SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/31/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2908 E. Hoffman
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On 5/31/08 at 12:07 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engine companies, a pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 2908 E. Hoffman. Upon arrival, fire crews found a wood frame structure that had fire coming through a portion of the roof as well as a side window and door. Engine 15's crew, the first to arrive, immediately attacked the fire while also asking for backup and a crew to ventilate the roof. It was soon determined that both adult occupants had made their safe escape from the home. As the firefighters worked their way through the home to attack the fire, they soon found that the fire was mainly involving a portion of a laundry room, including the walls and ceiling immediately surrounding this area. The fire was also rapidly extending vertically into the attic. Through their fast and aggressive actions, the firefighters were able to knock down the fire and confine it to the back portion of the home. The majority of the home was saved, however smoke damage was extensive throughout the building. A total of 21 firefighters responded to this call and it took them 30 minutes to effectively contain the fire. Fire crews remained at this incident until 3:00 A.M. conducting final extinguishment and making sure all of the "hotspots" were completely out. This was accomplished by the use of thermal imaging cameras, shovels, chainsaws and axes. The attic insulation consisted of paper, sawdust and cellulose which kept firefighters digging for hotspots for a long time. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was called in to investigate the fire cause. At this time, the incident is still under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The Red Cross arrived to take care of the two displaced tenants that resided in the home. The home suffered extensive smoke damage throughout and the home also sustained fire damage to the laundry and bathroom areas as well as extensive damage to the roof. It was reported that one of the tenants had smelled smoke and woke up the other tenant. The home did not have a smoke detector. Because this fire occurred at night during sleeping hours and because the home did not have a detector installed, the residents were extremely lucky that they woke up to the smell of smoke and were able to escape. This is not usually the case. Too many fatality fires occur because of a lack of working smoke detectors. Never rely on your senses to detect a fire. Install a working smoke detector on every level of your home.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive smoke damage throughout the home. The laundry and bathroom areas sustained fire damage as well as the attic and roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2507 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA 99201
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Eight fire apparatus from the Spokane Fire Department including members from the Department's Hazardous Material Team responded to 2507 E Mission for a Hazardous Materials run. The units were dispatched at 11:45 hours on May 27, 2008 for a report of a broken natural gas line. The first arriving apparatus was Engine 8 under the direction of Lt. Dale Widener. He reported that a backhoe working in the yard had contacted a residential supply line. Incoming fire apparatus were staged, people in neighboring homes were evacuated and the traffic through the area was redirected with the assistance from SPD. Avista personnel arrived and shut off the leaking gas. Air monitoring took place in the surrounding area and people were allowed back into their homes when conditions returned to normal. There were no injuries at this incident. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind anyone planning on digging on their property to contact "Call Before You Dig" at 1-800-424-5555. This should be done two days before you dig. Utility representatives will come out and mark the potential hazards on the property.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Diggin in yard.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ruptured natural gas line.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1403 E. Hartson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded firefighting apparatus and crews to 1403 E. Hartson Ave. at 10:56 on Sunday morning, May 25th, for a reported apartment fire. A large column of heavy black smoke was clearly visible to the firefighters as they approached the scene. Initial reports from the first-in fire company indicated smoke and flames were showing out of a south-facing 3rd floor window of a three story wood/frame apartment building consisting of 6 apartments. Fire Dept. Radio reports to the arriving fire companies indicated that there may be children inside of the apartment that was on fire. Until confirmation could be made that there were no victims inside the apartment all firefighting endeavors were focused on making an early, aggressive attack on the fire coupled with an intensive search for any possible victims. While these tactics were being undertaken other crews ventilated the apartment in order to remove the pent-up heat and toxic poisons that were rapidly accumulating inside. The removal of the heat and the toxins make the interior of the unit more tenable for the firefighters and assists them greatly by helping them complete their assignments in a timely manner. The primary and secondary search of the unit revealed that all occupants had exited safely to the outside. A woman and her young son were the tenants in the fire unit and they were finally located in a safe area away from any danger. The tenants of the apartment that burnt lost their pet hamsters in the fire. There were no reports of injuries to any of the occupants of the apartment complex or to any firefighters at the scene. The fire was controlled in about 20 minutes however the arduous task of overhauling the fire scene would take considerably more time. Fire crews and members of the Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit remained on scene until mid-afternoon. Nine pieces of firefighting apparatus and three Command Vehicles were dispatched to the fire delivering 34 firefighters to do the difficult work that every fire requires be done. Damage to the apartment where the fire occurred was substantial; the owners of the building will have to decide what rehabilitation efforts will be made to the building. The two units below the fire apartment were damaged by smoke and water to varying degrees, the Red Cross was on scene to assist the tenants of the three damaged units with temporary lodging. At the time of this media release the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: One unit was a total loss, two other units below the fire apartment received varying degrees of smoke and/or water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 34
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/20/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 17th and Ray Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 05/20/08, at approximately 1445 hrs, units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 17th and Ray for a person trapped in a car after a tree had fallen on it. First arriving crews found a vehicle with a large tree branch on its roof and an occupant trapped inside. The tree branch had crushed the roof of the vehicle down on top of the occupant. The tree branch had broken from a tree just as the vehicle was passing by. The occupant of the vehicle suffered a laceration to the forehead but no other apparent serious injuries.

A firefighter from the first arriving crew was able to gain access to the vehicle and the patient to check for injuries while smaller branches that encircled the vehicle were removed by other SFD crews using chain saws. To call this a "branch" is truly an understatement. This branch was larger than many trees. The branch was trimmed as small as possible, still leaving a very large and heavy piece on the vehicle's roof. As luck would have it a tree trimming company, Nelson Tree Service, had a crane for lifting logs working just down the street and offered the use their equipment to remove the branch from the vehicle. The tree branch was attached to the crane and then quickly and safely hoisted from the vehicle. Enough can not be said for the assistance provided by Nelson Tree Service. The damage caused by the branch required use of specialized extrication tools to remove the vehicle's roof and force open the door so the patient could be removed and transported to the hospital. In all the extrication took approximately 45 minutes to complete.

A total of seven apparatus with 19 firefighters responded and participated on this incident. No injuries to firefighters were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Accident. Tree branch falling on vehicle.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy damage to the vehicle.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 530 West Main
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 5:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chief Inman responded to a reported building fire at 530 West Main (Spokane Exercise Equipment).

On arrival, firefighters reported a three-story commercial building with an apparent fire sprinkler operating on the second floor and odor of smoke in the building.

It took 27 Firefighters over 2 hours to mitigate the incident. Ladder companies reduced the damage to the owner's contents due to the sprinkler system activation (water damage to an office on floor two and the first floor business) by covering areas with tarps. Engine companies were utilized to assist removing the water and overhauling falling suspended ceiling and water soaked merchandise.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident and they are still on scene at the time of this release.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the discharging sprinkler head was not heat related. The situation is being investigated by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the building's contents is moderate. Aggressive salvage operations by SFD fire companies significantly limited the damage.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Mayor Tours Flood Areas; City Makes Sand, Bags Available to Citizens

Mayor Mary Verner toured Peaceful Valley today to assess areas affected by Spokane River flooding. She was accompanied by City Public Works Director Dave Mandyke and Fire Chief Bobby Williams. She visited the Upriver Drive area yesterday.

“I wanted to see the flooding first-hand,” the Mayor said. “At this time the rising Spokane River is impacting only a very few homes in our community, but we will keep a watchful eye on the situation as it develops. We do want to stress the danger of going in the river, and again ask our citizens and visitors to stay out of the water.”

The City of Spokane is making sand and bags available to property owners in Peaceful Valley and along Upriver Drive, who may need sandbags to keep hold back water, as the River continues to rise.

Sand and bags are available in the parking lot at the Peaceful Valley Community Center and in the vacant field at the northeast corner of Stone Street and Upriver Drive. Citizens can fill the bags and then place them as appropriate on their private properties.

Meanwhile, the City’s Street Department has placed sandbags at the boat launch at the end of Water Street in Peaceful Valley, around the Erie Street wastewater pump station, and around the levy in Peaceful Valley at the former Casket Company property.

Upriver Drive from Mission to Greene streets remains closed, and South Riverton at Greene Street, which is on the south side of the Spokane River, is closed to through traffic.

More information on flood preparation and cautions can be found at bt.cdc.gov or at weather.gov
Meanwhile, City Fire officials repeat their safety concerns about the river. The entire river is running high and fast, and water temperatures remain very cold. The National Weather Service now says the Spokane River will crest sometime on Friday afternoon or early Saturday, however it is anticipated that the river will remain above flood stage until late this month.

Please use extreme caution around the river:

Don’t allow children to play in the river. Moving water six inches deep can knock an adult off their feet, and the swift current can move a person downstream quickly. Cold water temperatures also can cause hypothermia.

Don’t attempt to drive over flooded roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.

Observe road closure signs and stay out of barricaded areas. Remember that portions of the Centennial Trail along Upriver Drive are barricade off. Please obey that signage.
Be aware of the large debris in the river. Higher water levels are pushing logs and other large debris into the river, increasing the danger to people.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have an emergency along the river! With these conditions, problems can develop rapidly. Don’t wait to make that emergency call.

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/21/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Lyons/Nevada
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 2:48 PM, 3 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and Assistant Chief responded to a reported roof collapse with two patients at a construction site near the intersection of Lyons/Nevada.

On arrival, firefighters reported a single-story car wash being constructed with a collapsed lightweight wood-truss roof structure. Two employees were working on the roof trusses when the structure suffered a catastrophic collapse. One of the workers fell nearly 10 feet to the concrete while the other fell into roof joists and was tangled in the wreckage.

It took 7 Firefighters just 30 minutes to remove the two victims from the collapsed wreckage, immobilize them and provide paramedic pre-hospital care. Both victims were transported to Holy Family Hospital in stable condition.

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

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Department of Labor and Industries.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The roof structure suffered critical damage and the extent is unknown.
DOLLAR LOSS: 7,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 7
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/21/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3000 West Sunset Boulevard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 2:04 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius responded to a reported small motel fire "Christmas House" at 3000 West Sunset Boulevard.

On arrival, firefighters reported a fire visible next to door of unit on the street side with moderate smoke coming from inside of the unit. Fire was at the bottom of the wall extending up the structure.

It took 23 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the spread of fire to the room of origin. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire's cause has been determined to be discarded smoking materials.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One unit is untenable. The remaining occupants are able to inhabit the building. The Fire Prevention Division is also working with the owners of the property to address electrical concerns.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

City Prepares for Expected Minor Flooding; Urges Continued Extreme Caution Around Rive

With the Spokane River at flood stage and water levels expected to continue to rise for the next few days, the City of Spokane’s Public Works Division and Fire Department are preparing for additional expected minor flooding and are continuing to urge citizens to use extreme caution around the Spokane River.

some flooding may occur in other areas, the City is anticipating that the Spokane River will spill onto:

Upriver Drive east of Mission Street.
Water Street at its dead end in Peaceful Valley.

Street Department crews will close these sections of street if the water extends over the pavement. Motorists would be required to use alternate routes. Barricades are already in place on the Centennial Trail along Upriver Drive between Mission and Greene streets, and some public benches in this area are under water.
Right now, the City is expecting only minor flooding along the Spokane River. Street crews have sandbags and sand ready for use on public property if forecasts change for the worse. Property owners who live or have businesses along the river should assess their own risk of flooding and take appropriate steps to mitigate any potential damage.

More information on flood preparation and cautions can be found at bt.cdc.gov or at weather.gov
Meanwhile, City Fire officials repeat their safety concerns about the river. The entire river is running high and fast, and water temperatures remain very cold. The National Weather Service now says the Spokane River will crest sometime on Friday afternoon or early Saturday, however it is anticipated that the river will remain above flood stage until late this month.

The City is reminding residents to use extreme caution around the river:

Don’t allow children to play in the river. Moving water six inches deep can knock an adult off their feet, and the swift current can move a person downstream quickly. Cold water temperatures also can cause hypothermia.

Don’t attempt to drive over flooded roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.

Observe road closure signs and stay out of barricaded areas. Remember that portions of the Centennial Trail along Upriver Drive are barricade off. Please obey that signage.
Be aware of the large debris in the river. Higher water levels are pushing logs and other large debris into the river, increasing the danger to people.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have an emergency along the river! With these conditions, problems can develop rapidly. Don’t wait to make that emergency call.

New Law Enforcement - Firefighter Memorial Unveiled

This afternoon a new memorial to fallen law enforcement officers and fire fighters in Spokane County. The memorial, located at Riverside Memorial Park lists the names of 39 persons and 3 K9 officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Included are the 16 Spokane Fire Department personel who have died in the line of duty since 1884

A special thanks to Fairmont Memorial Association for making this memorial a reality.

Spokane Fire Department urges extreme caution around the Spokane River as waters rise

With the Spokane River near flood stage and very warm temperatures expected later this week, the City of Spokane’s Fire Department and Public Works Division are urging citizens to use extreme caution around the Spokane River.

Areas along Upriver Drive from the Riverview Apartments east to Greene Street and in Peaceful Valley are most at risk for flooding, but the entire river is running high and fast. Although outside air temperatures may be warm, water temperatures are very cold. These conditions are a recipe for potential drowning.

The National Weather Service says the Spokane River may reach flood levels of 27 feet early next week. Snowpack levels in the mountains remain above normal, and wind, rain, and temperature all affect how fast the snow will melt and the water level rises.

The City wants to remind residents to use extreme caution around the river:

-Don’t allow children to play in the river. Moving water six inches deep can knock an adult off their feet, and the swift current can move a person downstream quickly. Cold water temperatures also can cause hypothermia.

-Don’t attempt to drive over flooded roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.

- Observe road closure signs and stay out of barricaded areas. Even before roadways are flooded, portions of the Centennial Trail along Upriver Drive can become submerged. Please obey signage there, as well.

-Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have an emergency along the river.

Video from 2008 Spokane Fire Department Meritorious Awards Ceremony

This is the 2007 Spokane Fire Department Year in Review music video that was shown during the awards ceremony.

Here is the complete video of the 2008 Meritorious Awards Ceremony. The program runs about 50 mins.

Hazmat Team responds to unknown substance in Downtown Spokane

The Spokane City Fire Dept. and its specialized Hazardous-Materials Team responded to 717 W. Sprague Ave., the Washington Trust Financial Center Building, to a reported Haz-Mat incident. The units were dispatched at 9:56 AM on Friday, May 9th to investigate an incident involving an unknown type of material delivered to the Financial Center through the mail. Upon arrival of the Fire Dept. resources they were briefed by employees of the Financial Center and based on those employees accounts the Haz-Mat Team was compelled to investigate this incident as a credible threat to the citizens in the building. Access to the building was denied and the area where the material had been placed was secured until a definitive identification of the substance could be provided, in order to do that the Haz-Mat Team had to don their protective suits, gather a sample of the material, and have that sample analyzed using one of their pieces of highly technical testing equipment.

The material was identified by their equipment as Molybdenum, a material defined by CAMEO (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) as, "a chemical element, it is a hard, high-melting, high-density dark gray metal or black powder. Insoluble in water. Used to make structural alloys; used as a catalyst. Molybdenum dust and fumes can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract." The amount of Molybdenum found in the envelope used to mail the substance was determined by the Haz-Mat Team to be less than half a teaspoon. Once the material had been identified it was sealed in a container along with the envelope, removed from the premises, given to a representative of the U.S. Postal Service, and the building was re-opened to the general public. There were no reports of any injuries or harmful exposure to the material by any civilians in the building or to any of the firefighters who responded to this incident. Seven pieces of fire equipment and four Command Vehicles with a total of 32 firefighters initially responded to this incident, some of the resources were placed back in service as the incident stabilized and the need for resources diminished.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown
DAMAGE EXTENT: No apparent damage noted.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 32
MUTUAL AID: None Given

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/9/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4312 W Arrowhead
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: SIU Follow-Up:

The structure fire previously reported at 4312 W Arrowhead on May 6, 2008 2:23am has been determined to be incendiary in nature. Evidence has been collected and the case is being aggressively pursued by the SIU.

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

END OF RELEASE

SFD Welcomes Home The Spokane Chiefs

Spokane Fire Department welcomes our Spokane Chief’s Hockey team home after a 4 to 0 win over Lethbridge to clench the Ed Chynoweth Cup. Chief Hanna and Lieutenants Pointer and Baskin from the Training Division set up the reserve PL at the arena while Engine 8 and Chief Schaeffer escorted the Team’s Bus through the City of Spokane to the homecoming at the arena.

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/8/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Spokane River at Maple Street Bridge
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, May 8, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 1:03 PM to the Spokane River below the Maple Street Bridge on a report of a man in the river. Fire crews from our Water Rescue Team and Technical Rescue Team were dispatched along with 3 other fire companies to complete a search of the river and its banks from Maple Street Bridge to T. J. Meenach Bridge. The primary and secondary search of the river was completed within 45 minutes and the Water Rescue crews completing the extensive search of the river and its shoreline did not spot a victim in the river at this time. The Water Rescue Team continued their search of the river further down stream for another hour and again found no one.

PROBABLE CAUSE: n/a
DAMAGE EXTENT: n/a
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4312 W Arrowhead Road
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. was dispatched to 4312 W Arrowhead Road at 2:23 in the morning on Tuesday, May, 6th, for a reported structure fire at that address. The first fire crew on scene reported heavy smoke issuing from the eaves of a 2 story wood/frame day lighted basement dwelling, within minutes of their arrival they reported that flames were shooting out of the roof of the structure. As more fire apparatus began arriving at the scene an aggressive interior attack was launched coupled with a search of the entire building for any possible victims. The fire, now venting through the roof, actually relieved the pent-up heat and toxic gasses that had been building up inside the house and made the conditions inside more tenable for the firefighters to get their work done. The fire, which had begun in the garage ceiling, had burned through the second story flooring, through the second story ceiling and was burning freely in the attic space, was then knocked down quickly by the firefighters. The search of the interior revealed that the house was vacant and appeared to be under-going a bit of remodeling, neighbors stated that the house had recently been used as a rental. One firefighter at the scene fell partway into a hole which had been burned through the floor in the main hallway of the house; he caught himself and with the help of his partner was able to extricate himself without sustaining any injury. No other firefighters reported any injuries during the operations being conducted at this fire. The damage to the house was considerable. The heat of the fire had caused the soldered copper pipe joints to separate in the lower level ceiling allowing water to flow into that level of the home for quite some time. The upper level of the home was damaged heavily by the heat of the fire and the roof structure may have to be totally replaced. A total of 28 firefighters, 7 pieces of fire apparatus, and 2 Command vehicles responded to this early morning fire and remained on scene for about 3 hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept. and preliminary indications are that the fire was accidental in nature.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire, smoke, water, and heat damage was present on both floors of this house, in addition ceilings were pulled down and walls opened up to allow extinguishment of hot spots.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Spokane Fire Department honors their own at 2nd Annual Meritorious Awards Ceremony

The Spokane Fire Department held their second annual meritorious awards ceremony on Friday night. The event honors Spokane Fire Department employees and citizens who have made a difference in the community in 2007. Here is a list of honorees.

Promotions

Fire Communication Shift Supervisor – Vickie Anderson
Fire Comm. Center Manager –Jay Atwood
Heavy Equipment Mechanic – Charles Marshall
Fire Equipment Operator – Jeremy Morasch
Fire Equipment Operator – Paul Peterson
Administrative Secretary – Sue Raymon
Fire Equipment Operator – Carl Raymond
Fire Lieutenant – Terry Smith
Fire Equipment Operator – Donald Waller

Retirements

Fire Dispatcher - LInda Breitzke
Deputy Fire Marshal - Tom Heckler
Fire Dispatcher - Gay Jenkins
Administrative Secretary – Charlene Walt
Fire Comm. Center Manager – Erv Williams
Fire Captain – Mike Zambryski

Citizen Community Life Saving Award

Mike Ramos

Criteria: The Citizen Community Life-Saving Award may be granted to any member of the community who aids in saving the life of another within the City of Spokane.

We have one Citizen Community Life Saving Award which resulted from an incident on February 5, 2008 when retired SFD member Mike Ramos stopped to check on a citizen near Division and Cozza that was slumped over the steering wheel. Seeing that the victim was in trouble, he broke the window of the vehicle, removed the victim and initiated CPR. Ramos remained with the patient and provided basic life support throughout the incident.

Community Service Award

Tony Hatcher

Criteria: The Community Service Award recognizes a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to fire and life safety through education, public relations, and public service.

On July 6th 2007 PL 13 was called to treat a gentleman suffering from heat exhaustion. The patient was a contractor working for the homeowner and was in the process of building a detached garage and setting up for a central AC unit to be installed when he collapsed. A cement truck was also on site and had just finished pouring the footings for the garage and the slab for the AC unit. As the patient was being loaded into the ambulance he had asked PL13 to spray the concrete with water since it could be up to 2-hrs before another contractor could arrive to finish the job. PL13 did try to help with keeping the concrete wet, however we had a simultaneous multi-alarm apartment fire and other incidents which took priority. While enroute to other incidents, PL13 had dispatch call off-duty Firefighter Dan Wilson which was able to coordinate with a citizen Tony Hatcher which had concrete tools. By the time PL13 was able to return to the scene, Captain Wilson and Tony Hatcher were able to save the footings for the garage and made the slab useable. This tremendous gift of community service has made for a huge positive boost to the homeowner and also definitely added value to the neighborhood.

Community Service Award

Carolyn Longanecker

Carolyn has saved more persons in the Spokane community from the losses and scars of a fire tragedy than anyone will ever be able to count.

In December 1974, a faulty wall heater started a fire in Carolyn’s small home in Cheney that nearly took her life. Burned over 65% of her body, Carolyn was injured too seriously to risk transport to the nearest Burn Center in Texas. Her life path, changed in a moment from her anticipated career as a model, was marked by a year in the hospital where she endured excruciating treatments. In the following years, she had 30 surgeries in an effort to reconstruct her body and correct problems created by the burns and scar tissue.

Throughout these years of reconstruction, Carolyn saw too many young patients die from the effects of burns. She was determined to do everything in her power to prevent another child from the agony of burn recovery and to save a parent the pain of losing child and home to fire.

In October 1990, Carolyn saw a TV feature on a Children’s Fire Safety House in Texas and recognized the tool that she dreamed could be made available for children in Spokane as well. She set to work linking the Spokane Fire Department with business and civic groups as she shared her own story as well as her hopes for a mobile Children’s House. The 10 area Rotary Clubs inspired by her vision pledged to help build the Children’s Fire Safety House.

Since its first day on the road in November 1992, the two-story Children’s Fire Safety House has provided over 30,000 persons (mostly 3rd and 4th graders) with a hands-on experience in preventing and surviving fire. Carolyn not only helped coordinate the construction and curriculum details, she even helped paint the exterior of the House as funding for workers ran low.

Carolyn spoke about Fire Safety for the SFD whenever and wherever requested. She never turned down a request, no matter the personal toll it sometimes took to be vulnerable to an audience so that the message of burn and fire prevention could be heard clearly enough to affect change in their home safety practices.

The Spokane Fire Department has dearly missed Carolyn’s presence since she left in September 2006 to help with ill family members. Her boots will not be filled, but her message continues in the Children’s Fire Safety House and in the hearts and minds of those she taught.

Special Unit Citation

Ladder 4

LT Mark Vietzke, FEO Groe, FEO McNamee, FF Chad Shaw

Criteria: The Special Unit Citation is awarded to any unit, within the Department which has worked together toward a common goal. The Citation is awarded for a specific performance of exceptional quality

On November 24, 2007 LT Mark Vietzke, FEO Groe, FEO McNamee, FF Chad Shaw responded as the crew of Ladder 4 to a fire in a three story wood frame apartment building with heavy fire showing on arrival. The company located three tenants and their dog seeking refuge from the flames on the roof of the structure. Ladder 4 quickly deployed their aerial device to the roof, ascended the ladder and escorted the tenants to the ground into awaiting ambulances. Ladder 4’s crew exemplifies the finest traditions of the fire service in the preservation of life.

Meritorious Service Award

Criteria: The Meritorious Service Award may be presented to any member of the Department who performs one or more of the following:
- An act of intelligence and valuable service, demonstrating special dedication or perseverance.
-Highly credible acts of fire service over an extended period of time.
-Continuous professionalism
- Submission of a device or method designed to increase efficiency in an administrative or tactical procedure, which is subsequently adopted by the Fire Chief.

LT. Brian Faulkner and Captain Dave Haworth – Both officers are members of the SFD’s Technical Rescue Team. Over the past two-years, they have spent countless hours of their own time researching, designing and building our Urban Search/Rescue props which allow our personnel to train on life-saving procedures in a safe and realistic environment. The props are of such good quality that National USAR instructors commented that the props were the best they have ever scene. These two members collaborated together with a vision and have seen it through completion

Retired Deputy Fire Marshal Tom Heckler – Tom Heckler has demonstrated a long career marked by special dedication and commitment to the preservation of the SFD’s history. His vision for a SFD museum continues to emerge as demonstrated by the room in this facility and his continued dreams for a stand alone building.

LT. Dale Treichel -- Over the past 10+ years Dale has distinguished himself in all aspects of his duties as the EMS Quality Improvement Officer. He is attentive to detail and he works well with the field personnel and external customers. Of special note are two of his recent endeavors. The first is the County protocol committee. Dale identified that there are ongoing issues with the protocols. He formed a protocol review committee for the County Council and chairs that committee. Monthly the committee reviews issues with our protocols and the group has made major improvements in those that have been reviewed. Secondly, the recruit class needed help to get through the EMS/EMT requirements. Dale committed himself fully to managing and performing the required EMT written and skills evaluation tasks for the recruits. He authored the EMT test, he prepared all of the equipment and scenarios for the practical exams and he spent countless hours evaluating the recruits. In fact as I write this he is just finishing the last of the recruit evaluations.

Firefighter Dan Wilson – As explained on the Citizen’s Community Service Award previously; on July 6th 2007 FF Wilson received a phone call from PL 13 requesting help. The help wasn’t a debit day, trade time or any other type of emergency staffing problem—it was simply a call from his coworkers because they knew he was dependable. FF Wilson and Tony Hatcher worked together to finish the concrete work at the previously mentioned scene. For this tremendous example of leadership and community service, Dan Wilson’s peers nominated and approved the Meritorious Service Award.