Friday, July 29, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

South Battalion Marine Incident

Incident #:  2011030043
Date of Incident:  7/29/2011
Issuing Officer:  Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday, July 29, at 5:12 PM, the Spokane Fire Dept dispatched 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 2 Marine Rescue Units, 2 Battalion Chiefs, and 1 Deputy Chief to a report of a person in the Spokane River under the Sandifur Bridge. First arriving SL4 interviewed the calling party and based on their report was able to locate a body in the river directly under the bridge next to one of the bridge supports. The body was entangled with a a log in a particularly treacherous and fast moving section of the river. A unified command was established with the SFD, SPD Major Crimes Unit, and the Sheriff's Dive Team and a recovery plan was formulated. A joint crew consisting of SFD Marine Unit and Sheriff's Dive Team members was able to approach the body by boat and successfully extricate the body. There were no injuries to team members during this very difficult and technically challenging extrication.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
Under investigation by SPD

# Firefighters Repsonding: 26

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


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Beacon Hill Brush Fire

Incident #:  2011029704
Date of Incident:  7/27/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday July 27, 2011, at 4:11PM, 4 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Brush Engines (paired with their Structural Engines) and one Structural Engine under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder responded to a Brush Fire at Minnehaha Park near East Euclid Avenue and North Havana Street. Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 1 acre of light to medium brush burning. The incident started alongside the steep hills of Minnehaha Park and was moving uphill causing mountain bikers and hikers to evacuate. Although the fire was slow moving, command teams quickly assessed the need for aircraft, as ground crews were dealing with the challenges of the bulk of the flames in steep terrain. Two DNR aircraft were were put into action, holding the blaze in check from the air, while firefighters below continued the fight on the ground. As more companies were called into action, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance. Additional companies added included; 5 DNR Brush Engines, 2 SFD Brush Engines and numerous overhead/command personnel from both agencies. With relatively slow wind speeds, moderate temperatures and high relative humidity, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 2 hours. Due to the strong efforts of the firefighters, this fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is still being investigation by SFD and DNR Fire Officials.

Damage:
Thanks to the quick work of all the crews at the scene, only 3.7 acres of wildland were consumed by this blaze.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 34

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


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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

North Battalion Fire with Child Critically Burned

Incident #:  2011029662
Date of Incident:  7/27/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 10:02AM, 2 Spokane Fire Department Engine Companies were dispatched to a reported critical burn in a residence near 2900 West Central Avenue. Due to the nature of the incident, Chiefs Fielder and Schaeffer also were added to the incident. The first company arrived quickly to find a small fire in the residence and a child patient with critical burns being cared for by family. The two company's efforts proved synergistic, with FD Paramedics treating and transporting the child within 6-minutes after arrival; and the other members completely extinguishing the fire and assisting remaining family members. The child was transported to the trauma center and later flown to Harborview in Seattle for definitive treatment in their burn unit. The current status of the patient is not know.

Cause:
The fire's cause was determined to be accidental and resulted from a child playing with a lighter.

Damage:
Damage was limited to a small area in the home; however there are varying levels of smoke damage throughout.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 9

Dollar Loss: $1000

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


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

SFD Firefighters Return From Mobilization

Incident #:  2011029361
Date of Incident:  7/26/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Spokane Fire Department resources have returned from a short deployment to assist Lincoln County Fire District 3 with a 3000+ acre wildland fire (WA WFF 201). The request for assistance came on July 25, 2011 at 1:15 PM through the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan which is coordinated through the WSP. The WSP coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the incident. The Mobilization Plan is implemented to provide a process to quickly notify, assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment and other resources from around the State when fires, disasters or other events exceed the capacity of local jurisdictions (more information about the Mobilization Plan is available at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/mobilization.htm) Spokane Firefighters responded along with five strike teams of brush engines and water tenders and the Northeast WA Type 3 Incident Management Team to support the local firefighters working to contain the "Road 29 Fire" which was on the border of Lincoln and Grant Counties, approximately 5 miles north of Marlin. The fire was successfully extinguished this afternoon and SFD resources have safety returned home. There were no injuries reported.

Cause:
Under investigation by local jurisdiction.

Damage:
One structure and its contents was lost along with the 3000+ acres of scorched wildland.

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


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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

NORTH BATTALION MARINE INCIDENT

Incident #:  2011029520
Date of Incident:  7/26/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 11:09AM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Engines, 1 Marine Unit (W16), 1 Special Rescue (R4) and 1 Senior Ladder (L2) under the direction of Deputy Chief Hanna responded to a reported person in the Spokane River at 3231 West Boone Avenue (San Souci Mobile Home Park) While responding, firefighters were notified by Fire Dispatch that a human body wearing a purple shirt was in the water. The first company arrived within 8-minutes and confirmed that a body was visible, established a unified command with the SPD and developed a recovery plan. The SFD's Marine Rescue Team and Technical Rescue Team was utilized to access the body, confirm death and transport the body to awaiting Police Detectives. There were no injuries to rescuers during this incident and the recovery effort was executed flawlessly.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
Under investigation by SPD.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 18

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


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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

NORTH BATTALION COMMERCIAL FIRE

Incident #:  2011029518
Date of Incident:  7/26/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 11:00AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a building fire at 1604 West Francis Avenue (Zips Restaurant). While responding, firefighters were notified by Fire Dispatch that smoke was emanating from the side of the restaurant and employees were evacuating. The first company arrived within 3-minutes and reported smoke from the roof and side of the single story restaurant. The incident was upgraded to a working fire due to the building being occupied as well as a simultaneous marine rescue incident requiring specialized resources from this incident. Ladder company personnel used their aerial to access the roof and engine companies were able to extinguish quick moving fire. Other arriving personnel also performed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing. The fire was under control in 20-minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. The Health Department and Fire Marshal were notified per protocol.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
The business is not able to currently occupy and suffers from a wide variety of cosmetic and smoke damage.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 21

Dollar Loss: $20000

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


Monday, July 25, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

New Voice?

Incident #: 
Date of Incident:  7/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
If you are an avid listener to SFD scanner radio traffic, you may have noticed a significant change to the familiar voice this morning. The Combined Communications Center is currently testing a "quick dispatch" procedure which utilizes an automated voice in lieu of the on-duty dispatcher's voice-allowing the dispatcher to remain on the phone with the caller (uninterrupted) while the call is being dispatched. The new in-house procedure and accompanied technology developed by Locution Systems, Inc. is expected to decrease the amount of time processing the call and getting field units en route to incidents quicker. The goal is to process and dispatch 90% of the incidents within one minute of receipt in Fire Dispatch. The Combined Communication Center dispatches emergency Fire/EMS incidents for all Spokane County Fire Districts and Cities with exception of Fairchild AFB. The test is expected to run today through Friday, July 29.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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


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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

New Deployment Plan

Incident #: 
Date of Incident:  7/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Dealing with difficult financial times and an ever-increasing incident volume, the Spokane Fire Department has developed a new plan to reduce the number of fire engines responding to incidents while simultaneously boosting the City's ability to respond to critical medical emergencies. The new deployment plan started this morning at 0800 and results in Fire Department Paramedics being better distributed throughout the City's response area based on computer modeling of prior incidents and geographic informational systems analysis performed in the Standard of Deployment Coverage (available on www.spokanefire.org). As a result of the new staffing plan, a new Paramedic Engine Company will be placed in-service in Station 2 (serving Logan, Longfellow and Bemiss Neighborhoods). Engine 2 has been out-of-service since 2004 after deep budget cuts, however with the staffing modification it will now be staffed with three personnel (with at least one being a Paramedic) using a reserve engine. Also, the existing BLS Engine Company at Station 17 (serving Indian Trail, 5-Mile and Balboa Neighborhoods) is also now staffed with at least one Paramedic. Enhancing Engine 17 and Engine 2's capability with Paramedics truly brings life-saving resources into the neighborhoods and decreases response time on critical incidents-when seconds count. Adding two additional Paramedic Companies will also reduce the number of multiple unit responses to medical incidents and improve the availability for other companies that traditionally have to leave their areas to assist Engine 17 and Engine 2 on serious medical incidents. The change in the deployment plan was led by Fire Department Administration, Mayor and City Council and involved significant collaboration from City Staff, IAFF Local 29 and Spokane Fire Officers Association (the union representing Division and Battalion Chiefs). The length of this project took over two years to develop, justify, negotiate and implement. Besides the obvious impacts with capital equipment, there were also significant challenges which staff overcame in dispatching/communications, logistics, planning and operations--it was a true organizational effort. Overall, this monumental change for the organization gives the department a higher level of capacity and resources to respond to emergencies without an increased cost to the taxpayers. One of the SFD's goals for service delivery is constant improvement and monitoring outcomes. This change was implemented to deliver professional Firefighters and Paramedics to the customer experiencing their worst day as fast and safely as we can. (As of 0900 this morning, Engine 2 and Engine 17 have already been dispatched to serious medical incidents and helped two families).

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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


Saturday, July 23, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Structure Fire

Incident #:  2011029004
Date of Incident:  7/23/2011
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At 11:03 this morning, July 23, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 5124 North Ash on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 1-story, wood framed residence. The occupant of the home reported the fire was located in the basement of the home near her dryer. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire that originated in the basement had quickly spread up the interior walls of the home to the first floor and then into the attic before it was brought under control. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. 7 fire companies with 22 firefighters and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to this fire and crews were on scene for approximately 2 hours. The home owners are being assisted by the Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the basement, main floor and attic.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 24

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Canoeist Dumped into Spokane River

Incident #:  2011028633
Date of Incident:  7/20/2011
Issuing Officer:  Craig Cornelius / BC

Narrative:
On Wednesday July 20, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Spokane Fire Dispatch received a "3rd party" 911 call reporting that a person was in the Spokane River, possibly needing help. The person was reported to be in the area of the TJ Meenach Bridge, below Spokane Falls Community College. City fire crews from 4 stations were sent to the bridge to search for the possible victim. A Command Post was established on the bridge deck. Meanwhile, Firefighters and Police Officers attempted to gather information from witnesses to assist in directing the search efforts. 12 Firefighters from the combined City/Valley Water Rescue Team searched using kayaks and a jet boat. Spokane PD located an 80 year old male on Summit Blvd. He had been canoeing with a friend in a red canoe. The canoe tipped dumping both paddlers into the current. The canoeist reported that he and his friend had both been wearing personal floatation devices (PFDs). He also provided a detailed description of the other paddler. Search crews located the other paddler on shore approximately 2 miles upstream. Both men were in relatively good condition considering their ordeal. Thirty-six personnel from area fire and police agencies participated in this search. The outcome could have ended tragically had the two not been wearing their PFDs. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind all floaters that a PFD is required by county ordinance to be worn by each person on the water. Every boater should be properly equipped and have adequate training and skill before attempting a run down the river. Water flows are swifter and colder than normal, and sections of the river can be very hazardous for those who are unprepared.

Cause:
Not Applicable

Damage:
NA

# Firefighters Repsonding: 25

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


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Keep Children Safe Around Windows

Keeping your home and children safe takes planning and preventive action.


The Spokane Fire Department joins the National Safety Council and the National Fire Protection Association in asking you to focus today on window safety:

The danger of falls and fire may be greater than you think!

Preventing falls from windows is as important as learning how to use one in an emergency. Unattended children run the greatest risk of fall and injury, so your best 'first step' is to watch children as they play. Nothing can substitute for careful supervision.
Fire is frightening. All too often, the bodies of young children are found after a fire in places where they tried to hide. Teach your children that they can’t hide from fire: They must escape it!


Decide on at least two emergency escape routes from your home. Windows provide one of the fastest, easiest alternative ways out of a burning residence. Teach children how to safely escape through windows and take time to practice with them.
Every family member should know how to operate the windows used for fire emergencies. Delay in escaping fire can cost lives and increase injury. Often paint, dirt or weathering will seal a window shut. Make sure yours open easily from the inside and are not blocked by furniture or other objects.
Remember also that security bars, grilles and grates not only keep intruders out, they can also lock you in. The same holds true for window guards. Everyone should be able to get out through a window at all times without using tools, keys, special knowledge or significant effort.



When youngsters are around, close and latch your windows. If you need ventilation, only open windows they cannot reach. Be sure to keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. And teach your children not to play near windows.



And finally, never depend on insect screens to prevent falls. Insect screens are designed only to provide ventilation. They will not support the weight of a child or prevent their fall.



Here are 9 simple ways to protect your loved ones:

1. Windows provide a secondary means of escape from a burning home. Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it. Remember that children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.

2. When performing household repairs, make sure windows are not painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.

3. Keep your windows closed and latched when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that a child cannot reach.

4. Set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.

5. Keep furniture — or anything children can climb — away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.

6. If you have young children in your home and are considering installing window guards or window fall prevention devices, be aware that the window guards you install must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in a fire emergency. Consult your local building code

officials to determine proper window guard placement.

7. Some homes have window guards, security bars, grilles or grates covering windows. Those windows can be useless in an emergency if they do not have a functioning release mechanism. Test them today because time is critical when escaping a fire.

8. Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.

9. The degree of injury sustained from a window fall can be affected by the surface on which the victim falls. Shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass beneath windows may lessen the impact if a fall does occur.

Monday, July 18, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Exterior Fire involvment of two detached garages

Incident #:  2011028282
Date of Incident:  7/18/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday July 18th 2011 at 17:48, 4 engines, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Brown responded to a reported Garage fire at 2503 E. Rowan. The first Company reported a fire between two detached garages in close proximity to each other. Initial companies made an aggressive attack on the garages and the fire was successfully extinguished within 20 minutes. Overhaul operations continued for approximately one and a half hours. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries resulting from this incident.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is suspicious in nature and is under investigation by the SFD'S Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
There was significant damage to exterior of one garage and moderate damage to the exterior of the second garage.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 23

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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


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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

South Battalion HazMat Spill

Incident #:  2011028270
Date of Incident:  7/18/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday July 18, 2011 at 5:11PM, a single Spokane Fire Department Paramedic Engine Company was dispatched to a reported traffic collision on I-90 eastbound, next to the Lewis and Clark High School. When the Company arrived, the officer reported a two-tractor trailer collision with three lanes of traffic blocked. After investigating further, it was determined that none of the occupants were injured; however, a diesel fuel tank on one of the vehicles was fractured causing a significant spill of approximately 50 gallons of product spread over 100 yards of the Interstate. The incident was upgraded to include the SFD HazMat Team, two engines and one ladder led by Battalion Chief Dan Brown. SFD HazMat experts donned protective gear in 96 degree heat and commenced an aggressive mitigation plan to build protective dikes around all of the affected storm water drains to prevent entrance of the product into the City's storm water system. Great care was taken by the SFD, WSP and WADOT to spread absorbent to every inch of the 100 yard spill and monitor the safety of the community and responders while keeping the Interstate traffic moving. The incident was 100% mitigated, Interstate returned to normal operation and all personnel returned safely to quarters without injury to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The incident is being investigated by WSP.

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Repsonding: 12

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


Sunday, July 17, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Red Lion River Inn

Incident #:  2011028123
Date of Incident:  7/17/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
At 18:48 PM on Sunday, July 17, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded 27 firefighters on 8 fire apparatus and 2 battalion chief to a reported motel/hotel fire at the Red Lion River Inn 700 N. Division. The first crews on scene reported smoke showing from vents on the roof and at a first floor door of a two-story wood framed multi-unit motel. A search of the first and second floors was conducted with no victims found. Hose lines were stretched to the first floor fire room to attack and extinguish the fire. Crews were sent to the roof for ventilation if needed. The fire was confined to a mechanical room on the first floor, and there was smoke damage to three rooms on the first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this fire scene. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage to mechanical room with smoke damage to three other rooms on the first floor.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 27

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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


Friday, July 15, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

North Battalion Fatality Fire

Incident #:  2011027828
Date of Incident:  7/15/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1409 Hours (2:09 PST), seven Companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 4128 East Princeton Avenue in Spokane's Northeast Side. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy fire showing from both sides of the single story, double-wide trailer residence. The initial radio report indicated that the residence was over 50% involved in fire. Additionally, vehicles and other assorted combustibles were identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters from Engines entered the structure using pre-connected hand lines and mounted a quick, aggressive assault on the fire. Simultaneously, Ladder companies provided ventilation of heat and smoke from overhead and searched the interior for reported persons missing within the confines of the home. During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered and the alarm was upgraded to a working fire which added supplementary resources to assist in the search and management of the incident. During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an elderly adult in the area of heaviest fire damage. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Multiple animals still remain unaccounted for. The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes. No additional injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

Cause:
The cause of this incident remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The victim's name has not been released pending positive ID. Monetary loss from the fire is still being determined. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status and warning role has not yet been determined.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 30

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


Thursday, July 14, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #:  2011027604
Date of Incident:  7/14/2011
Issuing Officer:  Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Thursday, July 14, at 02:27 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4927 N Cook. SE15, which is located in the Hillyard Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke coming from a 1.5 story, wood constructed, single family residence. They talked with the home owner who said he had a fire in his upstairs bathroom and that everyone was out of the house. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose line off of their apparatus and advanced into the house to attack the fire. As additional fire companies arrived they searched the house to ensure everyone was out, removed the smoke, and made sure the fire did not extend from the bathroom. Their efforts were successful as the fire was quickly extinguished with confinement to the bathroom and a small area of the roof. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. There were no working smoke detectors in the home and the owner was very fortunate to have awakened before being overcome by the smoke.

Cause:
The fire was caused by an overheated fan motor in the bathroom ceiling.

Damage:
Structural damage was confined to the upstairs bathroom and part of the roof, with moderate smoke damage throughout the upper area of the house.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 22

Dollar Loss: $15,000

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


Friday, July 8, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Brush Fire Becon Hill

Incident #:  2011026792
Date of Incident:  7/8/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
On 07/08/2011 at 1800 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 brush trucks and 1 battalion chief to a reported brush fire located on Beacon Hill. While enroute, Spokane brush 8 called for an extra brush truck due to the large column of smoke visible from Fire Station 8. Firefighters arrived to find a 150 foot by 150 foot area of light to medium brush burning quickly uphill. The fire was quickly extinguished by SB8 and SB15 and was contained to the 150 foot by150 foot area. Spokane Brush 7 was held in reserve to ensure the fire did not get out of control. This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments SIU.

Cause:
Under investigation.

Damage:
150 foot by 150 foot of brush and grass.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 10

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


Sunday, July 3, 2011

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

SFD YouTube SFD Twitter SFD Blogspot SFD Facebook Media Release

Kitchen Fire

Incident #:  2011025916
Date of Incident:  7/3/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Sunday morning July 3rd 2011 at 02:24AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe and Dave Haworth responded to a reported structure fire at 4236 East Hartson. The first company to arrive reported nothing showing from the exterior of a single family dwelling. When the engine company made entry to the home they found the first floor charged with smoke. Companies then advanced an attack lead and extinguished a cooking fire on the kitchen stove. Other companies were assigned to search, ventilate, and check for extension of the fire. All occupants were accounted for and the fire did not extend beyond the stove. There were no injuries to Firefighters although one occupant was transported to Deaconess for smoke inhalation.

Cause:
Cooking Fire

Damage:
Kitchen stove and smoke damage to the first floor of the home.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 20

Dollar Loss: $5000.00

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


Spokane Fire Department

Blog Archive