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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 627 E. Sprague
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 04/16/09 at approximately 1424 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 627 E. Sprague upon report of a vapor release within a commercial structure. First arriving units on the scene made contact with the manager who indicated a worker dropped a glass vial on the floor, stomped on it and then quickly exited the business. A pungent odor was immediately evident in the area of the broken vial and several employees in the area soon reported feeling ill. The SFD Haz Mat team responded to the scene and conducted operations to identify the substance. Haz Mat team members used specialized protective suits and detection equipment to gather samples and analyze the substance. In addition they collected samples for further testing. Final identification of the substance will be determined at a later date.

Several employees of the business complained of feeling ill after being in the area of the vapor. SFD personnel checked on 26 employees of the business, taking vitals on each. One person was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. After ventilation employees were allowed to return to the structure.

A total of 17 members of the Spokane Fire Department participated in this incident. Nine of those were members of the Haz Mat team. In addition Law Enforcement was contacted to investigate the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This incident is under investigation by Law Enforcement. For additional information contact Lt. Jimmy Bowen of the Spokane Fire Department Speical Investative Unit at 625-7053.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage confined to the carpet area of the business in the area of the release. A portion of the carpet was taken both as possible evidence and for further testing.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 17
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE