Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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

Media Release

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012051347
Date of Incident: 11/27/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
 On Tuesday, November 27,  2012 at 01:34 am, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and  4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a structure fire at 2602 N. Hogan. Fire fighters from Station 2 arrived within 2 minutes and reported smoke from the roof a two story residence and that all the occupants were outside and accounted for. The first arriving Chief upgraded the incident to a working fire which added an additional ladder company and ambulance to the scene. Companies quickly located the fire in the attic of the converted second story apartment unit using thermal imaging cameras. The ceiling was pulled, the roof was opened and the fire was quickly extinguished. The Fire Investigators have determined that the fire originated from faulty wiring in the attic.  Avista has disconnected the power to the second floor apartment until repairs can be made to the affected wiring. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident. 3 adults and 1 child were displaced from the second story apartment and are being assisted by the Red Cross. The first floor apartment was vacant at the time of the incident and was not affected.

Cause:
 The fire has been determined to be caused by faulty knob and tube wiring in the attic by the Spokane Fire Dept Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
 There was moderate fire and smoke damage to the affected second floor apartment.There was no damage to the first floor apartment unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR Ambulance, Avista and the Red Cross.

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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

Media Release

Thanksgiving fire safety

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 11/21/2012
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
 Spokane Fire Department reminds the community that Thanksgiving also marks the day in the U.S. with the most cooking-related home fires. Please take the time to keep safety in the kitchen as your first concern while preparing the family festivities!

  • When cooking with grease, keep a lid handy to quickly smother the fire by covering the pan and turning off the heat.
  • Watch what you are cooking. Set kitchen timers as an audible reminder that burners are on.
  • Keep young children and pets out of the kitchen, safely away from the stove and hot coffee.
  • Keep oven mitts, food packaging, towels and curtains away from burners.
  • Turn pot handles inward to prevent scalding liquids from accidentally tipping on anyone near the stove.
  • Recognize the dangers associated with turkey fryers: they are so high risk for burns or home fires that UL has not certified any unit.
Spokane Fire wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday!

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

Media Release

North side Gas Leak

Incident #: 2012050528
Date of Incident: 11/20/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Jones

Narrative:
 On November 20, 2012 at 11; 44 PM,   7 companies of the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported natural gas leak at 1311 W Maxine.  The first arriving company SPL 13 investigated and reported that the resident and the homes on either side of the structure had been evacuated and that the leak appeared to be at or near the meter.  SE 17 arrived and supplied a protection lead, at that time SPL 13 entered the Hot Zone and shut the gas off at the shut-off valve terminating the leak.  Other crews from SL2, SL4, SE18, and SR1 checked the homes on the block to make sure the homes were safe for reoccupation.  Vista arrived and repaired the meter.

Cause:
Setting of soil underneath the gas meter

Damage:
Repair to the gas meter

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 0

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

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

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

Media Release

Updates on Recent Fires

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 11/14/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:

Updates/corrections:
 

  • The media release referencing the fire on North Lee mistakenly had the date in the narrative as November 13th. The incident was this morning (November 14).

  • The cause of the apartment fire on 728 East Mission has been determined to be electrical.  The fire was accidental and attributed to knob and tube wiring in the southwest area of the second floor wall and ceiling.  The wiring overheated and started combustible material (several inches of sawdust insulation) on fire which spread intensely through the common attic of the building. 

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

Media Release

Structure Fire--North Lee

Incident #: 2012049512
Date of Incident: 11/14/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday November 13, 2012 at 9:47 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1211 North Lee Street.  Firefighters from Station 7 arrived within 5-minutes to find smoke visible from the exterior of a one-story, single family residence. Initial arriving companies had to force entry (including removing iron bars for access) to access and attack the fire.  Within minutes of arriving, companies successfully stretched multiple hose leads into the structure while search teams crawled though the area to search for victims.  The fire was quickly located in a wall by engine companies and interior search teams confirmed that there were no victims.  The fire was confined to its primary area of origin and declared under control within 15-minutes.  There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

Cause:
The nature was determined to be accidental and the cause was a wall-mounted baseboard heater.

Damage:
Fire damage was limited to an interior wall and adjacent area(s). Unfortunately, there was smoke damage throughout the home.  Dollar loss from the incident is still being tabulated.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Media Release

South Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012049373
Date of Incident: 11/13/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:04 AM (simultaneously during the working fire at 728 E Mission), 6 Companies of Spokane and Spokane Valley
Firefighters, 1 City Senior Ladder, 4 City Engines and 1 Valley Engine under the direction of Battalion Chief Haworth and Deputy Chief Leavenworth, responded to a structure fire at 4521 South Cook Street.  Preliminary information from Fire Dispatch indicated the residence was not occupied and that the entire first floor was charged with smoke.  Firefighters from both departments arrived within 7-minutes to find smoke visible on the interior of the single-family residence.  Initial arriving companies forced entry and immediately searched the entire structure for victims.  As companies arrived they were assigned ventilation and fire attack. The fire was quickly located in subflooring near a furnace appliance and was extinguished with the resources on-scene.  There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.

Cause:
The cause was determined to accidental and related to a mechanical problem.

Damage:
Firefighter’s judicious use of forced ventilation and detailed overhaul activity limited the damage to flooring material(s) and minor smoke damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 4000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department,

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

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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

Media Release

Logan Neighborhood Apt Fire

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 11/13/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 10:32 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Green responded to a structure fire at 728 East Mission in Spokane’s Logan Neighborhood. While companies were responding, smoke could be seen throughout the Gonzaga Campus and resulted in multiple 911 calls reporting the incident. Station 2 (Engine 2 and Ladder 2) firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the attic and roof areas of the two-story residence which had been modified to a multiple unit apartment building (Hare Apartments). The first arriving Chief Officer requested the incident to be upgraded to a working fire which added an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene.




The first arriving ladder companies immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut multiple ventilation holes above the apartments involved in fire to allow engine companies to reach the second floor and begin firefighting. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic and second floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however one firefighter suffered a musculoskeletal injury but was not transported to the hospital.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:
Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the renter’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited the second floor, the need to secure the building’s utilities rendered areas of the building temporarily untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting the families with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 33

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Monday, November 12, 2012

12 Point Checklist for Portable Heater Safety

 
With the temperatures diminishing in Spokane, many in our community will start using portable electric heaters.
While they can be an efficient way to warm a room or supplement central heating, portable electric heaters can also be a fire or electric shock hazard if not used properly.
The SFD joins the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) in encouraging the safe use of portable electric heaters:
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels before using your heater.
  • Never leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug the heater when not in use.
  • Unplug the heater by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Inspect the power cord regularly, and never use a heater with a damaged cord.
  • Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced. Check with a qualified electrician to replace the outlet.
  • Do not use a power strip or extension cord to power your heater. Overheating of the power strip or extension cord could result in a fire.
  • Do not plug any other electrical device into the same outlet as your heater. This could result in overheating.
  • String the included power cord above any rug or carpeting. Anything you place on top of a cord - including furniture, may damage it.
  • Keep combustible materials such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, curtains, paint, gas cans and matches at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear. Do not block the heater's air intake or outlet.
  • Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, do not use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by moisture.
  • Place the heater on a level, flat surface. Only use a heater on tabletops when specified by the manufacturer.
  • Heaters should be kept away from pets and children and never used in a child's room without adult presence.
  • Seniors, the disabled, those living alone or in student housing may be at increased risk due to careless or improper use of heaters. If you know someone in this risk category, please share this safety list and your concerns.
You can contact the AHAM and receive a free "Stay Safe!" brochure, by calling (888) 785-SAFE or visiting:
www.heatersafety.org

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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

Media Release

Residential Fire

Incident #: 2012049106
Date of Incident: 11/11/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 12:22 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Sabo, responded to a structure fire at 1426 East Decatur Avenue. While enroute to the incident, companies were notified of a report that a civilian was trapped in the basement of the building. After hearing smoke alarms sounding, neighbors responded by calling 911 and discharged a fire extinguisher in attempt to minimize the fire’s growth. The neighbors were also able to awake the elderly man in the basement and lead him to safety. The first arriving companies described the home as a one-story, wood frame construction with heavy smoke showing from the rear of the residence. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately after arriving and stretched a line in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward the living areas in the house. Additionally, a Paramedic Engine Company was assigned to care for the resident. Simultaneously the Ladder Company searched both floors of the home for civilians and provided ventilation of the structure. The fire was declared under control in 15-minutes after the SFD’s arrival and no injuries were reported.

Cause:
The nature of the fire has been determined to be accidental and caused by discarded smoking materials too close to combustibles.

Damage:
Damage was limited to an external area in the rear of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 2000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Media Release

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012049081
Date of Incident: 11/11/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 7:58 AM, seven companies of Spokane Firefighters including four engines, two senior ladders and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Sabo responded to a residence fire at 4615 North Rustle in Spokane’s Northwest Side. 

Firefighters arrived within three minutes to discover smoke showing on the interior of the single family home.  Firefighters entered the structure using handlines and thermal imaging cameras to locate and extinguish the fire.  Ladder companies simultaneously provided ventilation and access to the fire within the confines of the wood frame home.  The fire, which spread through attic and void spaces, was ultimately confined to the chimney and remote areas in the attic and extinguished by first-due companies within 30-minutes.  There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:
The cause of this early morning blaze has been determined to be accidental and related to the condition of the fireplace and nearby combustibles

Damage:
Due to the quick actions of the firefighters, damage was limited to the area of origin.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 2000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Media Release

Riverpark Square Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012048960
Date of Incident: 11/10/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:42 PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe responded to a report of heavy smoke coming from the Riverpark Square Parking Garage.

Responding to an initial report of a vehicle fire, firefighters arrived within minutes to find a difficult to access, well involved vehicle on the seventh floor with flames rapidly threatening nearby automobiles and the adjacent building.  As additional personnel arrived, firefighters commenced a swift and well-coordinated attack on the fire by climbing the stairwell and assembling a fire attack group below the fire floor. The building’s standpipe system was charged by downtown fire engines and ladder trucks were raised to make access to the seventh and eight floors. Despite the personnel-intensive work required to access the fire, their efforts proved synergistic and the flames were extinguished in just 30 minutes. Damage was limited to one unoccupied vehicle with smoke damage to a portion of the seventh floor, with smoke and water impacting the stairwell.  Companies remained for several hours to ensure that smoke remained away from the mall and water was eliminated from the stairwell.  The immediate garage area and the mall was evacuated safely and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Cause:
The cause has been determined to be accidental and related to the vehicle's engine.

Damage:
The vehicle was destroyed and there is minor smoke damage to the immediate area and stairwell.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $ 40000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Riverpark Square Security

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

Media Release

North Battalion Business Fire

Incident #: 2012048928
Date of Incident: 11/10/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 11:24 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a building fire at 2829 North Market (Starlite Spa).
 
While responding, fire dispatch received multiple 911 calls from citizens reporting that heavy smoke and fire was coming from the front door of the building. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and found an intense fire inside the front of the concrete building. The building appeared abandoned and the doors and windows were boarded up and secured with iron bars. The incident was upgraded to a working fire which added an additional company to the scene.  Ladder companies had to force entry into doors and windows on multiple sides of the fortified building which allowed engine companies access to the interior where they successfully located and extinguish the fire.  Ladder crews additionally ventilated the roof and ceilings above the fire. Initial arriving engines and ladder companies also simultaneously performed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing.  The fire was deemed under control within 30-minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.  There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.


 

Cause:
The cause of this fire is categorized as incendiary (human caused).  The investigation remains open.

Damage:
The building has been secured by a board up company and monetary loss to the facility is still being estimated by the SIU.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Monday, November 5, 2012

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

Media Release

North Side Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012048121
Date of Incident: 11/04/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
 On Sunday November 4, 2012 at 8:23 PM , 6 Companies of the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported detached garage fire at 2600 W Sanson.  Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from the garage. Firefighters using pre-connected handlines quickly located and extinguished the fire. The fire was completely extinguished in 30 minutes.  There were no injuries to civilian or firefighters on this incident.
 

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

Damage:
Fire and smoke damage to structure and contents

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000 +

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

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