DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/24/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 310 N. Madelia
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 3:28 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 6 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, a rescue company and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a fire in a 200 foot grain elevator and silo located at 310 N. Madelia. Fire crews could see a significant amount of black smoke coming from numerous windows including the top floor and roof area of a grain silo as they were en-route to the scene. This complex of silos used to be owned by North Pacific Grain Growers but is now owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. The fire crews were hampered by cold temperatures, winds and the need to develop a water supply and attack hose lines at a high elevation above ground. As a result of this, a second alarm was ordered which brought an additional 2 engine companies and a ladder company to the fire. The building at one time did have fire department connections on its exterior for the fire department to use for their hose lays, but due to the vacant status of this structure, those connections had been removed some time ago. Because of this additional complication, firefighters had to raise and extend Ladder 4's aerial ladder and then put together a hose lay stringing the hose up the aerial which went up to and through the 5th floor window on the south side of the silo. Fire crews were then able to successfully attack the fire which was found to be inside one of the grain hoppers and chute system. Residual grain was found to be burning inside the hopper and chute and the fire attack team accomplished the knockdown of the fire after approximately 40 minutes. Many crews that were first on the scene had to use the interior spiral stairway to get to the level of the fire. This task was arduous and required many companies of firefighters to get the proper tools and equipment to the fire floor. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The cause of the fire at this time is undetermined, but is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. The investigation of this fire will continue through tomorrow.
Crews completed final extinguishment after 2 ½ hours. A total of 42 firefighters including command staff, fought this fire and were released from the scene at 6:00 P.M.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is currently investigating the cause.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Moderate damage to a grain hopper and chute system.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 42
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
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