Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W. Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Spokane Fire Department wants to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends! We also wants to remind the community that unattended cooking is not only the #1 cause of home fires throughout the year but that Thanksgiving Day is the #1 day for cooking-caused fires.
The Washington State Fire Marshal offers the following cooking fire safety tips to help you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving:
. Start holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Remove any buildup of grease that may be on the surface of the appliance. Keep a lid cover handy to quickly smother a small grease fire.
. Use the back burners whenever possible. Keep pot handles turned in order to avoid accidental bumping or spills.
. Have a fire extinguisher available not more than 10 feet from the stove, on the exit side of the cooking area. A 2-1/2 lb. class ABC multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher is recommended.
. Never leave cooking unattended. Keep the kitchen off-limits to children and adults that are not helping with food preparations to lessen the possibility of kitchen mishaps.
. When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. The clothing can easily catch on fire and the jewelry can catch on pot handles, causing spills and burns.
. Keep Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen clutter away from sources of heat such as stovetops, candles and other open flames.

Make sure your family is protected with both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors throughout your home. Most homes today just have the ionization type and they may fail to alarm in time when there is a smoldering fire.


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 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman, Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1218 E. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 7 minutes after midnight on Wednesday November 25, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire at 1218 E. Queen. 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue Unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded with 21 Firefighters. Upon arrival by the first unit, Engine 15, it was reported that light smoke could be seen coming from the structure. The crew prepared to make an interior attack and did so after Ladder 2 arrived on scene. Additional crews took care of securing a water supply, searching the structure for occupants, ventilating smoke and setting up a rapid intervention crew if needed. Crews also overhauled the structure and looked for possible extension of the fire. The Incident Commander talked with the residents and was told that they had been cooking when the pan caught on fire. They tried to extinguish the fire with a blanket but spread the fire instead and they evacuated the duplex. No smoke alarms were heard sounding anywhere within the structure. A fast interior attack using a 1 ¾ inch fire hose confined the fire damage to the kitchen area. There was significant heat and smoke damage in the downstairs unit's kitchen with smoke damage throughout both duplex units. The fire was determined to be accidental and nobody was injured. Red Cross was called as the fire displaced a total of 5 adults, 1 child and 1 cat. The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of being careful and vigilant when cooking. If a pan does catch on fire, use an oven mitt to put a lid on the pan to try and smother the fire. Evacuate the building and call 911 for assistance to make sure the fire has not spread. Especially with grease fires do not use water or try to smother a fire with anything that will burn. Lastly make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat and smoke damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the building
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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

Friday, November 20, 2009




Defective Cardiac Science Corporation Powerheart and CardioVive Automated External Defibrillators: Initial Communication
Date: November 19, 2009
Audience: Users of certain Cardiac Science automatic external defibrillators
Medical Specialty: Cardiology


Device: Cardiac Science Powerheart and CardioVive Automated External Defibrillator(AED) G3 Series manufactured between August 2003 and August 2009. These devices are used for emergency treatment of victims with symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest who are unresponsive and not breathing.


Problem and Recommendations
Because the AED display screen and/or audible indicators may not accurately indicate whether the device is functioning properly or will function properly at time of use, FDA encourages users of the affected Cardiac Science Powerheart and CardioVive AEDs to follow these precautions:
If alternate AEDs are available, then use those AEDs until the Cardiac Science Corporation AEDs have been repaired or replaced, or consider obtaining another AED.
Contact the company immediately to arrange for repairs or replacements (in the U.S. at 425-402-2000 (press option 1) or outside of the U.S. at +44-161-926-0011; or email AED175@cardiacscience.com).


For Home Use and Public Access Defibrillation Programs: If an alternate AED is not available, FDA recommends using the Powerheart and CardioVive AEDs if needed, as the units may still be able to deliver the necessary therapy. The consequences of not attempting to defibrillate a patient outweigh the risk that these devices may fail.


For Hospitals, Ambulances, Clinical Settings and Emergency Transport Settings: If an alternate AED is not available, then FDA recommends that trained responders ( i.e., personnel certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support), use manual defibrillators if they are available, or use the Powerheart and CardioVive AEDs if manual defibrillators are unavailable. The Powerheart and CardioVive units may still be able to deliver the necessary therapy.


Cardiac Science Corporation issued a press release (11/13/09) alerting users of its Powerheart and CardioVive AEDs to a malfunction with these devices. FDA believes that the company’s communication does not sufficiently describe the existing defect in the affected devices. FDA is also concerned that the company’s proposed actions do not adequately address the problem, and believes that additional precautions are warranted.


Affected models include the following:
Powerheart models 9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A, 9390E; and
CardioVive 92531, 92532 , and 92533


300,000 Cardiac Science AEDs worldwide are potentially affected by this problem.

Background
Cardiac Science Corporation has received multiple complaints related to defective components in these AEDs that indicate the affected devices may not deliver electric shocks and that the devices’ self-test may not detect the defect in advance of their use. The specific problems may include:


Interruption of electrocardiography (ECG) analysis that prevents shock delivery, Failure to recognize pad (electrode) placement during use, or Interference or background noise that makes the device unable to accurately analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock, even if an ECG analysis is successfully conducted.


The specific problem with these AEDs is that defects in certain electronic components may not be detected by the device’s Daily/Weekly/Monthly self-tests. These defects can cause improper functioning of the device during a rescue attempt, which may prevent resuscitation of patients and lead to serious adverse health events or death. Normally, users should always check the status indicator on the front of the AED to see whether the device is rescue-ready (green light is displayed). However, visual inspection of a green light may not reveal defective or non-working components inside the AED.


In some complaints, the device’s self-test detected certain component failures prior to use. In other complaints, the failures were only detected during patient use when the device did not perform properly. The firm is planning on releasing a software update in May 2010 that they claim will detect all failures. FDA is conducting an evaluation of the firm’s actions to verify that the defects are permanently corrected.


FDA Activities
FDA is gathering more data about this situation to better understand its potential public health impact. As FDA learns more, we will make available any new information that might affect the use of these AED devices.


Reporting Problems
Prompt reporting of adverse events can help FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices. If you suspect any electronic or mechanical problem(s) with an AED, we encourage you to file a voluntary report through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program. Healthcare personnel employed by facilities that are subject to FDA's user facility reporting requirements should follow the reporting procedures established by their facilities.


To help us learn as much as possible about the adverse events or inability of an AED to deliver defibrillator therapy, please include the following information in your reports, if available:
Make, Model, and Serial number of the device The initial and final conditions of patient
Description of the device problem and sequence of events that occurred


If you have questions about this communication, please contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance (DSMICA) at DSMICA@cdrh.fda.gov or 800-638-2041.


This document reflects FDA’s current analysis of available information, in keeping with our commitment to inform the public about its ongoing safety reviews of medical devices. The nature, magnitude and possible public health impact of this situation are not yet clear.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1314 W Cleveland
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 1314 W. Cleveland at 10:27 in the morning on Saturday, November 14th, for a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported heavy smoke in the area as they were approaching the scene and requested additional resources be dispatched. The first arriving fire crew reported a story and a half wood/frame dwelling that had heavy dark smoke, under pressure, coming from the roof and out of the eaves. Assignments were made to the other responding fire companies by the Officer of that first arriving fire apparatus and as those companies began arriving on scene the crews went about undertaking their assigned tasks. In an aggressive and coordinated effort, fire attack hose lines were advanced into the structure at the same time that other firefighters, on the roof, were cutting vertical ventilation holes in the structure's roof. Other crews were sent inside to pull ceilings, open up walls, search for any possible victims, and still other crews were assigned as back-up for the crews inside. Another crew was assigned to protect a dwelling to the west of the fire building that was being exposed to radiant heat from the fire building. A fire crew was also assigned as the "rapid intervention team"; a safety mandated unit that needs to be in place and available at every fire in case a rescue of injured, lost, or trapped fire fighters should occur. The fire had taken possession of the attic space in this building and was burning hot and fast until all phases of the attack came together and the crews were able to hit the main body of fire from inside and below and push it out of the vent holes that had been cut in the roof. While the extinguishment of the fire was dramatic and quick it still had caused serious damage inside the structure. Once the fire had been darkened down the labor intensive task of overhaul began as fire fighters went about digging out the hidden fire from those concealed spaces that are inherent inside of every structure. Fire damage was severe in the roof and the roof supporting members located in the attic, the fire also damaged the walls and ceilings of the main floor as it burned inside the walls as it moved from the first floor up and into the second floor on it's way to the attic. There was considerable smoke and water damage throughout the dwelling and the electrical supply to the building had to be disconnected. Because of the damage, Red Cross representatives were requested to the scene and they were in the process of assisting the tenants with temporary lodging and supplies. There were no reported injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene or to the two tenants of the dwelling who were able to get out safely along with their pet dog. Investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted by a member of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit and at the time of this release an electrical problem is being considered as the most likely cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: An unspecified electrical problem appears to be the most likely cause of this fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Severe fire damage to the walls and ceilings on the main floor and second floor including the attic spaces, the structural members supporting the roof, and the roof itself. Smoke and water damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
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

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Our friends from Code3foracure are stopping this evening in Spokane as a part of their 2009 Mission of honor and hope in the war against all firefighters' cancer. "Code3foracure.org" are firefighter/cancer survivors both active and retired that were compelled to organize this mission after their own personal battles with cancer and witnessing many of their comrade's die from the terrible disease.

They kicked off on September 14th and departed from Los Angeles in an Engine donated by Sutphen Fire Apparatus and traveled across America into Canada where they were united with Canadian firefighters. They have a crew of 3 on a single fire apparatus to share cancer survivor experiences and bring awareness about early cancer screenings. The link below is the PSA that they developed which we are forwarding out to the media and all fire departments for posting.

The group pulled into Spokane TODAY (November 11th) and available at SFD Station 4 (1515 West 1st Ave).


The link to their story is: http://www.fdnntv.com/news.asp_Q_articleID_E_11333_A_title_E_Code_3_For_A_Cure_2009

They are currently leaving the Salt Lake FD and the most recent story is here http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/Code-3-for-a-cancer-cure-stops-in-Salt-Lake-City/fbowoBvsEUC2qMFjuCPp4w.cspx

For more information on the organization visit www.code3foracure.org

For direct correspondence with the Founder contact:

Lorenzo Abundiz

President & Founder

909-732-8103

labundiz@code3foracure.org


PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 0
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

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/10/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1504 West Shannon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday November 10, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 3:54 PM to1504 W. Shannon on a report of a natural gas leak. First crews on the scene reported that a natural gas line located in the alley behind this address was damaged when the home owner had been working in the area. Nearby homes were evacuated due to exposure to the natural gas vapors and the scene was secured in approximately 2 hours. Avista will remain on scene through out the night as they complete the necessary repairs to the 6 inch gas line.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currently under investigation by Avista
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the gas line in the alley
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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

Monday, November 9, 2009

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2027 E. Upriver Drive
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday November 8th, 2009 at 8:43 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire involving a condominium at 2027 E. Upriver Drive. It was reported that the occupant believed there was a fire in or near her condo because she could smell smoke and her smoke detector had woke her. The occupant could not see any flames but did report that the smoke was getting worse. She called 911 and then evacuated her condo and waited for fire department arrival. The first arriving engine and ladder company reported that they had a smoke condition inside the unit but they were having difficulty locating the source of the fire because of increasing smoke conditions and diminished visibility. A quick check of the attic space above including adjacent neighboring condos confirmed that the fire was elsewhere. As this effort was progressing, other crews were busy evacuating the other occupants that remained throughout this particular wing of the complex. They also accessed the roof with an aerial platform in case vertical ventilation operations were needed. Through the use of their thermal imaging camera, and rapid advancements of hose lines, fire crews were able to pinpoint the fire in the kitchen behind an appliance enclosure. The fire was quickly extinguished and soon overhaul and cleanup operations began. A total of 20 occupants were safely evacuated from this fire and all were allowed to return after the fire operations were completed. The fire was confined to various appliances, wooden cabinetry, wiring and wallboard. The fire is under investigation at this time by the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department and will continue tomorrow, 11-09-09. Smoke detectors do save lives. The occupant had said that she was first awakened by the activated detector alerting her. Had her detector not been in working condition, the outcome could have been much worse. This was a positive outcome for all. Please keep your detectors in working condition and practice exit drills in the home.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor heat damage to kitchen cabinetry and walls. Moderate smoke damage throughout condominium. Heavy heat damage to appliances.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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

Saturday, November 7, 2009

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1506 E. Desmet
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 11/07/09, at approximately 0353 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire responded to 1506 E Desmet upon report of a structure fire. Initial reports indicated that an attached deck on the structure was on fire and that the tenants were evacuating. First arriving fire department crews found a two-story, wood-frame, duplex, with heavy smoke coming from the roof and eaves. Fire was evident in the soffit area on the north side of the home. Pre-connected hose-lines were advanced to the main floor of the residence to extinguish the fire. At the same time fire crews conducted search and rescue operations to assure all civilians had evacuated the duplex and to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate hot smoke and gases from the structure. The fire was extinguished within approximately 20 minutes with overhaul of fire damaged areas continuing for another 2 hrs.

A total of 10 apparatus with 27 firefighters fought this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians. Tenants of the fire damaged unit of the duplex declined assistance from the Red Cross and were going to stay with relatives. The other half of the duplex was reoccupied by its tenants.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently attempting to determine the exact fire cause. The fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The area of greatest fire damage was to the attic. It appears the fire started on the deck, moved up the exterior wall, and then entered the attic. The ceiling in the kitchen and living room of the unit was removed to gain access to the attic area and extinguish the fire. In addition a portion of the roof was removed to find hidden hot spots.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
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

Spokane Fire Department

Blog Archive