Man trapped inside burning house uses online game to get help

A man trapped inside his burning home used a Facebook online game to get help. SFD received an unusual call for help Tuesday (1/18/2011) morning from multiple sources--all out of state. The resident living at the house is disabled and did not have a phone. When a fire started in his kitchen, he posted his call for help on Facebook and friends from all over the United States contacted Spokane 911. E15A Firefighter/Paramedics arrived within 4-minutes and extinguished the fire and provided Paramedic-level treatment to the resident. The victim suffered from minor smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital by AMR. This morning he is doing fine thanks to resilience, technology and quick thinking. http://www.krem.com/home/Man-trapped-inside-burning-house-uses-Facebook-to-get-help-114173854.html

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/15/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1703 E. 40th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 2:23 A.M., Saturday, January 15th, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house on fire at 1703 E. 40th Avenue. Four engines, one senior ladder, one pumper-ladder, one heavy rescue, and two battalion chiefs responded to this fire. The first engine arrived on-scene within five minutes and reported a single family, wood-framed house with heavy smoke from the open front door. The lone occupant of the house met the crew in the front yard and reported there was no one else inside. The occupant, a forty-five year old male, suffered second and third degree burns to both hands and one arm. While crews advanced fire attack hoses into the house and conducted other critical fire suppression operations, Spokane Fire Department paramedics treated the victim for burns and minor smoke inhalation. He was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. The victim's condition is not known at the time of this report. The fire was located in a rear bedroom and extinguished just as it began to flashover. Extensive overhaul operations kept crews on-scene for nearly three hours. There were no injuries to any of the responding firefighters. One cat died in the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the house was confined to the bedroom and its contents, along with heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the remainder of the house.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/15/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1107 W Fredrick Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Jan 15, at 12:39 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 1 senior ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1107 W Fredrick. The calling party had reported he had a kitchen fire and the house was rapidly filling with smoke. PL13, which is located in the North Hill neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke coming from the single family residence. PL13 quickly advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the kitchen fire. Other companies arrived, and after confirming all occupants were out of the structure, began efforts to remove the smoke and check to see if the fire had extended into the attic. Their coordinated efforts kept the fire confined to the kitchen which sustained heavy damage with smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence. The tenent will be staying with relatives.There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended cooking on the stove
DAMAGE EXTENT: The kitchen sustained heavy damage with smoke damage throughout the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/10/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 606 S. Scott
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday January 9th, 2011 at 22:46 hours the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 606 S. Scott St. The first crews on the scene were from fire station 7 located at 1st and Magnolia. E7 reported a 1 ½ story wood frame residential with noting showing. Crews found a smoldering fire in one of the interior walls. The fire was quickly extinguished and confined to the wall of origin. The fire appears to have been caused by an overloaded electrical wire. There were no reported injuries at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical
DAMAGE EXTENT: One interior wall and electrical service.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1800
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/6/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Per media request, here is a list of December's significant fire investigations with the disposition in December 2010. If you need additional, please call me.

12/01/2010 - 1010 E. Sanson Avenue- Residential Dryer Fire - UNDETERMINED
12/02/2010 - 2015 W. Mansfield Avenue - Residential fire - ACCIDENTAL
12/05/2010 - 1104 S. Ray St. - House Fire/Electrical - ACCIDENTAL
12/05/2010 - 1906 W. Pacific Ave. Apt.15 - Combustibles too close to heat source - ACCIDENTAL
12/10/2010 - 3919 S Tekoa - Combustibles too close to heat Source -ACCIDENTAL
12/04/2010 - 2807 E Boone - Vehicle Fire, Arson 2nd Degree -INCENDIARY
12/10/2010 - 6215 N Elgin - Building Fire, Arson 1st Degree (Arrest) - INCENDIARY
12/15/2010 - 840 W Cora -Apartment Fire, Arson 1st Degree - INCENDIARY
12/15/2010 - 4 W 21st -Building Fire, Arson 2nd Degree - INCENDIARY
12/17/2010 - 211 S Division Rm 201 - Hotel Unit Fire -ACCIDENTAL
12/18/2010 - 1806 W Gardner - RV Fire (Fatality) - ACCIDENTAL
12/20/2010 - 707 W 5th Ave - Apartment Fire -INCENDIARY
12/22/2010 - 123 N Bernard Street- Apartment Fire (Fatality) -ACCIDENTAL (Smoking materials)
12/26/2010 - 5711 N. Elgin Street - Arson - INCENDIARY

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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/4/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2428 North Hogan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday January 4, 2011 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 8:49 PM to 2428 N. Hogan on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke coming from the eaves and fire showing from a window on the 2nd floor of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the upstairs bedroom. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters. One civilian was transported to a local hospital with smoke inhalation and minor burns to her hand.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary investigation indicates the fire may have been started by a 5 year old boy playing with an unattended candle. Further investigation is needed.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of having properly working smoke detectors through-out your house. Early fire detection is one of the key factors for life safety.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire and smoke damage was confined to the upstairs bedroom and living area
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
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: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/31/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2933 E. Central
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This morning, December 31, 2010, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:30 AM to 2933 E. Central on a reported structure fire with fire showing in the basement. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the front door of a one story, wood framed duplex. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire in the basement of the involved duplex using the interior stairs and a Compressed Air Foam (CAFS) extinguishing agent. E-15's crew reported an immediate knock down of the fire with very minor water usage or water damage. Additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof operations and salvage and overhaul. The main bedroom in the basement sustained significant fire damage with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure. Seven fire companies with 22 Firefighters and 2 Chief Officers responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to any firefighters. One civilian residing in the duplex received a small laceration to the hand and was transported to a local hospital by a neighbor for treatment. The fire displaced 4 adults and one child from the duplex and it is anticipated that the uninvolved unit should be available for occupancy later today.

We would like to emphasize to all citizens the importance of maintaining properly working smoke detectors within your home. The early detection of the fire by the smoke detectors saves lives.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the basement with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
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

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Don't burn your wrapping paper in the fireplace!

SFD reminds you that it's not proper-and highly unsafe-to burn holiday gift wrap and other waste items in a residential fireplace. Most fireplaces are designed to use natural gas or dry firewood to support a small decorative fire that enhances ambience. Attempts to burn improper items such as paper or even parts of a Christmas Tree can create an excessively large and hot fire that damages the fireplace and chimney. Each year, people lose their homes to such fires. Of particular concern to firefighters this week is the extremely unsafe practice of burning gift wrap and packaging material in a fireplace. Burning improper items creates heat & embers that bypass spark arresters and cause roof and attic fires. Attempting to burn improper items in a fireplace can also cause noxious fumes that make people ill and harm the environment. To learn more about keeping your family safe, visit and bookmark the SFD's blog, website, Facebook and Twitter sites.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 123 N. Bernard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 123 N. Bernard , the Sherwood Apartments, at 16:53 hrs on Wednesday, Dec. 22nd, for a possible apartment fire. The first arriving fire companies from Station #1, located just a few blocks away, quickly reached the scene and reported thick, black smoke coming from an open window on the third floor of a four story brick apartment building. As those first companies were arriving on scene they were getting reports that there were many tenants down and/or trapped inside the building and some tenants were seen by the fire fighters at the upper floor windows yelling for help. More fire apparatus began arriving on scene. Some of those crews were ordered to advance fire attack hose leads inside the building while other crews were given orders to "mask up" and get inside in order to find and rescue the terrified tenants. Multiple, unselfish acts of courage were performed by the fire fighters to find and remove many of the tenants; some were found lying on the floors near the elevators and were escorted down the stairs to the outside, some were taken down by ground ladders, and still others were removed from the upper floor windows by fire apparatus aerial platforms. Some of the residents required transportation to area hospitals for smoke inhalation, cuts, and other types of injuries. Unfortunately one tenant who lived on the third floor was found deceased in his apartment where the fire is believed to have gotten its start. The fire scene was hectic as crews fought their way through the toxic gases contained in the acrid smoke and were finally able to get water on the ever growing fire, containing the fire to the apartment of origin. Initial fire resources on scene were quickly given assignments and as those companies went to work it became obvious that additional resources were going to be needed in order to cover all of the other tasks that required attention. To get additional resources to the scene a second alarm was requested and shortly after that a request for a third alarm was given. A bus was provided by the Spokane Transit Authority for the displaced tenants, giving them a place to stay where they could be out of the inclement weather and volunteers from the Red Cross began arriving to assist those tenants with temporary lodging. Nearly all of the City's fire fighting resources were at this fire, only three stations were left to cover the rest of the City, almost fifty fire fighters responded to the fire and they fought hard to limit the amount of fire damage to the apartment of origin. The exact number and types of injuries sustained by the residents of the apartment building were not known at the time of this release. There were no reports of any injuries to the fire fighters on scene. The cause of this fatal fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was limited to the apartment of origin, heat damage was limited to the 3rd floor of the building, smoke damage occurred throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 50
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: Bobby Williams, Fire Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1806 W. Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: This is follow-up information to the fire fatality that occurred on Saturday, December 18th at 11:48 pm at 1806 W. Gardner.

The victim has been identified as Major Allen (no middle initial), a 64 year old male. The cause of death has yet to be determined by the Medical Examiner.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be cooking related.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking related.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Motor home was a total loss.
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/19/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1806 W. Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, December 18th, 2010 at 11:48 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded two senior ladders, two engine companies, one pumper ladder, and one heavy rescue unit along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported motor home fire at 1806 W. Gardner. The first arriving engine company reported a heavy black column of smoke in route and upon arrival reported a motor home fully involved with fire along with an energized power line down. The next arriving ladder company reported a single family dwelling and a 3 story apartment building that were very close to the fire and needed protection from the flames. Crews were assigned to attack the fire and to protect the exposed buildings, along with searching for possible victims. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. Unfortunately there was a deceased victim found in the motor home by the search crew. The victim was unable to escape the fast hot moving fire. The motor home is a complete loss and there was also some damage to the windows and siding on the two exposed structures. Quick application of water to the exterior of the exposed home and apartment building prevented further loss of property. Fire Department crews will remain on the scene until the Special Investigation Unit complete their investigation

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire and the fatality are still under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the motor home was a complete loss. The exposed home sustained slight radiant heat damage to the windows and siding along with requiring Avista to disconnect the power to the building. Residents of the home are displaced until the power can be turned back on. The three story apartment building recieved a few broken windows and burnt siding from the radiant heat but no residents were displaced.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
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

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Spokane Offers FREE curbside pickup of your old Christmas Tree (AKA Fire Hazard)

The holidays aren’t quite here yet, but it won’t be long until that fine-smelling fir in the living room is a dried-up fire hazard. So, the City wants to remind you of your options to get rid of your tree once the season is over.

First, the City’s Solid Waste Management Department offers free curbside pickup for its customers. Once the decorations are removed, residents can place their trees alongside their garbage carts on their regularly scheduled garbage pickup days. The City will accept trees up to 6 feet in height; if they’re taller than that, cut them in half. Trees collected at curbside will be chipped up and composted. For information, call Solid Waste Management at 625-7878.

Second, City and County residents also can take their undecorated, unflocked trees for disposal to the:

· Waste-to-Energy Facility, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd.

· Spokane Valley Transfer Station, 3941 N. Sullivan Road.

· North Side Transfer Station, 22123 Elk-Chattaroy Road.

Again, trees taller than 6 feet should be cut in half. Trees taken to these facilities are subject to a $5 minimum charge for clean green disposal; they will be composted. For more information, call the Recycling Hotline at 625-6800.

Residents also should watch for opportunities to dispose of trees and help a good cause. Scouts, school groups, and other charitable organizations will dispose of trees for a donation.

Remember, garbage pickup and curbside recycling are on a normal schedule this year with City Solid Waste crews working on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3919 S. Tekoa St.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 0330 this morning, Friday, December 10, 2010, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 3919 S. Tekoa St. The first crew on-scene reported a heavy volume of fire visible at the rear of the single story house. Fire was also beginning to extend to the semi-detached garage. The first fire crew extended hoses to the rear of the structure and began knocking down the exterior fire. Unfortunately, fire had already extended into the attic and was burning through the roof. As other crews arrived on-scene they began the process of searching for victims, interior fire attack, roof ventilation, and opening ceilings to access the fire. The adult female occupant and her young daughter had escaped the house prior to arrival of the fire crews. As firefighting operations were in full swing, power lines to the house dropped and electrically energized the metal rain gutters, causing one firefighter to receive a shock. He reported no lasting ill effects and continued working at the scene. Due to the energized rain gutters, efforts to extinguish the fire from the roof were delayed until Avista arrived to disconnect power servicing the house. Once crews were able to return to the roof, a coordinated extinguishment effort from the roof and from the interior resulted in a successful knockdown of the attic fire. Crews remained on-scene for nearly four hours completing the extensive overhaul, which included cutting away and removal of nearly half of the roof structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the structure was extensive, including removal of a large portion of the roof. There was no interior fire damage, but there was extensive water, smoke, and overhaul damage. The occupants will be unable to live at the house until extensive repairs are made.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
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

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1906 West Pacific Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday December 5, 2010 at 6:13PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth responded to a reported apartment fire at 1906 West Pacific Avenue.

The first company arrived within 3 minutes and reported a two-story apartment with smoke and fire showing from the front of the building. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the affected unit and immediately searched for victims while other companies confined the fire to the unit of origin. It took 24 Firefighters working in frozen conditions just 15 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one unit and prevent it from spreading into the adjoining unit and roof and ceiling areas.

No civilians were injured in the incident; however one firefighter was treated by on-scene Firefighter/Paramedics for a medical emergency and transported to a local hospital definitive treatment.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident remains under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Firefighters have remained on scene protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. One unit was damaged due to the fire and another which is located directly below received damage from water.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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