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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/31/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 502 East Cataldo
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Thursday July 31, 2008 at 11:10 AM (during the 722 Altamont Fire), six companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines and 2 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Hanna responded to a reported building fire at the Applied Sciences Building 502 East Cataldo on the Gonzaga Campus.

When Ladder 2 and Chief Hanna arrived, they were met by security and reported a 3-story commercial building with confirmed smoke in the basement. Companies were utilized to search and simultaneously evacuate the building while others located and extinguished the fire. The incident was placed under control in less than 30-minutes and no firefighters or civilians were injured during the event.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The origin of the fire was in basement mechanical room and cause was a electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was limited to the mechanical room and minor smoke odor/damage in the basement.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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

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: 7/31/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 722 South Altamont
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Thursday July 31, 2008 at 9:55 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Ken Kirsch and Joel Fielder responded to a reported Apartment Fire at 722 South Altamont. When the first company arrived, they reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a multiple family, two-story townhome. Neighbors and Police nearby also told arriving firefighters that there were children missing. The Ladder company was immediately used to ventilate the roof and search for the missing children while Engine companies attempted to extinguish the fire from the second floor. Due to the fire's conditions and construction type, the alarm was also upgraded to a working fire which added an additional Engine, Senior Ladder and Pumper-Ladder. It took 33 Firefighters 45 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the second floor and attic areas of the building. All children were accounted for and were removed prior to the SFD's arrival by neighbors. A young child received moderate burn injuries from the fire and received treatment by SFD Paramedics, however refused transport by AMR. The child was reportedly transported by relatives to the hospital at the time of this release. No firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The origin of the fire was on the second floor balcony. The cause was an unsupervised 4-year old child playing with matches.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is significant throughout the second floor. Structural integrity of the roof members and associated lightweight wood-frame structural members is in question. Re-occupancy is not possible without considerable clean up and construction.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 33
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

END OF RELEASE

New episode of 2nd Alarm available

The August 2008 edition of 2nd Alarm is now available. In this episode, we'll focus on summer fire safety. Fire Marshal Lisa Jones has tips to keep your and your home safe around the barbecue. We'll also tell you about Firewise landscaping and how it can protect your home in a wildfire. Also, we will introduce you to the Spokane Fire Department's C.A.R.E.S program and tell you why it is such a unique program for the Department.

2nd Alarm is public information video news magazine produced by the Spokane Fire Department . It airs locally on City Cable 5 in Spokane. Back episodes are also available on our website, http://www.spokanefire.org/

SFD Mourning the loss of East Pierce Fire District Chief, Dan Packer

It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that I inform the Spokane Community that Chief Dan Packer, Fire Chief with East Pierce Fire & Rescue and the Washington Chief Association's Immediate Past President, died in a California Wildfire on Saturday, July 27, 2008. Chief Packer was deployed on Friday, July 26, 2008 and was serving as Division Supervisor in the Siskiyou mountains in Northern California. He was over run by the fire when the wind shifted unexpectedly.

Chief Packer served for several years with me on the Board of the Washington State Fire Chief's and has been highly involved in State Mobilization, Incident Management Team Programs and assisting the east side of the State on incidents. Chief Packer was a distinguished leader, greatly honored firefighter whom his department and community respected and he was personally a good friend.

Our Department's thoughts and prayers are with his family, the East Pierce Fire Department/Local 2877 & Local 3520 and the fire service to which he dedicated his life.

All Spokane Fire Department Facility flags have been lowered to half-staff from time of announcement until 24 hours after conclusion of services. All SFD members' uniform badges are shrouded from time of announcement until 24 hours after conclusion of services.

Asst. Chief Brian Schaeffer

Video of Joel Building Fire

The dash camera from our Command Vehicle captured flames erupting from the front of the Joel building at 8:00 this morning.

Major Fire in Downtown Spokane

Firefighters are expected to work throughout the day to contain a fire that broke out in what’s commonly known as the Joel building on the east side of Post Street, just south of the railroad viaduct. Firefighters are approaching the fire from a defensive position.

“We are working extremely hard to contain the fire and limit its damage,” says Spokane Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer. “We will remain on scene until the area is safe.”

Both Mayor Mary Verner and Council President Joe Shogan have been to the fire to assess the damage and check on the health and safety of fire crews.

Post and Wall streets are closed between First and Second avenues, and the northernmost travel lane of Second is closed from Wall to nearly Lincoln. Citizens are asked to stay away from the area to allow fire crews to do their work. The smoke is toxic, and citizens should avoid breathing in the smoke, especially if they have respiratory problems.

On scene are:
17 Spokane Fire Department companies.
58 SFD firefighters.
A Major Incident Support Team (MIST) to assist with logistics and support.

In addition, surrounding fire districts have provided firefighters, through mutual aid agreements, to assist on scene and to staff some City neighborhood fire stations.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/23/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Due to the amount of recent activity and requests for the status of on-going investigations, I am attaching an update in digest form. The following SIU investigations, dates and dispositions are listed below for July:

7-2-2008
7 S. Pittsburg Street
Apartment Fire
Cause: Accidental (Using gas as a wood stain stripper)

7-3-2008
2620 W. Beacon Avenue
Vehicle Fire
Cause: Incendiary

7-5-2008
1418 W. Jackson Avenue
Vehicle / Garage
Cause: Incendiary

7-6-2008
1300 E. 5th Avenue
Grass / Timber
Cause: Undetermined (Fireworks or Incendiary)

7-7-2008
1808 E. Sharp Avenue
Deck / Exterior Siding on Residential House
Cause: Accidental (Carelessly Discarded Cigarette)

7-8-2008
6611 N. Lee Street
Duplex Fire
Cause: Accidental (Cooking fire)

7-8-2008
3003 E. Diamond Avenue
House Fire
Cause: Meth Lab

7-8-2008
9th Avenue and Napa Street
Grass / Timber
Cause: Juveniles playing with lighters

7-9-2008
4808 E. Valley Springs
Grass / Timber
Cause: Undetermined (Accidental or Incendiary)

7-10-2008
401 E. Magnesium Road
Laundry Room Fire
Cause: Incendiary

7-10-2008
2509 W. Summit Blvd
Grass / Timber Fire
Cause: Incendiary

7-10-2008
1727 W. Sinto Avenue
Commercial Warehouse (Ugly Duck)
Cause: Undetermined (Accidental or Incendiary)

7-11-2008
808 E. Dalke Avenue
Road Flare Thrown at Residential House
Cause: Incendiary

7-12-2008
3903 E. 30th Avenue
Lean to against Residential Dwelling
Probable Cause: Accidental (Carelessly Discarded Smoking Materials)

7-14-2008
4003 S. Crestline Street
House Fire
Probable Cause: Fireworks

7-14-2008
514 E. 23rd Avenue
Grass / Garage
Cause: Juveniles playing with lighter

7-14-2008
1700 E. Hartson Avenue
Grass / Timber
Cause: Undetermined (Fireworks or Incendiary)

7-16-2008
1300 E. 9th Avenue
Playground Equipment (Grant Elementary)
Cause: Incendiary

7-19-2008
314 E. Jackson Avenue
Grass / Commercial Building
Cause: Incendiary

7-19-2008
101 E. Montgomery Avenue (Camp Chevrolet)
Vehicle Fire
Cause: Incendiary

7-19-2008
520 W. Sharp Avenue
House Fire
Cause: Undetermined (Probable Cause; Electrical; Overloaded Surge Protector)

7-21-2008
800 E. Providence Avenue (Longfellow School)
Playground Area
Cause: Juveniles playing with gasoline and open flame device

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

END OF RELEASE

Recreational Fires Banned in Spokane

The City of Spokane's Fire Marshal has ordered a ban of recreational fires for up to 90 days because of the high danger of wildfires. Expected ongoing dry and hot weather conditions, combined with abundant grasses for fuel and increased likelihood of wildfires in our area.

This decision was made in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

The order does not prohibit the use of backyard barbecues, chimneas or other patio/deck warmers, as long as approved fuel is used, including seasoned (clean and dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

Citizens who refuse to discontinue unauthorized burning or fail to extinguish recreational fires when notified to do so are building of a misdemeanor that could lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days jail time.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/19/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 520 W Sharp
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 07/19/08, at approximately 1426 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 520 W Sharp upon report of a structure fire. First arriving fire department units found a one and one half story, wood-frame, single family residence, with the rear of the structure fully involved in fire. A commercial structure, in very close proximity to the fire building, had flames lapping on its' siding and roof areas. Fire crews had to deal with the fire structure as well as the exposure building. Advancement of pre-connected hose-lines, roof ventilation, as well as search and rescue operations were conducted on the main fire structure. At the same time fire crews forced entry into the exposure building, advanced hose-lines inside, and used exterior lines to protect the building from fire damage. The fire was brought under control within approximately one and one half hours. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to assure extinguishment. Damage to the exposure building was limited to the exterior siding, with very minor damage to the interior. The main fire building had severe fire damage to most areas of the interior and is considered a total loss.

A total of 27 firefighters on 10 trucks battled the blaze at its height. Firefighters will remain on scene until fire investigators return in the morning to continue their investigation into the cause. Two firefighters were injured during the blaze, with one suffering a laceration to his hand, while the other had an ankle sprain.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently undetermined. Investigators will be back on scene early tomorrow morning to continue their investigation of the fire cause.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the exposure building was limited to the exterior siding, with very minor damage to the interior. The main fire building had severe fire damage to most areas of the interior and is considered a total loss.

DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
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

END OF RELEASE

Red Flag Warning for Spokane Today

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Eastern Washington including Spokane. A Red Flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occuring now or willl occur shortly. A combination of strong offshore winds and low relative humidity with high tempatures will make for explosive fire growth potential.

Winds out of the south and southwest will gradually increase throughout the day before switching to the northwest. Sustained wind speeds of 15 to 20 mph are expected with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Humidity readings "in the teens will result in critical fire weather conditions for several hours late this afternoon an especially during the evening hours," according to the warning by the National Weather Service.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4003 S. Crestline
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On July 14, 2008 at 1502 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command Officers to a reported house fire located at S. 4003 Crestline St. Callers reporting the fire to Fire Dispatch stated that the home was fully involved with fire and that the occupants had been evacuated. Engine 14 was the first apparatus to arrive. Engine 14's officer, Todd Powell reported that they had a 1 story rancher with fire showing from the front living room windows. Lt. Powell upgraded the fire and his crew advanced pre-connected hose lines into the home. Additional arriving fire fighters ventilated the home's roof to release fire that had spread into the attic. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, but crews worked on the scene for an additional 1 hour.

The occupants of this home were very fortunate. They were unaware that a well established fire was burning in the front part of their home. Neighbors noticed the fire, called 911 and assisted the elderly couple from the home. Fire fighters checked the couple out for injuries and found none. The couple will be assisted by the Red Cross.

There were no injuries at this fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: 25 percent of the first floor.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50000
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

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Wildland Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Liberty Park
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 4:23 pm on Monday July 14, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was sent to Liberty Park again for a brush and timber fire. It was reported that children playing with fireworks in the area ignited a hillside on the south side of the park. With an aggressive attack from above and below the fire was kept to no more than a couple of acres. Crews will check the area periodically throughout the night watching for flare ups. A brush second alarm was called due to the breezy conditions and the difficult accessibility of the fire. In all 20 Firefighters responded to control the fire and with no injuries.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: approximately 2 acres of brush, grass and trees
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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

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: 7/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1727 W Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: *** Update on the Thursday July 10 Ugly Duck Fire. ***

At the time of this release, the fire's cause has not been determined. SIU personnel will most likely be reviewing evidence and interviewing for several weeks following the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant
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

END OF RELEASE

3rd Alarm fire stretches SFD resources

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1727 W. Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At just after 1pm on Thursday July 11, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched on a fire in the alley behind a commercial building. Upon arrival it was found that there was and area about 200 square feet burning and extending into a commercial building with a heavy fire load of wood products. A quick attack was attempted but the fire had spread into the structure and a 2nd alarm was requested followed shortly by a 3rd alarm. All together 66 Firefighters, 11 command staff, and several support agencies responded in 31 fire vehicles. The fire is under investigation and nobody was injured. Damage to the Ugly Duck liquidators was significant but most of the business sustained little or no damage. This fire which stretched the city's resources occurred during a red flag warning for high winds and low humidity which assisted in a number of large fire events at the same time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: One entire building and the contents of a business
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 66
MUTUAL AID: FAFB, Fire District 9, GEG Airport FD

KHQ-TV Video

Crews contain Beacon Hill wildfire

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer

DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/9/2008

INCIDENT TYPE: Wildland Fire

INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4808 E VALLEY SPRINGS RD

CITY: SPOKANE

STATE: WA

ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On July 9, 2008 at 1:30 PM, Spokane County Fire District 9 and DNR companies were dispatched to a reported possible brush fire on Beacon Hill. As the District 9 Chief Officer arrived on the scene he assessed the situation and communicated to Fire Dispatch that the fire was approaching timber on the bottom 1/3 of the slope and that the incident was in the City of Spokane. Subsequently, multiple SFD resources were dispatched to the incident under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Brown. A unified command post coordinated an aggressive attack on the wildland fire which was traveling quickly upslope posing a tactical challenge for the firefighters.

The low humidity, moderate winds, high temperature and past experience on Beacon Hill fires indicated to the command team to request additional resources including additional SFD Type 6 brush engines, a CL215 aircraft and two 11-person hand crews. The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane, District 9 and DNR Firefighters resulted in the fire being contained and trailed with hand-line within 2-hours. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters and companies are expected to remain on-scene until midnight.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The incident is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary information suggests the fire was intentionally set

.DAMAGE EXTENT: Wildland only

DOLLAR LOSS:

FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31

MUTUAL AID: DNR, Fire District 9

Fire Location


View Larger Map

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/9/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: *** SFD Administration issues information from the NWCG concerning the 2008 Wildland Fire Season's safety statistics ***

"On July 7 this year, we reached the number of deaths in wildland fire operations for 2008 that we experienced during all of 2007. A total of nine wildland firefighters died in the line of duty in 2007 and nine have died so far this year. That's nine people who won't be going home to their families and friends after work any more. We need to keep these fallen heroes - and the ones lost in previous years -- in our hearts and minds as we continue our work in what promises to be a long, difficult fire season across the nation.

Causes of death for wildland firefighters in 2008 have included the following:
*vehicle accident (2 deaths when a burned bridge collapsed)
*aviation accidents (1 SEAT pilot; 1 firefighter in a midair collision)
*roadside accident (2 struck by a vehicle in heavy smoke)
*unknown, possible heart attack or aneurysm (2 deaths)
*drowning. (1 death while swimming on R&R)

Many more accidents have been experienced by wildland firefighters in 2008 that did not result in fatalities, but easily could have. Twenty-four firefighters were injured in four separate vehicle accidents; 19 firefighters became entrapped on seven different occasions, with many of those individuals suffering burn injuries; 10 firefighters were injured when lightning struck nearby in two separate incidents; three firefighters suffered burn injuries in separate events that were not entrapments; two dozer operators were injured in separate rollovers; a firefighter was hit by a snag. These are just some of the accidents reported in the NWCG Safety Gram; many other accidents and near misses have occurred both on the ground and in the air in 2008.

Entrapments are also worthy of special mention. The 19 firefighters who became entrapped this year were on fires in five different states. Only three of the 19 entrapped firefighters got their fire shelters out; many others were in vehicles when entrapped - specifically engines, dozers and tractor/plows. Many of these firefighters suffered burn injuries. During all of 2007, a total of 53 firefighters were entrapped, and we are on pace to reach or exceed that number in 2008. Many of the firefighters entrapped in 2007 and 2008 are still recovering from their burn injuries and some have left the fire service."
All firefighters operating in the Wildland want to survive this fire season without injury-so did all the people who have been injured or killed to date. SFD Administration in cooperation with Labor are committed to maintaining the Safety and Health of the Firefighters through education, rigorous training and safe work practices based on the SFD's Risk Management Plan and Standard Fire Orders/Watch Out Situations. The SFD has deployed numerous companies and single-resources to Washington State fires in the last few weeks. We currently have two Type-6 brush Engines and Strike Team Leader with eight personnel assigned to the Badger Mountain Fire near East Wenatchee.

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

END OF RELEASE

SFD finds land mine during brush fire cleanup

On July 6, 2008 at approximately 1800 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched Engine 1 for a reported brush fire in Liberty Park. Engine 1's officer Captain Mike Thompson reported a fire moving into heavy brush and climbing up the steep hill on the south side of the park. Additional apparatus were requested to extinguish the fire and stage towards the top of the hill. The companies at the top of the hill would be deployed if needed to protect the homes in this area. Resources sent to this fire included 3 brush engines, 3 structural engines, 1 aerial ladder and two command vehicles. The 24 responding firefighters knocked the main body of the fire down within 30 minutes. The fire was confined to the hillside brush and no structures were damaged.
During the overhaul operations, fire crews located what appeared to be a Military Claymore mine in the area that had just been burned. The working fire crews were backed away from the fire area and repositioned in a safe area within the park. SPD was called, and their Bomb Squad was brought in. The Fairchild Air Base provided two Bomb Technicians to assist SPD. The Bomb Technicians removed two items from the park while fire crews stood by. Both items were in a remote area of the park that had been isolated off from the public. At this time the exact cause of the fire has not been determined, but it does not appear that the two items found were related to the cause of the fire. No civilians or emergency personnel were injured at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time

Click for raw video of a interview with Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer

Spokane patrols search out illegal fireworks

From KXLY-TV- It seems the public fireworks displays aren't enough entertainment for many people, as the Spokane Police and Fire Departments say they are busy writing $513 tickets for people lighting their own fireworks.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 533 WEST 27th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: On the morning of July 6th at 4:22am the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 533 West 27th to a reported basement fire. Engine Company 9 reported light smoke coming from the basement. An attack lead was advanced into the basement and the fire was extinguished. The fire was confined to a small pile of items next to the dryer and smoke throughout. The cause of the fire was an electrical extension cord that was rubbing under the dryer and became frayed. A smoke detector sounded the alarm and a family of four escaped to safety outside. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind all citizens that working smoke detectors save lives. 3 engines, 1 ladder, 1 rescue and 2 command vehicles responded to this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Frayed electrical cord to close to combustibles
DAMAGE EXTENT: A small pile of items and smoke throughout
DOLLAR LOSS: 300.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
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

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Wildland Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Hy195 and Qualchan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99004

NARRATIVE: On July 5, 2008 at 5:44 pm the Spokane City Fire department was dispatched to the Qualchan Golf Course for a reported brush and timber fire. A small fire was discovered in a remote part of the golf course the fire was burning slowly in a heavy concentration of ground cover and trees. The fire was contained and extinguished in about 3 hours. Crews from Fire District 10 and the Department of Natural Resources assisted in the extinguishment. There were no injuries to report. The cause of this fire is yet to be determined.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: 60x80 brush and trees.
DOLLAR LOSS: 300.00
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

END OF RELEASE

Fire sends man to hospital

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 9 S Pittsburg
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, July 2 2008 at 3:35 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue Company under the direction of Battalion Chief Cornelius responded to a reported structure fire at 9 South Pittsburg. Within minutes, Engine 7 reported heavy smoke fire showing from the second floor of the multiple-use building as they left the station. The building is a large two-story building with basement storage, two commercial businesses on the first floor and multiple apartments on the second floor.

As initial companies stretched pre-connected lines from Engine 7, the first ladder company fought their way to the second floor to evacuate residents and search for victims. When the first Chief arrived, he sized up the status of the fire and requested a second alarm due to the construction, potential for trapped victims and extreme heat (98 degrees ambient temperature at the time of the fire).

The second alarm brought an additional Ladder Company, Pumper-Ladder, three engines as well as the SFD's Training staff, Red Cross, SFD's CARES and additional Chief Officers. The IC also special-requested three AMR ambulances and their supervisor due to the potential for residents to require treatment from the effects of the smoke and fire.

Over the course of 40-minutes, fire attack teams extinguished the fire. Ladder companies searched the entire building removing occupants as they went. The building was ventilated and atmosphere was made tenable simultaneously. Rehydration and constant rotation of companies were necessary to prevent illness and injury of the firefighters from the extreme heat and conditions. SFD Training and EMS Staff personnel monitored firefighter's vital signs closely and aggressively re-hydrated them during the incident.

The incident was under control within 90 minutes and no firefighters were injured during the event. District 9 and District 8 companies were called to staff two SFD Stations during the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The preliminary cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental--a young male using a flammable liquid during floor cleaning. Vapors from the flammable liquid found a pilot light which caused an explosive fire. The young male was identified by an officer from Rescue 1 and immediately treated by SFD Paramedics and transported to the hospital urgently.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The majority of damage was confined to the second floor apartment, unit number 6. The aggressive interior fire attack not only assisted in extinguishing the fire, it also provided Firefighters the opportunity to save a large portion of the building and contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 40
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 8, Fire District 9

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

END OF RELEASE

Video of fireworks ban press conference

Officials from the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Department of Natural Resources and the Spokane Sheriff's Department held a press conference today to discusses the ban on fire works that exists in the City of Spokane and Spokane County.

Police and Fire Departments in Spokane County, credit the ban with lowering the number of fires and injuries over the 4th of July period. The fine for illegal discharge of fireworks is $513. In addition, you could be held liable for the any damages or the cost of fighting a fireworks caused fire.

Outdoor burn ban explained

The CITY OF SPOKANE has an outdoor burning ban. Unauthorized open burning is prohibited within the City limits. Also banned is any burning of garbage, rubbish containing paper products, yard or construction waste, treated wood, and other prohibited material.





What is legal?

• Recreational fires (campfires, cooking fires) in designated areas or on private
  property (with permission from the owner) that are contained in an outdoor
  fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue/fire pit.
  


• Backyard barbecues, chimineas and other patio/deck warmers, are considered
  recreational fires, and are also allowed year-round, except during a burn ban.
  


• Approved recreational fires can only use charcoal, natural gas,
  propane, or clean, dry seasoned firewood and cannot exceed 3’ in
  diameter and 2’ in height.

Safety requirements for allowing recreational fires are as follows:

• Fire extinguishing equipment (garden hoses, buckets, shovels, or a portable fire
  extinguisher) shall be available and ready for use.



• Supervision by a responsible adult, knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing
  equipment must exist at all times until the fire has been extinguished.



• The size of the recreational fire is limited to a contained area not exceeding a total
  fuel area of 3’ in diameter or 2’ in height.



• Fires in approved containers must have a minimum distance clearance of 15’ and
  recreational fires must have a minimum distance clearance of 25’ from combustibles
  (i.e., overhead structures, wood, paper, cardboard, buildings, sheds, yard waste
  debris, etc.).

What is NOT legal?

• Any fire that is not contained in an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or pit is
  considered open burning and is illegal unless a special permit has been issued by the
  Fire Prevention Bureau.
  


• Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not allowed at anytime within
  City limits (even if someone throws a hotdog over it!).

An outdoor cooking fire shall be extinguished if any of the following conditions
exist:

• The fire is not on private property or approved by owner’s permission.



• The fire is not contained.



• Significant wind contributing to potential fire spread exists.



• Smoke generated from the fire is causing an excessive nuisance to neighbors. In
  other words, one cannot “smoke their neighbors out!”



• Inadequate clearance from combustible materials (i.e., wood, paper, cardboard,
  buildings, sheds, yard waste debris, etc.).



• Inadequate supervision by a responsible adult (constant attendance is required).



• Burning of prohibited material that normally releases toxic emissions, dense smoke
  or obnoxious odors when burned.



• Other prohibited materials are being burned (i.e., yard or construction waste,
  garbage, treated wood, plastics, rubber, etc.).



• Atmospheric conditions resulting in a no “green light” to burn according to Spokane
  Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) formerly SCAPCA. SRCAA phone number is 477-
  4727.
  

Fire Officers are authorized to require the immediate discontinuance and extinguishment
of any fire that constitutes a hazardous condition or meets the previously listed
conditions.

Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 625-7000 if you have any questions or comments
regarding this matter. Also, SRCAA information can be accessed by the following web
site: http://www.spokanecleanair.org/.