Crews fight North Side House Fire

On Friday February 29, 2008 at 1:31 PM SFD Pumper-Ladder 13 was dispatched to check on a good samaritan report of smoke that appeared to be coming from a vent at a home in the 4200 block of Washington. After the dispatch, Spokane Police Officers that were in the area arrived and reported a two story home with fire showing on both the first and second floors. The officers also reported that they were not sure if anyone was inside and they had attempted to make entry. The officers were prevented from doing so by security measures (bars on windows and doors) placed by the home owner.
The alarm was upgraded to a full-response and added 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and one Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius. When the first company officer arrived, she reported a two story house with heavy smoke and fire showing. The home was an older "balloon frame" constructed home which included a full basement. First, second and third-in companies established a water supply and forced entry into the north and west sides of the home in attempts to search for victims and attempt to extinguish the quickly moving fire. The truck company performed vertical ventilation over the fire which had already extended into the attack and void spaces on the second floor. A two-person team from Engine 3 was nearly trapped in the basement during the attack and made it out as the basement flashed over. At that point as the incident commander was confirming all personnel were accounted for, a second alarm was struck to assist the companies operating at the fire.

Information was received (and confirmed) by the incident commander that the two occupants of the house were outside and accounted for. The strategy of the incident was changed to 'defensive' and the arriving second alarm companies deployed master streams from Ladder Companies and from the ground to confine the fire to the residence of origin.
Despite the difficulties with access and rapid fire growth prior to the SFD's arrival, the fire was contained. Both company members on Engine 3 were seen by paramedics, but not transported. They are still at work, and at time of this release are on the second structure fire at 1528 West Alice.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

DAMAGE EXTENT: The home is a complete loss. Two occupants are being assisted by the Spokane Fire Department CARES Team and Red Cross.
DOLLAR LOSS: Estimates are still being gathered
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 35 plus Command Staff
MUTUAL AID: None Given / mutual aid received for City coverage
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE

KREM-TV Story on Photoelectric vs. Ionization Smoke Detectors

From Krem.com

Click Here for Video

SPOKANE -- Smoke detectors may look the same, but after KREM 2 News put several of the safety devices to the test, we found one type performs much better in certain types of fires.

There are two basic types of smoke detectors: ionization, and photoelectric, both labeled clearly with either an "I" or a "P" on the packaging and on the back of the device. Ionization smoke detectors are what most people have in their homes.

But one type is better at detecting smoke from certain types of fires, and can provide life-saving minutes.

KREM 2 News tested four different smoke detectors.

To find out which works better, an experiment was set up at the Spokane Fire Department training center. Four smoke detectors were tested -- one photoelectric, one ionization, a cheaper verson of an ionization, and a "dual sensor" smoke detector with both kinds of technology.

Since there are different types of fires, a smoldering fire was first created, like the kind made from a cigarette burning through a chair. These fires can be especially deadly because they're quiet, and no major flame to startle the victim. Smoke can overcome them before they get out.

All four smoke detectors were placed in the room with the smoldering fire. After 31 minutes and 45 seconds the photoelectric smoke detector was first to sound. Twenty seconds later the detector with both photoelectric and ionization sensors went off. Finally, more than 40 minutes after the fire was started the cheaper ionization detector went off, followed closely by the more expensive ionization detector.

Spokane Fire Department Public Education Officer Jan Doherty said the test mirrors the exact same results from other tests around the country -- that photoelectric smoke detectors are quicker to detect a smoldering fire.

Next, firefighters created the raging type of of fire with an open flame. It did not take long for all four of the smoke detectors to start sounding, but this time the ionization detectors sounded just a few minutes before the photoelectric detectors.

The National Institute of Standards and Fire Prevention Associated have done extensive testing on smoke detectors, and found either photoelectric or ionization technology provide adequate escape time from most types of fires, but recommend both types for maximum protection.

Stop static at the gas pump

We are all familiar with static electricity. It's that little shock you get touching the door knob after walking across the carpet. Did you know that at the gas pump it can be more than just a mere annoyance. It can be dangerous. It not just an urban legend. While there has never been a documented case of a cell phone causing a fire at a gas pump, there has been over 200 cases of fires caused by static electricity documented by the Petroleum Equipment Institute.

Drivers, who slide back into the seat while waiting for the tank to fill, create static electricity which may spark when they reach for the nozzle again - and could cause a fire.

Static electricity-related flash fires at the gas pump are extremely rare. While they can happen at any time of year, they are more likely to occur in cool and dry climate conditions, especially during the fall and winter months. The video below dramatically illustrates a gas pump fire.

The Spokane Fire Department encourages you to follow these three simple rules for staying safe at the gas pump

1. Turn off the engine
2. Don't Smoke.
3. Never re-enter your vehicle while fueling.

Are Cell Phones Responsible?

No. There has not been a single documented incident that was caused by a cellular telephone.Cell phones continue to be cited as causing fires at the pump in e-mails circulating on the Internet. So far the PEI hasbeen unable to document any incidents that were sparked by a cellular telephone. In fact, many researchers have tried to ignite fuel vapors with a cell phone and failed. PEI still recommends not using any electronic device that might distract the motorist during the refueling process.

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3724 South Tekoa
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: On the afternoon of February 24, 2008 at 5:01 pm the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3724 South Tekoa for a reported fire in the kitchen ceiling. The first apparatus on scene reported light smoke showing from the roof. Upon further investigation fire was discovered in the ceiling above the kitchen. Crews quickly removed the ceiling and extinguished the fire. This fire was confined to the underside of the roof and insulation above the ceiling. The fire was knocked down with in minutes of the fire departments arrival. The crews checked for extensions and completed overhaul in about an hour and a half. Damage was confined to the kitchen ceiling and light smoke throughout the main floor. The cause of the fire appears to be an over heated recessed light above the kitchen sink. There were no injuries to report

PROBABLE CAUSE: Over heated recessed light
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling above the kitchen. Light smoke throughout the main floor
DOLLAR LOSS: 7000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/22/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Investigation Update:

The SFD Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has made three arrests in relation to a fire on March 6, 2007 at 1720 E. Fairview Avenue (Laidlaw Parking Lot for School Buses). The incident occurred at 11:55 pm and resulted in $53,365.29 of damage to four of Laidlaw's busses. The SIU has determined the suspects started the fires in two separate areas using an accelerant. A quick response from the SFD and their aggressive actions prevented the fire from becoming catastrophic.

Two adult suspects and one juvenile are in custody and have been charged with Arson in the Second Degree for the incident. They are; A 17 year old male, Nathan Lee Whitney (18 year old male) and Gregory Kirk Whitney (20 year old male).

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/21/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Two timely items of interest for the media:

*Today from 1330 - 1600 the SFD/SVFD recruits from class 2008-1 will be training on homes scheduled for demolition near the intersection of Hamilton and Desmet. There will be video opportunities of the new recruits working with City Ladder Companies learning truck work.

*This coming weekend on Saturday February 23, the SFD members participating in the 17th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb will be demonstrating Firefighting gear and eliciting the publics' support. From 11am - 2pm Spokane Firefighters will be on hand in the Northtown Mall with a stair step machine from Liberty Lake Athletic Club. This is a great opportunity for the public to meet the Firefighters, learn about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and actually WEAR structural firefighting gear and see what it is like climbing the stairs with the entire fire department ensemble on. I am encouraging everyone to come out and give it a try and support these Firefighters as they rally for a great cause!

For information regarding the climbing event, contact Jason 208-640-4240 directly

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Firefighters wage campaign over smoke detectors

Here is a story from the AP on the controversy surrounding photoelectric vs. ionization smoke detectors. The Spokane Fire Department recommends people install have both types of detectors in there home For more information on how the two types of smoke detectors work, please view the video at the bottom of this post.

By Dave Gram

Associated Press Writer / February 10, 2008

BARRE, Vt.—When a fire killed a mother and four children here in 2005, there was something peculiar: As firetrucks arrived, the apartment was full of smoke and had a working smoke detector, but it wasn't sounding its alarm.

Months later, Fire Chief Peter John found out why. The smoke detector was an ionization smoke detector -- like those in 90 percent of American homes -- that have been shown to react slowly in the presence of smoldering fires.

Now, John and others here have signed onto a campaign to publicize the benefits of photoelectric smoke detectors they say sense smoldering fires better, which Deputy Fire Chief Joseph "Jay" Fleming of the Boston Fire Department says he's been trying to tell industry groups and the government for years.

"My department's on that mission and I've joined right in on it," John said.

Fleming estimates that nationwide, up to a third of more than 3,000 people a year who die in fires might have escaped if they'd had a photoelectric smoke detector, rather than an ionization smoke detector.

The 2005 Barre fire was an example: A fire smolders for hours, filling a dwelling with deadly smoke before an ionization detector goes off.

Fleming and his allies appear to be making progress, though not as much as he would like.

In recent years, several national groups have come out with advisories saying that for the best protection, both kinds are recommended.

Photoelectric smoke detectors contain a light source and a light-sensitive electric cell. Smoke entering the detector deflects light onto the light-sensitive cell, triggering an alarm.

Ionizing sensors contain a small amount of americium-241, a radioactive material. It is used to set up a small electrical current between two metal plates, which, when disrupted by smoke entering the chamber, sounds the alarm.

People on both sides of the debate are quick to say every home should have some type of smoke detector on every floor.

The devices have cut residential fire deaths in half in the past 30 years. Evolving standards for what's best now say the detectors ideally should be placed outside each bedroom and inside as well.

Supporters of photoelectric detectors acknowledge that ionization detectors often sound their alarms sooner in an open, flaming fire, but by less than the margin by which photoelectrics beat ionization detectors in smoldering fires.

The National Institute for Standards and Technology tested the two technologies in 2004 and found that ionization smoke detectors sounded in fast, flaming fires an average of 50 seconds earlier than photoelectric detectors.

NIST also found that photoelectrics sounded their alarms, on average, 30 minutes earlier than ionization detectors in smoldering fire.

Fleming and his allies also argue that ionization smoke detectors are too easily set off by cooking fumes or steam from showers, and that such "nuisance alarms" prompt people tend to disable them, leaving no alarm protection at all.

His warnings, he said, have fallen on deaf ears -- until recently.

"The federal government has known about this problem since at least 1980, and have never done anything about it," he told Vermont lawmakers recently.

A spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a prime target of Fleming's criticism, would not address his concerns in detail

"Smoke alarm technology and education is a priority for the CPSC," said agency spokeswoman Arlene Flecha. "We don't have any response to Mr. Fleming's comments.

Two other targets of Fleming's criticisms, Illinois-based Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and the Massachusetts-based National Fire Protection Association, say they've tried to respond to Fleming's concerns, but that their groups are deliberative and careful before recommending one type of product at the exclusion of others.

John Drengenberg, manager of consumer affairs at UL, told a Vermont Senate committee that his nonprofit product-testing firm now is recommending that people install both types.

Testing by UL last year supported results obtained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2004 that showed ionization detectors sounded sooner in open, flaming fires and that photoelectrics sounded sooner in smoldering fires, Drengenberg said.

No one knows in advance which type of fire might strike -- or which type of detector will work better, he said.

Newer "combination" alarms on the market contain both photoelectric and ionization sensors, but Fleming said the combination detectors are prone to the "nuisance alarm" problem.

A bill pending in the Vermont legislature would require photoelectric detectors in new construction in Vermont. Combination detectors could be used, except near kitchens and bathrooms, where nuisance alarms are a problem, according to state Sen. Vincent Illuzzi, R-Essex-Orleans, whose committee has been studying the issue.

"The best protection is to have both types in your homes," said Deputy Barre Fire

Spokane Fire Public Education Officer Jan Doherty explains the difference between photoelectric and ionization smokdetectors.

Here are some more smoke detectors resources

Barre City Fire Department Smoke Detector information site

KXLY / Spokane Fire Department Smoke Detector Test video

NIST Smoke Alarm Fact Sheet

WHTR-TV Indianapolis "Deadly Delay" Smoke Detector Test Video

Spokane FF to compete in Ski Mountaineering World Championships

Spokane Firefighter Scott Coldiron has been selected to become a member of the 2008 United States Ski Mountaineering Team. The 8 man U.S. Team will race in the 2008 World Championships held February 23rd through March 1st in Champery, Switzerland. Over 400 athletes from 35 different countries will be competing in a series of races across the Swiss Alps.

Ski Mountaineering was a part of the first Winter Olympics, and enjoys a huge following in Europe. A race typically involves 5,000 to 10,000 feet of climbing and skiing in steep, spectacular alpine terrain. The Sport has seen a surge in popularity in the U.S. in recent years with the number of races tripling since 2006.

FF Coldiron will race in 3 events, but his focus will be on the “Teams Race,” where he will team up with Kalispell, Montana Firefighter Brandon French. The two have found that their bond as professional firefighters has helped them form a tight knit team; and they expect to have a high placing in this event which is the highest profile race at the World Championships.

Video of FF Coldiron talking about the Ski Mountaineering World Championships

The men and women of the SFD are all extremely proud of Firefighter Coldiron’s accomplishment and are all wishing him luck in the World Championships.

FF Coldiron is assigned to one of SFD’s three truck companies (Ladder 2) and holds a key role in the SFD Swiftwater Rescue Team. He is a 40-year old father of four, volunteers with a local veteran’s assistance group and spends most of the remaining off-duty time participating and training with the US Ski Mountaineering Team.

Fire displaces four residents

On 02/14/08 at approximately 1828 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 1228 W Chelan upon report of a structure fire. First arriving Fire Department units found a 1 ½ story, wood-frame, duplex, heavily involved in fire. Fire was evident in the rear or south portion of the residence. Fire Department members advanced pre-connected hose-lines into the south side of the structure, advanced to the second floor and soon had the fire under control. While the fire was being extinguished, other firefighters, searched the 1st and 2nd stories for possible victims, and ventilated the roof to allow smoke to escape the building. The fire was brought under control within about 30 minutes but SFD crews remained on to scene assure extinguishment for about another 4 hours. A total of 28 firefighters on 10 trucks initially fought this blaze with many other crews rotating into the scene to assist with overhaul and to provide security throughout the night. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or tenants of the residence. Significant fire damage was evident to the south stairway of the residence and to most portions of the second floor. The first floor had moderate water damage. Four tenants were displaced from the duplex with the Red Cross assisting each.

Cause :
The cause of this fire is still undetermined and under investigation. Investigators were on scene during the evening hours and will return in the morning to continue the origin and cause determination.

Damage :
Damage was extensive to the south stairway as well as to most of the 2nd floor. Water damage was evident on the 1st floor.

Fire damages fast food restaurant

This evening, February 13, 2008 at 2210 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in the Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant located at 4016 N. Division St. The first arriving fire companies arrived within 5 minutes of being dispatched and found heavy grey smoke coming from the rear of the building. Workers from the restaurant reported that the fire was in the rear kitchen area and that everyone had safely evacuated the burning building. Fire crews forced a rear metal door off the kitchen area and attacked the fire with several fire attack leads. Additional crews ventilated the roof and front windows to assist the firefighters advancing the leads inside the building. Interior crews fought fire throughout the entire kitchen and rear roof areas. The firefighters brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this incident. The restaurant sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The official pronouncement will be made by investigators after all evidence has been reviewed. Fire crews will likely be on the scene for the remainder of the night.

(Video Link)

Spokane Firefighters climb stairs for worthy cause

On Sunday March 2nd, several City of Spokane Firefighters will travel to downtown Seattle to compete in the 17th Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb at Columbia Center. The SFD Team's web site has been established for supporters to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the beneficiary of the Scott Firefighter Stair Climb. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supports blood cancer research and patient services programs. The Scott Firefighter Stair Climb takes place each year at the Bank of America tower in downtown Seattle. At 788 feet of vertical elevation, the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle stands as the second tallest building west of the Mississippi. It takes 69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps to reach the highly acclaimed observation deck overlooking the city. Stairclimb participants must wear firefighting turnouts and gear - boots, pants, jacket, gloves, helmet, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)-which can weigh in excess of 50 pounds. SFD participants have spent months training for the event off-duty, often practicing in the early morning hours at the US Bank Building downtown on Riverside.

This year over 1,300 firefighters from 200 departments are expected to compete in the event, once again making the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb the largest single firefighting competition in the world. The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb supports the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising money through sponsorships, individual and department fundraising, and entry fees. In 2007, the event brought in a record $365,000 for blood-cancer research and patient services. The SFD Stairclimb Team’s contact is Brian Turpin 509-230-1599. Watch the SFD Blog (www.spokanefire.blogspot.com) for local upcoming events featuring the Team’s efforts to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Video of Spokane Fire Department crews training for stairclimb.

February Edition of 2nd Alarm now available

The February 2008 Edition of 2nd Alarm is now available. 2nd Alarm is the video newsmagazine produced by the Spokane Fire Department. It airs in Spokane on City Cable 5, the local government access channel on Comcast Cable. Back episodes can also be viewed on the SFD website.

In this month's episode we take a look at the differences between Ionization and Photoelectric Smoke Detectors.

Investigation and Arrest (Incident on 2/7/08)

Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
Date of Incident: 2/10/2008
Incident Address: 44 West Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201

Information

*** SIU Update ***
On Friday (2/8/08) SFD's Special Investigation Unit filed charges against Willis Albert Pendall III for Arson in the 1st Degree for setting fire in a bathroom at the Conoco Station at 1602 W. 3rd Avenue on February 7, 2008. Mr. Pendell is currently in Spokane County Jail for an outstanding Criminal Trespass Warrant well as the Arson Charge.

END OF RELEASE

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

Structure Fire - 2564 N. Walnut

On February 8th, 2008 at 3:10 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire at 2654 N. Walnut. Fire crews found a wood frame home with fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. A simultaneous attack, consisting of hose lines inside, ventilation crews on the roof, search teams inside and backup crews, were deployed and effectively, the fire was cutoff and contained after 25 minutes. The home had been occupied by a family of 5 and all were able to escape the house. There was a large population of pets inside the home consisting of cats, dogs, lizards, chinchillas, birds and rabbits and all were spared as most of them were on the first and basement levels. The Spokane Fire Department Community Assistance Resource Team (CARES) arrived along with the Red Cross and assisted with the family in making arrangements for lodging, clothing and food. The entire second floor suffered damage from fire and smoke. The roof was cut open to relieve the atmosphere below of heat and smoke, and some of the floor and wall in the bedroom on the second level was also breached in order to seek out and extinguish any hidden fire that remained. A thermal imaging camera was used to assist with this operation. There were a total 19 firefighters that fought this blaze. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the fire appears to be electrical in origin. A fire department investigator was called to the scene.

Cause :
Electrical wiring underneath the bedroom floor.

Damage :
Heavy fire and smoke damage to both second floor bedrooms. Clothing, furniture, children's toys and keepsakes were all damaged in this fire. The structure suffered some water damage as well.

Fire damages home, Fireplace to blame

Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief Date of Incident: 2/4/2008 Incident Address: 1417 W. Shannon Spokane, WA 99205 Structure Fire On 2-4-08 at 8:01 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue company and a battalion chief to a fire in a home located at 1417 W. Shannon. Firefighters found a fire burning near a wooden stairway and rapidly extending through walls and floors nearby. Two adults and two children made their way to safety because they were alerted by working smoke detectors. A centrally supervised alarm system was present in the home and the fire department was alerted immediately because of this. Crews worked hard to expose the hidden fire in the walls and floor by cutting open these areas with pike poles, axes and chain saws. Due to the smoky conditions inside, this took some time but eventually, firefighters were able to expose all areas where the fire had traveled. The fire was successfully contained after 45 minutes. It appears that the fire began after a fire had been built inside a fireplace insert. After heavy use, hot fires and repeated exposure to radiant and conducted heat, wooden framing members surrounding the chimney ignited. Once this ignition occurred, the fire then extended vertically inside the wall and also caught a portion of the wooden stairway and floor above on fire. There was smoke damage throughout the home, a minimal amount of water damage, and heavy fire damage to the walls, staircase and floor. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Shortly after the fire was contained, the Red Cross arrived to assist the family with arrangements. A working smoke detection and alarm system was key in alerting the family in this fire. The father had said that he had just put his children to bed and then his detectors began to activate. Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately midnight making sure all of the hotspots had been thoroughly extinguished. A fire crew will report to the scene this morning as well to complete some follow up work. Probable Cause: Repeated and heavy use of a fireplace insert that had with time, ignited adjacent structural framing members due to conducted and radiant heat. Damage Extent: Heavy fire damage to walls, a floor and the staircase. Smoke damage throughout the home and a small amount of water damage. Firefighter Response: 21 Dollar Loss: $75,000 Mutual Aid: None Given

Fire Investigation Updates

Update on four recent incidents from SFD's Special Investigation Unit **

The structure fire today at 2006 West Gardner has been determined to be accidental in nature and caused by workers utilizing a propane torch too close to combustibles during a plumbing repair. Estimated loss is approximately $75,000. A more detailed Media Release is forthcoming.

The structure fire on January 20, 2008 at 3110 North Alberta has been determined to be accidental in nature and caused by discarded smoking materials. Estimated loss is approximately $30,000

The commercial building fire on January 17, 2008 at 322 North Foothill Drive has been determined to be accidental and caused by a portable heating device too close to combustibles. Estimated loss is approximately $399,500.

The structure fire on January 15, 2008 at 5727 North Calispel has been determined to be accidental and caused by combustibles located too close to a gas-powered water heater. Estimated loss is approximately $200,000

Plumbers Torch Causes Fire

On 2-4-08 at 12:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and a battalion chief to an apartment fire located at 2006 W. Gardner. Upon arrival, fire crews found a fire burning on the second level of a 2 story home that had been converted into 4 apartment units. The fire was located in a wall and was rapidly extending into the attic. A rapid search was conducted throughout the structure and it was found that all occupants either had made their way to safety or were not at home. Firefighters had to fight their way through very poor visibility due to the thickening smoke and growing fire. Two teams of ladder crews were able to successfully ventilate the roof by cutting it open with their chain saws. This allowed the build up of heat and smoke to rise and increase visibility while at the same time, help confine the fire by drawing it in one direction. Firefighters were able to contain the fire after 40 minutes. The fire was caused by a plumber’s propane torch that was too close to combustibles while doing some repair work within the home. There were 4 occupants that will be displaced temporarily while repairs are made to the home. These occupants will be staying with friends/relatives. An SFD CARES (community assistance response team) representative was helping with making arrangements for the tenants. A total of 23 firefighters responded on this alarm. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that when using open flame, a clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained between the flame and the combustibles. It is also recommended that a fully operational extinguisher be kept nearby at all times.


Cause :
A plumber's torch while performing repair work, too close to combustibles.

Damage :
Heavy fire damage to the upstairs bathroom and kitchen. Smoke and water damage throughout the 4 unit apartment building

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

In the late evening of January 16, 2008, when SFD Firefighters arrived at the split level style house located at 7007 N Tucannon, it was fully involved in fire. At the time of the incident, there was an adult female and 3 school age children present. The family was alerted to the fire by working smoke detectors in the house which allowed them time to escape. Thankfully there were neither injuries to the occupants nor Firefighters on scene. On Thursday morning, investigators from the SFD Special Investigation Unit arrested a 16 y/o juvenile for Arson 1st degree resulting from the structure fire on January 16, 2008 at 7007 N Tucannon. The Juvenile was arrested at Sacred Heart Medical center and subsequently booked into the Juvenile Detention Center by the SIU

PC Pitstop: Laptop Battery Fire

Here is a interesting video on the potential danger of fire in laptop batteries. Over the past two years there have been numerous laptop batteries recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Are your computers batteries on the list? Go to the CPSC website and find out.

Snow Clogged Streets Difficult For Emergency Vehicles

Spokane Fire Department asks drivers to be mindful of how they park their cars on narrow residential streets with the extra amount of snow accumulation. It can be difficult, if not impossible, for emergency vehicles to reach a specific address if cars on both sides of the street are parked directly opposite one another. Try to stagger the parking in order to allow larger emergency vehicles adequate access in the neighborhoods. In addition, please help keep all neighborhood fire hydrants cleared of snow and ice.