Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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

Media Release

Change Clock / Check Detectors

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 10/30/2013
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
When you change your clocks back to Standard Time this weekend, please remember to also check the condition of your smoke detectors.

When you change your clocks back to Standard Time this weekend, Spokane Fire Department asks you to also take the time to check on the condition of your smoke detectors.

  • Read the label on the back of the smoke detectors to determine the age of the detector. If the date of manufacture is before 2003, replace the entire detector since smoke detectors are not reliable for more than 10 years. This applies to detectors hardwired into the electricity as well as alarms that are simply screwed into the ceiling. They all have a limited lifespan.
  • Check the label to determine whether you have ionization, photoelectric or photo-ion (dual sensor) smoke detectors. Make sure you have at least one PHOTOELECTRIC or photo-ion smoke detector on each level of your home because they will sound an alarm up to 40 minutes faster than ionization detectors in smoldering fires.  Most fire fatalities are caused by smoke rather than flame.
  • Replace 9-volt alkaline batteries at least once a year or whenever they begin chirping. Lithium batteries should last up to ten years. Make sure that all batteries are securely attached by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm. Alarms should be tested on the first of every month.
  • Determine how many smoke detectors you need for the size and shape of your home.  You must have at least one detector on every level (including the basement) and outside every sleeping area. It is wise to also install detectors in each bedroom since a faster alarm reduces injury and property loss.
  • Consider giving PHOTOELECTRIC smoke detectors as holiday gifts to family, neighbors and friends. Each year, two out of three persons who die in U.S. fires were living in homes without working smoke detectors. Photoelectric detectors are life savers costing less than $20.
 
 
 

End Of Release
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Thursday, October 24, 2013

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

Media Release

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013049539
Date of Incident: 10/24/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief C Jones

Narrative:
On Thursday October 24, 2013 09:41AM, 7 Companies of the Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 5 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Moline, responded to an Apartment Fire at 6021 North Mayfair . Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the second floor unit of a two- story apartment building.  The building contained 8 apartment units total.  The first arriving Chief requested an upgrade to a working fire which added another senior Ladder, additional engine and staff from the Training Division. Finding fire in two units and the attic space, firefighters commenced with a fast fire attack and swift salvage operations to protect personal property within the structure. The first Senior Ladder immediately laddered the roof and ventilated above the apartments involved in fire. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined the flames to the attic and two apartment units. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Monday, October 21, 2013

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

Media Release

Contractor Breaks Gas Line

Incident #: 2013048998
Date of Incident: 10/21/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Batt. Chief

Narrative:
A four inch gas transmission line was damaged by a contactor’s backhoe working at the intersection of Rockwood Blvd. and Sumner Ave.  Fire Dispatch received a call for help a little after 11:00AM today and dispatched Spokane Fire Department resources to deal with the hazardous situation. Avista was immediately notified and their gas specialists quickly responded to the intersection.  In addition, the Fire Department provided a total of 15 apparatus to help deal with the fire and safety issues.
Numerous residential structures border this intersection, to include several large apartment complexes and a church. Initial priorities were to protect the surrounding residents and prepare for evacuation if needed.  Fire Divisions were set up for two of the largest complexes that house senior populations. These Fire Divisions worked with residents to eliminate ignition sources, shut down HVAC systems and close exterior openings into the structures.  Gas monitoring was performed and occupants were moved to safe areas within the structures as necessary.  Hydrant water supplies were secured in three locations and hose lines prepared.  Assistance with traffic control was provided by the Spokane Police Department, and American Medical Response staged ambulances to assist with medical transport if needed.
Other fire resources were assigned into groups to protect the other exposures and back up the Avista personnel in their efforts to shut off the gas supplying the transmission line.  The gas in the intersection is supplied from three directions.  Avista’s emergency plans were activated and their specialists shut valves off to the west and south of the intersection.  To the east, Avista crews dug down to a third line, installed a valve and shut down the third supply leg feeding into the intersection.
Once the gas was completely shut off, a combination of Spokane Fire Department and Avista specialists monitored the surrounding structures and areas for gas accumulations.  Areas were determined to be safe and the residents were allowed to return to their normal activity.  There were no injuries reported at this incident.  Avista reported that roughly 56 meter sites are without gas service.  Avista will continue to work into the evening to restore service to these customers.
Resources from surrounding Fire Districts were requested to provide coverage at several city fire stations during this event.




Cause:
Contractor backhoe working in street

Damage:
Broken high pressure gas line.

# Firefighters Responding: 35

Dollar Loss: $ unknown

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

Thursday, October 17, 2013

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

Media Release

Fire and Haz Mat on E. Trent

Incident #: 2013048305
Date of Incident: 10/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Early Thursday morning on October 17th, 2013 at 1:09 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire inside a commercial warehouse approximately 200 feet by 150 feet (Global Metals Technology) located at 3200 E. Trent. Engine 8 from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca arrived and found a 20 foot tilt up style masonry building with smoke coming from the general vicinity of the roof area. After a complete “360” assessment and size up, Engine 8’s crew decided that this operation would require additional help so they turned in a full alarm. This full alarm brought additional units from Station 1 downtown, Station 2 from the Logan neighborhood, Station 7 from East Central, Rescue 9 from the Manito Park area and Station 14 from the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Once on scene the crews developed a plan of attack that included gaining access in the quickest way possible to pinpoint the source of the fire and extinguish it. Engine 8’s initial size up as they rolled up to the building indicated a sulphur type odor in the air. A quick check of the atmosphere by Rescue 9 and the Haz Mat Team from Station 1 discovered both Hydrogen Sulfide and Hydrogen Cyanide present in air inside the building. The Spokane Police Department was summoned to help with traffic control and to isolate the areas directly to the north of the building so that no one was nearby the ensuing smoke coming from the structure. While the Haz Mat Team continued to monitor the air, a Fire Attack Team was being assembled and briefed for an aggressive attack on the fire. Ladder 1 accessed the roof to assist in pinpointing the source of the smoke and also to confirm any roof involvement. Near one corner of the building, the Fire Attack Team forced entry on a door and made their entry, systematically searching for any signs of heat with their thermal imaging cameras and hose lines. After a short span of searching, they located the fire confined to two 50 gallon burlap sacks filled with a type of ore that was burning with a low intensity flame. The material was dragged to the outside where it was knocked down and extinguished. Firefighters continued to monitor the air and confirmed that no one remained inside the building. The focus then became ventilation of the building due to the residual smoke trapped within. Crews made use of the building’s HVAC system and alternated between this and horizontal ventilation using positive pressure power fans. Eventually, readings detected by Haz Mat Team monitors were considerably lower and finally, at safe levels. Total on scene time for this incident was approximately 4.5 hours. There was one person evacuated just north of this complex as confirmed by the Spokane Police Department. Firefighters remained on the scene working with the building owner, the Department of Ecology and the Spokane Fire Department Investigation Unit. The entire building housing 3 businesses was kept off limits to all occupants including workers through the early morning hours. The cause is still unknown at this time, however the incident  is still under investigation by the the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Cause:
Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Damage confined to two burlap sacks full of flammable metal and/or chemicals. Forcible door damage. Smoke damage throughout warehouse.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 5,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, State of Washington Department of Ecology

End Of Release
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Monday, October 14, 2013

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

Media Release

"The Great ShakeOut" Drill

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 10/14/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The Great Washington Shakeout and All Hazards Preparedness

The SFD is supporting the Department of Emergency Management' efforts with the 2013 "Great Washington ShakeOut" earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17th at 10:17 AM. This 60 second – drop, cover, and hold on earthquake drill will have participants all along the west coast taking shelter under desks or tables and holding in place for one minute to simulate protecting themselves during an earthquake.  State officials have a goal of engaging one million Washingtonians to participate in this earthquake drill.  Anyone can sign up at: www.shakeout.org/washington and take part on 10/17 at 10:17 AM.

Television stations throughout Washington are airing this and other Public Service Announcements:  http://youtu.be/228dl_qpUEE

Although Spokane has low risk, it doesn’t mean there is no risk for earthquakes.  We encourage citizens to be prepared for all-hazards.  Being prepared for all-hazards means to plan and be prepared for the most likely hazards that you or your family could face in Eastern Washington. These include but are not limited to: winter storms, wildfire, or electricity disruptions that last longer than expected. If we have the recommended quantity of food, water, and other important items stored in our homes plus; emergency kits in our cars and workplaces we will be better prepared. Being prepared will serve our residents well no matter what the potential emergency or disaster that could happen here in Spokane County or Eastern Washington. The goal is for our citizens to take care of their own basic needs for at least 72 hours. This allows first responders and other emergency workers during disasters and emergencies to help those residents who might be in life threatening situations first and then assist those in non-life threatening situations who have prepared for the first 72 hours or less.  For more information on what supplies you should have in your home, car, and at work please go to the preparedness page on the Spokane Emergency Management website: www.spokanecounty.org/emergencymgmt/ 
 
 
 
 

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

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

Media Release

Preventing Kitchen Fires

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 10/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Preventing Kitchen Fires

With families spending more time in the kitchen, safe cooking behaviors are worthy of family conversation. Cooking equipment, most often the range or stovetop, remains the leading cause of reported home fires - and home fire injuries - in the United States. The SFD wants to change that, and we need your help!
 
Safe Cooking Behaviors...

It's a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or leave items that can catch fire, such as potholders or paper towels, near the stove. Whether you're cooking a holiday dinner - or a snack for the children, safe cooking behaviors keep you and your family safe.

Choose the Right Equipment and Use It Properly:

- ALWAYS use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
- ALWAYS follow manufacturers' instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment.
- ALWAYS plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

Watch What You Heat:

  • The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you're cooking.
  • Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you have to be alert. You won't be if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
Keep Things That Can Catch Fire and Heat Sources Apart:
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your stovetop.
  • Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean.
  • Keep pets off cooking surfaces and nearby countertops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.
  • Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire if it comes into contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
Learn more about Fire Prevention Week and preventing kitchen fires at: FPW.ORG

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

Walmart North Superstore

Incident #: 2013046726
Date of Incident: 10/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday October 7, 2013 at 10:11PM, 4 Engine Companies, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported natural gas leak inside the Walmart Superstore located at 9212 North Colton. Engine 18 arrived first on scene and quickly located the natural gas connections to the building and shut them off. The Walmart Safety Officer reported that they thought all the customers and employees had evacuated to the front of the building. The first arriving Chief arrived and assigned companies to complete a primary search of the building for any possible occupants left in the building. A Fire Hydrant was secured and an Engine connected to the buildings sprinkler system. Companies were also assigned to provide a fire attack lead to the interior of the building where the gas line was broken and monitor for the lower explosive limit of the natural gas. The building was then ventilated to remove the natural gas. Avista assisted in isolating the broken line and soon restored natural gas to the rest of the building. The building was declared safe for employees and customers within 1 hour and the building was turned back over to the Responsible Party.

Cause:
 
The cause of the gas leak was determined to be from the operation of a fork lift that made contact with a supply line that went to a heater.

Damage:
 The reported damage was to the natural gas supply line and the heater involved.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 3000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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

Monday, October 7, 2013

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

Media Release

Reminder, Memorial Tomorrow

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 10/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Div Chief Nichols

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department and Spokane Valley Fire Department will be participating in a special Line of Duty Death memorial ceremony tomorrow at Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N. Government Way at 2:00PM.  During the ceremony, markers with the likeness of John Knighten (SFD) and George Sly (SVFD) will be placed on the memorial and their life of service celebrated. This is a public event, adults and children are welcome to attend.  Please join the families and the departments in honoring these two fire fighters who gave it all.  Contact AC Schaeffer for media information.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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

Friday, October 4, 2013

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

Media Release

High Rescue From Purina Plant

Incident #: 2013046068
Date of Incident: 10/04/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On October 4th, 2013 at 6:44 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a worker from the Purina Mills Plant at 4714 E. Trent stuck in some machinery. Engine 8 from their station located at 1608 N. Rebecca was first on the scene and rapidly assessed the situation. They found an adult male patient that was pinned by one of the plant augers on the top of the roof, six stories high. The patient had a serious leg injury so the crew placed a tourniquet  to stop further hemorrhaging and continued with their life saving stabilization of the patient.  Plans were immediately made to provide advanced life support care to the patient, the extrication of the patient from the machinery, the proper packaging of the patient and finally, the transport of the patient which included lowering the patient to the ground. As the various plans were being put into place, a special request was made for a surgeon to respond to the scene. As a result of this request, three surgeons from Deaconess Hospital arrived on the scene and were involved with the extrication of the patient and patient care. They were supported by a nurse from Medstar and Fire Department paramedics. At this same time, blood from Valley Hospital was being rushed to the scene by a deputy from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. While the machinery was confirmed to be locked out and isolated, extrication crews consisting of Rescue 9 and Ladder 1 continued to aggressively work providing patient care to stabilize the patient while the machinery was being dismantled to free him. A contractor’s crane was used to lift a basket to the level where the patient was. This same crane was responsible for lowering the patient to the ground. The Fire Department Technical Rescue Team from Station 4 worked hand in hand with the crane operator and made sure of the patient’s safety and transport back to the ground. The patient was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital by Medstar. The cause of this incident is being investigated by the State of Washington Labor and Industries.

Cause:
Unknown. Under investigation by State of Washington Labor and Industries.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ Unknown

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Medstar Air Ambulance.

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

Media Release

Pink for October

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 10/04/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:

In addition to fighting fires, SFD is sporting the color pink throughout October in efforts to fight breast and other cancers. 
 
Fire fighters exposed to carcinogens and other chemicals while on the job are disproportionately diagnosed with breast cancer – just one of many cancers linked to the work fire fighters do. With one in eight women diagnosed each year, an estimated 232,340 new cases of breast cancer and 39,620 deaths will be reported in 2013. Among all women affected, 85 percent have no family history. 
 
“Fire fighters are motivated to get involved for many reasons, and often it’s because they have been personally affected by the disease. For us, it's people like John Knighten and the several others that are being impacted directly, or have been impacted by Cancer” said AC Schaeffer. “We are supporting this cancer awareness and prevention campaign by encouraging others to give to non-profit Cancer Research organizations so that no cancer patient goes without life-saving treatments or having hope for a cure.”
 
Everyone is at risk for breast cancer. The two most important risk factors are being female and getting older. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known factors. To help reduce your risk, be sure to maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise and limit alcohol consumption. 
 
The SFD is encouraging everyone in this community to participate in cancer awareness and prevention activities this month.
 

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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

Media Release

North Battalion O'Malley Fire

Incident #: 2013046074
Date of Incident: 10/04/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday October 4, 2013 at 07:14 AM, 5 Engine companies under the direction of AC Schaeffer responded to a reported commercial building fire at 707 East Mission Avenue, the O’Malley Apartments (the O’Mally apartments are located in the Gonzaga neighborhood and have 99 one-bedroom units that are handicapped accessible).
 
The incident was dispatched simultaneously as the early morning technical rescue in the Purina Plant (4714 East Trent) and a cardiac arrest, which exhausted the majority of the City’s resources. The first unit on-scene arrived within six-minutes and reported a four-story apartment building with smoke showing from the third story balcony on the Mission Avenue side. Immediately upon arriving, the Chief noted that occupants had escaped the heavy smoke and took refuge on the third-story balcony and were waiting to be rescued.    
 
The first engine arrived minutes later and made contact with the occupants waiting on the third floor balcony, made sure the door behind them was closed and reassured them they were safe.  Immediately after making contact with the residents they entered the building, secured the stairwell and made their way to the third floor with tools and equipment to fight the fire. Additional arriving companies were assigned backup the first engine, supported the building's standpipe system and begin searching for victims. The toxic smoke on the third floor was reported to be banked down to just a few feet from the floor and the decision was made to shelter most residents in place on the third floor and evacuate the ones on floors two and one (to avoiding removing at-risk residents into the smoke-filled hallways and stairwells).  The incident was upgraded immediately to a working fire and modified to include an MCI (mass casualty incident) response.  Mutual aid resources from Spokane Valley Fire Department, six ambulances from AMR with management, STA with a bus and Spokane Police Department with traffic officers were brought to the scene to assist with the numerous patients and the influx of traffic due to the beginning of the school day for nearby St. Aloysius Gonzaga School. 
 
It took 25 Firefighters and 12 AMR employees just over one-hour to completely extinguish and overhaul the fire, evacuate the residents to safe areas of refuge on the first floor and medically evaluate/treat seven residents and a facility employee with various levels of smoke inhalation.  No firefighters were injured in the process of mitigating the incident.

Cause:
The nature was determined to be accidental and cause was a laundry basket left on an electric stovetop that had been accidently turned on. The fire spread vertically to cabinets and combustibles throughout the unit.

Damage:
Damage was limited to the unit of origin, however smoke damage throughout the third floor hallway.  The concrete construction and a maintenance worker's attempts to keep the fire contained aided in keeping the fire's damage limited to the unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 5000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, 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

Fire Prevention Week

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 10/04/2013
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
Spokane Fire Department will observe National Fire Prevention Week beginning October 6 with a reminder to “Prevent Kitchen Fires”. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. One-third of kitchen fires are attributed to “unattended cooking”, or no one watching the stove. 
 
Follow these simple tips to help prevent a kitchen fire in your home:  

  • Use a timer every time you turn on the stove.
  • Stand by your pan, especially when you are frying or broiling anything.
  • Keep a lid handy to smother a small grease fire.
  • Keep combustibles such as fancy towels, oven mitts or pizza boxes off the stove top and away from burners.
 Know that the best way to put out a small grease fire is to quickly put on an oven mitt, then carefully cover the pan with a lid, turn off the heat and keep the pan on the stove until it cools. NEVER put water on a grease fire. To observe the explosive effect of putting one cup of water on one cup of hot grease view Cooking Fire!    
Some kitchen fires grow out of control because batteries were removed rom the smoke detectors after a nuisance alarm caused by steam. Rather than make the often fatal mistake of removing batteries, either move the ionization smoke detector further from the kitchen or install a photoelectric type of detector. Photoelectric detectors cost about $15, have fewer nuisance alarms and respond much more quickly to smoldering fires.
 
Fire Departments across the US and Canada annually emphasize the importance of prevention during the second week of October in remembrance of the devastation caused by The Great Chicago Fire in 1871. By the time that fire was extinguished, over 100,000 people were homeless, 250 persons had died, and 17,000 structures were destroyed.
.
Spokane Fire Department thanks you for keeping fire prevention in mind all year long. If you have questions about smoke detectors or fire prevention, please call 509.625.7058.
 
                                                  ###



End Of Release
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