Change your clock / Change your battery

On Sunday November 1st we return to Standard Time and recall the "Change your clock/ Change your battery" slogan that has been used throughout the United States for over twenty years. With our extra hour, we have the time to really check on the condition of our smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and home fire escape plan as we head into the winter months and a predictable increase in home fires.

A recent study from the National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths (2003-2006) happened in homes with no alarm (40%) or where batteries were dead or disabled (23%). Approximately 3000 persons die in home fires each year and thousands more are injured from smoke inhalation or burns.

This weekend, Spokane Fire Department asks you to complete this checklist:
. Replace every smoke detector in the home that is more than 10 years old by first checking the manufacture date on the back label. Most carbon monoxide detectors must be replaced every 5 years.
. Check the back label to determine whether you have ionization or photoelectric smoke detectors.
. Make sure you have at least one photoelectric detector on each level of the home because we now know they are much more efficient at detecting slow-burning, smoldering fires.
. Have enough detectors for the size and shape of your home. You need at least one on each level and outside all bedroom areas. You are wise to also install them inside the bedrooms.
. If you have a problem with "nuisance" alarms from cooking or shower steam, replace the ionization detector with a photoelectric one.
. Replace all alkaline batteries and check the longer-life lithium batteries to make sure they are still working.
. Review your fire escape plan with family members and babysitters.
. Help an elderly relative or neighbor check on the condition of their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

A good smoke alarm costs about $15. Thanks from Spokane Fire for doing your part to keep home, family and community safe from the threat of fire.

SFD Dispatchers honor 7th grader who helped deliver her baby sister

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/26/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Before purchasing costumes or decorating your home, kindly review this list of Halloween Safety Tips located on our website at:

http://www.spokanefire.org/halloween

Please celebrate safely - and share this information with your friends and family!

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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Update on yesterday's incidents:

10/23/2009 12:09 at 1508 North Post- Working Apartment Fire. Accidental. $5,000 loss. Cause was determined to be combustibles too close to a wall heater. Damage limited to one unit.

10/23/2009 13:57 at 1317 East Rich- HAZMAT Team Incident. Release of 100 gallons of furnace fuel inside the residence. Accidental. $20,000 cleanup/loss. The HazMat Team mitigated the incident and coordinated with a private HazMat clean-up company which assumed responsibility of the site. Spokane Regional Health and Washington State Department of Ecology notified.

10/23/2009 14:11 614 E 7th AVE- Working Structure Fire. Accidental. $200,000 loss. Cause was due to a working fireplace that was not utilizing a closed screen. Sparks from the fireplace spread to combustibles which rapidly propagated throughout the occupied home.

10/23/2009 18:16 1429 E 14th AVE- Structure Fire. Accidental. $5,000 loss. Combustibles left on an operating stove. Damage from the fire was contained to the kitchen, however smoke spread throughout the residence.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Above
DAMAGE EXTENT: Above
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1508 North Post
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Friday October, 23 2009 at 12:09 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines and 2 Senior Ladders responded under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius and Mike Inman to a reported apartment building fire at 1508 N Post. On the arrival of the first company they reported smoke showing from a single story apartment building which housed approximately six living units. The alarm was upgraded to a working fire and an additional engine company was added.

Ladder companies were sent to the roof and to adjoining rooms to search for, and evacuate victims; while the arriving engines established water supply from nearby hydrants and stretched hose lines to the fire. The fire was confined to the unit of origin within 15-minutes and companies spent a significant amount of time overhauling and salvaging the areas. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The unit of origin is not able to be occupied due to the damage. SFD's CARES Team and Red Cross assisted the two occupants of the unit find temporary housing and assisted in replacing personal effects. The CARES Team also assisted other residents on-site and remained on-scene to provide support.
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: N Assembly Street and W Northwest Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Friday October, 23 2009 at 11:46 AM, 2 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Engine and 1 Paramedic Engine under the direction of Battalion Chief Mike Inman responded to a reported motor vehicle accident at N Assembly Street and W Northwest Blvd involving a pedestrian. On the arrival of the first company, they reported a vehicle collision with a triage report of two type red (critical) patients with CPR in progress. After arriving, Chief Inman established command and requested additional resources including a total of; two AMR ambulances, Chief Officer and another Paramedic Engine Company.

Both patients were treated on-scene by SFD Firefighter/Paramedics and transported within 15-minutes of arrival to Holy Family and Sacred Heart.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is being investigated by SPD.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Patient outcome was not available.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 12
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

Fire burns State Street Flats again

On Thursday October 22, 2009 at 08:51 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown, Bruce Moline and Acting BC Haworth responded to a reported building fire at 19 West Pacific.

When the first companies arrived from Station 1, they reported heavy smoke and flames showing from the three story (includes basement) vacant building. The building had previously been involved in a tragic fire in 2006 which resulted in multiple injuries and the structure being boarded up and secured from access. The unreinforced masonry construction combined with the smoke/fire conditions and building's proximity to other occupied structures led to the alarm being upgraded to a second alarm in anticipation of a need for additional resources. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the boarded up vacant structure while personnel from Engine Companies assembled to prepare for an offensive attack on the fire. The additional alarm added a Pumper-Ladder and two engines which allowed the 38 Firefighters to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident within 45-minutes. One civilian was treated by SFD Paramedics for injuries received while fleeing the fire, however was not transported. No firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was determined to be incendiary and two adults (Sypher, Steven 26 Year-old male and Garland, Windy 23 year-old female) have been arrested and charged by SFD Investigators with Arson 2nd Degree.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The building was not inhabitable after the fire in 2006 and that continues to be the case. Damage is significant and access is prohibited due to the concern for public safety.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/22/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 19 W Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Thursday June 6, 2009 at 08:51 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown, Bruce Moline and Acting BC Haworth responded to a reported building fire at 19 West Pacific.

When the first companies arrived from Station 1, they reported heavy smoke and flames showing from the three story (includes basement) vacant building. The building had previously been involved in a tragic fire in 2006 which resulted in multiple injuries and the structure being boarded up and secured from access. The unreinforced masonry construction combined with the smoke/fire conditions and building's proximity to other occupied structures led to the alarm being upgraded to a second alarm in anticipation of a need for additional resources. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the boarded up vacant structure while personnel from Engine Companies assembled to prepare for an offensive attack on the fire. The additional alarm added a Pumper-Ladder and two engines which allowed the 38 Firefighters to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident within 45-minutes. One civilian was treated by SFD Paramedics for injuries received while fleeing the fire, however was not transported. No firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was determined to be incendiary and two adults (one 26 Year-old male and one 23 year-old female) have been arrested and charged by SFD Investigators with Arson 2nd Degree.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The building was not inhabitable after the fire in 2006 and that continues to be the case. Damage is significant and access is prohibited due to the concern for public safety.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
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: Bob Green
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1404 E NORTH AVE
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Friday October 16, 2009 at 8:58 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bob Green and Steve Sabo responded to a reported residence fire at 1404 E. North Avenue. Neighbors called 911 when they noticed smoke coming from an open door in the vacant two-story residence. When the first company arrived, they reported smoke banking down near the floor in the interior first level and believed that they had a working basement fire.

Ladder and Engine Companies worked quickly, in a coordinated effort, to attack the fire and force entry to perform a search of the two living units that made up the residence. It took 24 Firefighters just 15 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the area of origin in the basement and prevent it from spreading into floors above.
No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was determined to be incendiary (intentionally human caused). If citizens have information regarding the cause of this incident, they are encouraged to contact the SFD's Arson Tip Line at 344-FIRE.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Moderate damage is limited to the basement.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/9/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 206 South Post
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Friday October 9, 2009 at 10:38 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 3-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Ken Kirsch and Craig Cornelius responded to a reported fire in the building at 206 South Post, the Carlyle Residential Care and
Assisted Living Community.

The seven story building was originally constructed in 1892 as the Carlyle Hotel and was most recently renovated in 2003. The Carlyle now provides residential and assisted care for individuals 18 years of age and older with varying levels of mobility. The building currently has 72 furnished client rooms with occupancy of 126 residents.

When the first company arrived, they were met by facility staff which advised smoke was visible on the interior of the building in the basement area. Due to the conditions and building's high-risk occupants, the alarm was upgraded to include the balance of a second alarm-plus incident to extinguish the fire and manage the evacuation and transportation of 100% of residents and staff to the Central Methodist Church at 518 W 3rd Avenue as prescribed by the facility's disaster plan.

Initial arriving Engines were assigned to supporting the building's fire suppression system while additional Ladder and Engine Companies were utilized to gain access to the basement and locate and extinguish the fire. Other companies were spread throughout the building on multiple floors to search for occupants and to check for extension of the fire with thermal imaging cameras. It took 43 Firefighters 45 minutes to locate and extinguish the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the northeast first-floor area and basement below the fire. Two STA Transit buses were used by the command team to transport the residents to the Church's shelter.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident. All residents were transported in an orderly fashion and managed from a medical perspective by SFD and AMR Paramedics.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was discarded smoking materials which spread to flooring on the building's interior.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Firefighters successfully confined the fire to a 10x10 area on the first level in the flooring and small area on the exterior wall.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 50
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: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W. Riverside Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Fire Prevention Week: "Don't Get Burned!"

As a community, we have the opportunity to learn from the past so that we can make things safer in the present.

Two historic fires began on the night of October 8, 1871. Most Americans are familiar with the Great Chicago Fire that started 138 years ago this week, killed 250 people and left 100,000 persons homeless. That fire is now commemorated with national Fire Prevention Week. But few people know that the Great Peshtigo Fire began the very same night near Green Bay Wisconsin, burned 1.2 million acres of land and resulted in the most deaths by fire in U.S. history. Officials were able to document 1200 fatalities but the survival of an additional 1200 persons could not be determined.

Today we have more safeguards and resources in place for preventing the scale of fire loss that happened in October 1871. However, we know that right now there are no smoke detectors working in about 20% of American homes. We also know that a significant number of homes are equipped with smoke detectors that have at least a 30% failure rate because they are more than ten years old. There are also homes were the good intention of replacing smoke detectors has never been accomplished. Yet no one knows when a fire might begin.

Last week nine-year old twin girls from Yelm WA were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with critical burns to their bodies and airways caused by a relatively small house fire. They were initially trapped in their bedroom before rescued through a window by a family member. However, they most likely would not have suffered any injury had the smoke detectors that were still packed in boxes actually been installed in the home.

Working smoke detectors are life savers. Every home should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the house. Spokane Fire Department recommends that every household also be protected by photoelectric detectors (which are must faster at detecting smoldering fires than the more common, ionization detectors.) Fire Prevention Week is our national reminder that we can keep our household safer by installing enough working smoke detectors. Check to make sure that batteries are working and no detectors are more than 10 years old. For additional information, call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058.

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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE:

Spokane Firefighter/Paramedic Brenda Stanton was deployed last Tuesday as a volunteer with the Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team (HEART) to the Philippines following the tragic Tropical Storm Ketsana. She has spent the last week in Manila and surrounding areas assisting both human and animal victims.

Stanton has been involved with HEART in an off-duty/voluntary capacity for several years and takes her emergency training and incident experience at the SFD with her to assist others on each deployment. The purpose of HEART is to coordinate efforts to provide rapid response to events affecting the health, safety and welfare of human beings and animals. Activities include but are not limited to small and large animal care, facility usage, and providing mass care and sheltering for companion animals, livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals following a major emergency or disaster. While the SFD is not able to financially support HEART's efforts or allow time off for participating, we are very supportive of members giving back to the community in every way possible. FF/PM Stanton's participation in this mission is an ideal demonstration of her commitment to 'Service Above Self' and represents the epitome of a Spokane Firefighter-and for that we are thankful.

Stanton's scheduled arrival is today at 3:00 p.m. the Spokane Airport on Alaska/Horizon. Local HEART Team members and SFD members plan to be at the airport to welcome the team home.

All pictures, video and blogs can be found courtesy of IFAW at www.ifaw.org.

HEART operates under the Spokane Humane Society a 501c(3) non-profit organization and the contact person for this information is Janis Christensen (509) 714-7391

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

Residential Fire Sprinkler Side by Side Demonstration

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/5/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: During Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 2009, the Spokane Fire
Department and National Fire Protection Association remind you to...

"Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned"

This week, along with preventing fire and painful burn injuries, the
SFD and NFPA are encouraging all Americans to plan and practice escape
from their homes in case a fire occurs.

The statistics are staggering: Each year approximately 3,000 Americans
die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 are seen
in our nation's emergency rooms for burn injuries.

Burn injuries are commonly caused by flame, scalds or contact with a
hot surface. Burns are painful and can result in serious disability,
disfigurement - even death.

Most importantly, burns are preventable...

* Turn pot and pan handles away from the front of your stove, and use
the rear burners when possible. Maintain a 3-foot 'kid-free' zone around
your stove and wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.

* Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they
cannot be pulled or knocked over.

* Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking
a hot beverage.

* Use extreme caution with items that get hot such as curling irons,
oven, irons, lamps, heaters.

* Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable
heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in
use.

* Set your hot water temperature no higher than 120 degrees, and
install anti-scald valves on shower heads and faucets.

For more information, visit: http://www.firepreventionweek.org

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: 10/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 8410 Palm Pl.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On October 3, 2009 at 1047 am the Spokane Fire Department responded on a call to 8410 Palm Pl. The owner said they were using a gas fire insert and could smell wood smoke. Due to the quick thinking of the resident the gas insert was turned off and the Fire Department was called. Four Engines, a Ladder truck, a Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The first Engine on scene quickly extinguished the fire in an exterior wall of the structure using a 1 ¾" hose line. Additional Fire crews checked the attic for extension, checked the interior walls using a thermal imagining camera, put down tarps to minimize the damage to the inside of the home and ventilated the smoke out of the structure. Due to the quick fire attack some of the crews were able to return in service in a short period of time. A Fire Investigator was called to try and determine the cause of the fire inside a wall in the vicinity of gas fired insert. Although this fire does not appear to be caused by improper use or poor maintenance the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind residents to check their heating devices for proper operation and maintenance as we enter the heating season.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: 2 vertical structural supports were slightly damaged by fire. Exterior siding of the structure, some electrical wiring and interior sheet rock was damaged by either fire or fire crews opening up the structure to extinguish the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

Home Fire Sprinkler Demonstration