Saturday, August 31, 2013

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Media Release

Man Rescued from Spokane River

Incident #: 2013040009
Date of Incident: 08/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
On Saturday August 31, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a man in the Spokane River at the area known as the Devil’s toe-nail. The victim was located approx 20 feet from the East side of the river hanging onto a large rock in the middle of some swift rapids.  Shore base crews were positioned to retrieve the victim if he were to let go while units of the Spokane and Spokane Valley Water Rescue Teams launched their Kayaks.  The Kayak crews were able to successfully rescue the victim and delivered him to personnel on shore.  The rescued rafter was not injured and did not require any medical treatment.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Valley Water Rescue and SV22

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

Man Rescued from Spokane River

Incident #: 2013040009
Date of Incident: 08/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
On Saturday August 31, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a man in the Spokane River at the area known as the Devil’s toe-nail. The victim was located approx 20 feet from the East side of the river hanging onto a large rock in the middle of some swift rapids.  Shore base crews were positioned to retrieve the victim if he were to let go while units of the Spokane and Spokane Valley Water Rescue Teams launched their Kayaks.  The Kayak crews were able to successfully rescue the victim and delivered him to personnel on shore.  The rescued rafter was not injured and did not require any medical treatment.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Valley Water Rescue and SV22

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

Thursday, August 29, 2013

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

Media Release

South Hill Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013039583
Date of Incident: 08/29/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Thursday August 29, 2013 at 5:28 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder responded to a reported residential fire at 1422 West 14th Avenue.
     
Two companies arrived simultaneously within 5 minutes 34 seconds from Station 4 and reported a two-story single family home with heavy smoke showing from the second floor of the home. The initial company upgraded the fire to a "working" incident and added additional resources to the incident to assist in the firefighting efforts. The complete effective response force was met (16 firefighters) within 7 minutes 56 seconds (the performance measure goal is 11 minutes 90% of the time).

The first arriving Ladder Company immediately fought up the stairs to the second floor to search for victims, while other companies confined the fire to the area of origin. Fortunately, it was determined that the single occupant of the residence was safe and accounted for and found near a neighbor’s house. With the assistance of additional arriving companies, it took the firefighters just 20 minutes to stretch multiple hoselines to the second floor and knock down the fire and control the incident.   Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one bedroom on the second floor, which also prevented it from spreading to the ceiling and roof areas. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

Cause:
The preliminary information appears to indicate that the cause was accidental and related to smoking materials.

Damage:
The main area of damage was successfully isolated to a second floor bedroom with smoke damage throughout the second floor. 

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Red Cross

End Of Release
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

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

Media Release

North Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013039163
Date of Incident: 08/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Craig Cornelius

Narrative:
A night time fire damaged two Duplexes and left a city block without electrical power in the Logan Neighborhood.  Engine 2 from the North Foothills fire station was the first company to arrive at a large fire located at 2514 N Denver St.  At little before 10:00 PM, (August 26th), 5 companies were dispatched after the Fire Department received multiple 911 calls.  Engine 2’s officer reported a large amount of fire in the back alley behind the above address.  The fire had already engulfed an attached carport, a vehicle and two separate duplexes were burning.  Engine 2’s firefighters immediately stretched a large 2 ½ inch hose line down the alley and started attacking the fire, while working to control the fire spread to adjacent units.  Engine 2’s officer also reported numerous “downed” electrical wires that had fallen after exposure to the flames.
Additional arriving apparatus and crews were immediately put to work upon their arrival.  Two companies of firefighters were assigned to search 4 duplex units as area residents reported to firefighters that people were inside.  The search group did not find any civilian victims, but did find a dog that had succumbed to smoke inhalation. Fallen electrical wires provided additional safety challenges at this incident.  Nevertheless, the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes.  Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and investigators will be working to determine fire cause this morning.  The local Red Cross is assisting 4 displaced residents and Avista assured us that they would work to restore electrical service to the area.

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

Damage:
The duplex unit addressed 2514 N. Denver St. was heavily damaged by smoke and fire. All other addresses affected by this fire received minor smoke, fire or water damage. The carport and a vehicle in the carport were a total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $ 75,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, American Medical Response

End Of Release
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Sunday, August 25, 2013

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

Media Release

Gary Middle School

Incident #: 2013038760
Date of Incident: 08/24/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
 
 
Today, August 24, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:50 PM to 725 E Joseph, Gary Middle School, on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke and fire showing from a 1st floor entrance on the east side of the school. Further investigation found a fire had started at or near a metal entrance door that contained a Plexiglas panel. The fire was quickly extinguished prior to spreading to the interior of the school however the melted plastic panel sent heavy smoke throughout the northeast section of the structure. Fire fighters were on scene for approximately one hour completing ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. 28 firefighters responded to this incident 

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
 Fire damage was confined to the entrance door on the east side of the school with smoke damage throughout the north east corner of the structure.   

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $ unk

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Saturday, August 24, 2013

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

Media Release

Dalke Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013038669
Date of Incident: 08/24/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
 
Today, August 24, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 1:22 PM to 2423 E. Dalke on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from a 2 story wood-framed structure. Further investigation found a fire on the kitchen stove in the basement apartment with fire extending up the interior wall on the east side of the structure and into the ceiling joist of the basement unit. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior and exterior with additional fire crews completing search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Four engine companies, two ladder trucks a heavy recue truck and 2 Battalion chiefs totaling 24 firefighters responded to this fire. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 2 hours. The Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross is taking care of the occupants of the basement apartment.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the kitchen in the basement apartment and the exterior wall on the east side of the home with smoke damage throughout the structure.   

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross

End Of Release
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Monday, August 19, 2013

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Media Release

SIU Arrest (Houston Apts)

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 08/19/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Thursday, August 15, Richard Alexander Henning (07/06/1983) was arrested by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for Arson 1st .  Henning is accused of setting four (4) individual fires inside apartment #306 of the Houston House Apartments (609 E Houston Avenue).  The incident occurred on February 19, 2013 9:14 AM.  The fire gutted the apartment and caused smoke and water damage of two adjacent apartments.
 
At the time of the fire, Henning was residing with registered tenant Cody Masterson.  Masterson was allowing Henning to reside in his apartment for a period of time prior to the fire.  Masterson had no renter insurance policy.  Based on the living arrangement, a DV enhancement was added to the arson charging request. Henning’s bond was set for 20K. 

Cause:
N/A Information Only

Damage:
N/A Information Only

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Thursday, August 15, 2013

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

Media Release

E. Heroy Fire

Incident #: 2013037085
Date of Incident: 08/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief C Jones

Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 2:12 PM to a reported structure fire at 1324 E. Heroy.  The first arriving apparatus was Engine 15 and the officer reported smoke and flames showing from three sides of a one story wood frame residential structure.  E 15 immediately directed hose leads to protect the homes on either side of the burning structure.  Other arriving units were assigned to conduct search operations, and assist with extinguishment of the fire.  All occupants made it out of the burning structure safely, and there were no injuries to fire personnel.   

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit

Damage:
Fire and smoke damage throughout the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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

Media Release

2331 W Boone

Incident #: 2013036913
Date of Incident: 08/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 12:53 PM to a reported structure fire at 2331 W. Boone. The first arriving apparatus was Engine 18 and the officer reported smoke showing from the front of a 1.5 story wood frame residential structure.  Upon further investigation they found a fire in the attic of the home and initiated an interior fire attack from the second floor stairwell while additional arriving fire crews pulled ceiling from below exposing the burning structural framing rafters. The quick initial interior attack prevented the fire from extending into the 2nd floor living space and the remaining areas of the common attic. The occupants of the home are being supported by our local Red Cross Team.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
 Fire damage was confined to the attic at the rear of the house and the ceiling in the kitchen on the main floor with smoke damage throughout the second floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 10000

End Of Release
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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

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

Media Release

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013036763
Date of Incident: 08/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On August 13, 2013 at 13:34 PM 6 companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a reported attic fire in a 4 unit apartment building. Spokane Ladder and Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched to find smoke emitting from both gable roof vents of the 2 story apartment building. The responding Chief upgraded the incident at this time to a working fire which brought a dedicated ladder and also called for another engine company to assist with this incident. Companies were assigned to locate and extinguish the fire, search for occupants, water supply and possible roof ventilation. Interior companies quickly located the smoldering fire in the attic of the affected unit and were able to extinguish and prevent further extension to the 3 adjoining units. All the occupants made it out safely and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. The affected apartment unit is uninhabitable until structural repair can be made to the roof trusses, along with damage to the ceiling and wiring in the attic. One adult occupant is seeking shelter with the Red Cross until the repairs can be made.

Cause:
The Special Investigation unit has determined that the attic fire was caused by faulty wiring.

Damage:
Moderate damage to the roof trusses, ceiling assembly and wiring of 2405 N. Cincinnati. No damage was reported to the three other attached Apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

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

Friday, August 9, 2013

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

Media Release

Update 19th Ave Update

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 08/09/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Devastation from yesterday's structure fires near 19th/Sherman resulted in an estimated $500,000 of property loss and millions saved from the potential destruction of a neighborhood.  According to accounts from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit, two single family residences were considered catastrophic losses. A third single family home received heavy fire damage to the deck, siding, and attic. The fire was extending into the third home from through a kitchen window and exterior door when firefighters successfully extinguished it, preventing damage on the home’s interior.

A fourth structure sustained smoke damage to one of the four apartments. The tenant had a box fan pulling air into the structure through a window facing the fire and the fan was left operating after she evacuated. 

In addition to the structural damage there were three cars, one motorcycle, and a boat that were completely consumed by the fire. 
 
There were no civilian injuries and one minor firefighter injury as a result the incident, which lasted several hours.
 
The official fire cause remains undetermined, however both prospective scenarios appear accidental.  The details will be shared when we learn more from the SIU.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

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

Media Release

Wishing Well mobile home park

Incident #: 2013035594
Date of Incident: 08/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Jones

Narrative:
This morning Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 0635 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Wishing- Well motor home park located a 4911 N. Florida.  Spokane Engine 15 was the first to arrive, and reported a single wide mobile home fully involved with fire E 15 also reported that the structure was vacant.  E15 immediately directed hose leads to protect the exposures on either side of the burning structure.  Other arriving units were assigned to conduct search operations, and assist with extinguishment of the fire.  There were no injuries to fire personnel.
 

Cause:
The cause arigin of the fire is under investigation by the SFD SIU.

Damage:
The  single wide mobile home was a total loss

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 5000.

End Of Release
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Monday, August 5, 2013

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

Media Release

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013035315
Date of Incident: 08/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday, August 5, 2013 at 4:49 PM, 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 an explosion and resulting fire at 3704 West Olympic Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find a single family home heavily involved in fire and beginning to extend to a two-car garage and neighboring home to the west. First arriving companies were met by floor refinisher workers that explained they were applying a petroleum based lacquer on the floors in the home when a pilot light ignited the fumes causing an immediate explosion and resulting fire. The worker confirmed that the home was unoccupied and that the workers were all accounted for. The fire was fueled by highly flammable chemicals and created extreme fire behavior for the first alarm companies. The incident was subsequently upgraded to a working fire adding additional resources to assist in the efforts to contain the fire’s progress. The fire was brought under control in 45-minutes and was successfully contained to the home of origin and firefighters prevented extension to the adjacent buildings. Despite the heavy amount of damage from the blast and fire, there were no injuries.

Cause:
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:
As a result of the explosion and fire the structure is deemed untenable. Assisting the two residents in their need for temporary housing were staff from the City's Housing Department and volunteers from the American Red Cross.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 100000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

Media Release

Wildland Urban Interface Fire

Incident #: 2013035341
Date of Incident: 08/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday August 5, 2013 at 6:48 PM, a total of four brush engines, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe, responded to a brush fire that was upgraded from a single company response in the area of 2600 East Upriver. Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 3-4 acres of light to heavy brush burning near apartment buildings. The incident started alongside the steep hill below the railroad tracks and just above North Crescent Avenue.

Although the fire was slow moving, the initial company quickly assessed the need additional units due to there being three separate fires in steep and rocky terrain. As companies arrived, the additional personnel tied into the railroad right-of-way and were strategically placed on both west and east flanks halting the fire from its advance into adjacent multi-family homes.  With relatively slow wind speeds, increasing relative humidity and cooler temperatures, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. The fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Cause:
The fires (all three) were accidental in nature and caused by a BNSF train traveling through the area moments before the fire was discovered.

Damage:
Wildland only, no structures were involved.  Total amount burned was 4 acres.

# Firefighters Responding: 14

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, BNSF

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

Sunday, August 4, 2013

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

Media Release

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013035106
Date of Incident: 08/04/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
 
 The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 2203 S. Inland Empire Way at 14:39 hrs on Sunday afternoon, August 4th ,  for a reported structure fire at that address.  Engine #4, from the near-by  Browne’s Addition neighborhood fire station, reported by radio that there was a large black plume of smoke visible in the sky as they turned south onto Inland Empire Way. In their radio report they requested that the fire be up-graded to a “working fire”, the up-grade would add an additional ladder truck to the call.  Engine #4 was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus again reported by radio that there was heavy fire at the rear of the house on the second story of the wood/framed balloon constructed structure and that it was extending farther into that space and starting to come out of the gable ends of the second story at the front and the rear of the house. Engine#4 also reported that the house appeared to be vacant and that they were going to make an aggressive offensive attack on the fire through the front door and up the staircase to the, by now, heavily involved second story. The second apparatus to arrive on scene was Ladder#4, from the same station, and they reported that they would be going inside with Engine#4 to begin the process of opening up walls and pulling down ceilings to get at the rapidly growing fire they encountered on the second floor.  As additional fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included a back-up hose line to protect the crews already going inside to fight the fire, water supply, an additional hose line to protect the interior stairway to the second floor, the additional ladder crew was assigned to go to the roof  to begin vertical ventilation, other crews were assigned to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid  Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter.  There were no victims in the building but there were indications that “squatters” may have been using the house. Avista was requested to respond and their crew disconnected the electrical power to the structure. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained severe damage on the second floor and on the underside of the roof structure; however the main floor suffered very little damage due to the quick attack by the fire fighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident.
 
 
 

Cause:
Under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Severe fire damage to the second story and to the underside of the roof structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR Ambulance

End Of Release
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