Saying goodbye.

Order from chaos. In every specific duty a firefighter performs - this is the goal - order from chaos. Whether the call is for a heart attack, house fire, car wreck, hazmat spill, SIDS, high-rise fire, heroin overdose, shooting, stabbing, child abuse victim, respiratory distress, building collapse or any other event in which we roll up to, we are to bring order from chaos. And we are charged with giving all in this pursuit. In 1894, Spokane had its first line-of-duty death. Captain George T. Chapman died when an aerial ladder collapsed, plummeting him to the ground. He was the first of many firefighters to die in the service of Spokane. 

With the death of our own John Knighten on June 30th, we brother and sister firefighters find ourselves in the chaos of loss, along with John's wife Shawna, his three daughters - Kiley, Kasey and Ashley, friends and his entire family. John died from a three-year fight with multiple myeloma - one of the few cancers that has been proven to be a presumptive firefighter cause of death in Washington State firefighters. Since 1987, there have been 18 presumptive firefighter cancer deaths, overall, in Washington. 

Don Waller, a Spokane fire lieutenant, has been president of Local 29, the Spokane firefighters' union, for just over 6 months. He says that although saying goodbye to one of your own may be the hardest things we will ever have to do, firefighters are practiced in this hardship in that "we go on medical calls and deaths of relatives, friends, coworkers, little kids and treat patients who may be in the similar circumstances as your mom or yourself." 

In Spokane, many of us have had the unfortunate honor of stopping the flow of blood from a gunshot wound, giving CPR, starting IVs, providing medication and intubation, defibrillating and then realizing that the person who is dying in our hands is a friend, a former boss, coworker, or a relative. That same guy you knew from a niece's or nephew's birthday party is now your patient. You may watch the life drain out of him, no matter what intervention you make. As a firefighter, you try to be the best thing for a person on the worst day of his or her life. And sometimes, you come up short. Making that phone call to your brother-in-law to tell him of his brother's death, at three in the morning, will be forever etched in your memory. 

Firefighters prepare for and try to be ready for any emergency at any time. This is one reason why every city (except recently Spokane) in the nation brings a big fire truck on every call. Likewise, firefighter organizations work hard to ensure firefighters are able to do their jobs for the citizens they serve. Waller noted that the three organizations Spokane firefighters are affiliated with  - Local 29, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters are all actively involved in researching better ways to improve firefighter health - both physically and mentally. Spearheading cancer research, educating firefighters on toxins, pushing for better equipment  and more expeditious ways to provide citizens service - Waller says firefighters' unions are leading the charge. These gains and tools will eventually help the entire community. 

One of the tools which firefighters use to manage just about every major incident, is not really a tool but a way of organizing and perhaps could even be seen as a ritual. Birthed out of wild land firefighting, the Incident Command System (ICS) is a method to help structure and transform chaos into order. With specific duties, language, levels of command, functional and geographic delineation of duties, the ICS is used on almost every call a firefighter responds to, and has even been adopted by the military. John Knighten's funeral, which was preplanned by John, his family, the union and the department will use volunteers from all over Washington State who are experts in their specific ICS duties - for example, the media liaison for John's funeral is a Spokane Valley firefighter. Subduing chaos into order via the ICS brings predictability and a small level of comfort to new, stressful circumstances into which we firefighters daily encounter. 

A component to of Monday's memorial is the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard - a joint venture between the fire department and Local 29. And where the military has borrowed ICS from the fire service, the honor guard borrows heavily from traditional military honor guard rituals. Kevin Haughton, the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard Commander says that, since it's inception, seven years ago, the honor guard has been providing professional, formal displays of dedication to the fire service in many arenas. This will be the first time they will provide services for a line-of-duty death for a City of Spokane firefighter. When asked how that will be, providing honor guard service for one of our own, Kevin replied, "Very tough."  He reminded me, that the service and the ritual is not just for firefighters, but will provide comfort to John's family and loved ones, as well. 

During the memorial service, the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors of the Local 29 flag.  Atop this flag rests 16 line-of-duty-death streamers, each bearing the name of a Spokane firefighter who has died in the name of Spokane, a person once charged with bringing order to chaos - keeping a city sound, stable and productive. On Monday, Local 29 President Don Waller will place John Knighten's name atop the flag, joining all the others who have, over the last 119 years, paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Don will place it there for all of us, John's brother and sister firefighters, John's family, his friends and for you - the citizens of Spokane. Rest in peace John. 

For more information on Spokane Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths, visit here. 

To contact Don Waller, please call or text 509.991.6959

To contact Kevin Haughton, please call or text 509.951.8061

Fire Press Release

If you are wondering why a firefighter was using the homeowner's garden hose on this fire, it's because the city shut down Engine 9, this neighborhood's fire engine, one that has been there for over 100 years. There is only a two-person rescue truck at Station 9, now. It has no water or hoses. It was the first fire department vehicle there. So, all a firefighter could do was use the garden hose until fire engines arrived. It was a little while before any got there. 

Lightning Strike Ignites House

Incident #: 2013028397
Date of Incident: 06/29/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 917 W 16^th Ave at 15:22 hrs on Saturday afternoon, June 29^th,  to a reported structure fire at that address.  Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported that there was a 2 story wood/frame residence with smoke showing from the peak of the roof. Upon hearing that initial report the responding South Battalion Chief radioed the Fire Dispatch Center and requested that the fire call be up-graded to a “working fire”.  This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to attack the fire, a secondary fire attack lead, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to evaluate the status of the roof structure, another ladder crew to enter the structure to begin pulling down the ceiling in a second floor bedroom and to start covering the contents of the home with water-proof tarps, a Scene  Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  Fortunately there was no one at the home at the time of the fire. The coordinated work done by the fire crews on scene resulted in a quick knock-down of the fire which was located in the attic of the structure. Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours overhauling the scene and searching for any signs of hidden fire. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained heavy fire damage to a small portion of the attic and to the ceiling in one second floor bedroom that had to be opened by fire fighters so they could get at the fire burning above them. The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit and the initial report, based on eye witness accounts and visual indicators found in the tall pine trees surrounding the structure, was determined to be a lightning strike. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to this incident.



 

Cause:Lightning strike traveling down two tall pine trees that had branches touching the roof of the house.

Damage:Small area of the attic, ceiling in a second floor bedroom.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR to standby for any injury that could occur.

End Of Release 
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Fire Press Release

South Hill Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013027948
Date of Incident: 06/27/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
A persistent effort by Spokane firefighters spared the majority of a South Hill residence this afternoon from fire damage.

The Spokane Fire Department was dispatched at 12:03 PM on June 27, 2013 to find fire throughout the attic of a single story house at 4228 East 16th Avenue. Due to a number of simultaneous large scale emergencies (water rescue and hazardous material response), three engines, one ladder and a chief were dispatched from the remaining available companies in the City. When the first company arrived, the officer reported heavy smoke showing from the eves and roofline of the structure. The call was then upgraded to a working incident, which added an additional engine and AMR ambulance to support the alarm.

Companies were successful in laddering and ventilating the structure’s roof under fire conditions within minutes of arrival. Simultaneously, members from arriving engine companies immediately stretched hose lines to the fire’s origin above and prevented it from consuming any more than one-third of the entire structure.

The fire was extinguished in just 45 minutes, and one firefighter injury occurred (minor injury, first aid only). Spokane Fire District 8 provided breathing air support at the scene due to the SFD's Heavy Rescue being commited to another incident.



Cause:
The cause remains under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
Damage is limited to the structure's attic and roof; additionally there is smoke and water damage in limited areas. The only occupant was outside when the fire was discovered and was not injured.

# Firefighters Responding: 17

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 8,

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

North Battalion Basement Fire

Incident #: 2013027882#
Date of Incident: 06/27/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On June 27, 2013 at 01:09 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a reported basement fire at 1520 North Post with all the occupants reported to be out of the building.

Spokane Engine 3 from the West Central Neighborhood arrived on scene within 4 minutes and reported a fire visible through a window in the basement of a story and a half wood framed structure. Engine 3’s crew then made an aggressive interior attack on the fire. The first arriving Chief then upgraded the incident to a working fire due to the potential of flame spread from the basement up the walls of the balloon framed structure. This brought another dedicated ladder company, an ambulance and an investigator to the scene. Companies were assigned to attack and confine the fire, search for extension, complete a primary search and ventilate the structure. The fire was declared knocked down within 5 minutes and confined to a pile of bedding next to the dryer in the basement. All occupants were confirmed safe outside the structure and there were no injuries to civilians, pets or firefighters. Damage was confined to the pile of bedding with no structure damage. There was slight smoke damage throughout the home.

The single family dwelling was released to the building owner after the atmosphere was deemed safe and the burnt bedding was removed from the home.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit has determined the cause of the fire to from oil soaked bedding that had been ran through the washing machine and then ran through the dryer which added heat to amplify the process of self heating of the oil soaked fabric which had been bagged up and left on the floor. The occupants were very fortunate to have had a working smoke detector in the basement that alerted them of the fire in the incipient stage. The basement had a heavy fire load and could have had a much different outcome without the notification.


Damage:
The bedding involved was a complete loss along with light smoke damage throughout the home

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 1,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

Gino's Restaurant Fire

Incident #: 2013025918
Date of Incident: 06/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief

Narrative:A late afternoon fire in the Gonzaga University District quickly emptied Spokane Fire Stations and City coverage as 15 fire apparatus and over 51 firefighters were commited to a 3 Alarm Blaze involving 2 structures in the 1400 block of North Hamilton.  Fire Dispatch received a call at 16:21 hours that the rear of Geno’s restaurant was on fire.  Firefighters from Station 2 on North Foothills Blvd. were first to arrive and reported heavy fire attacking the east side of Geno’s restaurant and the west side of the adjacent Sinto Apartments.   The fire had involved natural gas meters located between the two buildings and the burning gas was fueling the spread of the fire. The fire was quickly upgraded to a 2nd Alarm and Station 2’s firefighters attempted to slow the fast moving fire with water carried on Engine 2.  A simultaneous search was started to verify that everyone was out of the restaurant and apartments.

Traffic on Hamilton created a gridlock on the street, hindring the fire apparatus and hose line placement.  The Spokane Police Department quickly responded to assist in controlling traffic, allowing the large fire apparatus to gain access to needed areas.

Firefighters using hose lines for protection, advanced on the burning gas meters and shut off their supply valves.  Fire Command divided resources into two divisions, one to address the restaurant and one for the apartment which now had heavy fire involvement in the attic.  A 3rd Alarm was called for additional manpower.  Secondary searches were conducted to verfiy that all occupants were out and safe. Vertical roof ventilation was performed to control the fire spread and allow crews inside the structures to attack and extinguish the fire.  It took over an hour of coordinated effort to bring this fire under control.  Hamilton was opened up for traffic around 21:30 hours.

Fresh firefighters were brought in to replace exhausted personnel and provide for a “night watch”.  Fire Investigators are still processing the scene evidence and a fire cause has not been finalized.  Power to both structures has been shut down and the 14 tenants living in the apartment  building are being assisted by the Local Red Cross.  The magnitude of this incident produced numerous challenges for everyone involved, fortunately, there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.  The Spokane Fire Department appreciates the assistance given by both the Spokane Valley Fire Department and Fire District 9 who helped with city protection coverage during this event.  On scene assistance from AMR ambulance was also of great help.

Cause:Currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:The back portion of Gino's, including the outside dining area, was heavily damaged by fire. The entire restaurant sustained smoke and water damage. The Sinto Apts received severe fire damage to the roof structure and to the apartments located on the second floor at the north end of the structure. All apartment  units received some degree of smoke and water damage.51

# Firefighters Responding: 51

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Fire District 9, Spokane Police Department, AMR Ambulance

End Of Release 
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Fire press release

Fire In North Central

Incident #: 2013025783
Date of Incident: 06/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Early Saturday morning at 12:45 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 300 block of W. Nora. Engine 3 from their neighborhood station location of Indiana and Ash was first to arrive and found a storage shed well involved in fire. A quick stretch of preconnected hose was completed as well as a water supply from the nearest hydrant, this allowed the fire crews to knock down the fire in less than 10 minutes. Heavy fire and smoke damage was found throughout the interior of the shed. Additional fire crews were used to protect any exposures that surrounded the shed. This included a nearby dwelling and business. As a result of this action, the fire did not extend beyond the shed. Some overhead power lines also received some heat damage. The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews remained on scene throughout the night assisting the investigation effort.

Cause:
Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Heavy fire damage to the shed structure and contents within.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista Electrical and Gas divisions

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

Fire Press Release

Multiple garages catch fire.
Incident #: 2013025097
Date of Incident: 06/11/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
Narrative:
At 9:50 AM, Tuesday, June 11th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported detached garage fire at 312 S. Ray Street, on Spokane’s lower south hill. Enroute, crews reported a large smoke column visible. The first crews on scene reported a 20’ X 20’ wood framed, detached garage fully involved in fire, with three adjacent detached garages beginning to catch fire from radiant heat exposure. Additionally, an exposed, 60’ fir tree and a power pole were on fire, with the tree scattering hot embers on a weeded lot, starting the weeds and brush on fire. Electrical wires from the power pole burned through and dropped to the ground causing an additional hazard to the firefighters. Multiple fire crews extended hose leads to extinguish the numerous fires. In all, 5 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue truck and 2 battalion chiefs worked at this incident, and had the majority of fire extinguished within 10 minutes of arriving on scene. Crews remained on scene for an additional 1-2 hours overhauling the burned structures and completing extinguishment. There were no injuries reported to civilians or firefighters. Electrical power to the entire block was disrupted until Avista crews were able to gain access to the damaged power pole and complete repairs. This fire was near the eastbound Thor/Freya exit off I-90, which caused significant traffic congestion both on 3rd Avenue as well as eastbound I-90. SPD and WDOT assisted in rerouting and managing traffic until fire crews could clear 3rd Avenue.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by an investigator with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
No vehicles were damaged in the fire, however, the main fire building and its contents were completely destroyed. The exposed garages sustained primarily exterior structural damage, with minor smoke/water damage to contents. Total dollar loss is estimated at $30,000.
# Firefighters Responding: 24
Dollar Loss: $ 30,000
Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, WDOT, Avista
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fire press release

North Battalion Basement Fire
Incident #: 2013025045#
Date of Incident: 06/09/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
On June 11,2013 at 11:04 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 3 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a working basement fire at 827 West Spofford. E-3 from the West Central neighborhood was the first company on scene and reported a basement fire in a 2 story home. A quick interior attack of the fire in the basement was performed while other companies searched the 3 floors of the home for occupants, ventilated the structure and checked for extension of the fire. The fire was declared knocked down within 20 minutes. All 5 occupants and 3 dogs were accounted for and are being assisted by the Red Cross and neighbors at this time.
Cause:
The fire is under investigation by the Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
There is extensive fire and smoke damage to the basement along with smoke damage to the 1st and 2nd floor. The Electrical and natural gas has been shut off by Avista until electrical repairs can be made along with structural repair.
# Firefighters Responding: 21
Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00
Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

Fire Press Release

South Hill Basement Fire

Incident #: 2013023393
Date of Incident: 06/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:On Sunday, June 2^nd, 2013 at 5:59 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire located in the 2400 block of E. 49^th on Spokane’s South Hill. Engine 11 from their neighborhood station at 32^nd and Perry was the first fire unit on the scene and found a house with smoke coming from the front door and eaves. The crew advanced a hose line rapidly into the home and found that the fire was originating from the basement.  The fire was kept relatively small due to Engine 11’s rapid advancement of the hose and the fire was declared knocked down after just a few minutes. Smoke remained throughout the home, however and Ladder 1 assisted in the removal of this smoke and the dangerous carbon monoxide that remained throughout. Unfortunately, the occupant’s dog perished in the fire due to smoke inhalation. Spokanimal is handling the situation. The occupant’s possessions suffered heavy fire and smoke damage and crews assisted them with retrieving some of these belongings. The Red Cross was called in to help the occupants with lodging, clothing and food. At this time, the cause is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Firefighters remained at the scene for a number of hours completing overhaul and final extinguishment and salvaging possessions for the occupant’s.

Cause:Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:Heavy fire and smoke damage to a portion of the basement, first floor, contents and furnishings.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

Other Agencies Responding:
The Red Cross and Spokanimal.

End Of Release 
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Midnight Fire

Incident #: 2013022941
Date of Incident: 05/31/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
In the early morning hours of May 31, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department’s Dispatch center received several calls about a vacant structure that was on fire, located at Princeton and Florida. At 00:42 hours six fire apparatus and 2 chief officers were dispatched to the call for help. Responding crews could see heavy fire and smoke while still blocks away. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” while en-route by Engine 8. Engine 8 was the first to arrive and reported a two story structure, set on the hillside to the north of Princeton. Fire was coming through the roof and from every door and window in the vacant structure. Multiple hose lines were advanced to confine the fire to the abandoned home. The fire was brought under control within 45 minutes. Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and Investigators will follow up on fire cause determination in the morning.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
Total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ undetermined

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

Location:Fire Press Release

Reminder - Guns and Hoses - tonight!

Reminder - Police and Fire hockey game tonight to benefit John Knighten and his family:

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: Eagles Ice-A-Rena, 6321 N. Addison St.

COST: $5 donation; free for children 12 and younger.

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013018697
Date of Incident: 05/04/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Mike Thompson

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 1227 W. 6th Ave. at 14:46 hrs on Saturday, May 4th for a reported structure fire. As the crew from Station 4, located in the Browne's Edition section of the City, was approaching the address they could see large amounts of black smoke in the sky and reported by radio that this was a working fire and requested an up-grade to the alarm which would bring additional resources to the incident scene. L4 arrived on the scene and reported a two and a half story wood/frame dwelling with heavy black smoke showing from the roof and eaves of the building and immediately made a decision to make an offensive attack on the fire. As other apparatus began arriving on scene the Incident Commander started making assignments that included water supply, Safety Officer, search and rescue, fire attack, back-up hose lines to protect the fire fighters already engaged in the interior attack, vertical ventilation on the roof, horizontal ventilation at the ground floor level and the deployment of a RIT Team to be in position should the rescue of a lost or injured fire fighter become necessary. A complete search of the entire building was ordered, as per Fire Dept. policy, to ensure that there was no one inside while the simultaneous fire attack and ventilation efforts were undertaken. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the very hot and well-advanced fire was brought under control in about 60 minutes. Fire damage to the structure was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls, ceilings, and attic space. A large portion of the roof had to be opened to allow the hot, toxic gasses to ventilate into the atmosphere. The areas of the building not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions that were present. Seven engines, two ladders, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles responded to this incident with 33 fire fighters on scene to get the fire confined and extinguished.

Cause:
The fire cause is under investigation by The Spokane Fire Department SIU

Damage:
Second floor and roof

# Firefighters Responding: 33

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000.

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013018391
Date of Incident: 05/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:At 2:20 P.M. Thursday, May 2nd, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1837 E. 8^th Avenue in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within five minutes and reported a one and one-half story wood frame house with heavy fire visible on the back of the house and heavy smoke inside. The homeowner reported there was no one else in the home, and fire crews searching the house confirmed that. The fire was knocked down within thirty minutes, but overhaul of the burned and fire damaged areas continued for more than six hours. Fire crews will continue checking on the house throughout the evening to assure there are no hidden pockets of fire remaining. Damage to the house was extensive, with fire damage to the rear exterior, as well as finished living areas in the basement, main floor and the second floor. In addition, the house sustained considerable smoke and water damage throughout. The house will be uninhabitable until extensive repairs can be made. Five adult occupants of the house are being assisted with temporary housing by the Red Cross. One firefighter sustained a puncture wound to his hand during overhaul operations. He was treated by paramedics at the scene and returned to work. In all, thirty-one fire department personnel responded on nine trucks and two command vehicles.

Cause:An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit determined the area of origin of the fire to be outside a ground level back door. The exact cause is still under investigation, but it is considered to be accidental in nature.

Damage:Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $100,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 31

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

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

Knighten Homecoming Story from KXLY

Fire Press Release

Martin Street Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013016963
Date of Incident: 04/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:This morning at 2:08 AM Spokane City fire crews were dispatched to 5414 North Martin on a reported structure fire. Engine 15 from the neighborhood fire station arrived on scene first and reported a fully involved apartment on the west end of a single story, Tri-Plex. Engine 15 initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while the first in ladder company crew completed a search and vertical ventilation to remove the smoke and heat from the structure. Additional fire crews on scene assisted with exposure control to make sure the fire did not extend into the adjacent apartments and to a home located to the south of the building of origin. Fire company's responding to this fire consisted of 4-Engines, 2-Ladders, a Rescue truck and 2-Battalions Chiefs for a total of  24 personnel. One civilian was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and there were no reported injuries to firefighters. Avista responded to assist for natural gas and electrical concerns and Red Cross arrived on scene to assist any displaced tenants.    

Cause:At this time members of the Spokane Fire Departments, Special Investigation Unit will be on scene through out the day processing the scene to determine an origin and cause.

Damage:Fire damage was confine to the apartment of origin with with smoke damage to the adjoining unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 50000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

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

Don's editorial in this morning's Spokesman-Review

There has long been confusion about the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Plan 1, especially how it directly relates to Spokane. I would like to take this opportunity to share some facts that are important to know.
First, the LEOFF-1 system was closed Oct. 1, 1977. It was replaced with the current Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Plan 2, (LEOFF-2) system. LEOFF-1 has a trust fund that each worker and employer, and the State of Washington paid into. The workers and employers – state and local government – contributed equally, and it was fully funded about 10 years ago. Everyone, including all governments, stopped paying in because the actuaries determined there was enough money to pay for every worker’s retirement until he or she passes away, and still have some left over. There is no tax money going into it now, and there is no expectation any taxpayer money will ever be needed.
When LEOFF-1 was set up to provide for medical coverage, local governments were given a funding source. They had a choice to either use the revenue in their general fund (most of the time, revenue far exceeded expenditures), and promise to pay all current and future bills from that general fund. However, Spokane chose a second option: to put the revenue into a trust fund and separate it from the general fund. Spokane’s medical fund is in the black, and is expected to be fully funded. The city will be able to pay all the expected bills with the funds collected. It is evident that most local governments took in more money than they needed; they just chose to spend it unwisely. LEOFF-1 members do not cost the City of Spokane anything for pension, Social Security or medical. They are the only workers that do not. Once retired, the city will have no obligations for the pensions.
The current LEOFF-2 system differs from the previous system. This fund is also adequately funded, and the actuaries believe no additional tax money will be necessary except the current contribution schedule. It does not have any medical provision and firefighters are responsible for all medical insurance and medical care or negotiates those benefits as part of their compensation. The city does not pay Social Security for firefighters and firefighters do not get Social Security credit. Firefighters pay half of the cost of the pension and the city’s portion is less than if it were paying for Social Security. In 2011, the average retirement benefit for all retired LEOFF-2 was $29,851 per year. The newest retirees – those who have retired within the last one or two years – get a benefit of $39,456 per year.
The other issue brought up in the article was pension-spiking. We are not aware that any has occurred here in Spokane and, importantly, we are adamantly opposed to the practice. It is unethical and abuses the trust of Spokane’s citizens.
I hope these facts reassure you we are ethical and prudent stewards of taxpayer-supported funds.
Don Waller is the president of Spokane Fire Fighter, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 29

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013016262
Date of Incident: 04/18/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:This morning, April 18, 2013 The Spokane Fire Department responeded at 10:16 AM to 1110 S. Adams on a reported apartment fire. Engine 4 from the Brownes's Edition Neighborhoood Fire Station was the first crew on scene and reported smoke showing from the front door of an apartment in a residence converted to a triplex. They made a quick, aggressive attack on the fire while the Ladder crew ventilated the structure. After a search it was determined no occupants were in the structure. There were no reported injuries.

Cause:The Spokane Fire Department SIU is investigating the incident.

Damage:Damage was limited to one of three apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

Nice article in the Spokesman-Review on Baxter baby.

Photo from The Spokesman-Review - Jesse Tinsley

You can read the story online here. 

More on Orofino house fire deaths

Fire Press Release

Natural gas leak ignites

Incident #: 2013015378
Date of Incident: 04/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative: At 0804 hrs. this morning, Friday, April 12^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported residential gas line break at 1118 E. Bridgeport Avenue. The first crew arrived on scene within 5 minutes, and reported a broken natural gas line in the back yard of the single family house. The escaping gas had ignited, creating a blowtorch effect, which quickly ignited the house and the backhoe that had been excavating in the back yard.
Fire crews confirmed that the occupants of the house, and the backhoe operator had escaped uninjured, and were accounted for. After addressing the civilian life safety concerns, the strategy to mitigate the incident turned to an aggressive fire attack on the structure and backhoe, without extinguishing the natural gas fire, while awaiting the arrival of Avista crews to stop the flow of gas. Firefighters were concerned that extinguishing the gas fire prior to shutting off the gas flow could lead to the potential for a catastrophic explosion. Strategically placed hose streams protected the house and backhoe from further flame impingement, while allowing the gas to burn off harmlessly until Avista crews were able to expose and clamp the natural gas line a safe distance away.
Meanwhile, additional fire crews attacked the structure fire from inside the house, and were able to confine the fire spread to the wall and roof area closest to the gas leak. Fire Department and Avista crews remained on scene for several hours securing the gas line and overhauling the burned portion of the house, searching for any hidden hot spots. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.  The residents were allowed to reoccupy the house after the incident.

Cause:The incident was caused by a contractor excavating in the back yard of this address, in preparation for replacing a sewer line to the house. During the excavation process the natural gas line was accidentally severed, allowing gas to free-flow. An undetermined ignition source, possibly static electricity, ignited the gas.

Damage: Fire damage was confined to several exterior walls and a section of roof, with minor interior smoke and water damage. Natural gas service to the house was stopped until the gas plumbing within the house could be inspected and any repairs made.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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