SFD News and Information: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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

After Sandy, Flood Recovery

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 10/31/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Like many of you, the SFD has watched with admiration and respect as our colleagues along the east coast face the challenge of Hurricane Sandy. At this point, we have not been requested to offer assistance; however there is much that every one of us can do to help those affected by this colossal storm. One such way involves sharing recovery information from vetted disaster relief agencies:

For the information on Flood Recovery, we've attached helpful links below (please share).

To learn how you and others can directly support agencies active in disaster *right now*, please visit this vetted roster: http://www.nvoad.org/members

Though your home and contents may at first appear hopeless after a flood or mudslide, many of your belongings can be restored. If you do things right, your flooded home can be cleaned, dried out, rebuilt and reoccupied sooner than you think!

Play it safe. The dangers are not over when the water recedes. Your home's foundation, walls or ceilings may have weakened, the electrical system may have suffered damage - or floodwaters may have left behind things that can make you sick.

The Nine Steps of Flood Recovery:

Step 1. Take Care of Yourself First
Protect yourself from stress, fatigue and health hazards. To determine if you are eligible for federal government assistance visit DisasterAssistance.gov. To contact specific agencies:
State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management
Federal Government agencies: (800) 333-4636
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers: (800) 621-3362

Step 2. Give Your Home First Aid
If evacuated, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Dangers do not end when floodwaters recede. If there is any doubt about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. Once certain it is safe to go inside, proceed carefully. Your damaged home is no place for small children or pets. While working to protect your home from further harm, be certain to maintain personal hygiene and use appropriate safety gear such as boots, rubber gloves and goggles. Don't hesitate to ask for help!

Step 3. Get Organized
Document every loss and expense. Take photos, keep receipts and contact your Insurance Agent. Some things are not worth repairing and other things may be too complicated or expensive to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these things into account and help you make the most of your time and money.

Step 4. Dry Out Your Home
Floodwaters damage materials, leaving mud, silt and contaminants that can promote the growth of mold. You need to thoroughly dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.

Step 5. Restore the Utilities
Your work will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal. We suggest these services be inspected and safely restored only by on-site utility workers, as quickly as possible.

Step 6. Clean Up
Official documents and family treasures can often be preserved with special care. Throw away food, including canned goods contaminated by flood water. Any flooded part of your home or household item that contacted floodwater should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out! Don't risk injury or infection.

Step 7. Check on Financial Assistance
There are national and regional volunteer agencies, business and insurance services, as well as government disaster programs, loans and benefit guidance that can assist you through the claims process and recovery.

Step 8. Rebuild and Flood-proof
Take time to rebuild with safety in mind. Make improvements that will protect your building from the next flood and other likely disasters. Never rush into settlements or contracts. Get bids and opinions only from reputable, established firms willing to provide clear proof of license, training and insurance. Don't hesitate to ask for multiple references and inspect previous work.

Step 9. Prepare for the Next Flood
Protect and prepare yourself for the next flood with flood insurance, a home inventory and family response plan that takes into account your community flood risk and protection programs.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

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

Wedgewood Park Apartments

Incident #: 2012047239
Date of Incident: 10/30/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Early this morning at 12:10 AM, October 30, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded to, The Wedgewood Park Apartments located at 202 East Wedgewood on a reported structure fire. Responding fire crews reported heavy smoke showing from a block away and upon arrival reported that they had a 3-story wood framed apartment building with fire showing from a ground floor apartment. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the front door of the apartment while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. Additional fire crews were called in due to the serious life hazard of an early morning fire in this apartment building that consists of 8-apartments in one building and 8 apartments in an adjoining building, connected by common walk ways. The fire was brought under control within 1 hour and fire crews were on scene throughout the night to complete the salvage and overhaul process. Six Engine companies, Two Ladders, a heavy rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs were on scene during the initial operations of this incident. There were no reported injures to civilians or firefighters. The Red Cross arrived on scene to assist the occupants of the building that may have been displaced for the night. The Spokane Police Department was also on scene and provided traffic control and scene security during the operational period of this incident.

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

Damage:
The apartment of origin on the main floor sustained significant fire damage with smoke damage to the 2 apartment units directly above.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 45,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Red Cross

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

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012046585
Date of Incident: 10/25/2012
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On Thursday evening, 10/25/2012, at 6:20 PM, The Spokane Fire Department responded to 1303 W Sinto on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene was Engine 3 from the West Central Neighborhood. They reported a fully involved detached two car garage that was threatening the nearby house. The crews on scene stretched hose lines to attack the fire, and protect the exposed structures. The fire was extinguished in one hour and two crews remained on scene to thoroughly search the large amount of contents for hot spots. The electrical service had been discontinued to both the house and the garage and neighbors stated it had been vacant for an extended period of time. No injuries were reported.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU is investigating.

Damage:
The damage was limited to the garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 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

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2012046498
Date of Incident: 10/25/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
On Thursday, October 25, at 07:18 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 727 E Illinois. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from all sides of a 1 ½ story single-family residence. After confirming the accountability of the occupants, firefighters entered the structure using pre-connected handlines and quickly located and extinguished the fire. Additional arriving companies simultaneously provided ventilation and extinguishment of extension from the fire’s originating area.

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

Damage:
Structural damage was limited to the area of origin; however damage to contents from smoke is moderate. The 4 occupants are being assisted by extended family due to the fact that the home cannot be inhabited until utilities are restored and critical repairs are completed.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000+

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR

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

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2012046498
Date of Incident: 10/25/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

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

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000+

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR

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

Friday, October 19, 2012

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

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012045666
Date of Incident: 10/19/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday October 19, 2012 at 3:52 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Mike Thompson and Dave Haworth, responded to a structure fire at 1817 West Jackson Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Engine 3 from the neighborhood fire station arrived within three-minutes of dispatch to find heavy smoke showing from the address side of the residence. Residents met the firefighters as they arrived and reported that everyone had successfully evacuated from the home and were accounted for prior to calling 911. Finding heavy fire in the basement of the home with rapid extension to the first floor, firefighters from initial arriving engines coordinated an interior attack on the fire while ladder companies above them on the roof conducted vertical ventilation. The fire was completely extinguished in just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to combustibles too close to the furnace.

Damage:
There is significant damage to the basement and moderate smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista

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

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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

Browne's Addition Fire

Incident #: 2012045464
Date of Incident: 10/18/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 7:45 this morning, October 18^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to multiple calls reporting a fire at the Casa Granada Apartments at 1712 W. 2^nd Avenue. At least one call also reported there may be occupants trapped by the fire. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived within four minutes, from their Browne’s Addition fire station, and reported heavy smoke from a third floor apartment on the back side of the complex. The incident was upgraded to a “working fire”, adding a ladder company and an AMR ambulance. While Ladder 4’s crew began a search of the apartment for any victims, the engine crew stretched an attack hose and began to knock down the fire. As other crews arrived on scene, they were assigned to search and evacuate the adjoining apartments, ladder the roof and check for fire extension into the attic, and to stretch a second attack hose to the fire apartment. As the fire was knocked down, Ladder 4 reported there were no victims found in the fire apartment, and the fire was contained to the apartment of origin. One civilian was treated at the scene by fire department paramedics for smoke inhalation, after attempting to access the apartment prior to the fire department’s arrival. She did not require any further medical treatment. Due to the garden apartment design of the complex, smoke and heat evacuation to the outside was quickly accomplished, minimizing damage to the structure. The occupant of the fire apartment returned home during the incident. He told fire department investigators he left his apartment approximately 45 minutes prior to discovery of the fire. The fire apartment will be uninhabitable until repairs are made. The occupant is being relocated to another apartment in the complex during the interim.

Cause:
Members of the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit investigated the incident and determined the cause of the fire to be accidental in nature. Combustibles had been placed against a baseboard heating unit, which had been left on.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the apartment of origin; which included burned kitchen cabinets, with heat and smoke damage throughout the fire apartment.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

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

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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

5124 North Lincoln

Incident #: 2012045257
Date of Incident: 10/16/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This evening, October 16, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:11PM to 5124 North Lincoln on a reported structure fire. Engine 13, from the neighborhood fire station located 5 blocks away was the first crew on-scene and reported a large volume of fire on the front porch of a one-story, single family residence with fire extending into the interior of the home. The fire was also spreading to a second home located to the north of the house of origin. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire on the front porch and the fire in the interior of the structure while other crews protected the exposure home to the north. Remaining fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul to extinguish any remaining fire. There were no reported injuries to civilians. One firefighter was injured from a fall and is being treated at a local hospital. Eight fire companies with 24 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours. The fire displaced 2 adults and 6 children and they are under the care of our local Red Cross.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the front porch and the first floor of the home with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 50,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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

2839 W Queen - House Fire

Incident #: 2012045097
Date of Incident: 10/15/2012
Issuing Officer: Cornelius/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Monday evening at 8:31 PM, October 15, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 2839 W. Queen for a reported house fire.

Engine 16 under the direction of Lt. Mark Donais, arrived on scene within 4 minutes. Engine 16's crew found a well developed fire inside the homes attached garage. The garage which was partially under the home had fire threatening the rest of the structure. Engine 16's crew verified that the people were out of the home and immediately attacked the fire. Incoming fire crews entered the home and placed hose lines between the fire and its exposures. Aggressive control actions by the firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. All eight companies that responded to this home were needed to bring about these results.

Difficult access made this a challenging fire to extinguish. Nevertheless, the fire damage was primarily confined to the garage area and contents. The front portion of the garage was being used for storage of goods, while the back section had a small area that was being used as a bedroom. The home's basement and main floor sustained heavy smoke damage. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported, however, the family lost one of their cats. The local Red Cross is assisting the family in their recovery process.

Cause:
Fire cause is still under investigation

# Firefighters Responding: 24

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

Friday, October 12, 2012

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

East Central garage fire

Incident #: 2012044490
Date of Incident: 10/12/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 1:09 A.M. on Friday, October 12^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported garage fire at 217 S. Fiske. The first engine arrived at that address to find a fully involved single car detached garage. Crews stretched fire attack hoses and protected the nearby house while knocking down the large volume of fire. The garage had already started to collapse, so the crews completed extinguishment from the exterior. There were no vehicles in the garage at the time of the fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the garage and its contents, and part of a wood fence. Electrical wires supplying power to the house were also damaged and being replaced by Avista.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

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

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

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

You Need Two Ways Out

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 10/10/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time would have to get to safety? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home became life threatening. Unfortunately, the time you have to safely escape a fire can often be measured in SECONDS rather than minutes.

That’s why the SFD and NFPA are urging fire escape planning and practice during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, urging residents of all ages to: Have Two Ways Out! Follow the Link to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUUBymkaM_Y&feature=youtu.be
Practice your fire escape plan with "two ways out" twice-each-year with everyone in your household, including children and those with special needs.

Neighborhood Firefighters suggest you:

Draw a map of each level of your home that shows all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Have a plan for everyone in your home. Discuss and practice your plan with overnight guests.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

Repeat the mantra 'Get Low and Go!' and 'Get Out and Stay Out!' year-round so that it becomes instinctive for those of all ages to crawl below smoke and gather at your pre-determined outside meeting place in the event of a fire.

Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.

Practice your fire escape plan at night and during daytime hours.

You can learn more ways to keep your family safe at: firepreventionweek.org

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

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

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

Firefighters Going Pink

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 10/09/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department is pleased to promote and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

City of Spokane Firefighters will proudly wear distinctive pink t-shirts while on-duty October 1-31, 2012 to raise public awareness of this devastating disease, and to support those personally effected. Our hope is to reach thousands of people with the lifesaving message that cancer prevention and early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

Breast Cancer Facts to Consider

• Second leading cause of mortality among Caucasian, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander females.
• Leading cause of mortality among Latina/Hispanic women in L.A. County.
• Late diagnosis carries a survival rate of less than 7%.
• Early diagnosis and treatment has a survival rate of over 91%.

Please join your neighborhood firefighters in supporting this cause. Click on the link below to purchase a SFD Pink T-Shirt and promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month (http://www.estoresbyzome.com/foracure.php)

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

Sunday, October 7, 2012

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

Woman Critically Burned

Incident #: 2012043731
Date of Incident: 10/07/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
A 42 year old female was critically burned this morning when embers from a cigarette she was smoking ignited a blanket she had wrapped around her for warmth. The patient is confined to a wheelchair and was unable to put out the fire or remove herself from the chair. Two nearby bystanders came to her aid, removed her from the wheelchair, and extinguished the fire that was encompassing her. The patient was treated on scene by Fire Dept Paramedics and was transported to SHMC with 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns over approximately 28% of her body. After being stabilized at SHMC she was flown to Harborview Burn Center in Seattle for advanced treatment. Spokane Police also responded to this incident and provided scene control.

Cause:
Smoking materials

Damage:
The wheelchair was completely destroyed

# Firefighters Responding: 8

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

Thursday, October 4, 2012

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

Fire Prevention Week

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 10/04/2012
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
Spokane Fire Department invites the community to observe National Fire Prevention Week beginning October 7 by making sure that every home and business has a current fire escape plan and is protected by working smoke detectors. Someone in the U.S. loses their life in a home fire on the average of every three hours. Most of these deaths are preventable.
Smoke detectors save lives, but only when they are kept in working order. Everyone should know the age and type of smoke detectors in their home. Take this week to look at the back label on every home smoke detector to find the exact date of manufacture and whether the detector is “ionization” or “photoelectric”.
No detector should be more than 10 years old, no matter whether it is hardwired into the electrical system or a battery-only device that is screwed into the ceiling.
It is wise to have a combination of the two types of smoke detectors in the home. While ionization detectors may alarm up to one minute faster than photoelectric detectors in hot, flaming fires, they may fail to alarm in a smoldering fire. Ionization detectors should never be within 20 feet of the kitchen because they sound nuisance alarms that tempt people to remove batteries.
Every household needs a good fire escape plan with at least “two ways out” of every room and every building. Make sure that exit paths are kept clear and that windows could be opened in an emergency. Invest in fire escape ladders if needed for a second story escape. Never allow someone to sleep in a room where they could be trapped by fire in the middle of the night.
For additional information on smoke detectors and fire escape plans, call (509) 625-7058 or visit www.spokanefire.org.

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

SFD News and Information

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

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

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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

Friday, October 19, 2012

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

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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

Friday, October 12, 2012

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

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

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

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

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

Sunday, October 7, 2012

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

Thursday, October 4, 2012

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

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

SFD Media 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

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