SFD Media Release- Wildland Urban Interface Fire

 

 

Wildland-Urban Interface Fire

1600 Block of South Royal Street

July 2, 2019 - 5:01 PM

 

With numerous 911 calls reporting a brush fire near Sunset Drive and South Royal Street, teams of firefighters from the Spokane Fire Department, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Fire District 10 responded to the area where they discovered a fast-moving fire in vegetation and large trees west of the Sleepy Hollow Apartments.

 

In a regional response, more than 30 personnel responded and worked through rugged terrain to attack the blaze.  With the efforts of all three agencies, they successfully stopped the fire's advance, holding the fire's impact to less than an acre of dense forest and vegetation.

 

Structures were threatened, however, due to the aggressive and swift action of firefighters, none were damaged, and no civilians were injured.

 

The fire was 100% contained this afternoon; however, DNR firefighters will maintain a  presence and keep a close eye on the burn area over the evening, ensuring the volatile vegetation would not reignite out of control and that the residents remain safe.

 

DNR and SFD investigators are investigating the cause of the fire.

 

The SFD reminds homeowners living in areas susceptible to fires to take all necessary measures now to protect their homes against the threat of wildland fires. 

 

Homeowners should take, at a minimum, the following precautions around their home in preparation:

 

-Maintain an area of non-combustible material within 3 feet of structures -Maintain surface vegetation at 3 inches or less -Remove all downed trees, brush, limbs, etc.

 

-Thin trees to ten feet between crowns

 

-Prune limbs on trees to fifteen feet above the ground -Dispose of all slash and flammable debris from your property.

 

-Clean the roof and gutters of needles, leaves, branches and other combustible materials -Locate the propane tank at least 10 feet from the structure and within a ten-foot clearing.

 

-Stack your firewood at least 100 feet from the house and always on the uphill side.

 

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SFD Media Release- Marine Response

 

Spokane Fire Department Marine Response - Spokane River

Pettit Drive and T.J. Meenach Bridge July 2, 2019 - 4:24 PM

 

The Spokane Fire Department was alerted of a possible drowning on the Spokane River this afternoon.  Preliminary information indicates that 911 callers reported an adult male that was floating the Spokane River with others.  The incident commander received information indicating the victim may have been in an area from 2900 West Riverside to a mile downriver.  Additional resources, including the SFD's drone, were requested to search the extensive area of the Spokane River, its banks, and the challenging terrain around it.

 

After an exhaustive search by SFD, Valley Fire, State Parks, and Spokane Police Department the victim was located in shallow water near the river bank at Pettit Drive and T.J. Meenach Bridge.

 

SPD and the County Coroner are the authority with jurisdiction for the investigation, and this will be the concluding release from the SFD.

 

The SFD reminds the community that any moving water can be dangerous.  Always wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when you are in or near the river.  If you are caught in the water and swept off your feet, remember the following:

 

-Drop any items that can weigh you down.

 

-Stay calm, lie on your back, and keep your feet up and pointed downstream to avoid rocks and foot entrapment.

 

-Swim on your back with the current and then diagonally across the stream until you reach the shore.

 

-Do not attempt to stand up until you are in shallow, slow-moving water.

 

-If you get trapped on an island, stay there and signal for help.

 

 

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Family displaced after house fire

 

Family displaced after house fire
No reported injuries

 

A family of seven was displaced after a fire damaged a home in the South Hill neighborhood this afternoon.

 

The Spokane Fire Department responded to a residence in the 1100 block of E. 37^th Ave. around 3:30 p.m.

 

Upon arrival, crews advised of significant smoke coming from the basement and front door of the single story residence. The fire was immediately upgraded in order for additional resources to respond to the incident. Firefighters worked to quickly to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading further.

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the family (two adults and five children).

 

The fire caused substantial damage to the basement of the home and smoke damage throughout. The Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit is working to determine the cause.

 

 

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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

 

East Central Neighborhood House Fire

 

East Central Neighborhood House Fire

No injuries reported

 

Last night at approximately 8:42 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department and the Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to the 2500 E. block of Pacific Ave. on a report of a residential structure fire. 

 

The first arriving crew reported heavy smoke from the rear of the home. The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire to ensure additional resources were dispatched. 

 

Firefighters gained entry into the structure and quickly located the source of the fire. The fire was quickly confined and extinguished preventing the spread to additional parts of the home. Crews worked together to rapidly conducted a search of the building to ensure no occupants were still inside.  

 

The fire was contained and extinguished within 20 minutes of units arriving on scene. 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

 

Fire caused by keeping combustibles too close to wood stove

 

Fire caused by keeping combustibles too close to wood stove

No injuries reported

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit advise today’s house fire on N. Seminole Dr. was a result of a wood stove vent pipe being too close to combustibles.

 

At 9:52 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department along with Spokane Fire District 9 responded to a reported house fire in the 9600 block of N. Seminole Dr. Upon arrival, firefighters reported smoke and fire coming from the roof of the single-story residence. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. The roof of the home received extensive damage as a result of the fire.

 

There were no reported injuries.

 

With the colder temperatures, the Spokane Fire Department stresses the importance of following these safety tips:

 

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

 

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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 causes major structural damage to under-construction parking garage

 

Fire causes major structural damage to under-construction parking garage
Cause remains under investigation

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged an under-construction parking garage.

 

Last night just after 10 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to S. McClellan St. and S. Bernard St. on a reported fire in a parking garage. Firefighters arrived to find a very difficult to access, well-established fire on the third floor of the structure, where furniture and finish materials for the nearby under-construction hotel were being stored.

 

The first arriving crew immediately requested additional resources and attempted to attack the fire. The large fire load developed enough heat to damage the structure to the point that interior firefighting had to be discontinued due to intermittent partial ceiling collapses.

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire caused major structural damage to the concrete parking structure along with all of the contents. Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to fire investigators.

 

News outlets: If you are wanting an on camera/in person interview, Assistant Fire Chief Wolford will be available today at 3 p.m. at the scene 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

 

Fire causes significant damage to home

 

Fire causes significant damage to home
No reported injuries

 

Last night at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on the corner of N. Cincinnati St. and E. Carlisle Ave. First arriving crews reported heavy fire involvement to the front of the building and all occupants had evacuated.

 

Initial operations included confirming all occupants were out and extinguishing the fire to the front of the home. Unfortunately, the large amount of fire involvement to the front of the structure allowed fire to reach the attic spaces. Once it was confirmed that all occupants were out and with heavy attic space involvement, fire crews were removed from the structure and firefighting was restricted to the exterior for the safety of fire crews.

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire caused significant damage to the entire home. Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause.

 

The Spokane Fire Department wants to remind community members of important fire safety tips:

• If the smoke alarm sounds or you see or smell smoke/fire, immediately evacuate and call 9-1-1 from outside.
• Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
• If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.

 

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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

 

Chimney fire spreads to attic in N. Altamont home

 

Chimney fire spreads to attic in N. Altamont home

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit determined a chimney fire that spread to an attic caused Tuesday’s house fire.

 

At approximately 2 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 700 block of N. Altamont St. after neighbors noticed the fire and alerted the two occupants of the home. Both residents were able to safely evacuate.

 

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading further. The 1-1/2 story home suffered heavy smoke and fire damage.

 

With the colder temperatures, the Spokane Fire Department wants to remind residents to follow important safety tips when keeping warm:

 

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

 

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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 able to safely evacuate fire thanks to alert neighbors

 

Residents able to safely evacuate fire thanks to alert neighbors
Cause under investigation

Thanks to alert neighbors, two residents were able to safely evacuate their home after a fire this afternoon.

 

At approximately 2 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 700 block of N. Altamont St. on a report of a residential structure fire. 

 

The first arriving crews found significant fire showing from the second floor of the 1-1/2 story home. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading further.

 

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported.

 

The fire caused heavy smoke and fire damage throughout the home. 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

 

Firefighters quickly contain apartment fire in East Spokane

 

Firefighters quickly contain apartment fire in East Spokane
Cause under investigation

Last night at approximately 6:09 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2700 E. block of Sharp Ave. on a report of a commercial structure fire. 

 

The first arriving engine reported light smoke visible from the first floor of a six unit, two story apartment building. Crews immediately initiated fire attack while other arriving units secured water supply, gained entry into the structure to check for any extension of the fire and conducted a search of the interior to ensure no one was inside. Firefighters discovered a mattress on fire in one of the lower apartments. Crews were able to contain the fire to the room of origin and extinguish the fire within five minutes of the first firefighters arriving on scene

 

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported.

 

A bedroom sustained moderate smoke and fire damage. 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

 

Fire Marshal lifts restrictions on outdoor recreational fires for the City of Spokane

 

 

Fire Marshal lifts restrictions on outdoor recreational fires for the City of Spokane

The burn restrictions that were implemented in July for outdoor recreational fires were lifted effective this morning at 8 a.m., by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal. In ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits are authorized in the City of Spokane for recreational use. Approved fuels for use include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas. Debris disposal is not authorized at any time.

 

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

 

• Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.
• Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.
• Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.
  • Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

• Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet for campfires and fire pits).
  • For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures for portable fireplace appliances. Be safe and use good judgment.
  • For one and two-family dwellings, follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. Be safe and use good judgment.
• Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.
• Safe wind conditions (no more than 7 mph) must be present.
• Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

 

Note: Burning may be temporarily restricted by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency due to increasing fine particle (smoke) levels and air stagnation. Check current status at https://www.spokanecleanair.org/current-burning-conditions.

 

Fires not meeting the above listed requirements, fires considered unsafe or fires otherwise restricted will be required to be extinguished. As always, bonfires or pig roast type fires must receive an inspection, pre-approval, and a permit from the Spokane Fire Department. Outdoor fires for disposal purposes are illegal in the City of Spokane at all times. Failure to comply with recreational fire regulations are subject to a Class 1 civil infraction, which carries a $536 penalty. A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor. That person can face additional penalties of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

 

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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 houses destroyed after early morning house fire

 

Two houses destroyed after early morning house fire
Cause under investigation

One resident was treated for smoke inhalation and two firefighters sustained minor injuries after a house fire in the 100 block of E. Sinto Ave. The firefighters were transported to a local hospital and released following evaluation.

 

Just after 2:00 a.m., multiple Spokane Fire Department units responded to the reported house fire. First arriving companies found a well involved 1-1/2 story structure with fire extending to a 2-1/2 story structure immediately to the west, as well as a small detached garage to the east. Large columns of smoke and flames could be seen from as far as the South Hill neighborhood.

 

“The quick action by arriving police officers and our firefighters to strategically minimize the threat and save lives is why this aggressive fire wasn’t more of a tragedy,” says Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.

 

The fire was upgraded to a second alarm to add additional resources to the incident. The fire destroyed the two homes and a detached, single-car garage received minor damage.

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist multiple displaced residents.

 

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit and the Spokane Police Department are 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

 

Media Advisory: Spokane Fire Department conducting training (photo opportunity)

 

 

Media Advisory: Spokane Fire Department conducting training (photo opportunity)

 

Today, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) will be conducting simulated fire operations at the former Spokane City Credit Union (901 W. Shannon Ave.). Members of the media are invited to attend from 10 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m.

 

The Spokane City Credit Union is allowing SFD to use the structure for training purposes before demolition is completed.

 

Continuing education for fire departments is essential as it produces well-prepared crews, enhances safety, improves operations and increases efficiency. 

 

 

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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 N. Ruby St. house fire ruled accidental

 

Cause of N. Ruby St. house fire ruled accidental

The cause of a fire that damaged a home in the 1600 block of N. Ruby St. on Thursday has been ruled accidental.

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit say a box of items was placed on a stovetop, the knob to the stove was unintentionally bumped turning it on and the box of items ignited. The fire spread throughout the kitchen and through a window to the exterior of the home.

 

The home was not occupied at the time fire, but a family was in the process of moving into the house. The fire caused damage to the first and second floor and smoke damage throughout the home.

 

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

 

Cause of house fire remains under investigation

 

 

Cause of house fire remains under investigation
No reported injuries

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit are continuing to investigate what caused a fire at a home on N. Ruby St.

 

Last night at approximately 8:40 p.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1600 block of N. Ruby St. of a house on fire.

 

Upon arrival, fire crews advised of smoke and fire coming from a back window of the residence. The home was not occupied at the time fire, but a family was in the process of moving into the house. Firefighters were on scene quickly and confined the fire mainly to the kitchen area.

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire caused damage to the first and second floor and smoke damage throughout the home.

 

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