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9/11 Stairclimb

Incident #: 
Date of Incident:  9/8/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Over 260 firefighters from around the Pacific Northwest will participate in the Spokane 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb, a commemorative climb that will remember and honor the 343 members of the Fire Department of New York who died on September 11, 2001. Participants will climb the Bank of America Financial Center multiple times for a total of 110 stories, which represents the number of floors in the Twin Towers. Each participating firefighter will climb carrying a photo and biographical sketch of one of September 11th's fallen heroes. The day's schedule is as follows: 9:00-9:10AM - Honor Guard, Spokane County Pipes and Drums, National Anthem, Chaplain's blessing followed by a moment of silence and reflection 9:15-9:30AM - First ten teams assemble in staging 9:30AM - First teams begin their climb led by Spokane County Pipes and Drums. Subsequent teams will follow approximately 1-3 minutes apart. The Spokane 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb will be hosted by local firefighters and the event is specifically for firefighters. The stairclimb is one of approximately 50 memorial stairclimb events that will be held across the country this year to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the September 11th attacks that claimed the lives of 343 firefighters. Event sponsors include the Spokane Firefighters Credit Union, IAFF Local 29, and Unico Properties. Registration fees will be donated to the NFFF to assist the surviving families and coworkers of those firefighters killed or who will die as a result of injuries or medical conditions suffered on September 11, 2001. *Media, you are encouraged to attend and special accommodations will be made for you through AC Schaeffer.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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South Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2011035451
Date of Incident:  9/2/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Dan Brown

Narrative:
On September 2nd at 16:14 hrs the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 4008 South Lee on a report of smoke coming from the structure, E11 arrived on scene in 3 minutes from station 11 on South Perry, and reported smoke showing from the front of the home. E11 established command and assigned the next arriving company to lay a water supply. E11 advanced an attack lead to the front door and made entry the fire was just inside the door and was quickly extinguished. In coming crews were assigned to search the home and provide ventilation to remove the smoke. The fire did not extend beyond a large fish tank and the support base holding the tank. The fish tank did brake due to heat. The fire did cause extensive smoke damage throughout the home and some water damage from the broken tank. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Eighteen firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus along with 2 command officers.

Cause:
Under investigation

Damage:
Smoke throughout home. Water damage from broken water tank

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $10,000.00

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National Preparedness Month

Incident #: 
Date of Incident:  9/1/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
As you know, this September will mark the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 and the Spokane Fire Department asks you to take time to remember those lost as well as time to make sure you are prepared for future emergencies. September is NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH, which was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the United States. It is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for an unexpected emergency. You should plan for the contingency of three days without electricity, water service, access to a store, or local services for several days. Spokane Fire Department along with www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov suggest you follow these three simple steps: 1. Get a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care - water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio. 2. Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Work together with neighbors, friends and others to build community resilience. 3. Be Informed: Free information is available to assist you from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources. You can find preparedness information by: -Accessing Ready.gov to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency. -Contacting the Spokane City/County Emergency Management Department to get essential information on specific hazards to your area, local plans for shelter and evacuation, ways to get information before and during an emergency, and sign up for ALERT Spokane by visiting http://www.spokaneprepares.org -Contact your local Fire Station and ask for a tour and information about preparedness. The Spokane Fire Stations are your neighborhood resources for crisis preparedness and response. Some have asked, "Why do I need to prepare?" In a major emergency, Fire Department personnel may not always be able to reach you quickly. We may become overwhelmed by demand from multiple emergencies, or trees and power lines are down blocking access. The most important step you can take in helping us, is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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Shadle Park Area House Fire Destroys A Bedroom

Incident #:  2011035109
Date of Incident:  8/31/2011
Issuing Officer:  Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 12:26 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded fire crews to a reported house fire at 4504 N. Ash. Engine 13, from their neighborhood station at Wellesley and Jefferson was the first truck to arrive and found a well involved dwelling with smoke throughout the structure. An aggressive "offensive" attack was used along with vertical ventilation on the roof. Crews assigned to the interior also conducted very rapid primary and secondary searches to make sure no one was left inside. It was quickly confirmed that all made it outside the house safely. A knockdown of the fire was achieved after 10 minutes from the arrival of the first truck. The Red Cross was called to provide support for a family of 3. The fire completely destroyed one of the bedrooms and significant heat and smoke damage was present throughout the rest of the main floor. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD S.I.U.

Cause:
Under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
One bedroom destroyed by the fire. Heavy smoke and heat damage throughout main floor. Damage to roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $30,000

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South Hill Garage Fire

Incident #:  2011034892
Date of Incident:  8/30/2011
Issuing Officer:  C Cornelius / Batt. Chief

Narrative:
On Monday, August 29 at 09:10 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1210 E. 15th. Engine 14 under the direction of Lt. Stockdill arrived within 5 minutes of being dispatched. He reported a two car garage with heavy fire showing from the front of the structure. There was one vehicle inside the garage. 14's crew advanced a pre-connected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the fire. Additional lines were deployed by other crews to protect the adjacent home and extinguish the fire. The fire was knocked down within 5 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for a couple of hours making sure the fire was out. There were no injuries at this fire. The garage and vehicle sustained heavy damage from the fire. The fire cause is still under investigation at this time, but early indicators are moving the investigation towards a cause that is probably electrical in nature.

Cause:
Still under investigation

Damage:
Garage and vehicle.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $45,000

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North Battalion Arson Fire

Incident #:  2011034614
Date of Incident:  8/28/2011
Issuing Officer:  Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Sunday, August 28, at 03:49 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported garage fire at 2928 E Diamond . SE15, which is located in the Hillyard Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported a double car garage which was fully involved with fire. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the fire, which was threatening a nearby garage. As additional companies arrived they advanced two additional hose lines to assist with fire attack and structure protection and connected a water supply hose to a nearby hydrant. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it took crews another 2 hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. A passerby was treated on-scene by fire department medics for smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU has determined this was fire was deliberately set and is continuing to investigate.

Damage:
The involved double car garage is a total loss with exterior heat damage to a nearby garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $15000

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North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #:  2011034437
Date of Incident:  8/27/2011
Issuing Officer:  Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Saturday, August 27, at 12:44 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported garage fire at 5612 N Madison. SE13, which is located in the North Hill Neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported a single car garage which was fully involved with fire. SE13 advanced a preconnected hose line off their apparatus and attacked the fire, which was threatening 2 nearby structures. As additional companies arrived on-scene they advanced a second hose to assist with fire attack and structure protection and connected a water supply hose to a nearby hydrant. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it took crews another 2 hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. One occupant of this address was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was not transported. There were no other injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.

Damage:
The garage is a total loss and there is heat damage to the vinyl siding on the rear of the house located at 5612 N Madison.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $20000

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Fatality Fire Update

Incident #:  Update
Date of Incident:  8/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The SIU has released the cause of the 1914 West 1st Avenue Second Alarm Fire. The incident was determined to be Accidental (Human Caused Carelessness). The fire originated in Unit 4, in or near a fabric covered recliner chair located approximately in the middle of the room.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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North Battalion and Fire District 9 Joint Brush Re

Incident #:  2011034082
Date of Incident:  8/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 8:39 PM, 2 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, two Type 6 brush engines under the direction of Battalion Chief Fielder responded to a reported brush fire near the North City limits on Indian Trail Road. Initial arriving Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station (Station 17) reported seeing flames and hearing multiple explosions emanating from a remote forested hilltop east of Indian Trail Road. Firefighters made entry to the area through gates and narrow trail to find two vehicles on the hilltop which were fully involved in fire and had spread to less than an acre of timber and timber litter/understory. While the incident was completely located within Fire District 9's jurisdiction, SFD personnel and equipment remained to assist with the management and control of the fire. To control the fire, an additional three Type 6 Brush Engines, one Type 3 Brush Engine and two Tenders were added to the incident from Fire District 9. Also, a DNR Type 6 Brush Engine and Type 3 Brush Engine arrived to assist with the long-term mop-up and monitoring of the fire. The vehicles and wildland fire aspects of the incident were mitigated through the coordinated efforts of all agencies. Deputies from the Spokane County Sherriff's Office with Fire District 9 Investigators are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and factors surrounding the vehicles. In consideration of the explosions, heavy timber fire, heavy traffic, difficult terrain and blackness from night there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Cause:
The fire was intentionally set.

Damage:
Two vehicles were completely destroyed.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $30000.0000

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South Battalion Detached Garage Fire

Incident #:  2011034118
Date of Incident:  8/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday August 25th, 2011, at 03:20 AM, 4 engine companies, 1 dedicated ladder and 1 heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Brown responded to a reported Garage Fire at 807 E. 39th. The first arriving engine company reported a fully involved detached garage with fire impinging on a fence, a nearby vehicle and a power pole with power lines on the ground. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and protected exposures. Avista was called to the scene to disconnect the downed power lines. Crews remained on scene for over 2 hours overhauling the garage which was a complete loss. There were no injuries to Civilians or Fire Fighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the S.F.D. Special Investigation unit.

Damage:
The Detached Garage and its contents are a complete loss. There is also fire exposure damage to a fence, a vehicle and a power pole.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $40,000

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North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #:  2011034015
Date of Incident:  8/24/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 24, 2011 2:35PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Fielder, responded to a residence fire at 1229 West Dalke. A Battalion Chief returning from the previous incident arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the rear and eves of the single-story, single family residence. Finding a working fire in the rear of the house, companies made entry through the front and protected the home from receiving additional smoke and heat damage by pushing the fire out the back. Companies were able to extinguish the fire quickly and successfully limited property loss primarily to the rear of the home. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:
Damage is primarily limited to the rear of the home and fairly extensive. The two occupants are being assisted by family members.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $15000

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South Battalion Brush Fire

Incident #:  2011033919
Date of Incident:  8/24/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday August 23, 2011 at 8:49PM 3 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, two Type 1 Structural Engines and one Type 6 Brush under the direction of Battalion Chief Moline responded to the area of Government Way and Clarke for a reported brush fire. Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and just under an acre of medium to heavy brush burning on a rocky extreme slope. Although the fire was slow moving, firefighters assessed the needs for additional assistance due to the bulk of the flames being located in steep terrain. As more companies were called, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance by trailing and wet line. The fire was patrolled by SFD companies throughout the night and this morning to assure its extinguishment.

Cause:
The fire was a result of a long domestic ordeal which involved a knife wielding man, alleged assault and arson. The man, 47 year old Kenneth Johnson, has been arrested and has charged with Second Degree Arson.

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Responding: 12

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North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2011034008
Date of Incident:  8/24/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 24, 2011 12:07PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 5 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Fielder, responded to an Apartment Fire at 2807 East Boone Avenue. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a third floor unit of a three-story apartment building. The building contained 15 apartment units total, of which 13 were occupied. The first arriving Chief requested an upgrade to a working fire which added another senior Ladder, additional engine and staff from the Training Division. Later, an additional AMR ambulance and command staff were added to the incident to assist with planning and the on-site rehab of firefighters due to the extreme heat. Finding fire in one inhabited unit and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property within the structure and made judicious use of firefighting hose streams. Both Senior Ladders immediately laddered the roof and ventilated above the apartment involved in fire. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2 hours. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The loss from the fire was limited to a total of two apartment units. American Red Cross is assisting the residents with interim placement assistance.

Damage:
The cause of the fire is under investigation.

# Firefighters Responding: 34

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Family of 6 barely makes their way out of house fire

Incident #:  2011033945
Date of Incident:  8/24/2011
Issuing Officer:  Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Wednesday August 24th, 2011 at 1:29 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department sent 4 engine companies, a ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a house on fire at 2430 E. Marshall. Engine 7 from their neighborhood station at 1st and Magnolia and Engine 8 from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca arrived together on scene and found a single family dwelling that was filling with smoke rapidly towards the back of the house. They were quickly joined by Ladder 2, Engine 2, Engine 15 and Rescue 1 and discovered a fast spreading kitchen fire that had consumed most of the kitchen and was traveling towards the sleeping areas of the house. The 6 occupants safely made their exit from the home. All occupants had been sleeping at the time of the fire and the mother reportedly woke up in time to safely escort herself and 3 of her children out of the house. The father also woke up shortly after this and rapidly grabbed his 3 year old son from an adjoining room but soon found his exit through the main door was cut off due to the heat and rapidly building smoke. He instead opened a window on the west side of the house and climbed out the window with his son in his arms and made it out to safety. Despite the family's rapid exit through smoke and heat, there were no injuries. The fire was knocked down after approximately 10 minutes but the overhaul phase of the operation took 2 hours. A fire watch company stayed at the home until daylight watching for flare ups and hot spots. A total of 18 firefighters responded on this fire. The Fire Department would like to remind the public to maintain working smoke detectors inside your homes. There were two smoke detectors found inside this dwelling however, the batteries inside the detectors, were not plugged in all the way allowing the detectors to operate normally. Had these detectors operated like they should have, the family would have been alerted much earlier to the rapidly growing fire. The fire began as a result of cooking in a frying pan and then both the mother and father accidentally falling asleep while the stove was still on. This family is extremely fortunate to have survived such a rapidly spreading fire in the middle of the night while sleeping. Just a few moments longer, and the outcome of this fire could have been very different. Please check your smoke detectors, and keep them working to help save lives.

Cause:
While frying food in a frying pan, both adults fell asleep.

Damage:
Smoke damage throughout the dwelling. Heavy fire damage to the kitchen and adjoining living areas.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $40,000

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North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2011033883
Date of Incident:  8/23/2011
Issuing Officer:  Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 518 E. LaCrosse at 16:45 hrs on Tuesday, August 23rd for a reported structure fire. As the crews were responding to the address they received additional information over their radios from Fire Dispatch indicating that a 4 year old girl was unaccounted for at the scene and that her parents feared she may still be inside the home. The first arriving fire apparatus on the scene reported a single story wood/frame dwelling with heavy black smoke showing from the roof and eaves of the building and that a detached garage behind the house was fully involved with fire. Initial assignments were made by that first-in company and shortly after their arrival word was passed via Fire Dept radio that the missing little girl had been located down the street at a neighbor's home; safe and sound. A complete search of the entire building was ordered, as per Fire Dept. policy, to ensure that there was no one inside while simultaneous fire attack and ventilation efforts were undertaken. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the very hot and well-advanced fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Fire damage to the structure was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls and ceilings. A large portion of the roof had to be opened to allow the hot, toxic gasses to ventilate into the atmosphere. The areas of the building not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions present. There were no reported injuries to any of the 26 fire fighters who responded to this afternoon blaze or to any of the tenants residing in the structure. Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing. Six engines, one ladder, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and three Command vehicles responded to this incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
Detached garage-total loss House-Severe fire damage, smoke damage throughout, major portion of the roof removed

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

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