Investigators determine smoking materials sparked fire at Park Tower Apartments

 

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INVESTIGATORS DETERMINE SMOKING MATERIALS SPARKED FIRE AT PARK TOWER APARTMENTS

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​A fire in a high-rise building downtown yesterday afternoon temporarily displaced over one-hundred residents and brought temporary closure of a busy thoroughfare through a period of rush hour.  The blaze, reported to the Communication's Center at 3:35 PM, eventually brought over 60 firefighters to 217 West Spokane Falls Boulevard at the Park Tower Apartments.

 

The fire was reported by numerous residents and from passersby as it was seen throughout the downtown area as heavy smoke emanated from an apartment unit on the 17^th floor of the building.  The building's fire alarm was activated and many of the occupants from the building's 184 units were sent evacuating thought the interior stairs.  Some residents reported encountering dense smoke as they attempted to escape through the stairways and were assisted in their descent by firefighters.  Eventually, many of the 180 residents were sheltered in-place by fire companies that were working on floors below the fire while those in floors above the fire were evacuated.

The incident was immediately upgraded to a three-alarm fire and summoned all of SFD's available resources as well as multiple mutual-aid companies from Spokane Valley Fire Department, Fire District 8 and multiple others for assistance with coverage and simultaneous incident responses.

 

Since this building is not protected by a fire sprinkler system, firefighters were forced to climb to the 17th floor via stairwells with all of their firefighting equipment and stretch attack lines to the fire floor and receive high pressurized water supply from the building's standpipes via fire engines on the street.  The process of moving equipment and supplies in a high-rise during a fire is extremely personnel-intensive and requires a significant amount of resources. 

 

The fire was fully extinguished and declared under control at 4:02 p.m. - and no injuries were reported.  Family members from a 17^th floor apartment were displaced by the fire, and referred to the American Red Cross for assistance.  Many of the residents received care and medical treatment from SFD and AMR Paramedics including some meals and temporary sheltering provided by the neighboring Azteca restaurant for those residents who were at-risk from disease processes such as diabetes and others. 

 

A total of four Ladders, eleven Engines, two Medical Service Officers, one Heavy Rescue, two Safety Officers and three Quints responded to the multi-alarm incident. 

 

The cause of the nature of the fire was determined to be accidental and cause was smoking materials.

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

City issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

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FIRE MARSHAL ISSUES RESTRICTIONS ON OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FIRES FOR THE CITY OF SPOKANE

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​Due to the hot, dry conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires (in ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits) are prohibited in the City of Spokane effective tomorrow, June 17, 2015, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal.  The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions.  Also click on the SFD website for info. 

 

Citizens may still use backyard barbecues, portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, provided the appliance has a spark arrester and a chimney, approved fuel is used and weather conditions support safe recreational fires.  Approved fuels include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

 

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

 

·      Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.

·      Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

·      Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.

·      Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.

o  Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

·      Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet in general).

o  For one and two-family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer's instructions for clearance.  Be safe and use good judgment.

o  For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures.  Be safe and use good judgment.

·      Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.

·      Safe wind conditions (no more than 7 mph) must be present.

·      A Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency "green light" indication for air quality must be present: https://spokanecleanair.org/current-air-quality.

·      Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

 

Unsafe or otherwise restricted fires will be required to be extinguished.  Failure to comply with the burning restrictions could have serious consequences.  A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor.  That person can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

 

Please see the attached for additional information.

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Fire damages unoccupied home for second time

 

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FIRE DAMAGES UNOCCUPIED HOME FOR SECOND TIME

CAUSE OF BOTH FIRES, A MONTH APART, UNDER INVESTIGATION

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​Spokane fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that burned an unoccupied home early this morning for e second time in the past month. No one was injured, but damage was estimated at $100,000.

 

The fire at 517 E. Liberty Ave. was reported at 1:50 am and 32 firefighters responded. First-arriving crews reported heavy fire to the rear of the house and into the second floor.

 

Crews brought the fire under control in under an hour and kept the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. They will be on scene throughout the morning to ensure the fire is out and hazards are mitigated.

 

At this time the fire is under investigation. The Spokane Fire Department responded to this same residence approximately a month ago for another fire. That fire is also under investigation.

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Fire on North Monroe intentionally set

 

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FIRE ON NORTH MONROE INTENTIONALLY SET

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING HEAVILY DAMAGED

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​A two-alarm fire that heavily damaged a mixed-use commercial and residential building early today was intentionally set. Five people living in the residential portion of the building got out unharmed.

 

Spokane Fire Department units dispatched to the fire at 2419 N. Monroe arrived on scene within 4 minutes of the 3:06 am call and found a single-story, mixed use commercial and residential structure, heavily involved with fire.  The fire was threatening adjacent businesses to the north and south. 

 

After it was determined that all residents had safely evacuated the structure, efforts concentrated on preventing the fire from extending into the adjacent businesses. A total of five residents were displaced by this fire.

 

The occupants in the apartment closest to the area of fire origin were alerted to the fire by an operating smoke detector and were forced to flee through a rear window. These occupants subsequently alerted their neighbors in the adjacent apartment and all were safely out of the structure when fire crews arrived.

A total of 45 firefighters and command staff responded to this fire, which was declared under control in just under an hour and a half. Avista Utilities secured the natural gas meter and de-energized an electrical line that had fallen as a result of the fire.

The SFD Special Investigation Unit is investigating the fire cause.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of a properly operating smoke detector.  Had it not been for a properly operating smoke detector, this rapidly extending fire could have had a tragic outcome.

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Unattended food on stoves causes two fires

 

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UNATTENDED FOOD ON STOVES CAUSES TWO FIRES

DAMAGE CONTAINED TO KITCHENS IN SEPARATE FIRES

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​Two separate kitchen fires caused by food being left unattended on stoves kept firefighters busy and caused minor damage, but no one was injured. The Spokane Fire Department reminds citizens that leaving unattended items on the stove is a leading cause of house fires.

 

The fires occurred 90 minutes apart on Friday night. Cooking oil left unattended on the stove top caused the first fire at 7:00 pm in a four-unit apartment complex at 723 W. Carlisle.

 

Fire spread to the cabinets above the stove and some adjacent furnishings. The fire displaced occupants of the fire unit and the tenant in an adjacent apartment due to damages to the electrical system that made both apartments uninhabitable. Red Cross responded to assist the displaced occupants find housing for the evening. 

As fire units cleared the fire on Carlisle they were dispatched to a second cooking-related fire at approximately 8:30 pm in a two-story apartment unit at 6109 N. Colton. Fire units contained the second fire to the stovetop and there was no extension to the surrounding area or structure. The fire department was able to adequately clear smoke from the fire unit and the adjacent apartments and no individuals were displaced.

 

Total damage was estimated at $5,100.

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Mayor Condon's statement on Lt. Terry Canfield

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

May 28, 2015

 

Contact:         Brian Coddington

Communications Director                                  

(509) 625-6740

 

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MAYOR CONDON’S STATEMENT ON LT. TERRY CANFIELD

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Spokane Mayor David Condon issued the following statement regarding the death of Spokane Fire Department Lt. Terry Canfield:

 

“Terry’s death is a tremendous loss to the Spokane Fire Department and the entire community. Terry touched countless lives during his 28 years with the department. He will be remembered as a brilliant paramedic with a very compassionate heart.  He dedicated his life to helping people by easing their suffering and improving their lives through medicine and training. 

 

His colleagues talk about Terry as a man that put his family and faith above everything, and how evident that was the minute he started a conversation. He will be missed greatly by his family, friends, colleagues and others who had the good fortune to cross paths with him.”

 

About the City of Spokane

The City of Spokane, home to more than 210,000 people, is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest.  Our 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. For more information, visit www.spokanecity.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. 

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Memorial Day events to honor lost firefighters

 

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MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS TO HONOR LOST FIREFIGHTERS

FINAL MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO BE PLACED; STAIR CLIMB FINISHED

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On Monday, May 25, Memorial Day, at 4 pm the Spokane Firefighters Memorial Project, led by Spokane Fire Department Lieutenant Gregory Borg, will be dedicating the last of 17 plaques for Spokane Fire Department firefighters that have died in the line of duty. Captain George T. Chapman's who died on May 25th, 1894 will be remembered on Memorial Day.

 

This recognition will be held at Division and Main, the site of Fire Station 2 in the 1890's. Captain Chapman's great-grandchildren are coming from Nebraska and will be at the event. All 17 members of the Spokane Fire Department who have Died in the Line of Duty, will also be commemorated at this event.
         

At 5:30 pm, (on May 25th), Spokane Fire Department Captain Roger Libby will be making his final stair climb in memory of the 343 FDNY Firefighters that died on September 11, 2001. The climb will take place at the Bank of America Building (Riverside and Wall).

 

Captain Libby has been making these climbs of at least 110 stories for each FDNY member over the past 2 to 3 years and will be completing his Never Forget 343 Stairclimb Memoriam. Besides being the culmination of this several year tribute, FDNY Fire Lieutenant Arty Riccio, who lost members of his crew on 9-11, will be in attendance as Captain Libby makes the final climb for one of Lt. Riccio's crew members.

The Spokane County Firefighters Pipes and Drums will be at both events to remember the lives of these firefighters and their families.

The Spokane Firefighters Memorial Project mission is to honor the sacrifice made by those who served as professional fire fighters who have given their lives in the line of duty; help provide a visual tribute to honor each fallen hero at the location of their final service; and, help to educate the public about the firefighters who served and died in our community.
 
 Contacts: Gregory Borg, 509-998-3617, Roger Libby 509-951-0977

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Rescuers help injured man from riverbank

 

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RESCUERS HELP INJURED MAN FROM RIVERBANK

72-YEAR-OLD MAN SUFFERED LEG INJURIES

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Members of the Spokane Fire Department High Angle Rescue team, with the assistance of other rescuers, pulled an injured 72-year-old man from the steep banks of the Spokane River near the Post Street Bridge today.

 

Firefighters were called to the bridge at 9:47 am. Members of the Spokane Police Department and Riverfront Park Security were on scene, and helped remove the man from the river.

 

High Angle Rescue team members along with rescuers from three engines and a ladder truck utilized an aerial device and several ropes to safely extricate the man from the riverbank. He suffered from several abrasions and leg trauma, but was conversing with firefighters and police officers.

The man entered the river a few hundred yards upstream. 

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Minor fire damages downtown library elevator

 

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MINOR FIRE DAMAGES DOWNTOWN LIBRARY ELEVATOR

ELECTRICAL FIRE LIMITED TO ELEVATOR SHAFT; LIBRARY OPEN

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An electrical fire in the elevator of the downtown library was quickly contained this morning before it opened to the public. No one was injured and the library opened on time.

 

An employee reported that the elevators were not working and black smoke was seen in the parking garage under the library at 906 W. Main Ave. Fire crews were dispatched at 7:09 am and smelled a light odor on the first floor when they arrived.

 

Damage was limited to the mechanical infrastructure in the elevator shaft. The library opened on time at 10 am this morning.

 

Library elevators remain closed while technicians work to repair and reopen. Members of the public who need elevator access are directed to enter through the skywalk from River Park Square.

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Specialized training to be provided for ARUs

 

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SPECIALIZED TRAINING TO BE PROVIDED FOR ARUs

IMPROVEMENTS BASED ON NEARLY TWO YEARS OF INCIDENT DATA

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The Spokane Fire Department will provide specialized training to responders who currently staff the pilot Alternative Response Units and update dispatch procedures to better prepare units for calls they are likely to be sent on.

 

Nearly two years of call data identified opportunities to improve the program, which dispatches a smaller vehicle staffed by a single firefighter/EMT or firefighter/paramedic to non-emergency calls. Training and updates are expected to be completed by the first week of June. ARUs will not be dispatched to calls during the training period to allow for the changes and training to occur.

 

“The program has produced extremely positive results, and we have used the data to constantly analyze, change and improve it to deliver the best results to our citizens,” said Brian Schaeffer, assistant fire chief.

 

An independent third-party evaluation will be commissioned as part of the ongoing evaluation of the pilot program to determine its long-term feasibility.

 

The pilot ARU program, the result of a Fire Task Team recommendation, was launched in September 2013 as a way to introduce greater flexibility and reliability in meeting the increasing demand for medical services. The pilot program was extended a year ago through the end of 2016 based on extremely positive feedback from the community, medical outcomes and a number of successful performance metrics. Medical incidents account for 87 percent of all department responses when automobile accidents with a medical component are included.

 

The pilot ARUs have responded to 3,860 calls since the program began. Sending the smaller vehicle leaves the larger trucks in the station and available to respond to more critical, emergency incidents.

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org