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ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4323 W Sanson Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20, at 5:40 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4323 W Sanson. This address is located directly across the street from Fire Station 16, which is located in the Northwest neighborhood. SE16 arrived within one minute and reported smoke and fire issuing from the attic vents of a one story, wood framed residence. After ensuring all occupants were out of the structure, crews began a coordinate effort to extinguish the fire. Hoses were advanced to attack the fire in the attic, a supply hose was connected to a hydrant, holes were cut in the roof to relieve the hot smoke and fire from the attic area and tarps were placed on the homeowners possessions on the first floor to protect them. A backup hose was advanced to protect the crews working inside and a rescue team was put on standby to assist any firefighter who might run into trouble. The fire was finally extinguished after considerable effort but the the structure sustained heavy damage to the roof and first floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The roof and first floor sustained heavy damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/20/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5023 South Stone
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: NARRATIVE: On Monday, September 20th 2010 at 4:34 pm, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters. 3 engines 1 ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported structure fire at 5023 South Stone.

Firefighters responding to the structure fire arrived quickly to find fire and smoke showing from the roof of a single family dwelling. To effectively fight the fire the incident commander immediately ordered another ladder company to assist with the heavy workload required.

The companies attacked the fire in the attic of the home and the attached garage while conducting a coordinated search. No residents were home at the time of the fire although 2 dogs and 2 cats were removed from the building without harm. Other crews cut and peeled off the smoldering roof and covered the homes furnishings with tarps to protect them from water damage.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. Crews remained on scene late into the night removing smoldering roofing material and searching for hot spots. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire was determined to be accidental, starting on the exterior of the attached garage in the area of garbage and recycling containers.
DAMAGE EXTENT: DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the roof of the attached garage and part of the home was extensive along with damage to the contents of the garage. The residence suffered smoke and water damage. A neighboring fence was also damaged from radiant heat from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1838 East South Riverton Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217

NARRATIVE: On Saturday September 4, 2010 at 2:31 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Haworth Structure Fire responded to an apartment fire at 1838 East South Riverton Avenue.

First arriving firefighters rapidly coordinated the evacuation and rescue of the dozens of occupants who were attempting to flee the building. As additional SFD crews arrived, they methodically searched the 170' x 70' three-story apartment building and removed many occupants from ladders and through exits.

The fire traveled quickly throughout the roof and the third floor. Ladder companies immediately vertically vented the fire from above as engines stretched multiple hoselines to the fire floors to successfully stop the fire's progress.

As a result of the fire and a need to secure utilities, 21 apartment units were deemed temporarily untenable. Assisting 60 residents in their need for temporary accommodations were staff from the building's management and volunteers from the Spokane Chapter of the American Red Cross. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental and attributed to carelessly discarded smoking materials on the exterior deck of a third-floor unit. The tenant discarded a cigarette into a planter of potting soil; which smoldered until reaching a flaming stage. Contributing to the fire's rapid spread was that tenant also stored gas operated yard/garden tools on the deck. They also had a plastic one gallon gasoline container stored on the deck surface in close proximity to the planter. The remnants of the fuel container were located on the deck with fuel still inside. The vinyl siding also contributed to the rapid fire spread to the soffit and internal roof system.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There is extensive damage to the third floor throughout the entire building. Power to the building has been shut down and controlled by Avista. FD Command Staff are remaining on site to assist residents in retrieving their personal effects until morning when the structural integrity of the roof will be determined. Residents may be able to reoccupy limited areas later this afternoon depending on the result of the structural evaluation.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9

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ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 329 E Princeton
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus on Thursday evening, Sept. 2nd to 329 E. Princeton at 21:57 hrs. for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, from Sta. #15 located in the Hillyard neighborhood, reported smoke issuing from the closed front door and smoke and flame starting to appear at a basement window of the single story wood/frame residence. As other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, assignments were being made that would include forcing entry into the locked structure, placing hose lines in service to be taken inside the structure and down into the basement, horizontal ventilation of the building, search for any victims on all the floors, securing a water supply for the strategically placed Engine that would be supplying the water to the hose lines, a back-up hose line to protect the firefighters who would be making initial entry into the building, additional hose lines to protect neighboring structures that were beginning to be exposed to the growing flames as they were now extending out and up from the basement windows, and the formation of a Rapid Intervention Team who would be standing by to rescue any firefighter who might become injured, lost, or trapped inside the building. Crews began to force the front door and soon made entry into the structure dragging their hose lines in with them. As they searched in the blackness that greeted them they were unable to find the basement stairs due to a heavy accumulation of stored items and material piled high in the access area to those stairs. While all this was occurring on the first floor the fire continued to grow in size, intensity, and heat in the basement to the point where the firefighters had to abandon their original strategy of directly attacking the fire and were ordered to back out for safety considerations. Once the crews had exited the building a decision was made to introduce compressed air foam into the basement via the basement windows in the hope that the fire in the basement could be knocked down by the thick, wet, foam that was being produced by the Engine out in the street at the front of the structure. The foam soon began to get the upper hand on the growing flames and eventually the fire was extinguished. The combined efforts of the men and women of the Fire Dept. at this fire kept the flames confined to the basement but not before serious damage was done to the floor joist system of the building. The fire burned hot and for a long time before the cooling effects of the foam could put it out. Areas of the upper floor were sagging to the point that firefighters were ordered to stay off the floors in those areas as collapse of the floors became a real possibility. Five Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Heavy Rescue Rig, and two Command Vehicles delivered 25 firefighters to the scene of this stubborn blaze. The fire damage was limited to the basement although there was collateral damage done to areas of the first floor as efforts were made to get at the basement through other avenues since the stairs were not an option. The tenants of the home were out of town at the time of the fire. There were no reports of any injuries to firefighters at the scene. A member of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit was at the fire but not able to begin his investigation until the foam has dissipated in the basement and that would not occur until Friday morning around daybreak. A fire crew will remain at the scene all night long to be on the alert for any rekindle which might occur. The total damage assessment will be made by the investigator once he is able to examine the basement and the rest of the house in the light of day.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the basement, smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 S. Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 1622 hours, six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, 2 senior ladders and 1 heavy rescue apparatus responded to a report of a fire at the Regal Ridge apartments located at 5111 S. Regal.

The first arriving company was Engine 14 from the neighborhood fire station located at 18th and Ray. Engine 14 arrived at the back of the complex within 6 minutes from the time Fire Dispatch received the original call. Engine 14's officer, Lt. Schoenleber, reported that he had located an apartment unit at the back of the complex that was filled with black smoke. Engine 14 reported to the other responding fire crews that they were advancing a hose line into the involved unit and were evacuating tenants from the adjacent units.

Engine 14's crew (Lt. Schoenleber, Driver Gordon Ormesher, and FF Eric Ross) knocked the fire down with 150 gallons of water that is carried in the tank of E14. Arriving Firefighters assisted in ventilation and confining the fire to the one apartment unit. Although the fire was immediately knocked down, crews worked at the scene for about an hour and a half. The fire was confined to the kitchen area of the apartment with heavy smoke damage throughout. No civilians or Firefighters were injured at this incident. The Red Cross responded and is assisting the occupants from the burned out unit.

Narrow access driveways and improperly parked vehicles made it very difficult for the responding fire apparatus to maneuver to the back of this facility. This is reoccurring challenge that the Fire Department has to deal with when responding to fires in many of the apartments within the city. Citizens are encouraged to park only in the designated areas around their apartments and to keep the fire lanes clear for emergency vehicles.

This fire is under investigation at this time, but early indicators are leading to a cause of unattended cooking grease on the stove. (SFD investigators are still in the process of interviewing those connected to this incident.)

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is still under investigation. (More than likely accidental, cooking related.)
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 734 East Baldwin Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday September 1, 2010 at 5:48 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 3-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Moline responded to a reported residential fire at 734 East Baldwin Avenue.

The first unit arrived within 2 minutes and reported a one-story duplex with smoke showing from the front of the building. Ladder Companies were utilized to gain access to the affected unit and immediately searched for victims while other companies confined the fire to the area of origin. It took 24 Firefighters just 10 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one unit and prevent it from spreading into the adjoining unit and roof and ceiling areas. The occupant was not at home at the time of the fire, however two canines were rescued from the affected unit and returned to their owner through Spokanimal.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident was determined to be accidental and a result of an energized curling iron next to combustibles.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage in the area of origin and moderate smoke damage throughout the unit.
DOLLAR LOSS: 8000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/1/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Situation
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4510 E. Wisconsin
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99212

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 10:54 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Parkwater Yard area of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad located near the intersection of Trent and Airport for a report of a large pile of scrap railroad ties on fire. Engine 8, from their neighborhood fire station location at Mission and Rebecca was first on the scene and found the pile of ties to be fully involved in fire. They immediately requested additional help and both Engine 7 from 1st and Magnolia and Engine 15 from Wellesley and Crestline were sent. A nearby rail car was exposed to the flames, but as it turned it, this car contained scrap material and was not under any significant threat. Due to hydrants that were far apart from each other in this general area, a plan was made to provide water through other means. This included requesting a water tender from Fire District 9 and the possible use of the railroad's water trucks that they maintain. It was instead decided to stretch large diameter 5 inch hose, which all Spokane Fire Department engine companies carry, from a hydrant located approximately 1,300 feet to the east of the fire. This required using both Engine 7 and Engine 8. At this time, the fire was producing a large cloud of black smoke that could be seen for miles due to the enormous heat being produced and the creosote covering the ties. As the engine crews completed their water supply, they then began to mount their attack from the ground using hose lines. Ladder 2's crew raised their aerial bucket and attacked the fire from above which proved to be advantageous as they were able to reach void areas within the pile that the ground crews could not. After approximately 15 minutes of extinguishment from both the bucket and the ground, the fire was contained and confined to the pile.. A fire watch continued using another engine crew to make sure the fire was properly extinguished and that no embers remained. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was on the scene as was the Fire Prevention Bureau. At this time, the cause of the fire was a person cutting up an older rail car with a cutting torch for salvage purposes. The operation was too close to the pile of dried wooden railroad ties. Damage was confined to the pile of scrap ties and to a portion of a nearby scrapped rail car. Later in the afternoon the fire watch crew confirmed that the fire was controlled and out. Shortly after this, Engine 7 and Engine 8 returned to the scene to begin the long process of picking up their 1,300 feet of 5 inch hose. A total of 13 firefighters fought this fire. There were no injuries to the railroad workers or firefighters during this incident. 3 engine companies, a ladder company and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this call.

PROBABLE CAUSE: A worker using a cutting torch while cutting on an older rail car accidentally caught the pile of rail ties on fire because the operation was too close to the pile.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The scrap pile of wooden ties was destoyed. The side of one scrapped rail car received some heat damage from the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 13
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 9/1/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3627 North Division Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 9:48 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones, Sabo and Haworth, responded to a reported Structure Fire at 3627 North Division Street (Tung Loon Restaurant).

Firefighters responding to the alarm arrived quickly to find fire and heavy smoke showing from the roof of the 3000 square foot restaurant. To more effectively fight the fire, the incident commander immediately ordered more resources including an additional Ladder and Engine.

Swiftly forcing entry into building, which was secured and appeared closed for the evening, Spokane Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the premises and an attack on the fire above. While their colleagues skillfully protected the restaurant's kitchen equipment and office below, firefighters held the flames within the attic, roof and circumferential mansard of the restaurant. During the attack on the fire, the incident commander did order a withdrawal of resources from the interior of the building due to concerns of collapse which occurred nearly 15 minutes after the order.

The fire was declared under control within an hour of its discovery. There were neither injuries to civilians nor firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as electrical, and attributed to exterior lighting near the fire's origin.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the restaurant's roof and dining area is extensive.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/30/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1003 E Ermina
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: *** Update on fire incident 8/29/2010 at 1003 East Ermina ***

The man who died in the tragic fire incident at 1003 East Ermina has not yet been positively identified by investigators. An autopsy was completed this morning and we expect to release a name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin have been made.

The first 911 call reporting the fire came into dispatch at 1:12 AM. Routinely, both Spokane Police and Spokane Fire respond. Spokane Police arrived a few minutes before Spokane Fire and confirmed a fatality inside an active house fire. Inadvertently, the wrong address was initially dispatched to fire personnel; however the majority of fire companies that were responding were redirected to the corrected address while enroute. The first fire company arrived in ten minutes and 22 seconds after the initial call.

Yesterday's tragic fire was the fourth fire fatality in the City of Spokane this year (2010). The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/29/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1003 E Ermina
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 0116 Hours (1:16AM PST), six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; three engines, two senior ladders and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Haworth responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1003 East Ermina in Spokane's Northeast Side.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire showing from all sides of the single story single-family residence. Another home and garage were quickly identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters entered the structure using handlines and mounted a bold assault on the fire, and simultaneously provided ventilation of heat and smoke to assist with the search for reported persons missing within the confines of the wood frame home.

The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the 700 square foot home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes.

During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an adult near an exit. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Three large canines were also found deceased.

During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered and the alarm was upgraded to a working fire which added supplementary resources to assist in the search and management of the incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or other civilians on this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status has not yet been determined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/24/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has made two arrests related to the fire on 08/24/2010 at 1524 E. Pacific Avenue. A 19 y/o male (Brandon M. Winham) and one 17 y/o male were booked into the Spokane County Jail on a charge of Arson in the 1st Degree. Additional criminal charges are possible against the defendants. The investigation remains 'open' and additional arrests are also possible.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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ISSUING OFFICER: BC Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 702 S OAK
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99221

NARRATIVE: On August 16, 2010 at 2017 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 702 S Oak, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company L4 reported fire on the second floor of a three story wood/frame apartment building. They reported further, that they were going to stretch a hose line to the fire floor and attempt to make entry into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire. Additional fire fighting resources began arriving on scene. As they arrived, they were given various assignments which included search, rescue, and ventilation of the building. A back-up hose line was deployed to protect the fire fighters who had already made entry. A Rapid Intervention Team was established for fire fighter's who might be injured or become lost inside the structure. Fire fighters were able to quickly locate the seat of the fire and get a fast knock down on the rapidly growing fire. A search of the building was conducted. All residents of the building were safely evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries to civilians or to the fire fighters at the scene. The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room. The apartment above the fire floor had light smoke no fire damage. The apartment below sustained some water damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Seven pieces of fire fighting apparatus and two Command vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to the scene.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT:
The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2217 E Sprague Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On 08/14/2010, at 1:21 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue, and two chief officers to a reported fire in an abandoned house located at 2217 E Sprague. First arriving company SE7, which is located in the East Central neighborhood, reported smoke and fire showing from a 1 story, wood constructed, residential structure. This same structure had suffered a fire in April and was currently boarded up and posted "not for occupancy" by the Fire Prevention Division. However there had been reports that the structure was being frequented by homeless citizens which necessitated a thorough search be undertaken. One victim was located outside the structure by first arriving crews and he was treated on-scene by SFD medics for smoke inhalation before being transported to Valley Hospital . This fire presented several challenges to firefighters due to the fact that all the openings were boarded over, the main fire was located in the basement, and there had been a previous fire which had damaged the structure. A coordinated effort was undertaken to protect the searching crews which included removing the plywood over the doors and windows, placing hoses between the searching crews and the fire, and removing smoke and toxic gasses. Fortunately no other victims were found and the fire was extinguished. Two additional engines were called to the scene to assist with the overall effort. Crews remained on-scene for several hours to locate and extinguish hot spots. One firefighter suffered a dog bite to his hand while treating the smoke inhalation patient and was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The structure suffered severe damage to the basement and first floor, with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/12/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5th and Bernard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On Thursday August 12th, 2010 at 12:04 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team responded on a report of a peculiar solution in a container on the top of a roof near the corner of 5th and Bernard. After their arrival, the team reported that the solution was bubbling inside a container. A hot zone was created which protects the immediate area from any spill or possible pressure rupture from the solution. A request was made for the Spokane Police Department to respond and also the City/County Explosives Disposal Unit in case this proved to be a device that could detonate. Bernard was closed from 4th to 5th and 5th from Bernard to Washington. After consulting with the Explosives Unit and the Spokane Police Department, it was decided that the Haz Mat Team would send in their Entry Team along with a Backup Team and attempt to test the solution while wearing their protective suits. The team entered the hot zone and successfully tested the solution using their Mass Spectrometer instrument and discovered that the solution contained a number of different chemicals. After obtaining these specific chemical names, assistance was sought using the teams Mobile Data Computer to communicate with a remote lab located on the east coast and soon the results were available to the team. It was revealed that the solution was harmless and posed no threat to the public. There were 9 trained Hazardous Materials Technicians and Specialists who responded on this call.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Container left by someone on a rooftop.
DAMAGE EXTENT: None.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 9
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/12/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: *** Update from incident occurring on August 10, 2010 at the Bel Air 7 Motel (1303 E. Sprague Avenue) ***

The fire has been determined to be 'accidental' in nature. The ignition source was found to be smoking materials and originated among the materials of the bed. The fatality has been identified as a 49 year old female, however we are awaiting notification of next of kin so are not releasing the name of the woman.
This fatality is the third fire-related fatality in the City of Spokane this year.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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