Friday, January 26, 2018

Additional information RE: Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

** I apologize as I left out the block range for the home. This occurred in the 1600 block of E.  Walton Ave. **

 

 

From: Anderson, Michele L.
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2018 12:34 PM
To: Anderson, Michele L. <mlanderson@spokanecity.org>
Subject: Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

 

Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

At 10:49 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a possible chimney fire. SFD crews arrived within minutes to find smoke and fire from a chimney chase on the exterior of a residence. 

 

The first arriving crew immediately called for additional SFD resources, confirmed the home had been evacuated and extinguished the fire.

 

Due to the early transmission of alarm, rapid response of resources and swift actions by crews, the fire was contained to the exterior of the structure.

 

The cause of the fire was investigated by the SFD Special Investigation Unit and determined to be an improperly maintained wood burning stove.

 

The SFD would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having heating appliances properly maintained and regularly inspected by licensed professionals. 

 

###

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

At 10:49 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a possible chimney fire. SFD crews arrived within minutes to find smoke and fire from a chimney chase on the exterior of a residence. 

 

The first arriving crew immediately called for additional SFD resources, confirmed the home had been evacuated and extinguished the fire.

 

Due to the early transmission of alarm, rapid response of resources and swift actions by crews, the fire was contained to the exterior of the structure.

 

The cause of the fire was investigated by the SFD Special Investigation Unit and determined to be an improperly maintained wood burning stove.

 

The SFD would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having heating appliances properly maintained and regularly inspected by licensed professionals. 

 

###

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Monday, January 22, 2018

No injuries reported in vacant house fire

 

No injuries reported in vacant house fire

 

 

Just after 6 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1700 E. block of Everett Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. Initial details advised of a residence filling with smoke.

 

The first arriving crew reported moderate smoke coming from the front of the house with smoke showing from the attic vents of the home. Crews located fire in the basement and immediately upgraded the incident to ensure additional resources responded. An aggressive coordinated attack was performed and the fire was brought under control within five minutes.

 

The house was reported vacant but searches were conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure. 

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate damage to the main floor joists and heavy smoke damage throughout the structure. The residence also suffered moderate fire and heat damage to the exterior siding. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

 

###

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Friday, January 19, 2018

Residents Saved by Fire Protection System

 

Residents Saved by Fire Protection System
Cause of fire determined to be accidental

 

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit have ruled the cause of last night’s fire at the Wolf Apartments as accidental due to a faulty heater. Residents were saved and damage was drastically reduced due to the building’s working fire protection system.

 

At approximately 8:30 p.m. last night, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Wolf Apartments at 240 W. Sprague Ave. on a report of fire alarm with smoke seen in the lobby area. Crews immediately upgraded the fire for additional resources to respond.

 

The entire building was safely evacuated as fire crews arrived.

 

The building’s sprinkler system combined with the alarm system helped to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading further. The fire caused fire and smoke damage to a first floor apartment.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives. Because fire sprinkler systems react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced in a fire. For more information about fire sprinklers visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Fire-and-life-safety-equipment/Home-fire-sprinklers.

 

###

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Fire crews respond to early morning kitchen fire

 

Fire crews respond to early morning kitchen fire

 

At approximately 5:05 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of E. Dalton Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. Arriving crews reported a kitchen fire in a basement apartment.

 

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and escaped without any injuries. Due to a quick response and aggressive attack, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within minutes. Crews performed a search of the entire structure, checked for extensions of the fire, used salvage covers to protect belongings, ventilated the structure and ensured the occupants were kept out of the elements. 

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist the residents (1 adult and 1 child).

 

The fire caused damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the apartment. The cause remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

Below are some important safety tips for the kitchen:

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
  • If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

 

If you have a cooking fire:

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 

 

###

 

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Child injured after fire at mobile home

 

 

Child injured after fire at mobile home

 

A child was injured and transported to a local area hospital after a fire at a mobile home.

 

Just before midnight, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 4300 block of E. Longfellow Ave. on a report of residence on fire. Crews arrived to a mobile home with heavy fire throughout. Quick attack by firefighters ensured that no other structures were threatened.

 

All occupants of the home were able to evacuate, but one pediatric patient received injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist the residents which included 3 children.

 

The mobile home was a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

###

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Monday, January 15, 2018

Two injured after late night motorhome fire

 

 

Two injured after late night motorhome fire

 

Two adults were injured and transported to local area hospitals for further treatment after a motorhome fire.

 

Just before midnight, multiple units from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a burning motorhome in the alley behind 1424 W. Maxwell Ave. The fire was quickly extinguished and fire crews were successful in keeping the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

 

While still engaged with fire operations, additional fire crews were approached by two adults reporting they were occupying the motorhome when it caught fire. One individual suffered burns to the hands and face, the second was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. Both individuals were transported to local area hospitals for further treatment.

 

The fire damaged overhead power lines and Avista Utilities is working to repair the damage and restore power to the affected area. The motorhome was a complete loss. 

 

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

 

###

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Hillyard garage fire under investigation

 

 

Hillyard garage fire under investigation

 

A fire at a vacant garage remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

Just before midnight on Wednesday, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2800 block of E. Hoffman Ave. on a report of a detached garage on fire behind a residence. The first arriving crew reported smoke and flames from a single-car detached garage with heat and flames impinging on a nearby house.

 

Firefighters conducted an aggressive coordinated attack and brought the fire under control within five minutes. The house and garage were reported vacant, but a primary search was conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure. 

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate damage to the roof assembly of the garage as well as minor damage to the siding of the residence from heat and flame exposure.

 

###

 

 

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Saturday, January 6, 2018

WSRB Improved Rating for Fire District 8

Hello,

Attached is a press release letting you know that Spokane County Fire District 8 has received a new rating from the "Washington Survey and Rating Bureau" (WSRB).  We have gone from a protection class 5 to a protection class 4. The WSRB uses a rating scale of class 1 through class 10, moving from a class 5 to a class 4 is a great accomplishment for the Fire District and the Communities we serve.

 

I will be out of town this next week.  If you wish to speak to someone regarding this accomplishment and or do a story please contact:

 

Tony C. Nielsen

Fire Chief

Spokane County Fire District 8

(509) 926-0852 Ext. 8801

tnielsen@scfd8.org

 

 

Greg Godfrey, Assistant Chief  ● Spokane Fire District 8

12100 E. Palouse Highway, PO Box 345  Valleyford, Wa. 99036  509-926-0852 ext. 802 ● 509-370-9802, Cell

ggodfrey@scfd8.org

 

"Risk a little to save a little and risk a lot to save a lot and risk nothing to save what is already lost"

 

ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Spokane Fire Department

Blog Archive