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Smoke Detectors Save Family

Incident #:  2012010936
Date of Incident:  3/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
A family of four was sleeping today in their two story apartment, when they were alerted to a fire downstairs by activated smoke detectors. The noon time fire was rapidly growing, when the two adults and children exited down the stairs, passing the fire on their way out of the apartment. Seven fire companies were initially dispatched to this incident located at 2524 N. Haven St.. Responding apparatus reported a heavy dark column of smoke in the distance, and the responding Battalion Chief requested two additional companies be placed into the call. Fire crews from Station 15 and Station 2 arrived within seconds of each other. Command was established by the company officer from Ladder 2. L2 reported a two story triplex apartment with heavy fire showing on the first and second floors of the middle unit. Crews immediately advanced hose lines to this center unit and a search of the building was started to verify that everyone was out. Arriving fire crews were assigned to back up Engine 15 whose crew was attacking the main body of fire and to provide a water supply to their engine. Additional hoses were brought into play to confine the fire from extending into the adjacent apartments, and protect another large structure that was a potential exposure hazard at the rear of the triplex. Roof ventilation was performed to release heat and control the spread of the fire from moving across the common attic. This fire was brought under control within twenty minutes by aggressive fire fighting by the Spokane Firefighters. The fire was confined to the apartment of origin and the attic space above it. This fire unit sustained heavy loss throughout. Both adjacent apartments sustained smoke damage. There were no injuries at this incident. The family escaped with each other and the belongings they carried out with them. The family is being assisted by the local Red Cross. The Red Cross continues to provide a wonderful service, assisting those who have lost everything in events like this. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The Spokane Fire Department wants to emphasize the importance of properly working smoke detectors. This time of year, we recommend that every family check their smoke detectors and replace the batteries. We encourage them to go through this process again in the fall when we move back out of "daylight savings".

Cause:
Fire cause is still under investigation.

Damage:
See above.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $75,000

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North Side Flooding of Streets and Apartment Units

Incident #:  2012010857#
Date of Incident:  3/15/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On March 15th from approximately 18:00 till 20:00 the Spokane Fire Dept responded on three separate incidents on the north side of Spokane due to flooding issues from the heavy rain. The first incident occurred at the intersection of Monroe and Dalton where there was a foot of water on the arterial. A Zips restaurant and a private residence were threatened from the rising water along with a safety concern from the vehicles losing control in the deep water. Two engine companies blocked Monroe until the Street Department could put up barricades. The engine companies also kept the storm drain covers clear of debris which protected the occupancies until the waste water crews arrived on scene. Monroe was reopened to all traffic by 7:30 pm. At the same time another engine company was assisting occupants with two flooded apartments in the north east section of the city. Two families were displaced by the water damage. The last storm related incident that the Spokane Fire Dept responded on was a threatened home at Wellesley and Lincoln at 7:11 pm. Crews protected the affected home by keeping the storm drains clear and blocking west bound traffic. Wellesley was reopened to all traffic at 8:00 pm.

Cause:
Heavy Rain

Damage:
Two apartments had water damage to the carpet, flooring and personal contents.

# Firefighters Responding: 10

Dollar Loss: $8,000.00

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Attic Fire On South Hill

Incident #:  2012010896
Date of Incident:  3/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday March 16th, 2012 at 12:25 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded companies to an attic fire at 404 W. 25th on the South Hill. Engine 9 from their neighborhood station at 18th and Bernard was the first truck to arrive and found light smoke coming from the eaves on one side of the house. Attack hose lines were advanced to the interior of the house as crews searched for the origin of the smoke. After a search using their Thermal Imaging Camera, crews were able to pinpoint the heat concentration to an area just above the ceiling over the living room of the home. Fire crews then rapidly pulled down the ceiling in this area to expose the hidden fire with the intent to hit the fire with hose streams. They were able to accomplish this in just a few minutes and declare the fire as knocked down. A total of 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, a ladder truck, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this fire. The cause at this time appears to be electrical. The Spokane Fire Department Investigation Unit will be continuing their investigation.

Cause:
The cause appears to be electrical in origin. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit will follow-up.

Damage:
Moderate damage in the attic from the fire. Smoke damage to contents in living area.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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Gender Diversity In the SFD...

 

 

So what of gender diversity in today's SFD?

The Spokane Fire Department hired our first woman firefighter on September 18, 1989.

Today there are 13 WOMEN Firefighters filling responsibilities as Operational Firefighters, Paramedics, Fire Equipment O...perators, Lieutenants and Division Chiefs.

Still more women hold key positions in SFD’s Divisions that oversee our Administration, Fire Prevention, Training and Support Services.

...and what of the SFD’s future?

You can help us share word of our need to hire, retain and empower a truly capable and dynamic workforce. Detailed information about the demands and rewards of a career with SFD - and how any motivated man or woman can start the process, are available year-round by calling 509-625-6160 or visiting the SFD website at http://www.spokanecity.org/jobs/

2012 Stairclimb for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

Congratulations to the 25 SFD members (listed below) who participated in and finished the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb that occurred yesterday (3/11) in Seattle. They were outstanding representatives of SFD and their efforts raised at least... $12,895 landing them in the top 10 fund raising teams who participated in the event. Overall the event raised over $950,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Thanks to all of you for your time, dedication and commitment to prepare for and to complete this great event as well as for your super representation of SFD!

SFD Members:
Jesse Ayotte, Brandon Bacon, Ty Bruner, Scott Butler, Kurt Cole, Mark Donais, Ted Eagle, Steven Harms, Michael Johnson, Adam Knapp, Logan William, Chris Long, Emmett McNamee, Dale Michael, Patrick Moore, Jeremy Mulvey, Darin Neiwert, Tom Oliver, Scott Semprimoznik, Shane Skipworth, Kelly Smith, Kevin Smith, Mark Tellez, Brian Turpen, Jeffrey Webb.

 

For more details go to:  http://www.llswa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FF_Results

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Change your clock / Check your detectors

Incident #:  n/a
Date of Incident:  3/10/2012
Issuing Officer:  Jan Doherty / Public Education Officer

Narrative:
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AND CHECK YOUR DETECTORS! When you move your clocks ahead one hour to begin Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, March 11, please remember to also check on the condition of your smoke detectors. Two out of three home fire deaths happen in households without working smoke detectors. Or put another way, 1860 of the 2800 persons who died in their homes from smoke and fire last year would likely still be alive today if there had only been a fresh battery in their smoke detector. This weekend, please: . Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries on your smoke detectors. Keep a supply of batteries on hand in case your detector ever begins to "chirp" in the middle of the night. . Alkaline 9-volt batteries should last 1 year. Lithium 9-volt batteries can last up to 10 years. If your detector begins chirping and it has a lithium battery, it is telling you that the whole detector needs to be replaced. . Read the information on the back of your smoke detector to determine two important facts: age and type of detector. If the manufacture date is before 3-11-02, replace the detector immediately. Smoke detectors are not reliable for more than 10 years of service, even if the horn still makes a beeping sound. If you just have ionization detectors in your home, add at least one photoelectric detector on each level of the house this weekend. While ionization detectors alert to fast burning fires up to 55 seconds faster than photoelectric, photoelectric detectors alert to slow-burning, smoldering fires up to 40 MINUTES faster than ionization models. . If you have problems with "nuisance alarms" when you cook or when someone takes a shower, replace ionization detectors within 20 feet of the kitchen or bathroom with photoelectric units. Photoelectric detectors seldom give a nuisance alarm. . Help your neighbors check the condition of their detectors if they are not able to safely reach them to replace batteries or detectors. . If you have questions on smoke detectors, please call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058 or contact Jan Doherty at jdoherty@spokanefire.org.

Cause:
n/a

Damage:
n/a

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North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012009771#
Date of Incident:  3/8/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday March 8th 2012 at 01:16 am six companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported structure fire at 5727 North Fotheringham. The first arriving engine company reported heavy fire and smoke showing out of an attached garage of a single family dwelling and quickly attacked the fire. When the Battalion Chief arrived the fire was upgraded to a working fire and called for another senior ladder along with an extra engine company. Crews were assigned to attack the fire, search for occupants, ventilate the roof and protect the home next door from the escalating fire. The occupants of the home had self evacuated and were found safe in a neighbor's home. The displaced family was going to be staying with friends and Red Cross was not notified. The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes and crews remained on scene until 06:30 am overhauling the fire. No injuries to firefighters or residents were reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit but appears to have started in the attached garage.

Damage:
The involved home sustained fire damage to the garage, roof and first floor with water damage to the basement. There was also radiant heat damage to the homeowner's boat and truck. The next door neighbor's home to the south also sustained siding damage due to the radiant heat.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $100,000.00

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South Battalion Warehouse Fire

Incident #:  2012008970
Date of Incident:  3/2/2012
Issuing Officer:  Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 207 N Crestline at 16:51 hrs on Friday afternoon, March 2nd, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving company Officer reported a large 1 story high metal sided warehouse with smoke showing from all corners and the roof. Additional reports from that Officer stated that the warehouse was heavily loaded with pallets of paper products and that some of those pallets were burning freely and embers spreading inside the structure were igniting more fires in the stored material. As additional resources began arriving on scene they were given assignments that focused directly on getting more hose lines into the building to attempt to halt the spread of the rapidly growing fire that was still being contained in the warehouse. A second alarm was requested to get additional resources to the scene since it was becoming obvious that the fire was not going to be controlled by the initial crews already on the scene. The amount of material stored in the building, the manner in which it was stored, the type of building it was stored in, and the unknown status of the building's structural members were just some of the factors used to make the decision to pull all firefighters out of the structure and shift from an aggressive offensive attack inside the structure to a defensive strategy where the fire would be fought from the exterior. Stored paper goods are notorious for absorbing the water being used to control the flames and becoming dangerously heavy as they absorb that water. As they get heavier they almost always begin to start to collapse triggering a chain reaction that is every bit as dangerous to the fire fighters inside as an actual building collapse. Once the situation began to stabilize inside the structure crews were judiciously used to enter the building and drive the 5 vehicles that were inside to the exterior parking lot. The main body of fire was finally darkened down after about three hours, but flare ups and smoldering fires would continue throughout the night so City Fire crews were to remain on scene until daylight. Members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit were going to begin the task of trying to determine the cause of this fire on Saturday morning. A decision on the removal of the burnt and/or water saturated paper products in the warehouse as well as the status of the building itself will have to be determined by the business owners. A fire fighter was injured slightly at this fire with a twisted ankle, but other than that there were no additional reports of injuries to fire fighters or civilians. Seven Engines, three Senior Ladder Trucks, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles delivered 37 fire fighters to the scene of this stubborn fire.

Cause:
Currently under investigation.

Damage:
Total loss of the stored contents inside the building. Possible damge to the structural integrity of the warehouse itself from the high temperatures that were reached as the fires burnt freely inside the building.

# Firefighters Responding: 37

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

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Commercial Business Fire

Incident #:  2012008380
Date of Incident:  2/28/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:36 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder responded to a building fire at 4009 East Mission Avenue (G & W Safety Supplies). The first 911 call came from a Good Samaritan that observed a fire from across the river, but initially was unable to determine the location. The citizen drove to the building and subsequently reported the fire. The first company arrived within 2-minutes and found an intense fire outside the northwest section of the large mixed use brick/masonry building. The incident was upgraded to a working fire early which added the SFD's remaining Ladder Company and additional off-duty resources. Ladder companies had to force entry into multiple sides of the building which allowed engine companies access to the building's interior where they successfully located and extinguished the fire. The Ladder companies also used their aerial ladder to access the roof and vertically ventilated above the fire to assist the fire attack and limit the horizontal spread of damage. Additional arriving companies also performed a quick, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims in the entire building. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.

Cause:
The fire is determined to be incendiary; and the cause is clearly intentional. The SFD's Special Investigation Unit is aggressively investigating this case.

Damage:
The interior of the building affected is primarily office space. The monetary loss to the facility is still being estimated with the assistance from the occupants. The SFD's aggressive efforts prevented the fire from traveling to bulk warehouse areas where a significant amount of ammunition and products were stored.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

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Update on this morning's residence fire

Incident #:  2012008146
Date of Incident:  2/26/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
This morning's residential fire at 404 East Rockwell has been determined to be accidental and caused by combustibles left near a kitchen stove that was inadvertently turned on.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Early Morning Fire

Incident #:  2012008146
Date of Incident:  2/26/2012
Issuing Officer:  Craig Cornelius / BC

Narrative:
On Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 03:30 AM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 Engines,1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs to 404 E. Rockwell for a reported kitchen fire. Engine 2, under the direction of Lt. Kurt Cole was first on the scene and reported that he had a one story, residential with heavy smoke and fire coming form the rear of the home. He verified that everyone was safely out of the home and along with firefighter Steven Harms, extended a hose line through the front door and attacked the fire. Simultaneously, Ladder 2 went to the roof and ventilated above the fire. Additional arriving companies provided support with back-up hose lines. Engine's 8s crew located and rescued a dog that was still inside the home. Although the main body of fire was knocked down within 20 minutes, firefighters were on the scene for several hours overhauling the scene to verify the fire was out. There were no injuries at this incident. One tenant and two dogs were displaced. The kitchen and rear portion of the home sustained heavy fire damage. At this time, the fire is still under investigation, but the cause appears to be accidental in nature.

Cause:
Final cause is still under investigation.

Damage:
Entire rear portion of home sustained heavy fire damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

End Of Release
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Natural Gas Safety--SMELL. GO. LET US KNOW.

 

Natural gas related incidents are a common call for the SFD HazMat team. Natural gas is a fossil fuel found naturally underground and mostly comprised of methane, a colorless and odorless gas. Because it is highly flammable and odorless it posses a major safety concern, so an odorant is added that gives off a foul smell. Natural gas is used in both residential and commercial properties. It is used for heating, water heaters, stoves, clothes dryers, fire places, outdoor lighting, and in industrial processes.

Natural gas does have an excellent safety record, but emergencies do occur. SFD and Avista want citizens to be in the know if you smell gas: 

SMELL. GO. LET US KNOW.

 SMELL – Identify a possible gas leak.
•Unusual odor or scent (rotten egg or sulfur smell)
•Unusual hissing sound
•Blowing dirt
GO•Leave the structure or area
•Don’t start a vehicle in a garage or near any natural gas odor
•Don’t use any electrical or battery-operated device, such as a light switch, phone, appliance or garage door opener
•Don’t smoke or use a match or lighter
•Don’t try to find the leak

LET US KNOWIf you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency and are unsure of the severity or what to do, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. Do not use your telephone. This includes cellular phones and all types of portable communication and electronic devices that have a battery. These can spark and create a source of ignition.

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South Battalion High Rise Fire

Incident #:  2012007127
Date of Incident:  2/19/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:44 PM, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm sounding at 601 West Main Avenue (Chase/Washington Financial Center). When the companies arrived and made contact with occupants, they were told of smoke on the upper floors of the 15-story building. The company officer upgraded the incident to a working fire which added six additional companies of Spokane Firefighters; including 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder. While the full alarm was responding, Firefighters from Engine/Ladder 1 were assembling equipment (high rise hose kits, SCBA bottles and tools) to carry to the fifth floor and prepare for an offensive fire attack. The South Battalion Chief arrived quickly, established command and based on Spokane County's High Rise Guideline, upgraded the incident to a 2nd and subsequent 3rd Alarm to bring the number and types of resources needed to fight the fire safely. Unfortunately, the building was constructed before a fire suppression system (sprinkler system) was required for all floors. The owners had added fire pumps and additional risers over the years with a plan to protect the entire building; however, the sixth floor had not been upgraded. As companies arrived, the incident commander assigned them to support the fire attack on the 6th floor. Early arriving Engine Companies were utilized to support the building's standpipe system to aid the fire attack while Ladder Companies were assigned to search the building's 15 stories to ensure no one was in need of rescuing; as well as tactically ventilating the building. As per policy, Chiefs took control of the building's internal safety, communications and ventilation systems to assist with the fire attack. Firefighters rapidly made their way through the light smoke on the lower floors and up the stairwells to floor 5 where the attack was assembled. A working fire was located by fire attack teams in offices on the 6th floor and was quickly extinguished in just 20 minutes. Several fire companies spent a significant amount of time overhauling and protecting contents with tarps and controlling water runoff from the fire's extinguishment. There were no civilian or firefighters injured as a result of this fire.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Damage:
There was significant content damage to an IT room and adjacent office. The structure's integrity does not appear to be impacted.

# Firefighters Responding: 49

Dollar Loss: $200000.0000

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1, Fire District 9

End Of Release
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Broken Water main at Wellesley and Perry

Incident #:  2012006685
Date of Incident:  2/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On February 16th at 17:36 Spokane Engine 15 was dispatched to a report of flooding at the intersection of Wellesley and Perry. When Engine 15 arrived there was extensive water flowing in the intersection from a broken 12 inch water main. Two additional Engine Companies, one Ladder Company and two Chief Officers responded to assist in the mitigation of the incident. One home on Wellesley had water entering the basement and was protected from further damage by fire companies. There was also flooding to the intersection of Morton and Hoffman due to the elevation change. Two homes were threatened on Hoffman by the rising water but were protected by the other fire companies that responded to the incident. The Police Department responded quickly and controlled traffic until the Street Department could put up barricades. Avista was called to the scene to check the affected homes for natural gas or electrical issues due to the flooding. The Water Department did close the valves to the broken Water Main and the water slowly receded. The incident was turned over to the Street and Water Department. Wellesley was closed from Nevada to Pittsburg throughout the night for the repair and is now open for one lane of travel in each direction.

Cause:
Unknown

Damage:
There is damage to the street intersection and water main. There is minor water damage to one of the home's basement.

# Firefighters Responding: 15

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North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2012006448
Date of Incident:  2/15/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 02:04 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Haworth, responded to a Structure Fire at 727 West Glass. While enroute to the incident, companies were notified by Fire Dispatch of multiple telephone reports indicating flames showing and that civilians may be trapped in the building. The first company and Battalion Chief arrived within 5-minutes to find a three-story large, wood frame apartment building with heavy fire showing from the address side on the third floor. The first arriving Engine and Ladder companies went to work immediately after arriving and stretched hose lines to the third floor in an attempt to control the fire's progress and limit damage to the unit of origin. Simultaneously, the Ladder Company went to the roof and offensively ventilated directly above the fire. Additional arriving companies secured a protected stairway and accommodated safe egress for residents that were trying to escape through the intense smoke. Early in the incident it was discovered that the closest fire hydrant was several blocks away and would require a personnel-intense operation to stretch several hundred feet of 5" supply line (in 20 degree temperatures, ice and on the Post Street Hill). All companies assigned on the first alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the building while trying to suppress the fire's progress when they arrived; based on the water supply challenge and growing need for resources, the initial alarm was upgraded to a working fire and modified to include an additional Ladder and two Engine Companies. The additional companies teamed up to force entry and search each apartment unit on the third floor conditions for savable civilians. Those companies worked under heavy smoke/fire conditions and were able to evacuate several civilians to safety and eventually to an awaiting, warm STA bus requested by the Incident Commander. Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews which came from neighborhood Fire Stations 13, 2 and 15 allowed a successful search of the entire fire-floor and confined the fire to primarily two units. The fire was declared under control in approximately two hours and one resident from the third floor received minor burns and smoke inhalation. The adult male was treated by Fire Department Paramedics, however he refused transport. One firefighter received an injury, however remained on-duty to complete his shift.

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

Damage:
Damage appears to be limited to two units on the third floor including structural areas in the roof. Aggressive firefighting, leadership and the execution of a structured plan prevented extension of the fire to horizontal areas in the attic as well as to any of the remaining 16 units in the building. Without those actions, and recognizing that this building did not have a fire protection system (sprinklers), this incident would likely have escalated to a multiple alarm incident with severe injuries and likely fatalities. The Inland Northwest Chapter of the Red Cross is assisting the occupants (approximately 40) with temporary shelter and assistance. The building owners have contentedly secured properties in their inventory to relocate displaced residents for the long-term and were on scene this morning to help with the process.

# Firefighters Responding: 32

End Of Release
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