Fire Press Release

South Hill Residence Fire
Incident #: 2013012361
Date of Incident: 03/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
On Saturday March 23, 2013 at 11:39 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Donahoe responded to a reported residential fire a 2914 East 17th Avenue on Spokane’s South Hill.
The first company (Engine 7) arrived within four minutes and reported a two story residence with heavy smoke showing from the eaves of the home. While completing a walk-around of the building, Engine 7’s officer immediately identified a patient that was suffering from smoke inhalation. The patient was moved to a safe location to awaiting SFD Paramedics and treated for serious injuries. As Engine 7 prepared for an offensive attack with their three personnel, additional companies secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and backed up the interior companies on the offensive attack. Due to the rapid progression of the fire, the incident was upgraded to a working fire and added an additional Senior Ladder, AMR Ambulance and AMR Supervisor. The first arriving Ladder Company used ground ladders to access the roof and cut ventilation holes directly above the fire on the second floor. Later arriving companies successfully searched the entire structure for victims as well as establishing a rapid intervention team for the safety of the firefighters assigned to the incident.
It took 24 Firefighters just 25 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. There was one civilian injury (adult male) which was transported to Sacred Heart.
Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SFD SIU and Spokane Police Department.
Damage:
Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the second floor and prevent the fire from spreading. The Red Cross is assisting the occupants (renters) and the home will not be immediately tenable.
# Firefighters Responding: 24
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Burn is coming to Spokane!

BURN - Official Theatrical Trailer (2012) from BURN on Vimeo.

April 16th and 17th.
AMC River Park Square 20 7:30pm Buy tickets Admission: $15 online, $20 at the door.
Address: 808 W Main Ave .
Fundraiser screening of BURN.
Screening supported by The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. Also supported by locals 2916, 29, 876, and 3711.
CLICK HERE to download a flyer to print, email, and/or hang in firehouses! You can preorder tickets here.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

We are in the parade!

Happy St Patricks Day weekend! Are you going to the noon downtown parade? Local 29 will be there in our 1936 American-LaFrance engine!

Stariclimb results

The Spokane Fire Department placed 8TH OUT OF 177 TEAMS in the SCOTT FIREFIGHTER STAIRCLIMB and to this point has RAISED OVER $10,800 TO HELP THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY FIGHT BLOOD CANCERS. Congratulations to all the participants and a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who supported them! Way to go!

KXLY Story on Stairclimb!

S-R article on SFD service degradation.

Article in this morning's paper on firefighters not being able to act as firemen when they are on a medical call, returning from or going to a medical call. This happens more than you might think - a breathing difficulty call because the house is filling with smoke, a CPR in progress call that neglects to mention that the house is also on fire, a  trauma call that later updates to note that the person set her apartment on fire and then jumped out the window, etc. etc. etc. These calls all happened within the last year, along with plenty others.

Happy Birthday Local 29!

Local 29 was founded, along with the creation of the International Association of Firefighters, on February 28th, 1918! That makes us 95!

Fire Press Release

North Spokane Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013007708
Date of Incident: 02/19/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative: On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 09:15 A.M., 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to an apartment fire at 603 E. Houston Ave.  While en-route Fire Dispatch reported that they had received multiple calls reporting fire on the third floor of the apartment building.
Engine 15 was the first company to arrive at the apartment complex.  Engine 13’s officer Lt. Reiser, reported that he had a three story wood frame apartment building with grey smoke showing from the rear of the structure, and fire starting to show from a corner unit.  Incoming apparatus were immediately tasked with securing a water supply for the hose lines and searching the adjacent units on the upper floor of the building.  The quick decisive actions taken by Engine 15’s crew in conjunction with support from the other arriving firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes.  The apartment unit where the fire originated sustained heavy damage, however, the fire was confined solely to this unit with some damage to the attic above.
Fire investigators were on site most of the afternoon processing the fire scene as the cause appeared suspicious in nature.  No injuries were reported at this incident.   Only the tenants in the fire unit have been displaced.

Cause:Still under investigation

Damage:Unit 306

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Two Fire Press Releases

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative: On February 16, 2013 at 12:15 AM six companies of the Spokane Fire Department that consisted of four engines, one senior ladder, and one heavy rescue responded to a reported garage fire at 1518 East Liberty.  Ladder and Engine 2 were first to arrive, responding from their Logan Neighborhood fire station Ladder 2 reported a detached garage fully involved with fire.  The fire was confined to the garage through quick actions by all companies on scene. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013007486
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:On February 17th, 2013 at 4:58pm The Spokane Fire Department responded two dedicated ladders, four engines, one heavy Rescue, and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 East Sharp. Upon arrival companies reported smoke under all the soffits. The first arriving Engine company stretched an attack lead to the interior of the home while ladder crews searched for the occupants and prepared the roof for ventilation. Firefighters located the fire in the attic space and quickly opened up the ceiling to expose it. The well coordinated effort extinguished the fire rapidly, minimizing the damage to the structure. Companies remained on scene approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU

Damage:There is some structural and wiring damage to the attic area.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 3,000

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Fast Eddie's - corner of Division & Spokane Falls Blvd on Saturday, February 23rd.

From 4 pm to 8pm, your City of Spokane Firefighters' Stairclimb Team and Fast Eddie's are teaming up and hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great Raffle Prizes - Beer Specials - 25% of all food and beverage sales will be donated by Fast Eddies - and as a bonus, the men's GU game will be on!

Two Fire Press Releases

West Central Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013006407 
Date of Incident: 02/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday February 10, 2013 at 8:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1924 W Augusta in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.  While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke could be seen from the home and occupants appeared to be evacuating. Station 3 firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the east side of the single story, single family home.  While en route, the North Battalion Chief requested the incident to be upgraded to a 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene.  The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire on the first floor and basement. At one point in the incident, all firefighters had to abandoned their efforts and withdraw due to untenable fire conditions in the basement below them.  Once the fire was attacked from the exterior and progress was made in the fight, the firefighters returned to the interior to resume their aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s basement and first floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however two canines perished from the smoke and extreme heat.

Cause:Members from the SIU have just arrived on the scene and details regarding the investigation will be released when available.

Damage:
Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the occupant’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited to the basement and areas of the first floor, the need to secure the residence’s utilities render it untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting two adults with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 75000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Apartment Fire with Rescue

Incident #: 2013006426
Date of Incident: 02/10/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:03 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to an apartment fire at 3724 North Cook Street. While en route to the incident, companies were notified the resident in apartment 248 smelled smoke for the past couple hours and described it as worsening.  The fire communication specialists handling the call updated the companies responding and advised the residents to evacuate and pull the fire alarm to alert their neighbors.  The first in Chief also modified the response while en route to add an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and supervisor.

The first fire company arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story apartment building with approximately eight units, however no smoke was showing from the building initially.  Upon their investigation however, they discovered a working fire in a lower unit in the apartment complex. The Engine and Ladder went to work immediately to secure a water supply and stretch a hoseline in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward other living areas in the building.  Simultaneously, companies searched the apartment unit under smoke conditions and located an adult male in bed and quickly removed him to safety.  All companies assigned on the initial alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the initial and adjacent units while trying to suppress the fire’s progress when they arrived. SFD Paramedics treated the adult male and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital and reportedly in fair condition.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in one victim being rescued and confirmation that all other residents accounted for.  The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes hours and no firefighter injuries were reported. 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:The majority of damage is located in the kitchen area. The family is being assisted by Red Cross as the unit of fire origin is not currently inhabitable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 12000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Please Vote No on Proposition Two

Your Spokane Firefighters urge you to please vote No on Proposition Two.

Why? Well, as corny as it may sound, firefighters don't quit caring about the people they serve once their shift ends. 

If you remember, a few months ago, the Spokane city council voted 4 to 3 against raising property taxes by one percent. What this meant is that due to rising fuel costs, rising natural gas rates, rising equipment and maintenance costs, rising electrical rates, rising water rates and rising medical insurance rates, the city will not be able to keep pace economically. The simple majority 4 to 3 vote to not take a one percent raise in property taxes was a vote to shut down the South Hill's Engine 9. Already, residents of the South Hill have seen the bad consequences of this poor decision.

Proposition 2 would require a super majority of 5 to 2 (71%) to raise taxes this one percent. This means that, no matter who you vote in on the next city council election, it will be almost insurmountable to gain a super majority and raise taxes this one percent. That's right - a minority faction within the city council could very much block the will of the majority of citizens and their elected officials' wishes.

If there were to be any tax increase, a special election would have to be held costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. It would be very difficult to get this request on the ballot. 

Proposition 2 will make Spokane a less desirable place to have a business or to raise a family. You witness the rising crime rates, the deadly fires every day in the news. It will only get worse because some in our city council would rather pledge allegiance to power brokers like The Washington Policy Center, ALEC, Tim Eyman and the Koch Brothers than to retain and use the tools of good governance we have entrusted them with. 

How radical is Proposition 2? A 71% super majority requirement has never been put in place anywhere ever before. We don't believe any municipality has ever had any super majority requirement implemented to raise existing taxes. Proposition 2 is so radical that even the Spokesman-Review has spoken out against it. 

Proposition 2 will have no effect on Spokane firefighter wages. It will, however, contribute to a dwindling tax base, as people who can flee Spokane will flee Spokane as its quality of life continues to slide. Businesses will relocate. Our citizen will move. More fires. More crime. 

We care about Spokane and its people. That's why we also join you in voting Yes for Prop 3 - the Library Lid Lift. If you support your libraries, think of the disastrous effects Prop 2 will have for them. 

Spokane shouldn't be a proving ground for the Washington Policy Center and Tim Eyman's ideologically-driven bad experiments and the problems they will create for all of us. 

Two Fire Press Releases

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013005292#
Date of Incident: 02/03/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative: On February 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 am the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, one pumper ladder, three engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1023 West Fairview. Upon arrival companies reported light smoke emitting from the gable roof vents and light smoke on the second floor apartment of a converted multifamily two story home. The first arriving Chief sent companies to locate the fire in the attic along with searching the first and second floor apartment units. All residents were soon accounted for and the firefighters located the fire in the attic above the kitchen on the second floor. The smoldering fire was located utilizing thermal imaging cameras and quickly extinguished. Companies remained on scene for approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.  One resident from the second floor apartment will be displaced until the structural damage and wiring issues can be repaired. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident with lodging. The first floor residents were able to remain in the home. There were no injuries reported from the residents or firefighters on scene.

Cause: The attic fire appears to have been caused by faulty knob and tube wiring as reported by the Special Investigation Unit Investigator who responded to the scene.

Damage: 
There is structural and wiring damage to the second floor apartment unit only.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Red Cross and the Spokane Police Department.

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

South Battalion Motel Fire

Incident #: 2013005239#
Date of Incident: 02/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:On February 2nd 2013 at 17:03 the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, four engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a report of smoke in a second floor motel room at 2703 West Sunset Boulevard which is the West Winn Motel. When companies arrived they reported nothing showing and went into the investigative mode. They soon reported smoke in a second floor motel unit coming out of the ceiling lights. Companies were assigned to the second floor to attack the fire along with the ladder company assigned to the roof to potentially ventilate the attic. Other firefighters were assigned to search the building and evacuate all the occupants. The Safety Officer from Rescue 9 while doing an investigative walk around the building reported smoke coming from the basement utility room. At this time the fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional ladder company was dispatched.  Companies were then sent into the basement and soon reported that the source of the smoke was from a commercial dryer fire. The fire was contained to the dryer and there was no extension to the structure. Companies then focused on removing the smoke and lingering carbon monoxide from the rest of the two story motel. After approximately one hour the residents were allowed back inside the building after their rooms were cleared of the smoke and carbon monoxide. There were no injuries reported from the occupants or fire fighters.

Cause:Although the fire appears to have started in the natural gas fired commercial dryer the exact cause is still under investigation the Spokane Fire Department investigation Unit.

Damage:The commercial dryer was destroyed by the fire along with moderate smoke damage to the basement and light smoke damage to the second floor. There was also investigative damage to the ceiling in one room on the second floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 8,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and A.M.R. Ambulance

End Of Release 
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

Fire In NW Spokane

Incident #: 2013004820
Date of Incident: 01/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 31, 2013 at 01:59 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 6018 N. Greenwood Blvd. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee from Station 16 arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of being dispatched. (Station 16 is located at Assembly and Sanson.)

Captain McNamee reported over the radio that they had a single story home with smoke showing from the rear of the home and around the eaves. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain McNamee made immediate contact with the family living in the home and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the rear side of the home and attic area along this rear side. These efforts brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 2 1/2 hours overhauling the fire damaged areas and assisting the occupants.
Investigators determined that a fish smoker on the back porch started the fire which moved up the outside wall and into the attic. There were no injuries reported, although one of the occupants was treated for smoke inhalation. (This occupant had used a garden hose to extinguish some of the fire on the home’s exterior.) The local Red Cross is assisting this family with their immediate needs.

Cause:
Electical Fish Smoker

Damage:
Kitchen, two bedrooms and rear attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 35,000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Location:Fire Press Release

Fire Press Release

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013003779
Date of Incident: 01/24/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Thursday, January 24, at 4:19 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 ladder companies, 5 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1203 W 8th Ave. Rescue 9 arrived first from it's 19th and Bernard station and reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 6 unit, wood constructed, 3 story apartment building. While several crews were initially directed to search the structure to ensure all occupants were out, others were directed to attack the fire, make sure the fire did not extend to other areas, and remove the smoke. Fortunately all occupants exited safely and were sheltered for the duration of the incident in an STA bus. The fire was located in a bedroom on the first floor and was extinguished within 40 minutes. 6 occupants were displaced and the Red Cross was providing assistance to them. SPD provided units for traffic control and AMR kept an ambulance unit on standby. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit

Damage:
Damage was confined to 3 apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fire Press Release

Warming Fire Burns Duplex Incident #: 2013003393 Date of Incident: 01/22/2013 Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief Narrative: On January 22nd, 2013 at 4:42 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire inside a duplex at 1540 E. South Riverton. Engine 8, from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca was able to arrive within minutes and found a fire that had been in a fireplace now extending into the flooring and flooring system below. Assignments were quickly made to the other units arriving which included fire attack, ventilation, search, water supply, backup and rapid intervention. It was soon discovered that 4 teenage boys had been inside the structure and were attempting to heat it with wooden pallets that they had cut into pieces. The electrical system had been shut off due to a previous fire on January 16th, 2013 that was unrelated to this fire. That fire was confined to the attic space. This fire had extended into wooden flooring in front of the fireplace and consequently, had burned downward through the flooring and into the floor joists below. Ladder 2 stationed at North Foothills and Nevada, had cut an area approximately 3 feet by 3 feet to expose this burnt area properly for final extinguishment and to make sure the fire had not extended any further horizontally through the void spaces. All of the boys had made it out of the duplex without injury. The mother of two of these boys was staying at a local motel as a result of the first fire. The Red Cross is currently handling this most recent case and will be making arrangements for the family. The Avista Company arrived and did confirm that the electricity had been shut off. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is handling the final phases of the investigation process. The Spokane Fire Department Prevention Division has also been notified for any necessary follow-up. All occupants have been told to vacate these premises due to the unsafe condition of the flooring until repairs can be made. Cause: A warming fire in the firplace that escaped to adjacent wood flooring and sub flooring. Damage: Extensive damage to a 3 foot by 3 foot square area of flooring. Minor smoke damage throughout first floor. # Firefighters Responding: 22 Dollar Loss: $ 10,000 estimated End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

North Side Duplex Fire Incident #: 2013002857 Date of Incident: 01/18/2013 Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief Narrative: On January 18, 2013 at 11:41 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 629 E. Gordon Ave. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Ken Miller from Station 2 arrived within 4 minutes. (Station 2 is located at North Foothills Blvd. and Nevada.) Captain Miller reported that they found a single story duplex with smoke and fire showing in the front unit. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain Miller made immediate contact with the families living in the duplex and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the kitchen and the attic area directly over the kitchen. These efforts brought the fire under control within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 1 ½ hours overhauling the fire damaged area and assisting the occupants. Investigators determined the fire cause to be electrical in nature. There were no injuries at this incident. The families are currently being assisted by the Spokane Red Cross. Cause: Electrical Damage: Fire in Kitchen area and Attic. # Firefighters Responding: 23 Dollar Loss: $ 25000 End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release - Medical Call is really a House Fire

South Battalion House Fire Incident #: 2013002498 Date of Incident: 01/16/2013 Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth Narrative: On Wednesday, January 16, at 0146 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 heavy rescue, 1 ladder company, 5 engines, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported fire in a residence with injured occupants. SFD medic units were initially dispatched to a report of an injured person at this address but the incident was upgraded to fire response based on further information. SE7, located in the Southeast neighborhood, arrived first and reported smoke coming from a 1 story residence with three injured occupants outside. AMR Ambulance arrived and began to care for the injured occupants while fire crews prepared to enter the structure to search for further victims. As additional crews arrived they were directed to advance fire attack hoses, assist with searching the structure, and remove smoke. SPD assisted by cordoning off the area and providing crowd control. No other occupants were found during the search and the fire was located in a bedroom at the rear of the structure. The patients were transported to SHMC and their condition is unknown at the time of this release. Cause: Under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators Damage: Damage was confined to the rear bedroom with heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence # Firefighters Responding: 30 Dollar Loss: $ 25000 End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire press release

Basement Fire in Home

Incident #: 2013002293
Date of Incident: 01/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Monday, January 14th at 17:02 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 1639 E. Glass Ave. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Ladder 2, responding from Fire Station 2 located at North Foothills Blvd and Nevada. Ladder 2’s Captain, reported a basement fire with smoke showing from the front door of the home. Station 2’s firefighters verified that all occupants were out of the home, but communicated over the radio that the family was unsure of the location of their dogs.
Command was established, and firefighters went to work. A hose line was advanced into the burning basement by Lt. Todd Chism and Firefighter Steven Harms, both off Engine 2. Other crews were simultaneously assigned to search the home for the missing dogs, secure a hydrant’s water supply and provide additional hose lines to curb the fire's extension while protecting crews working inside the home. Both a Safety Officer and a Rapid Intervention Team were established, and in place if needed.
Within 10 minutes, E2 reported that they had the fire knocked down in the basement. Two of the dogs had been accounted for and one was still missing. The fire was confined to the basement with heavy fire damage on this level of the home. The first floor of the home sustained smoke damage, but very little damage otherwise. Primary and secondary searches were made by fire crews, however, they were unable to account for the one missing dog which may be wandering somewhere in the neighborhood. Spokane’s Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. The Red Cross volunteers do a great job in helping Spokane families in time of need.

Cause:
The cause of this fire has been determined to be one, accidental in nature. Investigators found an electrical space heater that had been left too close to combustibles. The fire department wants to remind everyone the importance of monitoring portable electrical appliances and leaving an adequate clear space around them while they are in use.

Damage:
Extensive fire damage to contents in basement, smoke damage on first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002