Fire Press Release

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013049539
Date of Incident: 10/24/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief C Jones

Narrative:On Thursday October 24, 2013 09:41AM, 7 Companies of the Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 5 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Moline, responded to an Apartment Fire at 6021 North Mayfair . Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the second floor unit of a two- story apartment building.  The building contained 8 apartment units total.  The first arriving Chief requested an upgrade to a working fire which added another senior Ladder, additional engine and staff from the Training Division. Finding fire in two units and the attic space, firefighters commenced with a fast fire attack and swift salvage operations to protect personal property within the structure. The first Senior Ladder immediately laddered the roof and ventilated above the apartments involved in fire. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined the flames to the attic and two apartment units. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:The cause is under investigation

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release 
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Fire Press Release

North Battalion O'Malley Fire

Incident #: 2013046074
Date of Incident: 10/04/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
On Friday October 4, 2013 at 07:14 AM, 5 Engine companies under the direction of AC Schaeffer responded to a reported commercial building fire at 707 East Mission Avenue, the O’Malley Apartments (the O’Mally apartments are located in the Gonzaga neighborhood and have 99 one-bedroom units that are handicapped accessible).
The incident was dispatched simultaneously as the early morning technical rescue in the Purina Plant (4714 East Trent) and a cardiac arrest, which exhausted the majority of the City’s resources. The first unit on-scene arrived within six-minutes and reported a four-story apartment building with smoke showing from the third story balcony on the Mission Avenue side. Immediately upon arriving, the Chief noted that occupants had escaped the heavy smoke and took refuge on the third-story balcony and were waiting to be rescued.
The first engine arrived minutes later and made contact with the occupants waiting on the third floor balcony, made sure the door behind them was closed and reassured them they were safe. Immediately after making contact with the residents they entered the building, secured the stairwell and made their way to the third floor with tools and equipment to fight the fire. Additional arriving companies were assigned backup the first engine, supported the building's standpipe system and begin searching for victims. The toxic smoke on the third floor was reported to be banked down to just a few feet from the floor and the decision was made to shelter most residents in place on the third floor and evacuate the ones on floors two and one (to avoiding removing at-risk residents into the smoke-filled hallways and stairwells). The incident was upgraded immediately to a working fire and modified to include an MCI (mass casualty incident) response. Mutual aid resources from Spokane Valley Fire Department, six ambulances from AMR with management, STA with a bus and Spokane Police Department with traffic officers were brought to the scene to assist with the numerous patients and the influx of traffic due to the beginning of the school day for nearby St. Aloysius Gonzaga School.
It took 25 Firefighters and 12 AMR employees just over one-hour to completely extinguish and overhaul the fire, evacuate the residents to safe areas of refuge on the first floor and medically evaluate/treat seven residents and a facility employee with various levels of smoke inhalation. No firefighters were injured in the process of mitigating the incident.
Cause:
The nature was determined to be accidental and cause was a laundry basket left on an electric stovetop that had been accidently turned on. The fire spread vertically to cabinets and combustibles throughout the unit.
Damage:
Damage was limited to the unit of origin, however smoke damage throughout the third floor hallway. The concrete construction and a maintenance worker's attempts to keep the fire contained aided in keeping the fire's damage limited to the unit.
# Firefighters Responding: 25
Dollar Loss: $ 5000
Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department,
End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

North Battalion Attic fire

Incident #: 2013044769#
Date of Incident: 09/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday September 26, 2013 at 11:09 AM, 7 companies of Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Alternate Response Unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported residential fire at 2415 North Hogan. Engine 2 from the North Foothills Station arrived within 4 minutes and reported all the occupants were out of the 2 story home and there was light smoke emitting out of the roof vents. The first arriving Chief then arrived and assigned companies to locate the fire, extinguish, check for extension and prepare to ventilate the roof if necessary. The fire was soon located in the attic space. The ceiling in one second floor room was pulled, the fire extinguished and the burnt insulation removed. The power to the home has been shut off until a licensed electrician repairs the wiring damaged by the fire. The occupants did not require the services of the Red Cross. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit has determined the cause of the fire to be electrical in nature.

Damage:

Fire damage was confined to the 2nd floor ceiling, wiring and attic space along with light smoke damage to the 2nd floor. There was no damage to the rest of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

North Side House Fire

Incident #: 2013043180
Date of Incident: 09/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 5616 N. “G” St. at 01:49 hrs on Tuesday morning, September 17th, to a reported structure fire at that address. Initially Engine #16, from the neighborhood Fire Station located by Joe Albi Football Stadium, was dispatched alone to investigate the situation. Once that fire crew arrived on scene they reported heavy smoke coming from inside the one story wood/frame dwelling and immediately requested a full alarm to respond to the scene. That request would add three additional engines, one senior ladder, one light rescue rig, and two Battalion Chiefs to the incident. Engine #16 reported by radio that they were going to enter the residence and attempt an interior attack on the fire that was burning in the structure’s basement. As they began their descent into the basement they reported that the basement was fully charged with smoke and that they were searching for the seat of the fire. The fire was located in a storage room in the basement and they were able to get the fire knocked down fairly rapidly with the pre-connected hose line that they had taken inside with them. As the other fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included a back-up hose line to protect the crew already inside attacking the fire, water supply, and another engine company was ordered to horizontally vent the building by opening windows. The ladder crew was ordered to do a primary and a secondary search of the structure to ensure that everyone was out of the building, 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 the two residents of the home had been awakened by the smoke detectors and the whole house alarm system and were able to safely exit the house before the Fire Dept.’s arrival. 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 and severe heat damage to most of the basement and the main floor suffered smoke damage in all rooms. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. In total four engines, one senior ladder, one light rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 20 fire fighters to this incident.

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

Damage:
Heavy fire and heat damage to most of the basement area, smoke damage to the main floor of the house.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 40000

End Of Release
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Local 29 Benevolent Fund replaces fire victims' stolen donations and then some.

Thad Frater, Local 29 Secretary-Treasurer hands $500 check to Jaaz Salon. Jaaz Salon had been collecting donations for one of the families that had been burned out of their home during the three-house fire on Sherman and 19th last month. They had collected about $20 so far when it was stolen,  according to the Spokesman-Review article. 

One Spokane firefighter memorializes our fallen and another climbs in remembrance...

Fire Press Release

Commercial Roof Fire

Incident #: 2013041920#
Date of Incident: 09/10/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Tuesday September 10,2013 at 09:59, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported commercial roof fire at E-Z Loader Trailer addressed North 717 Hamilton. The first arriving Chief arrived to find a large 1 story commercial building with a flat roof and light smoke showing out of an air handling unit. The building's responsible party reported everyone was out of the building. Companies were immediately assigned to locate and attack the fire from inside the warehouse while a ladder company placed their aerial ladder to the roof and ventilated the roof surrounding the air handling unit. The fire was quickly knocked down and lateral travel of the fire in the roof void was confined due to the quick actions of the Fire Department. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident. The building was turned over to the owner after the termination of this incident.

Cause:
The fire is under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
There was damage to the ceiling and roof surrounding the involved and now destroyed air handling unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

End Of Release
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Blue Mass Invite

St. Charles Catholic Church is having their 2nd Annual Blue Mass to honor fire, police and all first responders throughout the county in remembrance of those who have fallen and support those who serve. . All are cordially invited to attend the mass on September 11, 2013, a day observed as “World Day of Prayer for Peace”. Everyone, catholic or non-catholic are welcome to attend.

The principal celebrant will be His Eminence Blasé Cupich, Bishop of Spokane.

The Mass will begin at 0830 on Wednesday September 11, 2013 at St. Charles Church, located at 4515 N. Alberta, Spokane.

All are encouraged to attend in uniform or a T-Shirt would be fine as well…

Fire Press Release

North Side House Fire

Incident #: 2013040112
Date of Incident: 08/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
On Saturday, August 31, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 4507 N. Adams on a reported structure fire.The first crew on scene was Engine 15, who was returning from a Medical call in the area. Engine 15 reported smoke showing from the roof, and all civilians were out of the structure. Within minutes of arriving, companies successfully stretched multiple hose leads into the structure while search teams crawled through the area to search for victim and fire extensions. The fire was quickly located in a wall by engine companies and interior search teams confirmed that there were no victims. The fire was confined to the second floor, attic, and roof. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.

Cause:
Under Investigation by the SIU

Damage:
Second floor, attic, and roof

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

End Of Release
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Fire Press Release

South Hill Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013039583
Date of Incident: 08/29/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Thursday August 29, 2013 at 5:28 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder responded to a reported residential fire at 1422 West 14th Avenue.
    
Two companies arrived simultaneously within 5 minutes 34 seconds from Station 4 and reported a two-story single family home with heavy smoke showing from the second floor of the home. The initial company upgraded the fire to a "working" incident and added additional resources to the incident to assist in the firefighting efforts. The complete effective response force was met (16 firefighters) within 7 minutes 56 seconds (the performance measure goal is 11 minutes 90% of the time).

The first arriving Ladder Company immediately fought up the stairs to the second floor to search for victims, while other companies confined the fire to the area of origin. Fortunately, it was determined that the single occupant of the residence was safe and accounted for and found near a neighbor’s house. With the assistance of additional arriving companies, it took the firefighters just 20 minutes to stretch multiple hoselines to the second floor and knock down the fire and control the incident.   Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one bedroom on the second floor, which also prevented it from spreading to the ceiling and roof areas. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

Cause:The preliminary information appears to indicate that the cause was accidental and related to smoking materials.

Damage:The main area of damage was successfully isolated to a second floor bedroom with smoke damage throughout the second floor. 

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Red Cross

End Of Release 
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Fire Press Release

North Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013039163
Date of Incident: 08/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius

Narrative:A night time fire damaged two Duplexes and left a city block without electrical power in the Logan Neighborhood.  Engine 2 from the North Foothills fire station was the first company to arrive at a large fire located at 2514 N Denver St.  At little before 10:00 PM, (August 26^th), 5 companies were dispatched after the Fire Department received multiple 911 calls.  Engine 2’s officer reported a large amount of fire in the back alley behind the above address.  The fire had already engulfed an attached carport, a vehicle and two separate duplexes were burning.  Engine 2’s firefighters immediately stretched a large 2 ½ inch hose line down the alley and started attacking the fire, while working to control the fire spread to adjacent units.  Engine 2’s officer also reported numerous “downed” electrical wires that had fallen after exposure to the flames.
Additional arriving apparatus and crews were immediately put to work upon their arrival.  Two companies of firefighters were assigned to search 4 duplex units as area residents reported to firefighters that people were inside.  The search group did not find any civilian victims, but did find a dog that had succumbed to smoke inhalation. Fallen electrical wires provided additional safety challenges at this incident.  Nevertheless, the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes.  Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and investigators will be working to determine fire cause this morning.  The local Red Cross is assisting 4 displaced residents and Avista assured us that they would work to restore electrical service to the area.

Cause:The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:The duplex unit addressed 2514 N. Denver St. was heavily damaged by smoke and fire. All other addresses affected by this fire received minor smoke, fire or water damage. The carport and a vehicle in the carport were a total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $ 75,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, American Medical Response

End Of Release 
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Fire Press Release

Dalke Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013038669
Date of Incident: 08/24/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:

Today, August 24, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 1:22 PM to 2423 E. Dalke on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from a 2 story wood-framed structure. Further investigation found a fire on the kitchen stove in the basement apartment with fire extending up the interior wall on the east side of the structure and into the ceiling joist of the basement unit. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior and exterior with additional fire crews completing search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Four engine companies, two ladder trucks a heavy recue truck and 2 Battalion chiefs totaling 24 firefighters responded to this fire. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 2 hours. The Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross is taking care of the occupants of the basement apartment.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the kitchen in the basement apartment and the exterior wall on the east side of the home with smoke damage throughout the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross

End Of Release
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If you had your picture taken with our old fire engine  at the Local 29 Free Swim Day, you  can find your picture, here.

Fire Press Release

E. Heroy Fire

Incident #: 2013037085
Date of Incident: 08/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief C Jones

Narrative:Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 2:12 PM to a reported structure fire at 1324 E. Heroy.  The first arriving apparatus was Engine 15 and the officer reported smoke and flames showing from three sides of a one story wood frame residential structure.  E 15 immediately directed hose leads to protect the homes on either side of the burning structure.  Other arriving units were assigned to conduct search operations, and assist with extinguishment of the fire.  All occupants made it out of the burning structure safely, and there were no injuries to fire personnel.   

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

Damage:Fire and smoke damage throughout the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release 
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Fire Press Release

2331 W Boone
Incident #: 2013036913
Date of Incident: 08/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 12:53 PM to a reported structure fire at 2331 W. Boone. The first arriving apparatus was Engine 18 and the officer reported smoke showing from the front of a 1.5 story wood frame residential structure. Upon further investigation they found a fire in the attic of the home and initiated an interior fire attack from the second floor stairwell while additional arriving fire crews pulled ceiling from below exposing the burning structural framing rafters. The quick initial interior attack prevented the fire from extending into the 2nd floor living space and the remaining areas of the common attic. The occupants of the home are being supported by our local Red Cross Team.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the attic at the rear of the house and the ceiling in the kitchen on the main floor with smoke damage throughout the second floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
# Firefighters Responding: 20
Dollar Loss: $ 10000
End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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Fire Press Release

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013036763
Date of Incident: 08/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:On August 13, 2013 at 13:34 PM 6 companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a reported attic fire in a 4 unit apartment building. Spokane Ladder and Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched to find smoke emitting from both gable roof vents of the 2 story apartment building. The responding Chief upgraded the incident at this time to a working fire which brought a dedicated ladder and also called for another engine company to assist with this incident. Companies were assigned to locate and extinguish the fire, search for occupants, water supply and possible roof ventilation. Interior companies quickly located the smoldering fire in the attic of the affected unit and were able to extinguish and prevent further extension to the 3 adjoining units. All the occupants made it out safely and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. The affected apartment unit is uninhabitable until structural repair can be made to the roof trusses, along with damage to the ceiling and wiring in the attic. One adult occupant is seeking shelter with the Red Cross until the repairs can be made.

Cause:The Special Investigation unit has determined that the attic fire was caused by faulty wiring.

Damage:Moderate damage to the roof trusses, ceiling assembly and wiring of 2405 N. Cincinnati. No damage was reported to the three other attached Apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

End Of Release 
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Four Fire Press Releases

Update 19th Ave Update

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 08/09/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:Devastation from yesterday's structure fires near 19^th/Sherman resulted in an estimated $500,000 of property loss and millions saved from the potential destruction of a neighborhood.  According to accounts from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, two single family residences were considered catastrophic losses. A third single family home received heavy fire damage to the deck, siding, and attic. The fire was extending into the third home from through a kitchen window and exterior door when firefighters successfully extinguished it, preventing damage on the home’s interior.

A fourth structure sustained smoke damage to one of the four apartments. The tenant had a box fan pulling air into the structure through a window facing the fire and the fan was left operating after she evacuated.

In addition to the structural damage there were three cars, one motorcycle, and a boat that were completely consumed by the fire.

There were no civilian injuries and one minor firefighter injury as a result the incident, which lasted several hours.

The official fire cause remains undetermined, however both prospective scenarios appear accidental.  The details will be shared when we learn more from the SIU.

Cause:N/A

Damage:N/A

End Of Release 
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Wishing Well mobile home park 

Incident #: 2013035594
Date of Incident: 08/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:This morning Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 0635 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Wishing- Well motor home park located a 4911 N. Florida.  Spokane Engine 15 was the first to arrive, and reported a single wide mobile home fully involved with fire E 15 also reported that the structure was vacant.  E15 immediately directed hose leads to protect the exposures on either side of the burning structure.  Other arriving units were assigned to conduct search operations, and assist with extinguishment of the fire.  There were no injuries to fire personnel.
 

Cause:The cause arigin of the fire is under investigation by the SFD SIU.

Damage:The  single wide mobile home was a total loss

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 5000.

End Of Release 
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North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013035315
Date of Incident: 08/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Monday, August 5, 2013 at 4:49 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to an explosion and resulting fire at 3704 West Olympic Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find a single family home heavily involved in fire and beginning to extend to a two-car garage and neighboring home to the west. First arriving companies were met by floor refinisher workers that explained they were applying a petroleum based lacquer on the floors in the home when a pilot light ignited the fumes causing an immediate explosion and resulting fire. The worker confirmed that the home was unoccupied and that the workers were all accounted for. The fire was fueled by highly flammable chemicals and created extreme fire behavior for the first alarm companies. The incident was subsequently upgraded to a working fire adding additional resources to assist in the efforts to contain the fire’s progress. The fire was brought under control in 45-minutes and was successfully contained to the home of origin and firefighters prevented extension to the adjacent buildings. Despite the heavy amount of damage from the blast and fire, there were no injuries.

Cause:The official cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:As a result of the explosion and fire the structure is deemed untenable. Assisting the two residents in their need for temporary housing were staff from the City's Housing Department and volunteers from the American Red Cross.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 100000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release 
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Wildland Urban Interface Fire

Incident #: 2013035341
Date of Incident: 08/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:On Monday August 5, 2013 at 6:48 PM, a total of four brush engines, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe, responded to a brush fire that was upgraded from a single company response in the area of 2600 East Upriver. Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 3-4 acres of light to heavy brush burning near apartment buildings. The incident started alongside the steep hill below the railroad tracks and just above North Crescent Avenue.

Although the fire was slow moving, the initial company quickly assessed the need additional units due to there being three separate fires in steep and rocky terrain. As companies arrived, the additional personnel tied into the railroad right-of-way and were strategically placed on both west and east flanks halting the fire from its advance into adjacent multi-family homes.  With relatively slow wind speeds, increasing relative humidity and cooler temperatures, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. The fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Cause:The fires (all three) were accidental in nature and caused by a BNSF train traveling through the area moments before the fire was discovered.

Damage:Wildland only, no structures were involved.  Total amount burned was 4 acres.

# Firefighters Responding: 14

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, BNSF

End Of Release 
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Fire Press Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013035106
Date of Incident: 08/04/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:

The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 2203 S. Inland Empire Way at 14:39 hrs on Sunday afternoon, August 4th , for a reported structure fire at that address. Engine #4, from the near-by Browne’s Addition neighborhood fire station, reported by radio that there was a large black plume of smoke visible in the sky as they turned south onto Inland Empire Way. In their radio report they requested that the fire be up-graded to a “working fire”, the up-grade would add an additional ladder truck to the call. Engine #4 was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus again reported by radio that there was heavy fire at the rear of the house on the second story of the wood/framed balloon constructed structure and that it was extending farther into that space and starting to come out of the gable ends of the second story at the front and the rear of the house. Engine#4 also reported that the house appeared to be vacant and that they were going to make an aggressive offensive attack on the fire through the front door and up the staircase to the, by now, heavily involved second story. The second apparatus to arrive on scene was Ladder#4, from the same station, and they reported that they would be going inside with Engine#4 to begin the process of opening up walls and pulling down ceilings to get at the rapidly growing fire they encountered on the second floor. As additional fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included a back-up hose line to protect the crews already going inside to fight the fire, water supply, an additional hose line to protect the interior stairway to the second floor, the additional ladder crew was assigned to go to the roof to begin vertical ventilation, other crews were assigned to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, 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. There were no victims in the building but there were indications that “squatters” may have been using the house. Avista was requested to respond and their crew disconnected the electrical power to the structure. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained severe damage on the second floor and on the underside of the roof structure; however the main floor suffered very little damage due to the quick attack by the fire fighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident.





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

Damage:
Severe fire damage to the second story and to the underside of the roof structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR Ambulance

End Of Release
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Unfair Labor Practice Arbitration Hearings

Local 29 members, please check your email for very important information regarding today's arbitration meeting and other information.

Fire Press Release

West Plains 3rd Alarm 

Incident #: 2013033997
Date of Incident: 07/29/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday July 29, 2013 at 4:25 AM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe responded to a reported residential apartment fire at 7723 West State Route 2.

The first fire company arrived within just minutes of being dispatched, due to the proximity of the Station 6 to the apartment units located in the newly annexed area on the West Plains. As Engine 6 arrived they reported a large amount of fire and heavy smoke showing from the two-story apartment building complex and almost immediately requested the incident to be upgraded to a working fire. The initial companies were faced with a rapidly escalating fire that had begun to spread to other areas of the building and had already vented through the roof. Without knowing the status of residents and fearing for multiple rescues from occupied adjacent units, a second alarm was requested at 4:33 AM with a special request for two ambulances with an AMR Supervisor. The sheer numbers of firefighters needed to force entry, search, ventilate and suppress the fire from the second floor eventually led to a third alarm being requested at 5:11 AM.  The incident commander's tactics combined with aggressive firefighting were successful in containing the fire to the primary area of origin while simultaneously protecting the safe egress for occupants.

Fifteen citizens occupied the wing of the apartment building affected by the fire and were all accounted for and escaped safely (some with firefighter assistance). Five occupants lived in the unit of origin (2 adults and 3 children): Three of those were evaluated by Paramedics for injuries but none were transported by ambulance. It took just over an hour for the 45+ firefighters to confine and extinguished the blaze and limit loss for the occupants.
 

Cause:The cause is under investigation by the SFD’s SIU and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

Damage:The majority of the 16-unit apartment complex was saved and damage was limited primarily to two units. Firefighters are expected to remain on-scene all morning protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations.

# Firefighters Responding: 45

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 10, Airway Heights FD, Fairchild AFB, Washington State Patrol

End Of Release 
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