Natural gas leak causes evacuations

 

Natural gas leak causes evacuations
No injuries reported

 

Yesterday just before 8:30 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to northwest Spokane for a hazardous materials incident involving a natural gas leak. Initial reports advised that a homeowner was attempting to remove a dead tree from his rear yard. It turned out the tree roots had become entangled in the gas service line that feed his home. The gas line was severed when the tree was pulled from the ground.

 

Upon arrival, crews found significant gas odor and leakage from the broken service line. They evacuated nearby homes and continued to monitor the structures to ensure they were safe from explosion. Firefighters established a safe evacuation zone and stood by with a charged protection lead while awaiting the arrival of Avista. A multifaceted command structure resulted in the quick mitigation of this incident.

 

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department and Avista utilities would like to remind the public that they are required to call 8-1-1 so that underground utilities can be appropriately marked before undertaking any digging or excavation work. Fines and penalties can be assessed if damage occurs to utility lines that were not properly located before beginning work on your projects. 

 

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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

 

Brush fire threatens home near Sunset Highway

 

 

Brush fire threatens home near Sunset Highway

No injuries reported

 

Yesterday around 10:00 a.m., units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to the report of a brush fire in the vicinity of Sunset Highway and Audubon St. 

 

First arriving fire crews discovered approximately ½ acre of thick brush and timber on fire. The fire was located alongside Sunset Highway and was rapidly moving uphill towards a structure and parked recreational vehicle.

Wind conditions were very light and the fire was reported quickly by road repair crews working in the area. The fire was contained within 30 minutes of fire department arrival. Damage was limited to brush and timber.

 

It is believed that the fire started next to the road. Fire crews remained on scene to investigate the cause and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

 

There were no 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

 

Triplex fire on lower South Hill

 

Triplex fire on lower South Hill
Pets remain unaccounted for

 

Just after 5:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire involving multiple apartment units. Initial reports advised of heavy fire with possible residents and animals trapped.

 

Upon arrival, crews found significant fire on the second floor. Firefighters worked to attack the fire, perform ventilation procedures and initiate a search of the structure. Other crews were used for a second fire attack team, additional search units, safety, standby and overhaul.  A multifaceted attack resulted in the quick extinguishment of the fire.

 

Due to the extreme heat, multiple units had to be called to the scene so appropriate crew rotation and rehabilitation could be accomplished.

 

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. 

 

At the time of this release some pets were not accounted for and the cause of the fire was 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

 

Brush and timber fire adjacent to Dwight Merkel Field quickly contained

 

Brush and timber fire adjacent to Dwight Merkel Field quickly contained

Around 4 p.m., units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Spokane County Fire District 9 (SCFD9) responded to a report of a brush fire directly to the west of Dwight Merkel Field. 

 

First arriving fire department crews discovered approximately ½ acre of thick brush and timber on fire. The fire posed initial challenges for crews due to access difficulties. Luckily, wind conditions were very light and the fire was expanding at a relatively slow rate. Firefighters were able to deploy hoses from several 4x4 trucks specifically designed for brush fires. The fire was contained within 30 minutes of fire department arrival. 

 

Twenty two firefighters from the SFD and SCFD9 responded to the incident along with crews from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR remained on scene for several hours to investigate the cause and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

 

 

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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 heavily damages three garages and contents inside

 

Fire heavily damages three garages and contents inside
No reported injuries

 

Just before 4:30 p.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2300 block of E. 6th Ave. following the report of an explosion and multiple detached garages burning in the alleyway. 

 

First arriving crews advised that they had a large volume of fire involving three separate garages. Given the dry vegetation and debris in the alley, the fire had quickly spread to a nearby electrical pole and caused the electrical wiring to fall to the ground. Confronted by fire in multiple buildings and the additional hazard of a downed electrical wire, the fire was immediately upgraded to add additional resources to the incident.  

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire caused heavy damage to three separate detached garages and contents contained within them. Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause.

 

Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to fire investigators.

 

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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 at downtown apartment under investigation

 

Fire at downtown apartment under investigation
One treated for smoke inhalation

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged a downtown apartment building early Saturday morning.

 

Just after 1:00 a.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 300 block of W. 2nd Ave. on a reported commercial building fire.

 

Upon arrival, crews advised they had a reported fire inside a second floor apartment and smoke spreading throughout the upper floors of the four-story apartment building. The sprinkler system had activated and the fire was located and extinguished inside the apartment. Crews immediately began evacuating residents and found that the majority of the residents had failed to leave the building when the alarm sounded.   

 

The fire was confined to the interior of original apartment. Crews worked to quickly to extinguish the fire, search the structure, and perform salvage and overhaul operations. Several apartments on the first floor received minor water damage from the fire sprinkler activation.

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist displaced occupants.

 

One occupant was treated at the scene for slight smoke inhalation. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public that alarm systems exist to warn occupants of impending danger. Please do the appropriate thing when a fire alarm sounds and evacuate to a safe location outside the building.

 

Fire Department Investigators and Spokane Police have questioned a person of interest. Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to investigators.

 

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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 South Hill house fire under investigation

                                                                                  

Cause of South Hill house fire under investigation
No injuries were reported

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged a South Hill home on Saturday.

 

Last night just before 8:00 p.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 responded to the 1300 block of E. 40^th Ave. on a reported house fire.

 

Upon arrival, crews advised fire on the outside of the home and spreading to the single story residence. The fire was immediately upgrading to add additional resources to the incident.  

 

The fire spread to the interior of two bedrooms and the attic area. Crews worked to quickly to extinguish the fire, search the structure, and perform salvage and overhaul operations.

 

The occupants of the residence were not home at the time of the fire. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to fire investigators.

 

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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

 

City of Spokane Fire Department Surplus Auction

Tomorrow, the City of Spokane Fire Department will be auctioning surplus apparatus. The auction will be held at the Spokane Fire Department’s Maintenance Facility (1610 N. Rebecca St.) with a preview beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the auction starting at 9:00 a.m. Details on the auction process and bidding procedures can be found at www.reinlandauctions.net.

 

Vehicles in the auction include:

 

·        1993 Simmon Duplex Ladder Truck, LTI 110’ Aerial Unit, Series 60 Detroit, Allison HT 741 Trans., Waterous 1500 GPM Water Pump, 500 Gallon Tank

·        1992 Central States Pumper Truck, Series 60 Detroit, Allison HT 741 Trans., Hale 1500 GPM Pump, 750 Gallon Tank

·        1992 Pierce Ladder Truck, Smeal 75’ Ladder, 8V92 Detroit Motor, Allison HT 741 Trans., Waterous 1500 GPM Pump, 500 Gallon Tank

·        1990 Simmon Duplex 75’ Ladder Truck, 8V92 Detroit Motor, Allison Auto Trans., Godiva 1250 GPM Pump, 300 Gallon Tank

·        1977 VanPelt 85’ LTI Aerial Ladder, Detroit 8V92 Motor, Allison HT 740 Trans.

·        1983 Gillig Transit Bus, Detroit 6V92 Motor, Allison Auto, NO SEATS

 

Please note that not all of these vehicles are in running condition and no other equipment other than these six vehicles will be auctioned at this time.

 

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
Inspection: Morning of Sale
Location: 1610 N. Rebecca St., Spokane, WA  99217

 

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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

 

Youth playing with lighter determined to be cause of brush fire

 

Youth playing with lighter determined to be cause of brush fire

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s (SFD) Special Investigation Unit have determined last week’s brush fire near the intersection of Francis and Sutherlin was caused by a youth playing with a lighter.

 

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, crews from SFD and Spokane County Fire District 9 (SCFD9) responded to a report of a brush fire threatening multiple homes and outbuildings. The fire was located in a backyard area common to three homes.

 

Prior to fire department arrival, homeowners were attempting to keep the fire controlled with garden hoses and buckets of water.

 

Quick action by first arriving firefighters limited the fire damage to a small outbuilding, approximately 30 feet of cedar fencing and the vinyl siding of one home.

 

Spokane Fire Department provides a free program to support families and youth who have experiences with fire. If you have a child in your life who you believe would benefit from this educational program, regardless of the perceived level of risk, please contact SFD’s Community Risk Reduction Manager, Jamie McIntyre for assistance. McIntyre administers the Youth Firesetter Prevention educational program and can be reached at 509-625-7058.

 

Each year youth set fires cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and destroy millions of dollars worth of property. All children are at risk for using fire unsafely. Below are a few important safety tips:

 

• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves.
• It is natural for young children to be curious and ask questions about fire, play with fire trucks, or pretend to cook. Use these opportunities to teach them about fire safety.
• Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Teach young children to never touch matches or lighters. They must go tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.
• Establish clear rules and consequences about unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire.
• Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.
• Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What are they seeing online in video games, on TV, in movies, and on social media? Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.
• Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward 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 Sunday’s brush fire undetermined

 

Cause of Sunday's brush fire undetermined

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's (SFD) Special Investigation Unit are unable to determine the cause of a brush fire that started in the 2900 block W. Broad Ave.

 

The fire started just after 2 p.m. on Sunday in a wooded back lot near several homes. Fire crews were able to quickly contain the fire before damage was caused to any nearby structures. No injuries were reported.

 

With the warm, dry weather conditions it is always a good reminder to follow a few wildfire safety tips as seen in this video and listed below:

 

• Clear away pine needles, leaves and anything that can burn from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines so falling embers have nothing to burn. 

 

• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.

 

• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

 

• Remove flammable materials or anything that can act as a large fuel source within 30 feet of your home's foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds.

 

• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

 

• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

 

• Don't let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

 

• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.

 

• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.

 

• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

 

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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

 

Vacant house fire under investigation

 

Vacant house fire under investigation

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s (SFD) Special Investigation Unit are investigating a house fire that occurred yesterday in the 1100 block of E. Glass Ave.

 

At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1100 block of East Glass Ave. Reports to 9-1-1 indicated smoke and flames with possible explosion to a rear of a residence.

 

First arriving fire crews confirmed heavy fire from the rear of the structure. The fire was quickly located and extinguished in approximately 20 minutes, however, high outside temperatures slowed efforts to eliminate small fires in crawl spaces. Extra crews had to stay on scene to allow for rotations into the fire/work area to prevent dehydration and overheating. The last remaining crews left the scene approximately 5:30 p.m.

 

The house was vacant and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

 

The fire caused severe damage to the rear of the residence with smoke damage throughout.

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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 quickly contain vegetation fire

 

Fire crews quickly contain vegetation fire

 

Yesterday, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane County Fire District 8, Spokane County Fire District 3 and the Department of Natural Resources responded to a brush fire next to State Highway 195 just north of Hatch Rd. Early reports indicated a misfired model rocket had started the fire.

 

First arriving crews found a moderately moving fire in level terrain with no immediately threatened structures. The fire was contained in approximately 30 minutes and limited to approximately one to two acres. Crews stayed on scene for an hour digging a fire line and wetting hot spots to prevent further fire starts.

 

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries and no property damage other than vegetation.

 

A follow up investigation is being performed by the Department of Natural Resources.

 

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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

 

Joint statement from Spokane Fire Department and International Association of Firefighters Local 29

Joint statement from Spokane Fire Department and International Association of Firefighters Local 29:

 

“The City of Spokane and International Association of Firefighters Local 29 are jointly committed to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind. We firmly believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, and professionalism. In response to a recent complaint of workplace harassment and bullying, the City promptly conducted an investigation, the results of which have led to corrective action. While the investigation findings remain disputed, Local 29 has decided to forego a grievance or other challenge to those findings so that the City and Local 29 can work together to improve overall workplace culture within the Fire Department. Through this partnership, Local 29 will help lead the discussion on appropriate workplace behavior. 

 

The City and Local 29 take allegations of workplace misconduct very seriously. As a City, we have taken steps to make sure people have multiple ways to report concerns about workplace behavior and are comfortable coming forward with those concerns. As Chief, I will ensure the department is always working hard to improve by engaging with our community, building an inclusive culture, advancing new knowledge, and leading the way in seeking creative solutions to ever-changing challenges. These responsibilities are also delegated to every employee of the Spokane Fire Department. I have made it clear to the organization that any level of bullying, harassment, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.”

 

 

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 displaces five residents

 

 

 

House fire displaces five residents
No injuries were reported

 

An early morning house fire in northwest Spokane has displaced five residents.

 

At approximately 12:30 a.m., residents of a home in 5800 block of N. Driscoll Blvd. were alerted to a fire after hearing a noise and finding the bathroom on fire. The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire and contacted 9-1-1. 

 

All the residents evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department. Crews advised the fire was in a hallway and bathroom and also found it had spread to the attic. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire preventing it from causing further damage.  

 

The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the family.

 

There were no injuries reported. 

 

The fire caused damage to the living area and moderate damage to the attic area. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Investigative 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

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Deputy Chief

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Deputy Chief

 

After an extensive recruitment process, the Spokane Fire Department announces Rex Strickland III has been selected as the department’s new Deputy Fire Chief. Chief Strickland will be the Training Chief, overseeing both recruit and incumbent training, health & safety, and recruitment. He will begin on Monday, July 30.

 

Chief Strickland is a 29-year veteran of the fire service. Starting as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16, he said he quickly understood that the fire service was the only career option for him. He was hired by Fairfax County (VA) Fire & Rescue Department in 1992. Fairfax County Fire & Rescue deploys 38 stations with 1,500 members within a population of 1.1 million inside of 400 square miles and almost 80,000 calls for service.

 

Chief Strickland specialized in Technical Rescue where he served as Technician, Master Technician, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was an Operations Chief for the International Urban, Search, & Rescue (US&R) program. He has deployed to numerous domestic and international disasters to include acts of terror at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi Kenya and The Pentagon; earthquakes twice in Turkey, Taiwan, Haiti, and Japan; and numerous hurricanes to include Katrina and Sandy. In addition to the Special Operations programs, he has held positions in Communications and Training. Chief Strickland has been awarded two silver medals of valor, numerous unit citations and team performance awards, and a career achievement award. He retired after 26-years as a Battalion Fire Chief in Operations.

 

Chief Strickland teaches internationally to include South Africa, UAE, and across the nation on a variety of topics. He has presented lectures and hands-on training at Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Rescue International (FRI). He also serves on national committees to include National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and on a UL Advisory Board. While in Fairfax, he served as Chair on the region’s operating manuals Technical Writing Group and the Command Operations committee among others.

 

Chief Strickland is excited to bring his wife and three kids to Spokane.

 

Please note: Next week, we will be scheduling media interviews with Chief Strickland once he begins his employment with the Spokane Fire Department. If you are interested in scheduling, please let me know. 

 

 

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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