On the afternoon of April 28th at 3:45 pm The City of Spokane Fire department responded to a reported structure fire at 1220 East Pacific. Smoke could be seen from a ½ mile away by the first responding companies. Upon arrival the first apparatus reported heavy black smoke and flames showing from a 1st wood frame house. Fire from the fully involved house was impinging on the house to the east. Fire attack leads were advanced to the interior and to cover the exposure to the east. Roof ventilation was completed and a search was conducted. No one was found inside. It took about 20 minutes to extinguish the main body of the fire and 3 hours to complete overhaul and final extinguishment. The house and contents were total loss. Red Cross was called to assist 5 adults who were displaced. No injuries to report. The cause of the fire was determined to be an accidental.PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental cooking fire
DAMAGE EXTENT: House and contents total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus to 2614 E Euclid at 1:31 in the afternoon on Sunday, April 27th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire crew reported light gray smoke issuing from the roof vents of a single story wood/frame dwelling. As other apparatus and crews arrived on scene they immediately forced entry into the structure to simultaneously search the dwelling for occupants and endeavor to locate the source of the smoke still coming from the roof vents. A primary and a secondary search of the house revealed no one in the home, and the investigation into the cause of the smoke found smoldering blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic space. The ceilings in some of the rooms were pulled down and they revealed that this smoldering fire had completely burnt through 2 or 3 of the roof trusses at the ceiling and that 2-3 more of the trusses had been seriously damaged. Crews remained at the scene for more than an hour as they worked to remove the still smoking insulation to the outside of the structure where it could be completely extinguished. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept. The damage to the house was confined to the attic space, the roof trusses, and of course the ceilings in the rooms where the sheetrock had to be removed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The attic space, several of the roof trusses, living areas where sheetrock on the ceilings were pulled down.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: SIU Update:
The SIU arrested a fourteen year old male on Friday April 25, 2008 in relation to the incendiary garage fire at 2727 E. Sanson Avenue on April 17, 2008 at 4:06pm. The SIU has charged the juvenile with Arson 2nd Degree and he has been booked into Juvenile Detention.
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
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NARRATIVE: On Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 4:21 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Dan Brown responded to an unknown type structure fire at 1923 West Shannon Avenue.
Firefighters were initially dispatched to a large amount of smoke and fire coming from behind the address. While enroute, the first-due company upgraded the alarm to a working fire due to the close proximity of the adjoining addresses to the incident and large amount of fire showing on arrival.
To access the fire, the first two companies had to force gates and remove a privacy fence to obtain entry to the fire's location. They encountered a single story garage at the rear of the address with live utility (Avista) wires down and arcing. There was an intense fire that had consumed the majority of the structure and was impinging on a neighbor's home.
It took 21 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the spread of fire to the building of origin and limit additional damage to the adjoining homes and property. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The incident has been determined to be incendiary. More information regarding the investigation will be released when available.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents are a total loss. Adjacent property received limited damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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This evening, April 21, 2008 at 1914 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the Spokane Veterans Arena after being called by the Arena's security personnel regarding a small electrical fire. The Fire Department dispatched 3 senior ladders, 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, 1 heavy rescue rig and two command officers (a total of 30 firefighters).The arriving fire crews from stations 1 and 4 were promptly met by Arena Facility Personnel. The Arena Personnel identified the problem as an electrical short in some of the mechanical tracking leading to the large reader board at the west end of the facility. The electrical power supplying this tracking had been shut off and locked out at the panel. A fire command was established and firefighters staged their apparatus while Company Officers confirmed the location of the electrical short and the actions taken at the facility. 
A Lobby Control was set up and an Interior Division established to coordinate the facility's intercom communications and air handling systems. Fire Officers determined that the small electrical fire was out and used Infra-Red cameras to verify that there was no potential for extension.
The Spokane Chiefs were playing at the time of this incident. Having confirmed that there was no risk to the hockey fans or players the building was not evacuated. Fire crews used the ceiling "catwalks" and a "man lift" to perform a secondary check between the periods in the hockey game. Not finding any safety hazards the Fire Department turned the facility back to its security personnel.
There were no injuries at this incident. The Spokane Fire Department would like to thank the Arena's engineers and security personnel for their professional assistance during this incident. Damage was confined to some electrical wiring and will be repaired by certified electricians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical short.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Will need to be determined by a certified electrician.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: At just after 4 pm on April 17, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a detached single car garage that was reported to have had a couple of young males running from the area just before the fire was noticed. The garage fire occurred at 2727 E. Sanson. Fire investigators were called to investigate the fire and interviewed some of the witnesses at the scene. If you have any further information relating to this fire please call the Spokane Fire Department at 625-7000.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss to the garage
DOLLAR LOSS: 12,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: On 04/15/08 at approximately 0323 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 2604 E. 39th avenue upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews found fire in the basement of a one story, wood-frame, split level, single family residence. Fire department members advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the basement to extinguish the fire. While the fire was being extinguished, other crews ventilated the house, checked for fire extension to the first floor and conducted search and rescue operations. The two occupants of the residence had been awakened by smoke detectors and were able to safely exit the structure prior to SFD arrival on scene. The fire was confined to the basement of the residence, but smoke and heat damage was evident throughout. The tenants were in the process of selling and moving from the residence and the bulk of the fire involved boxes filled with their possessions.
A total of 9 fire trucks with 22 members responded to and extinguished this blaze. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Firefighters were on scene for approximately 3 hours.
This fire is a good example of the value of smoke detectors in residential structures. The occupants were alerted to the fire during the early hours of the morning by properly operating smoke detectors. The occupants were able to safely exit the house.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. A determination of the cause of the fire should be available later today.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage confined to the basement of the structure with smoke and heat damage througout the rest of the residence.
Total dollar loss on this fire is approximately $50,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: At just after 8 pm on Sunday April 13, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a water rescue response to an island in the Spokane River under the T.J. Meenach Bridge. A 23 year old male, Bruce Benson, was stranded on the island after wading in the 45 degree river during the warm afternoon. He claimed to be participating in geo caching and there is reported to be a cache on the island. A friend called for assistance which probably prevented a bad outcome. Had the victim reentered the water and was swept down stream the cold water would have incapacitated him in a very short period of time and incident could have been a lot worse. The Fire Department cannot over stress the importance of not getting over confident in the cold water as the air temperatures begin to get warmer. Also when getting into the water it is strongly advised you wear some sort of floatation device and not enter the water alone. This incident was a successful rescue in which the victim did not need medical attention.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Recreating in the river
DAMAGE EXTENT: None
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: SIU Case Update:
On Monday April 7, 2008 52 year-old Daniel Gabe Lamere pled guilty to Reckless Burning 1st Degree (Class C Felony). He was originally charged with Arson 1st Degree for setting a dumpster on fire that was positioned up against an apartment building at 1924 W. Gardner Avenue. The fire took place on 06/20/2007 at 0516 hours. Mr. Lamere's sentence includes: 22 months in prison, can not go within 2 blocks of the apartment complex for 5 years, $700 in court costs.
This is the second conviction for arson related fires in the West Central area in the past three weeks (Christopher Shartle pled guilty for the fire at 1808 W. College Avenue on March 14, 2008).
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
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NARRATIVE: On Thursday, April 10, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:00 PM to 1303 East Rowan on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene reported heavy smoke coming from the front door of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. Aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom on the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052. However, preliminary examination indicates the possibility of children playing with matches' ignited bedding in a bedroom located on the main floor of the house with fire spreading from that location.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: At 1030 am Saturday April 5, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded with 20 Firefighters on 7 apparatus to a single family house at 3711 W. Queen for a reported structure fire. The first Fire Department apparatus on scene, Engine 16, reported light smoke coming from roof vents. A quick search of the house indicated that everyone was out and the fire was above the ceiling in the attic area. Using a thermal imaging camera along with overhaul equipment a portion of the ceiling in both the living room and kitchen were removed along with the insulation to determine the extent and spread of the fire. Some of the roof trusses were burned as were areas of the attic insulation. With careful removal of the insulation and a diligent investigation on the amount of burned insulation, all spread of the fire was stopped and damage minimized to the structure. There was very little water damage or smoke damage to the living area of the house. Utilities were left on and the windows remained intact so the resident was able to occupy the house immediately after the fire. Cause was determined to be electrical. The resident had replaced a blown fuse and heard a crackling noise. Upon exiting the house smoke was seen coming from roof vents. At this time the Fire Department was called. It was also determined that the incident was accidental and nobody was hurt. To minimize the chance of fire when a breaker trips or a fuse blows, you should determine the reason for the failure and correct any problems in the system. An electrician can be very helpful in running down electrical problems.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical (accidental)
DAMAGE EXTENT: Some structural damage to roof trusses, living room ceiling and a small portion of the kitchen ceiling.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: Today is Living History Day at the MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Spokane Fire Department is highlighted on the Top Floor-Orientation Gallery. Experience the SFD's rich past and step back in time and enjoy displays of early Fire Fighting in Spokane. The MAC is located at 2316 W. 1st Avenue and can be contacted at 509-456-3931. Also don't forget the Spokane Fire Department's Museum located at the SFD Training Center 1618 N Rebecca which is available for viewing by appointment at 509-625-7130 and managed by retired Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Heckler.
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
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NARRATIVE: US Flags at all SFD Facilities have been be lowered to half-staff today, Thursday, April 3, in memory of U. S. Army Specialist Durrell L. Bennett of Spanaway who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 29.
The SFD flags will remain at half-staff until sunset today.
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
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NARRATIVE: Today at 5:23 PM, two (2) SFD Paramedic Engine Companies responded to a multiple patient emergency medical incident at a home under construction on the Five Mile Prairie at 8506 N Panorama Drive. On the first company's arrival, they found two citizens which had fallen from scaffolding during construction work on their home. The victims fell approximately 10-20 feet landing beneath the tangled scaffolding. It had appeared the scaffolding had failed which led to the fall. Personnel from both Paramedic Engine Companies (E-3 and PL-13) were able to stabilize the patients, immobilize them from transport and carry both victims from the construction site. Both patients were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center per trauma routing and their disposition is unknown at the time of this release.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Catastrophic failure of scaffolding.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Unknown.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 8
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
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NARRATIVE: *** Advisory for the Media Regarding Scanner Frequencies ***
Starting today, two of the SFD's radio frequencies have changed. The frequency assigned to "City Primary" is now 154.055. Tactical Channel "Amber" is now 154.130.
The reason for the change was primarily strategic as the change allows City Primary to be "repeated" throughout the SFD's coverage area. This change eliminates several dead spots which internal committees identified as a concern and an area for improvement.
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
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