Ferris High School Incident
Incident #: 2013003567 Date of Incident: 01/23/2013 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department was requested this morning (1/23/2013) at 08:46 AM by a Spokane Public School Resource Officer to assist with the identification of chemicals found in the remnants of an exploded device at Ferris High School (3020 East 37th Avenue). The device was located in a second floor hallway in the campus’ ‘F’ building. The device was discovered by staff after it had exploded and caused a loud noise and resulting spread of liquid through a 15’ x 15’ area in the hallway. After the device had exploded, Ferris Staff immediately isolated the area, called the Fire Department and began investigating the situation in detail.
Once on scene, the Fire Department began an investigation in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department. Two Spokane Public Schools employees received minor injuries resulting from exposure to the vapors and direct contact from the liquid remaining in the hallway post-blast (one janitor burn on hand and one school resource officer with inhalation injury). The employees were evaluated by Fire Department Paramedics and released in their own care. Evidence was collected by SFD Investigators and sent immediately to SFD HazMat Technicians for analysis. The results of the analysis indicated one of the chemicals used in the device was a strong acid which substantiated the injuries experienced by the two employees.
SFD, SPD and Spokane Public School Officials were still on scene at Ferris High School when another device exploded in the Ferris School “Commons Area” at approximately 1110 AM. Subsequently, school officials and public safety officers immediately responded to isolate the area and protect the students. The students were instantly accounted for; and their safety was ensured using the established procedures in the school’s internal disaster plan. Since a unified command structure was already in-place (Fire, Police and Spokane Public Schools), resources were diverted and reinforced from all agencies to deal with the escalating challenges within the school. A significant response of resources from all of the agencies resulted in a calm and professional mitigation of the incident which included an early release of students; evidence collection and criminal investigation. The entire school and property was thoroughly searched for any evidence of another device and nothing has been found. Through the collaborative efforts of the Spokane Schools Security, Police and Fire Departments and others, a juvenile suspect was quickly identified and has confessed to investigators. Additionally, through information gained from the interviews and the subsequent search of school property, officials feel confident that this was an isolated incident and Ferris will be open for students in the morning as per the normal schedule. The juvenile may face criminal charges as well as financial restitution for the public safety response. Those details will be determined later in the week.
Cause:
N/A
Damage:
N/A
# Firefighters Responding: 14
End Of Release For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002
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