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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Bowl and Pitcher State Park
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At just after 11am on Monday June 1, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department water rescue team was beginning their quarterly training in the vicinity of the Bowl and Pitcher State Park on the Spokane River. One of the water rescue crews was approached by a Park Ranger who indicated that an overturned raft was found on the river bank just downriver from the Bowl and Pitcher. Nobody was found in the vicinity of the raft and it was unknown how long the raft had been there. The Spokane Fire Department Water Rescue team requested a full river rescue response. The Technical Rescue team was dispatched along with 2 other Engine Companies, a Rescue unit, two Battalion Chiefs and mutual aid from Spokane County Fire District 9. The water rescue team launched their jet boat along with kayaks to search the river and Med Star helicopter was requested to search from the air. After a little more than 2 hours the scene was turned over to the Sheriff's water team to continue the search. Nothing was found prior to demobilizing the response by the City of Spokane Fire Department and Fire District 9. The raft that was found by Park Rangers is a 9 foot Outfitter x9 green on gray one person pontoon cat-a-raft. The Spokane Fire Department would like to once again express the importance of water safety when recreating in or around the river at any time especially right now with the summer like temperatures and the frigid water temperatures still in the river. Life jackets or personal floatation devices are a must when in the immediate vicinity of the Spokane River.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown
DAMAGE EXTENT: No damage
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 9

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/30/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Results of the SFD 2009 Meritorious Awards Ceremony Held on May 30, 2009

RETIREES:

Fire Lieutenant David Batty
Fire Lieutenant Richard Carlson
Fire Equipment Operator Gary Holmes
Medic Bing Preston
Information Analyst Roger Sothen
Firefighter Craig Sullivan
Fire Equipment Operator Jack Tritt

PROMOTIONS

Fire Equipment Operator Jesse Ayotte
Accountant II Lori Bryant
Fire Equipment Operator Brian Chavez
Fire Lieutenant Paul Edens
Fire Equipment Operator Charles D. Harbin
Fire Equipment Operator Christopher Long
Fire Lieutenant Emmett McNamee
Fire Lieutenant Jamie Newcomb
Fire Captain Ryan Reding
Fire Equipment Operator Fred Schoenfeld
Fire Lieutenant Tracy Schoenleber
Fire Equipment Operator Tony K. Yuen

Local 29 Meritorious Service Award (1 Award Issued)
Criteria: Local 29 Meritorious Service Award is selected by members of Local 29 in recognition of special dedication in the service of the members of IAFF Local 29.

RECIPIENT: Firefighter John Griffith

Citizen Community Life Saving Award (11 Awards Issued)
Criteria: The Citizen Community Life-Saving Award may be granted to any member of the community who aids in saving the life of another within the City of Spokane.

RECIPIENTS: Ross Boatsman and Greg Mechals - Citizen Community Life-Saving

Mr. Boatsman and Mr. Mechals were at the neighborhood flower shop and noticed smoke from the apartment next door. Both men forced entry into the apartment and were able to use an extinguisher to knock down the fire. After knocking down the fire, they heard what was described as "moaning" and made entry into the apartment. They located Mr. Laverman quickly and were able to successfully remove him from the apartment in smoky conditions.

The men started CPR, which they continued until the Fire Department's arrival.

-----

RECIPIENTS: Frankie Ghee, Dave Paulson & Jessica Gaddy - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On September 19, 2008 at 07:34, SE-15 responded to Shaw Middle School at 4106 N. Cook St. on a reported unconscious male. Upon arrival, they found gentleman in cardiac arrest. Three citizens were taking turns performing CPR. They were co-workers and personal friends of the victim. The resuscitation efforts on scene were intensive including needing to defibrillate the patient 7 times. These three individuals remained on scene throughout the incident and assisted the crew. The patient survived and was taken to Holy Family Hospital where he was stabilized and taken to Deaconess for further cardiac care.

Without these three individuals performing CPR prior to SFD interventions, Captain Clinger felt this man's chances to survive would have been severely diminished.

-----

RECIPIENTS: Citizen Dan Jones and Off-Duty Police Officer Daniel Lesser - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On January 10, 2008, Senior Police Officer Daniel Lesser was off duty, and attending his daughter's soccer practice at the indoor soccer center, located at 5900 N. Market. Suncrest resident Dan Jones, whose daughter was on the same team as SPO Lesser's daughter was also attending the practice. A few minutes after arriving Theresa Duddy came back into the training facility and told SPO Lesser and Dan Jones that she believed her father was having a heart attack. SPO Lesser, along with Dan Jones responded immediately to the parking lot where they found Mr. Duddy sitting in the driver's seat of his car, unresponsive. They moved Mr. Duddy out of the car, resting him on the ground. SPO Lesser checked his vital signs. Finding that he had no pulse and was not breathing, he decided to start CPR.

SPO Lesser quickly directed another onlooker to call 911 and then directed Dan Jones to start rescue breathing on Mr. Duddy. While completing chest compressions, SPO Lesser directed another person to dial Police Radio. Once this was completed, the phone was held to SPO Lesser's ear while he talked to the radio supervisor, explaining the situation and requesting medics expedite their response. SPO Lesser and Dan Jones continued CPR for more than five minutes until the first Fire Department unit arrived.

-----

RECIPIENT: Amanda Fjermestad (9 y/o) - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On the late afternoon of August 16, 2008 Amanda Fjermestad found her 3 y/o sister, facedown in the pool. Amanda jumped in with her clothes, swam to her sister and rescued her. CPR was started prior to the FD's arrival and her sister was successfully revived.

-----

RECIPIENT: Josh Myers - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On January 6, 2009, just before midnight, PL 13 responded to a call for a car fire on North Belt. Upon arrival, they found a car that ran off the road up a snow bank well involved in fire. After extinguishing the fire they learned that Josh Myers found the driver of the vehicle passed out at the wheel with fire in the engine compartment and was unable to open the doors as they were locked. He picked up a snow shovel and broke out a window to get the doors unlocked and pulled the driver to safety. Josh lives just a couple of houses down from the incident with his mother who was also on scene. Upon the FD's arrival, fire had spread into the passenger compartment with dense smoke. Had Josh not acted, the driver would have certainly perished.

-----

RECIPIENTS: Carol Parks and John Page- Citizen Community Life-Saving

On the evening of March 24th, 2008, Mr. Robert Downs was sitting at his desk. He went unconscious, slumped to the floor, and stopped breathing. This bystander reacted immediately. 911 was called, and CPR was initiated. Upon SE3's arrival, CPR was still in progress. They immediately attached their LifePack, showing V-Fib and initiated 1 shock converting the pt back to a sinus rhythm with pulses.

Because of their concern for a fellow citizen and their willingness and ability to perform CPR, there is no doubt that their actions are directly responsible for Mr. Downs being alive today. Their actions reflect greatly upon themselves and their community. (Mr. Downs was present for the award presentation)

-----

Distinguished Conduct Award (2 Awards Issued)
The Distinguished Conduct Award may be awarded to any member of SFD who has acted with professionalism and efficiency when faced with a specific danger or adversity.

RECIPIENTS: Firefighter Andrea Kernkamp and Firefighter/Paramedic DJ Hill.

On October 30th, Firefighters Andrea Kernkamp and DJ Hill responded at the request of BC Hanna to assist at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving a horse trailer near Division and Ermina. Hanna specifically requested Andrea & D. J. due in large part of their horse experience.

On Chief Hanna's arrival of the accident he found multiple people trying to get a horse, which had slipped to the floor of a two-horse trailer, up from the floor. They were getting nowhere as the horse kept slipping back down. The horse appeared to be extremely tired and possibly injured. He requested a veterinarian for any injuries or sedation that might be needed. Kernkamp and Hill immediately went to evaluate the horse's condition. Andrea jumped up into the head house of the horse trailer to comfort the horse. She remained there throughout the incident. Hill and Kernkamp helped direct the cutting of the center divider to provide room and also of the rear center trailer door support. Hill took direct control of the extrication efforts by making sure personnel working around the horse were protected by a backboard and small ladder (so not to be kicked).

After the horse was removed from the trailer, Hill & Kernkamp arranged to pay the veterinarian, arranged and paid for a room for the out-of-towners (with SFD Foundation Fund) and drove Kernkamp's truck and horse trailer with the horse to the Mt. Spokane Large Animal Facility. Hill and Kernkamp's professionalism and compassion during this incident led to a successful conclusion and represented the Spokane Fire Department in the most positive and much appreciated way.

-----

Medal of Valor (1 Award Issued)
The Medal of Valor is awarded to a member of SFD who, in the line of duty distinguishes him in the performance of an act of courage involving risk of imminent serious physical injury, with knowledge of such risk, for the purpose of saving or protecting human life.

In this case, the Medal of Valor was awarded to Firefighter Shawn Poole. On the morning of July 24th 2008 Shawn responded as the acting officer of Engine 4 to a dumpster fire at the Joel Building. A smoldering dumpster was discovered in the alley off of Post Street on the north side of the Joel Building. As they investigated further, it initially appeared as if the fire might have extended into the Joel Building basement through an electrical conduit. The front door of the Joel Building was breached with only a very faint presence of smoke encountered and no heat detected on the ground floor. Shawn and FF Darin Neiwert advanced an uncharged lead through the building to the northeast corner where the stairwell to the basement was located. The stairwell was constructed such that a landing was located on the ground floor with stairs leading up to the next level as well as stairs leading down to the basement with the door to the basement being at the bottom of the stairs rather than the top. After shining their lights down the stairwell, only a very light trace of smoke was present. Poole and Neiwert went on air and were set to advance the lead into the basement and search for any possible fire. FF Neiwert was to pull the lead to the bottom of the stairs and check the door for heat while Poole pulled and positioned the hose along the hallway on the ground floor to ensure easy deployment once in the basement. Poole began pulling hose while FF Neiwert stepped down onto the landing to make his way to the bottom of the stairs when the floor beneath him gave way. He fell through the floor with his air pack and armpits getting caught up on the floor joists. Looking down it was discovered that the basement was completely involved with heavy fire present. Poole heard the floor give way and immediately ran back to the stairwell, stepped down onto the joists and lifted Neiwert out of the hole. Upon exiting the whole, heavy fire came through the breach reaching the ceiling of the ground floor.

FF Poole's actions demonstrate the highest ideals of the fire service in preserving life and also depict the willingness to place the life of a fellow firefighter above one's self.

-----

Purple Heart (1 Award Issued)
The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of SFD who, in the line of duty, sustains a serious injury and requires immediate treatment by a physician or hospital.

While operating same incident as above, which ended up being a third alarm, plus incident, FF Poole was injured seriously when he stepped into a stairwell obscured by smoke and fell. FF Poole suffered serious injuries to his chest and knee which resulted in admission into the hospital.

For his actions at this incident FF Poole meets the requirements for award of a Purple Heart. This was the first Purple Heart awarded in the SFD's 125-Year History. FF Poole was not able to be present as he is currently serving and protecting our country as an Army LTC in Iraq. Poole's wife, Teresa and family accepted on his behalf.

#####

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 0
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/29/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1523 W 10th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigative Unit arrested two persons this afternoon relating to the car and building fire at 1523 W 10th Avenue, Zip Trip Convenience/Gas Station. Both suspects were located by investigators near the area and placed under arrest on the scene.

The two subjects; Joshua S. Garry (23) and James S. Reed (38) were booked into jail today and charged with Arson in the First Degree. Mr. Reed also had an outstanding warrant for an unrelated charge.

The incident involved a vehicle fire at the rear of an occupied Zip Trip this afternoon at 12:07. Initial arriving Firefighters were successful in extinguishing the car fire quickly and prevented significant extension into the building.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Arson
DAMAGE EXTENT: The car was completely destroyed and the building sustained minor exterior damage. Smoke damage did occur in the interior and the County Health Department was notified due to the presence and possible contamination of food items for sale/distribution.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

May 29, 2009

Brian Schaeffer

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department welcomed Fire Chiefs from throughout Washington to Spokane on Thursday for the 77th Annual Washington State Fire Chief's Conference. Spokane Council President and Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams both spoke at the opening ceremonies on Thursday and thanked the members of the association for choosing Spokane and praised them their community service and dedication. Members from SFD's Honor Guard presented the colors for the service while Rosalia's very own 9 year old Jaycee Johnson sang the National Anthem, 'a cappella' and received a raving applause from the group.

The conference is being held at the Doubletree Hotel and Spokane's Convention Center and concludes Saturday May 30.

**(The engine pictured is a 1959 Pirsch from old Station # 11 which was located at South 2711 Grand Blvd)

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West Clark Avenue and N North Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On May 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM, seven companies of Spokane Firefighters; 2 Water Rescue Companies, 2 Heavy Rescues, 1 Senior Ladder, and 2 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Moline responded to the area of West Clark Avenue and N North Street for a reported victim in the river. On arrival, a group of people reported to authorities that an approximately 23-year old woman had been witnessed being in the water and carried away by the river's current an estimated 45-minutes prior to the FD being notified.

A unified command post was established with SPD and concurrence was achieved with the incident's strategic goals. The Fire Department's Water Rescue teams did not deploy into the water due to the River's conditions, however both Fire and Police personnel performed a rapid, thorough search from the ground and bridges for nearly an hour. Aircraft to assist in the search were ordered from Spokane Sheriff's Office and MedStar, unfortunately both were unavailable.

After an extremely difficult discussion, the Incident Command Team collectively decided that in light of the significant amount of time that had passed since the victim was last seen and compounding factors including; extreme darkness, frigid water temperatures and extreme flow rates (20,000+ CFS), and difficult terrain that the Fire Department's rescue efforts would cease and recovery efforts be deferred until daylight.

After an anticipated briefing with Spokane Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Police Department in the morning, the Fire Department will be transferring the information from the incident to Law Enforcement with an expectation that they may reconvene recovery efforts in the morning with their recovery and investigative teams.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 809 N. Canon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 4:31pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at
809 N. Cannon St. The first arriving company, E3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched.
The initial report from Lt. Greenamyer was that he had a one story wood frame home with fire on the exterior that had extended up the siding into the attic. Engine 3's crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to start extinguishment of the fire while verifying that all occupants were out of the structure. The additional arriving crews provided roof ventilation, covered interior furnishings with water proof tarps, and searched for a missing family cat. The main body of fire was knocked down within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for approximately 1 ½ hours.
There were no injuries at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the exterior siding on the north side of the house, the attic area where the fire went up the siding and into the attic via the roof soffit, two bedrooms where fire fighters had to open walls and pull ceilings to get at the fire, and of course a major section of the building's roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 S Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The cause of SFD's third alarm fire at 5111 South Regal on 5/13/2009 has been determined to be accidental in nature; and caused by a discarded cigarette on the deck of Apartment # 9. The damage has been estimated at over a million dollars.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Celebrate EMS Week May 17-23, 2009

From Dr. Jim Nania, Medical Program Director for Spokane County:


EMS, A Proud Partner in Your Community.

Dear EMS Provider,

I wanted to say thanks to all of you during EMS Week. For Spokane, this is a somewhat auspicious week. Monday, May 18th, was the anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. Some of you who have been involved in EMS as long as I have will remember the day when the afternoon skies got dark as night. The ash fall Spokane experienced caused a marked increase in respiratory complaints and also resulted in an increase in motor crashes due to decreased visibility. Although it was a fascinating experience, the dusty conditions 'got old' very fast. As an ambitious young emergency physician, I wrote my first published EMS paper on the emergency medical effects of the volcanic ash fall. I am glad it has only happened once in our region.
Whether it has been Mt. St. Helens, Fire Storm, Ice Storm, or the tragic Fairchild shootings, our EMS system has rallied to the challenge and responded to the increased demands for emergency care. Each and every time these natural and manmade disasters have required our EMS personnel put in many extra hours and make even greater personal sacrifices to protect the public health and safety. I am very proud of the manner which you have all responded to these major community challenges. Perhaps, even more important, as someone who provides emergency medical care with a lot of help in the ER, I really recognize the daily challenges you face 'on the streets' and I am amazed at your ability to assess and treat each patient in a highly skilled and compassionate manner.

This week is for you!

James M. Nania, MD, FACEP
Medical Program Director
Spokane County EMS & Trauma Care Council

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 211 W. Franklin Court
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At 1250 hours on May 5, 2009 members of the Spokane Fire Department's SIU arrested a 16-year male for Arson in the 1st Degree. This incident involved the defendant pouring an ignitable liquid on the front porch and front door of an occupied residential dwelling at 211 W. Franklin Court and then lighting the ignitable liquid on fire. This was a random act of violence with no specifically targeted person. The ignitable liquid is presumed to be gasoline, but will be forensically tested. Additional arrests are probable.

There were no injuries to the occupants or fire fighters. The defendant is currently incarcerated in the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Spring 2009 "Where’s the Fire” Race

An Email to All SFD from Deputy Chief Leavenworth; 

I hope you will join me in congratulating four members of our department who recently competed in the “Our Spring 2009 Where’s the Fire” race sponsored by the Calgary Fire Department as a fund raiser for the Make a Wish Foundation. This race is a 12 hour endurance race with 20 4 member teams this year. The course consists of an Orienteering challenge, a running section, a ropes section, a mountain bike section, and a river raft section. 

Jason Keen, Jeff Webb, Doug Kelly, and Jeff Baxter completed this grueling endurance race in 15 hours and were one of only four teams out of the starting twenty who finished. They were the only team from the USA to compete this year.  Much of the course was covered in rain and snow and mud up to the competitor’s shins. If you want to here a good story just get them to talk about the challenges they faced on this course.     CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!

                                                                                

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 South Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday May 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Pumper-Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Cornelius responded to a reported apartment fire at 5111 South Regal on the City's South Hill. A citizen reported what appeared to be a deck on fire on the second floor of a two-story apartment building with ten units. While the first-alarm assignment was enroute, the first due Engine reported a heavy column of smoke showing and requested a second alarm.

The closest fire company arrived on the scene within seven-minutes and immediately established a water supply and stretched hose lines to attack the rapidly progressing fire which had already extended into adjoining units and the attic. Ladder 4 arrived five minutes after the first companies and quickly laddered the apartment building's roof and placed a ventilation trench cut at the building's fire wall to prevent additional extension into multiple other adjacent units. Additional companies from the second alarm (3-Engines, Heavy Rescue, CARES Team and multiple Chief Officers) were utilized to; simultaneously attack the fire from multiple areas, search for victims, ventilate and protect means of egress. The SFD's CARES Team was specifically utilized to manage the reunification of arriving children that had their homes affected by the fire from school busses with their families. The members also coordinated with the Red Cross in arranging temporary accommodations as well as assisting the citizens with coping with the trauma of losing their homes.

Due to the complexity of the fire and its continued escalation, a third alarm was requested at 1301 which brought three additional companies from the City's farthest north Stations. At several points throughout the near three-hour incident, all of SFD's Fire Companies were committed to either the third alarm fire or many other simultaneous incidents. Off-duty Spokane Firefighters as well as mutual aid companies from Fire District 9, Spokane Valley Fire Department and Fire District 8 were utilized for City coverage.

The fire was declared under control in approximately 90 minutes with all of the assigned resourced working extremely hard. They were successful in confining the fire to approximately five units and limiting damage to one side of the building.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters and companies are still on the scene at the time of this release. There were a total of 17 adults and 12 children living in 9 of the 10 apartment units.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The determination of the fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the building, however it is significant in at least 4 units. There appears to be moderate structural damage and smoke damage throughout.

DOLLAR LOSS: To be determined
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 68
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 8, Fire District 9

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Shawn Poole Honored as Firefighter of the year

May 7, 2009

 

Today, the Exchange Club of Downtown Spokane presented their "Firefighter of the Year” award

to Shawn Poole for Outstanding Service to the Citizens of our Community. The Exchange members are a bunch of warm-hearted individuals that love doing good for their community.  It is the "Blue and Gold" Award.  They had their blue and gold flag with a big E (for Exchange on it) on display.  This is a part of the club's history in recognizing an outstanding fire/police officer in the community.  They have invited Shawn to lunch when he returns.

 

Chief Bobby Williams was great and very well spoken and sat with Scott, Lisa, Stacia, Cheryl,

Jordyn and Teresa for lunch.  Also representing the fire department were Dave Leavenworth, Rich Kness (who was with Shawn in the hospital) and Bob Hanna.

 

Chief Williams started off describing what happened that day and then Teresa accepted on Shawn’s behalf with a few words and thanks from the family!

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2220 south Grand Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99206

NARRATIVE: On Thursday May 7th at 2:32 in the afternoon the City of Spokane Fire Department responded seven fire apparatus and two command vehicles to 2220 South Grand Blv. for a structure fire. Engine Company 9 the first fire apparatus on scene reported heavy smoke showing from a 2 story wood frame house. Crews advanced attack leads into the main floor and to the upstairs. A search was conducted as crew attacked the fire. Ladder companies laddered the roof and ventilated the hot smoke and gases from the structure. This coordinated effort resulted in a quick knock down and extinguishment of the fire. The structure had severe damage to the first floor living room and a small amount of fire extension to the up stairs. There was smoke damage throughout. This fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries to report. The family cat was lost in the fire. This fire is under investigation to determine the cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire in the main floor living room, upstairs bedroom, and smoke throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 110,000,00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Follow up on recent Fire Incidents and Investigations;

April 23, 2009; 2727 E. 53rd: Currently listed as Undetermined; probable electric water heater tank malfunction, however additional work is still being done on this case.

April 24, 2009; 2519 W. Boone: Listed as Accidental (overturned candle). The SIU has not located tenants who fled the scene and this case is still open.

April 28, 2009; 2932 N. Stone: (Case open, Undetermined); The fire's origin was in the sofa and likely related to smoking materials

May 2, 2009; 726 E. 43rd (Case open, Undetermined); The fire's origin appears near a computer printer, however additional forensic work needs to be completed to determine if the device was responsible.

May 3, 2009; 4911 N. Florida: (Case Open, Under Investigation); The mobile home was abandoned and being used by homeless/transients

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 0
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Bloomsday Update:

A more detailed report will be available regarding the SFD's response to the Bloomsday event this morning/afternoon. However, the preliminary reports filed thus far indicate the SFD field crews responded to 13 medical events on the course from PedMed Teams. The incidents resulted in multiple transports to the hospital (most other minor injuries were handled by first aid tents). Injuries and illnesses found by SFD Paramedics ranged from minor medical problems to an adult cardiac arrest.

The cardiac arrest occurred at Broadway/Monroe and SFD Paramedics were on scene nearly immediately. When responders arrived the patient was clinically deceased and the SFD Paramedics successfully revived the patient which was ultimately transported by AMR to the hospital.

If you need additional information, feel free to send me an email up to 2100 this evening.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE