The Spokane Police and Fire Departments want to remind HoopFest fans to have fun and also stay safe

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments want to remind HoopFest fans to have fun and also stay safe

 

To ensure the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world remains safe and fun, City of Spokane public safety officials ask attendees to follow a few safety tips.

 

The Spokane Police Department will be helping to provide security and safety for all Hoopfest fans. In addition, the Spokane Fire Department’s PedMed Program, a special operations program that deploys fire department paramedics in areas that are routinely inaccessible due to large crowds or terrain will be working throughout the event. Additional behind the scenes measures will be implemented as well.

 

To help ensure the safety of people attending as well as those that are in the area, public safety officials are asking for the community’s help by following a few safety tips:

 

• Choose an alternative route to avoid congestion if you do not need to be downtown.
• Take public transportation if you can.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement officials.
• Never leave children unattended.
• Lock ALL vehicle doors and secure windows. If possible use a vehicle anti-theft device.
• Do not leave any valuables in vehicles.
• Drivers should slow down and be aware of extra pedestrian activity.
• Pedestrians should exercise extra caution and watch for traffic.
• Do not leave purses or bags unattended. 
• Animals are prohibited during special events, so please leave them at home (service animals are permitted).
• Remember open containers are not allowed.

 

Yellow and/or red bags have been placed on many meters in the downtown area. Please do not park at meters that are bagged or your vehicle will be towed. These areas will be used for Hoopfest equipment, emergency vehicles, event equipment vehicles, and STA buses.

 

With warmer temperatures expected for the event, the Spokane Fire Department wants to remind attendees and participants of the importance of preventing heat related illnesses by following a few safety tips:

 

• Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible.
• If you are active, monitor your physical condition and that of your friends or teammates for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
• Drink plenty of water – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

 

Throughout the year, the safety of our community is of the utmost importance to your Spokane Police and Fire Departments. We are dedicated to making sure our community is safe and secure each day of the year and during all of our special events.

 

The 2018 Hoopfest map can be found here.

 

 

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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

 

House fire remains under investigation

 

House fire remains under investigation
No injuries reported

 

A fire remains under investigation after damaging a detached garage and spreading to an unoccupied home in east central Spokane.

 

The fire started just before 6 p.m. last evening at a single family residence in the 100 block of E. Providence Ave.

 

First arriving crews noted heavy fire involvement in the detached garage behind the residence. The fire was spreading into the eaves of the home and had involved the attic area. Fire crews entered the structure to locate and extinguish the fire while performing a search of the building for occupants. The house was determined to be clear of any occupants. Firefighters were able to effectively bring the fire under control within minutes of entering the structure. The house sustained significant fire damage to the first floor and attic and smoke damage throughout, the detached garage behind the home also suffered heavy fire damage.

 

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

 

Anyone with information about the fire should call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations 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

 

Improperly discarded smoking materials to blame for early morning fire

 

Improperly discarded smoking materials to blame for early morning fire

Fire investigators say improperly discarded smoking materials caused this morning’s fire at a commercial building.

 

At approximately 5:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 3800 block of E.  Boone Ave. on a report of a commercial structure fire. 

 

The first arriving engine company reported smoke and flames visible from the exterior of the building and extending inside. Firefighters immediately initiated fire attack on the exterior. Additional crews gained entry into the structure to check for fire extension and conducted a search of the interior to ensure no one was inside.

 

Crews contained the fire to the exterior of the building and extinguished it within 5 minutes of the first fire crews arriving on scene.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the community about some important safety tips related to smoking.

 

• Put cigarettes out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.
• Put cigarettes out completely. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to ensure they are out before they are properly discarded. 
• Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medications that cause drowsiness.
• Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.
• Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
• Smoke outside. Many things in a home or business can ignite if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes.

 

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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

 

Early morning garage fire quickly contained

 

Early morning garage fire quickly contained

 

This morning at approximately 1:00 a.m. the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2200 E block of Mission St. on a report of a detached garage on fire. 

 

The first arriving crew reported smoke and flames visible. Firefighters gained entry into the structure and quickly confined and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading. A search of the structure was completed to ensure no one was inside.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

The fire caused moderate smoke and heat damage throughout garage. The cause of the fire is under investigations by the Spokane Fire 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

 

FW: fire/dv call on north maple (information from SFD)

 

At approximately 4:40 p.m. hours on Saturday, the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Fire District 9 were dispatched to a structure fire in the 7700 block on N. Maple St. on the 5 Mile Prairie.

Members of the Spokane Police Department arrived on scene first and reported that the structure was on fire and had been evacuated.

First arriving fire department crews arrived within 7 minutes and found an advanced fire in a single-story home of newer construction. The fire was threatening adjacent homes on either side and protection of these two homes was quickly accomplished by on scene crews. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, but the home ultimately sustained very heavy fire damage to the interior as well as to the entire attic. One of the homes next door sustained damage to its vinyl siding, but the fire was kept out of the structure itself.

Firefighters worked to contain this advanced fire and successfully prevented any significant fire extension to the 2 adjacent homes.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU), The Spokane Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

There were no reported injuries as a result of this fire.

 

 

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From: Van Tassel, Ronald
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2018 7:51 PM
To: SPD Media <PoliceMedia@spokanecity.org>
Subject: fire/dv call on north maple

 

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments responded to 7700 N Maple for what started out as a domestic violence. Minutes later the residence was engulfed in flames. Officers arrested a male at the location and the Fire Department was able to put the fire out.

On June 16^th, 2018, just before 4:30 in the afternoon, Spokane Police Officers responded to a residence in the 7700 block of north Maple (5-mile area) for a reported domestic violence. While Officers were enroute for that call, 911 started to receive calls from neighbors stating that the same residence was now on fire.

Officers arrived onscene and discovered everybody was outside of the residence. They contacted the female victim. Officers located the male in front of the residence. There was nobody else inside the residence during the incident.

Spokane Fire responded and were able to extinguish the fire. The home suffered extensive damage from the fire.

After the initial stages of the investigation Officers determined there was probable cause to arrest the male, 49 year old Fabian Harper for domestic violence assault. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm due to a previous DV order that was in place.

Fire investigators are going to continue to conduct their investigation to see what the cause of the fire was. Depending on the results of that investigation, more charges could come in the future.

Cpl Van Tassel

 

Spokane Fire Department Announces the Achievement of 100% Paramedic Staffing at all 16 Fire Stations

 

Spokane Fire Department Announces the Achievement of 100% Paramedic Staffing at all 16 Fire Stations

 

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) proudly announces full-time paramedic staffing at all of its fire stations. The announcement comes after the launch of paramedics being staffed at Spokane Fire Station #8 (1608 N. Rebecca St.) during all shifts. 

 

“The overwhelming majority of emergencies that we respond to involve a medical nature and the complexity of those incidents are ever-increasing,” said Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Currently our life-threatening incidents year-to-date are 12% last years, and the data indicates that the trend is showing no sign of decreasing. It’s paramount for our department to have the most prepared and resilient system possible to meet the needs of our community.”

 

In 2017, out of the 40,304 calls for service within city limits for the department 32,047 of the calls were medically-related. The SFD Annual Report contains more data and can be found at: https://goo.gl/GsSMVT.

 

SFD has 16 stations staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week. All 365 SFD firefighters are at least Emergency Medical Technician certified if they are assigned to the Field Operations Division and 98 are Paramedics—including Fire Chief Schaeffer. Firefighters that are chosen to for paramedic training receive approximately 1,300 hours of education and training including: 672 hours of didactic and lab training, 260 hours of supervised hospital clinical time and a minimum of 360 hours of supervised paramedic field internship. SFD Paramedics attend clinical rotations and field internships throughout several hospitals and EMS agencies in Spokane and Northern Idaho. In addition to the Paramedic Training, they also receive certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Prehospital Trauma Life Support. The SFD Paramedics are among the best in the country, and can now be found in every neighborhood protecting our citizens and visitors throughout the City of Spokane.

 

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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

 

Spokane Fire Department Honored with 2018 Heart Safe Community Award

 

Spokane Fire Department Honored with 2018 Heart Safe Community Award

 

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was selected as the winner of the 2018 Heart Safe Community Award – Large Community from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

 

The Heart Safe Community Award is presented to fire service-based EMS agencies that have played a key role in improving the quality of out-of-hospital cardiac care and resuscitation efforts and have demonstrated creative approaches to improving therapies for patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and its life-threatening complication, Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

 

“We feel honored to be recognized and to receive this award, says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “A robust EMS system has been a cornerstone of our organization, and we have been on the leading wave of advanced cardiac care for more than 20 years with regionalized cardiac care.”

 

Over the course of several years, SFD has implemented a multifaceted program aimed at improving community-wide cardiac arrest outcomes. The department has achieved this through a targeted and focused training program that emphasizes a “Pit-Crew” style of CPR in which each firefighter has a pre-designated role in patient care delivery; highly efficient CPR and improved community response through CPR education and AED awareness; expanding bystander CPR education efforts; streamlining the local telephone CPR protocols; increasing public access to AED use; ongoing collaborations with local Level 1 Cardiac Centers of Excellence; and emphasizing high performance, team-based CPR by EMS providers.

 

“We continue to utilize data to help focus our efforts which has resulted in survival rates that exceed the national rate and Washington State,” adds Schaeffer. “We also analyze our annual results and overall trends in survival to identify areas for improvement to ensure that we are delivering top-tier cardiac care for our community.”

 

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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

 

statement from Fire Chief Schaefferr

Statement from Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer:

 

At the Spokane Fire Department we are deeply sadden to hear of the untimely passing of retired firefighter Ronny F. Weston. Firefighter Weston was hired by the department on March 1, 1999 and proudly served the community of Spokane for 14 years until his retirement on March 29, 2013. Our thought and prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Two people taken to the hospital after apartment fire

 

 

 

Two people taken to the hospital after apartment fire

 

Last night at approximately 11:30 p.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department were dispatched to a report of fire in an apartment building located at 1203 W. 5^th Ave.  Initial calls were from neighbors down the street who said they could see flames coming from the window of one of the rooms.

 

First arriving crews reported fire coming from a unit on the third floor of the four story building. Firefighters’ initial efforts focused on ensuring all occupants were out of the building and confining the fire to the room of origin. Crews were assisted in this by the nature of the building construction, which helped keep the fire from spreading.

 

Two tenants were transported to the hospital. The extent of their injuries are unknown at this time.

 

The Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit is working to determine the cause of the fire.

 

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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

 

SFD and Red Cross Participate in National Sound the Alarm and Save Lives Campaign:

 

 

SFD and Red Cross Participate in National Sound the Alarm and Save Lives Campaign:

More than 500 homes targeted for smoke alarm install blitz

On Saturday, May 12, personnel from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and volunteers from the American Red Cross will be canvassing the West Central neighborhood installing free smoke alarms. The installations are part of the Red Cross’ national Sound the Alarm and Save Lives campaign.

 

The American Red Cross, North Spokane Lowe’s, and Molina Healthcare generously donated the smoke alarms for installation.

 

According to the American Red Cross, every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained provide an early warning signal which could allow everyone in the home to safely escape.

 

Important safety messages about smoke alarms: 

 

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
• Install smoke alarms in every room used for sleeping, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• Smoke rises to the highest point. Smoke alarm should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old, or no longer respond when tested.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

 

***Members of the media interested in attending the canvasing event and/or wanting an interview can contact Jamie McIntyre, SFD’s Community Risk Reduction Manager, at 509-435-7058. The installations will occur from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

 

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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

 

Media Advisory: Neighborhood canvasing for health and safety

 

Media Advisory: Neighborhood canvasing for health and safety
(Photo Opportunity)

 

Tomorrow, personnel from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and volunteers from the American Red Cross will be canvassing the West Central neighborhood passing out education information including a door hanger detailing heart attack and stroke warning signs. Information about the upcoming Health Education Fair will also be passed out.

 

Members of the media interested in attending tomorrow’s canvasing event and/or wanting an interview can contact Jamie McIntyre, SFD’s Community Risk Reduction Manager, at 509-435-7058.

 

Date: Thursday, April 19, 2018
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Spokane Fire Station 3 at 1713 W. Indiana Ave.

 

More details about the Health Education Fair scheduled for Saturday, April 21 can be found on the city’s website or by watching the video.

 

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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

 

Cause of house fire in Logan neighborhood ruled accidental

 

Cause of house fire in Logan neighborhood ruled accidental

 

Fire investigators say a cigarette dropping on medical oxygen tubing caused yesterday’s house fire in the Logan neighborhood. 

 

Just before 10:00 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 700 block of E. Carlisle Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. Initial details from fire dispatch reported a residence with smoke and flames emanating from the front of the home with an occupant still inside on oxygen. 

 

Immediately after arriving on scene, crews upgraded the incident to a working fire ensuring additional resources responded. Firefighters quickly conducted a coordinated attack and brought the fire under control within minutes.

 

All occupants were reported out of the structure upon fire department arrival and was confirmed with a swift primary search by firefighters of the entire structure. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported after fire operations were complete.

 

The fire caused significant heat and smoke damage throughout the residence. 

 

Yesterday’s fire serves as an important reminder about smoking and fire safety. Below are a few safety tips: 

 

·        Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside.

·        Put cigarettes out all the way. Do this every time. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are really out before you put them in the trash.

·        Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired. You may not be able to prevent or escape from a fire if you are sleepy or have taken medicine that makes you tired.

·        Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.

·        Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.

·        Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.

 

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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

 

Cause of fire at Aces Casino ruled accidental

 

 

Cause of fire at Aces Casino ruled accidental

 

Fire investigators say a malfunctioning electrical unit that controlled the decorative exterior lighting caused the fire at Aces Casino on Saturday evening.

 

The Spokane Fire Department responded to 6301 N. Division St. at approximately on 9:15 p.m. to investigate a report of smoke coming from the roof of the business.

 

First arriving crews found a small amount of smoke coming from the peak of the roof on the south side of the building. The building was evacuated while the source of the smoke was located. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire confining it to the exterior of the building.

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

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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

 

Rooftop fire at Lilac Plaza

 

 

Rooftop fire at Lilac Plaza

 

At 3:52 a.m., units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Spokane County Fire District (SCFD9) were dispatched to the Lilac Plaza Retirement Facility located at 7007 N. Wiscomb St.

 

First arriving SFD crews reported flames visible from the roof of the 14 story, high-rise structure. The incident was upgraded to a 2nd alarm to summon additional resources to manage   the fire and extensive evacuation needs.

 

Lilac Plaza is home more than 180 residents, many of whom are elderly and at high risk due to health issues. Numerous residents were unable to self-evacuate and had to be carried down the stairwells by firefighters. 

 

One resident was transported to a local hospital for evaluation for smoke inhalation and was subsequently released. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.

 

The fire was discovered in the elevator head house. The building fresh air intake for the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) units was located in close proximity to the fire area of origin.

 

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the SFD was on scene and determined the cause of the fire to be electrical issues within HCAV equipment located in the elevator head house.

 

SFD units remained on scene until 9 a.m.

 

The incident ultimately required more than 70 Firefighters, fire command staff and AMR ambulance personnel to effectively extinguish the fire, rescue residents and care for those affected by the smoky conditions.

 

An intimate knowledge of the high risk facility by first arriving fire crews as well as continued training at high rise structures, significantly aided in the successful fire extinguishment, rescue and evacuation of the facility.

 

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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

 

Commercial Structure Fire in East Spokane

Commercial Structure Fire in East Spokane

 

Last night at approximately 9:15 p.m. the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1900 block of N. Waterworks St. on a report of a commercial structure fire. 

 

The first arriving crew arrived minutes after being dispatched and reported moderate smoke coming from the rear loading dock. The incident was upgraded to a working commercial structure fire to ensure additional resources were dispatched to the incident.

 

Firefighters immediately gained entry into the structure and located the source of the fire. The fire was quickly confined and extinguished preventing it from spreading to additional parts of the structure. A search of the building was also conducted to ensure no employees were still inside.

 

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

 

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