 10 years and yet "WE WILL NEVER FORGET".

A SPECIAL INVITATION GOES OUT TO ALL POLICE OFFICIERS, FIREFIGHTERS, MILITARY & THEIR FAMILIES...YOU ARE OUR HEROES!

For more info. Contact Sheri 509-217-1937 or cruisers@ roadrunner.com

Newsletter Deadline

September 9th.

Terry Canfield is the new MDA Pointman.

There will be more MDA news coming, but September 18th is the Fill the Boot Day. Rumor is that there will be a BBQ afterward. Terry is asking for your help. Here is an immediate request from Terry:

If anyone is willing to be a driver
for the MDA Lockup this Wednesday they can contact me on my cell at
230.8197

Spokane Fire Museum and Education Center

There are plans currently underway to create a Spokane Fire Museum. Tommy Heckler's collection would be showcased here, as well as other collections. So, stay tuned as things develop. There will be some funding issues and opportunities. Karen Kearney is spearheading these efforts.