SFD News and Information

Friday, March 29, 2013

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

1023 N. Monroe structure fire

Incident #: 2013013309
Date of Incident: 03/29/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Jones

Narrative:
Friday, March 29, at 4:27 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported fire in a structure located at 1023 N Monroe. The first crew on-scene reported nothing showing from out-side the structure, follow up report was light smoke inside the building. Fire crews quickly located the fire and extinguished it, this fire was found smoldering in the floor joists between the first floor and loft. Eight fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire. The fire was brought under control and extinguished within 30 minutes.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SVU

Damage:
Light damage to the structure,

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 5,000

End Of Release
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Monday, March 25, 2013

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SIU Update on 2914 E 17th

Incident #: 2013012361
Date of Incident: 03/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The structure fire at 2914 East 17^th Avenue has been determined to be caused by a four year old male playing with a lighter. No charges will be filed, however the child was enrolled in the Fire Department’s Juvenile Firesetter Program.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Saturday, March 23, 2013

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South Hill Residence Fire

Incident #: 2013012361
Date of Incident: 03/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Saturday March 23, 2013 at 11:39 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1 Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Donahoe responded to a reported residential fire a 2914 East 17^th Avenue on Spokane’s South Hill.

The first company (Engine 7) arrived within four minutes and reported a two story residence with heavy smoke showing from the eaves of the home. While completing a walk-around of the building, Engine 7’s officer immediately identified a patient that was suffering from smoke inhalation. The patient was moved to a safe location to awaiting SFD Paramedics and treated for serious injuries. As Engine 7 prepared for an offensive attack with their three personnel, additional companies secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and backed up the interior companies on the offensive attack. Due to the rapid progression of the fire, the incident was upgraded to a working fire and added an additional Senior Ladder, AMR Ambulance and AMR Supervisor. The first arriving Ladder Company used ground ladders to access the roof and cut ventilation holes directly above the fire on the second floor. Later arriving companies successfully searched the entire structure for victims as well as establishing a rapid intervention team for the safety of the firefighters assigned to the incident.

It took 24 Firefighters just 25 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. There was one civilian injury (adult male) which was transported to Sacred Heart.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SFD SIU and Spokane Police Department.

Damage:
Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the second floor and prevent the fire from spreading. The Red Cross is assisting the occupants (renters) and the home will not be immediately tenable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Hillyard Neighborhood Fire

Incident #: 2013012287
Date of Incident: 03/22/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday March 22, 2013 at 7:16 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 5001 North Regal in Northeast Spokane. While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke and fire could be seen from the second floor of the home and that all occupants had exited.

Firefighters from Station 15 arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the second floor of the two story single family home. The incident was immediately upgraded to a working fire 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene. The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire from the rear of the house. Early in the incident, all firefighters had to withdraw due to untenable fire conditions on the second floor. The fire was attacked from the exterior for nearly an hour until enough progress was made to resume an aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s second floor and remained on scene throughout the night and morning taking protective measures for the occupant’s property. There were no civilian injuries reported, however two cats are assumed dead from the smoke and extreme heat. Additionally, one firefighter was transported to a local hospital for a musculoskeletal injury and was released last night.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation and displaced families are receiving assistance from the Inland NW Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Damage:
The second floor and roof is completely destroyed. Fire companies spent the majority of the day today assisting the occupants in retrieving their personal effects.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Monday, March 18, 2013

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South Hill High Rise Explosion

Incident #: 2013011610
Date of Incident: 03/18/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday, March 18, 2013 at 07:56 AM, 9 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and a Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe, responded to an Explosion at 508 West 6^thAvenue (Sixth Avenue Medical Building).The building is high rise structure on Spokane’s South Hill with primarily office and medical clinic style occupancies.

Rescue 9 was first to arrive and reported nothing showing from the building’s exterior and established command. As additional companies arrived simultaneously, firefighters were made aware of severe blast damage within the building’s basement near the boiler room. Rescue 9 and first arriving firefighters subsequently coordinated the rapid evacuation for over 50 occupants who had fled when the building’s alarm was sounded. As a result of the explosion and a need to secure utilities, the entire building was temporarily deemed untenable. Assisting the occupants, staff and patients in their need for temporary relocation were busses from STA and nearby businesses.

An adult male was identified to firefighters early in the incident as a heating/ventilation worker during the initial assessment of the blast area.He received minor flash burns from the explosion and told firefighters that he was working on the natural gas boiler when the explosion occurred. Fire Department Paramedics treated the victim and AMR consequently transported him to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition this morning. There were no additional injuries as a result of this incident and the Fire Department, along with Avista has allowed occupants to return to the building.

Cause:
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by WA State Labor and Industries and SFD Investigators.

Damage:
Although the explosion did cause damage in the boiler room, there was no sustainment of fire. Firefighters methodically examined entire complex for structural and infrastructure damage, however the building was determined to be safe.

# Firefighters Responding: 31

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista, Labor and Industries

End Of Release
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

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

Time and Smoke Detectors

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 03/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AND CHECK YOUR DETECTORS!

When you move your clocks ahead one hour to begin Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, March 10, please remember to also check on the condition of your smoke detectors. Two out of three home fire deaths happen in households without working smoke detectors.

This weekend, please:

Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries on your smoke detectors. Keep a supply of batteries on hand in case your detector ever begins to “chirp” in the middle of the night.

Alkaline 9-volt batteries should last 1 year. Lithium 9-volt batteries can last up to 10 years. If your detector begins chirping and it has a lithium battery, it is telling you that the whole detector needs to be replaced.

Read the information on the back of your smoke detector to determine two key facts: age and type of detector. If the manufacture date is before 3-10-03, replace the detector immediately. Smoke detectors are not reliable for more than 10 years of service, even if the horn still makes a beeping sound. If you only have ionization detectors in your home, add at least one photoelectric detector on each level of the house this weekend. While ionization detectors alert to fast burning fires up to 55 seconds faster than photoelectric, they can be 40 minutes slower for slow-burning, smoldering fires.

If you have problems with “nuisance alarms” when you cook or when someone takes a shower, replace ionization detectors within 20 feet of the kitchen or bathroom with photoelectric units. Photoelectric detectors seldom give a nuisance alarm.

Help your neighbors check the condition of their detectors if they are not able to safely reach them to replace batteries or detectors.

If you have questions on smoke detectors, please call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058 or contact Jan Doherty at jdoherty@spokanefire.org.

End Of Release
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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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

North Spokane Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013007708
Date of Incident: 02/19/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 09:15 A.M., 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to an apartment fire at 603 E. Houston Ave. While en-route Fire Dispatch reported that they had received multiple calls reporting fire on the third floor of the apartment building.
Engine 15 was the first company to arrive at the apartment complex. Engine 13’s officer Lt. Reiser, reported that he had a three story wood frame apartment building with grey smoke showing from the rear of the structure, and fire starting to show from a corner unit. Incoming apparatus were immediately tasked with securing a water supply for the hose lines and searching the adjacent units on the upper floor of the building. The quick decisive actions taken by Engine 15’s crew in conjunction with support from the other arriving firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. The apartment unit where the fire originated sustained heavy damage, however, the fire was confined solely to this unit with some damage to the attic above.
Fire investigators were on site most of the afternoon processing the fire scene as the cause appeared suspicious in nature. No injuries were reported at this incident. Only the tenants in the fire unit have been displaced.

Cause:
Still under investigation

Damage:
Unit 306

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

End Of Release
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Sunday, February 17, 2013

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

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013007486
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On February 17th, 2013 at 4:58pm The Spokane Fire Department responded two dedicated ladders, four engines, one heavy Rescue, and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 East Sharp. Upon arrival companies reported smoke under all the soffits. The first arriving Engine company stretched an attack lead to the interior of the home while ladder crews searched for the occupants and prepared the roof for ventilation. Firefighters located the fire in the attic space and quickly opened up the ceiling to expose it. The well coordinated effort extinguished the fire rapidly, minimizing the damage to the structure. Companies remained on scene approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU

Damage:
There is some structural and wiring damage to the attic area.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 3,000

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

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
On February 16, 2013 at 12:15 AM six companies of the Spokane Fire Department that consisted of four engines, one senior ladder, and one heavy rescue responded to a reported garage fire at 1518 East Liberty. Ladder and Engine 2 were first to arrive, responding from their Logan Neighborhood fire station Ladder 2 reported a detached garage fully involved with fire. The fire was confined to the garage through quick actions by all companies on scene. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:
The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:
Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

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

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Cause:
The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:
Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

End Of Release
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Sunday, February 10, 2013

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

Apartment Fire with Rescue

Incident #: 2013006426
Date of Incident: 02/10/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:03 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to an apartment fire at 3724 North Cook Street. While en route to the incident, companies were notified the resident in apartment 248 smelled smoke for the past couple hours and described it as worsening. The fire communication specialists handling the call updated the companies responding and advised the residents to evacuate and pull the fire alarm to alert their neighbors. The first in Chief also modified the response while en route to add an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and supervisor.

The first fire company arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story apartment building with approximately eight units, however no smoke was showing from the building initially. Upon their investigation however, they discovered a working fire in a lower unit in the apartment complex. The Engine and Ladder went to work immediately to secure a water supply and stretch a hoseline in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward other living areas in the building. Simultaneously, companies searched the apartment unit under smoke conditions and located an adult male in bed and quickly removed him to safety. All companies assigned on the initial alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the initial and adjacent units while trying to suppress the fire’s progress when they arrived. SFD Paramedics treated the adult male and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital and reportedly in fair condition.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in one victim being rescued and confirmation that all other residents accounted for. The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes hours and no firefighter injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:
The majority of damage is located in the kitchen area. The family is being assisted by Red Cross as the unit of fire origin is not currently inhabitable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 12000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

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

West Central Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013006407
Date of Incident: 02/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday February 10, 2013 at 8:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1924 W Augusta in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood. While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke could be seen from the home and occupants appeared to be evacuating. Station 3 firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the east side of the single story, single family home. While en route, the North Battalion Chief requested the incident to be upgraded to a 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene. The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire on the first floor and basement. At one point in the incident, all firefighters had to abandoned their efforts and withdraw due to untenable fire conditions in the basement below them. Once the fire was attacked from the exterior and progress was made in the fight, the firefighters returned to the interior to resume their aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s basement and first floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however two canines perished from the smoke and extreme heat.

Cause:
Members from the SIU have just arrived on the scene and details regarding the investigation will be released when available.

Damage:

Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the occupant’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited to the basement and areas of the first floor, the need to secure the residence’s utilities render it untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting two adults with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 75000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Monday, February 4, 2013

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

Downtown Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013005486
Date of Incident: 02/04/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Monday, February 04, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 1 heavy rescue, 7 engines, 3 ladder trucks, and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of smoke in an apartment building at 123 N Bernard. The caller said the alarm was sounding and there was smoke in the hallway on the second floor. Fire Dispatch advised the tenents to evacuate. First arriving companies from the downtown stations entered the building to ensure all tenents were evacuated and to search for the source of the smoke. A fire was found in one of the units on the second floor. In addition to the crews evacuating the second floor tenents, other crews advanced hose lines to the second floor, evacuated the third and fourth floors, and made sure no fire had extendend from the room of origin. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews spent over an hour removing the smoke from the building. The fire was confined to the room of origin. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU investigated and the cause of this fire has been determined to be accidental. The specific cause is energized electrical cords running under area rugs. The area rugs were located in a well traveled walk way inside the unit. Over time the constant stepping on the cords degraded the cord’s outer jacket insulation allowing an arc, spark or resistive heating to take place.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the unit of origin with light smoke damage throughout the second floor. All occupants were able to return to their units with the exception of the fire unit tenent. He will be temporarily house in another unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 35

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Spokanimal

End Of Release
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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013005292#
Date of Incident: 02/03/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On February 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 am the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, one pumper ladder, three engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1023 West Fairview. Upon arrival companies reported light smoke emitting from the gable roof vents and light smoke on the second floor apartment of a converted multifamily two story home. The first arriving Chief sent companies to locate the fire in the attic along with searching the first and second floor apartment units. All residents were soon accounted for and the firefighters located the fire in the attic above the kitchen on the second floor. The smoldering fire was located utilizing thermal imaging cameras and quickly extinguished. Companies remained on scene for approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris. One resident from the second floor apartment will be displaced until the structural damage and wiring issues can be repaired. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident with lodging. The first floor residents were able to remain in the home. There were no injuries reported from the residents or firefighters on scene.

Cause:
The attic fire appears to have been caused by faulty knob and tube wiring as reported by the Special Investigation Unit Investigator who responded to the scene.

Damage:

There is structural and wiring damage to the second floor apartment unit only.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Red Cross and the Spokane Police Department.

End Of Release
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SFD News and Information

Friday, March 29, 2013

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

Monday, March 25, 2013

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

Saturday, March 23, 2013

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

Monday, March 18, 2013

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

Thursday, March 7, 2013

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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

Sunday, February 17, 2013

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

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

Sunday, February 10, 2013

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

Monday, February 4, 2013

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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Saturday, February 2, 2013

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