Media availability this morning - SCBA update

This morning at 11 a.m., Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer will be available for media interviews on the latest laboratory test results related to the air tanks and self-contained breathing apparatus packs. The test results determined that no toxic metals were found in the air tested.  Also joining Chief Schaeffer will be Randy Marler, President of the Spokane Firefighters Union.

 

Details:

Thursday, February 15 at 11 a.m. at Spokane Fire Station #1 (44 W. Riverside Ave.)

 

Thank you,

Michele                   

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Residents treated for minor injuries after house fire

Residents treated for minor injuries after house fire

Dog found deceased inside the home

 

Last night at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was called to the 1600 block of E. Ostrander Ave. for a reported structure fire with possible trapped occupants inside.

 

First arriving units reported heavy smoke from a 1 ½ story residential building in the Hillyard neighborhood. Crews made a rapid entry to search the building and attack the fire. Two of the home's six residents had been present at the onset of the fire, but were able to evacuate the building without fire personnel assistance. One tenant did have to use a first floor window because of heavy smoke conditions. Firefighters did locate a dog inside the structure, however, it was found to be deceased. The fire was brought under control approximately 30 minutes after SFD arrival.

 

Three residents were treated by SFD and AMR personnel and released on scene with minor injuries. One firefighter received a minor injury when he stepped on a nail, but did not receive any treatment at the scene.

 

Fire crews stayed at the residence throughout the night to ensure the fire remained out and to begin an in-depth investigation into the cause of the fire. The home received significant fire damage to the basement and first floor and smoke damage throughout.

 

The American Red Cross responded to the incident to assist the six residents with shelter as the damage to the home was too significant to reoccupy.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Two adults treated for smoke inhalation after kitchen fire

 

 

Two adults treated for smoke inhalation after kitchen fire

 

At 3:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to the 1300 block of W. 8th Ave. for a commercial structure fire in an apartment unit. Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire in the kitchen of a first floor apartment.

 

Two residents were home when the fire started and attempted to extinguish it while calling 9-1-1. The residents were also able to activate a fire pull station/alarm to alert neighbors. Both individuals were treated for smoke inhalation by fire department personnel. No other injuries were reported.

 

The apartment received fire, heat and smoke damage with damage primarily contained to inside the kitchen area.

 

The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical issue with the hot water tank.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Crews respond to fire at home under construction

 

Crews respond to fire at home under construction

 

Just after 4 a.m., the Spokane fire Department (SFD) responded to the 900 block of S. Azalea Dr. for a structure fire in a house under construction. Neighbors reported seeing flames through a window.

 

The first arriving crew found a fire in the daylight basement portion of the home. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, search the structure and overhaul all involved portions. There were major safety concerns early on as the fire had burned a large hole through the first floor from the basement, but crews were able to work around it without suffering any injuries.

 

No one was inside the residence at the time of the fire.

 

The home received fire, heat and smoke damage through approximately 30 percent of basement and 15 percent of the first floor. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Be Heart Smart

Be Heart Smart

February is American Heart Month and the Spokane Fire Department wants the community to be “heart smart” and know the warning signals for heart attacks and strokes.

 

“Several types of heart disease are risk factors for stroke and stroke is a risk factor for coronary heart disease,” says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Knowing the warning signals can help when every second counts.”

 

The American Heart Association provides the following warning signals of heart attack and stroke:

 

Heart Attack Warning Signs:

 

Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

 

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

 

Shortness of breath: with or without chest discomfort.

 

Other signs: may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

 

Stoke Warning Signs:

 

Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T:

• Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
• Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

 

It is important to remember that not all of these signs are necessary to identify every heart attack or stroke. If any of these signs occur, every second is critical—don’t wait, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Additional information RE: Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

** I apologize as I left out the block range for the home. This occurred in the 1600 block of E.  Walton Ave. **

 

 

From: Anderson, Michele L.
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2018 12:34 PM
To: Anderson, Michele L. <mlanderson@spokanecity.org>
Subject: Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

 

Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

At 10:49 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a possible chimney fire. SFD crews arrived within minutes to find smoke and fire from a chimney chase on the exterior of a residence. 

 

The first arriving crew immediately called for additional SFD resources, confirmed the home had been evacuated and extinguished the fire.

 

Due to the early transmission of alarm, rapid response of resources and swift actions by crews, the fire was contained to the exterior of the structure.

 

The cause of the fire was investigated by the SFD Special Investigation Unit and determined to be an improperly maintained wood burning stove.

 

The SFD would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having heating appliances properly maintained and regularly inspected by licensed professionals. 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

Improperly installed wood stove determined to be the cause of Hillyard house fire

 

At 10:49 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a possible chimney fire. SFD crews arrived within minutes to find smoke and fire from a chimney chase on the exterior of a residence. 

 

The first arriving crew immediately called for additional SFD resources, confirmed the home had been evacuated and extinguished the fire.

 

Due to the early transmission of alarm, rapid response of resources and swift actions by crews, the fire was contained to the exterior of the structure.

 

The cause of the fire was investigated by the SFD Special Investigation Unit and determined to be an improperly maintained wood burning stove.

 

The SFD would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having heating appliances properly maintained and regularly inspected by licensed professionals. 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

No injuries reported in vacant house fire

 

No injuries reported in vacant house fire

 

 

Just after 6 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1700 E. block of Everett Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. Initial details advised of a residence filling with smoke.

 

The first arriving crew reported moderate smoke coming from the front of the house with smoke showing from the attic vents of the home. Crews located fire in the basement and immediately upgraded the incident to ensure additional resources responded. An aggressive coordinated attack was performed and the fire was brought under control within five minutes.

 

The house was reported vacant but searches were conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure. 

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate damage to the main floor joists and heavy smoke damage throughout the structure. The residence also suffered moderate fire and heat damage to the exterior siding. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Residents Saved by Fire Protection System

 

Residents Saved by Fire Protection System
Cause of fire determined to be accidental

 

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit have ruled the cause of last night’s fire at the Wolf Apartments as accidental due to a faulty heater. Residents were saved and damage was drastically reduced due to the building’s working fire protection system.

 

At approximately 8:30 p.m. last night, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Wolf Apartments at 240 W. Sprague Ave. on a report of fire alarm with smoke seen in the lobby area. Crews immediately upgraded the fire for additional resources to respond.

 

The entire building was safely evacuated as fire crews arrived.

 

The building’s sprinkler system combined with the alarm system helped to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading further. The fire caused fire and smoke damage to a first floor apartment.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives. Because fire sprinkler systems react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced in a fire. For more information about fire sprinklers visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Fire-and-life-safety-equipment/Home-fire-sprinklers.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Fire crews respond to early morning kitchen fire

 

Fire crews respond to early morning kitchen fire

 

At approximately 5:05 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of E. Dalton Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. Arriving crews reported a kitchen fire in a basement apartment.

 

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and escaped without any injuries. Due to a quick response and aggressive attack, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within minutes. Crews performed a search of the entire structure, checked for extensions of the fire, used salvage covers to protect belongings, ventilated the structure and ensured the occupants were kept out of the elements. 

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist the residents (1 adult and 1 child).

 

The fire caused damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the apartment. The cause remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

Below are some important safety tips for the kitchen:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

 

If you have a cooking fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Child injured after fire at mobile home

 

 

Child injured after fire at mobile home

 

A child was injured and transported to a local area hospital after a fire at a mobile home.

 

Just before midnight, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 4300 block of E. Longfellow Ave. on a report of residence on fire. Crews arrived to a mobile home with heavy fire throughout. Quick attack by firefighters ensured that no other structures were threatened.

 

All occupants of the home were able to evacuate, but one pediatric patient received injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist the residents which included 3 children.

 

The mobile home was a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Two injured after late night motorhome fire

 

 

Two injured after late night motorhome fire

 

Two adults were injured and transported to local area hospitals for further treatment after a motorhome fire.

 

Just before midnight, multiple units from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a burning motorhome in the alley behind 1424 W. Maxwell Ave. The fire was quickly extinguished and fire crews were successful in keeping the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

 

While still engaged with fire operations, additional fire crews were approached by two adults reporting they were occupying the motorhome when it caught fire. One individual suffered burns to the hands and face, the second was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. Both individuals were transported to local area hospitals for further treatment.

 

The fire damaged overhead power lines and Avista Utilities is working to repair the damage and restore power to the affected area. The motorhome was a complete loss. 

 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Hillyard garage fire under investigation

 

 

Hillyard garage fire under investigation

 

A fire at a vacant garage remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

Just before midnight on Wednesday, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2800 block of E. Hoffman Ave. on a report of a detached garage on fire behind a residence. The first arriving crew reported smoke and flames from a single-car detached garage with heat and flames impinging on a nearby house.

 

Firefighters conducted an aggressive coordinated attack and brought the fire under control within five minutes. The house and garage were reported vacant, but a primary search was conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure. 

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate damage to the roof assembly of the garage as well as minor damage to the siding of the residence from heat and flame exposure.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

WSRB Improved Rating for Fire District 8

Hello,

Attached is a press release letting you know that Spokane County Fire District 8 has received a new rating from the "Washington Survey and Rating Bureau" (WSRB).  We have gone from a protection class 5 to a protection class 4. The WSRB uses a rating scale of class 1 through class 10, moving from a class 5 to a class 4 is a great accomplishment for the Fire District and the Communities we serve.

 

I will be out of town this next week.  If you wish to speak to someone regarding this accomplishment and or do a story please contact:

 

Tony C. Nielsen

Fire Chief

Spokane County Fire District 8

(509) 926-0852 Ext. 8801

tnielsen@scfd8.org

 

 

Greg Godfrey, Assistant Chief  ● Spokane Fire District 8

12100 E. Palouse Highway, PO Box 345 ● Valleyford, Wa. 99036 ● 509-926-0852 ext. 802 ● 509-370-9802, Cell

ggodfrey@scfd8.org

 

"Risk a little to save a little and risk a lot to save a lot and risk nothing to save what is already lost"

 

ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Vacant house fire under investigation

 

 

Vacant house fire under investigation

 

A fire at a vacant house remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

Just before 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2000 block of W. Augusta Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. The first arriving crew reported moderate smoke conditions from the front of the house with smoke showing from the eave lines of the home.

 

Firefighters immediately conducted an aggressive coordinated attack and brought the fire under control within five minutes. The house was reported vacant, but a primary search was conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure. 

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate damage to the kitchen area and attic structural members along with smoke damage throughout the structure.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org