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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Situation
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 422 W. Riverside the US Bank building
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At 6:17 pm the Spokane Fire Department Station 1 was dispatched to a high rise building in downtown Spokane on a commercial alarm system. Upon arrival the investigating crew found smoke of unknown origin on the 14th floor. The Officer called for a full response at about 6:25 pm. Eventually 12 apparatus with 31 Firefighters responded to locate and mitigate the source of the smoke. Fire crews searched the top two floors and the roof trying to locate the source of the smoke. Lower floors were searched for occupants in case we needed to evacuate the building. The source of the smoke was found to be an electrical outlet under a fish aquarium in an office on the 14th floor that caught some of the fish food containers on fire. The problem was taken care of and the smoke ventilated out of the building then crews returned in service.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minimal fire damage contained to the contents under the aquarium, so smoke in the building that was ventilated
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

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Fire damages North Spokane home

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: N 2220 Astor St.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: This morning, August 28, 2008 at approximately 0414 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 2 Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue apparatus to a reported fire at N 2220 Astor St. The first arriving apparatus were from Fire Station One under the direction of Captain Tim Foster. He reported that the home had fire in the kitchen ceiling and that the residents had been evacuated.

Engine Ones' crew under the direction of Act. Lieutenant Jason Archibald advanced a pre-connected hose line into the home and quickly knocked down the fire. The responding firefighters brought the fire under control within minutes. Fire crews stayed on the scene for approximately 1 hour checking for fire extension and cleaning up.

There were no injuries sustained at this fire and the primary damage was confined to the kitchen and the attic area above it. At this time the fire cause has not been determined, but early indicators are leaning towards an electrical cause.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of having smoke detectors in every home that are properly working and checked on a regular basis. Smoke detectors save lives!

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Cause still under investiagtion.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Kitchen and Attic
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

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Gonzaga students learn fire extinguisher safety

The school year hasn't begun yet at Gonzaga University but already a group of about 80 students have learned an important life lesson. The safe use of a fire extinguisher.


The students, who are all resident advisers at the Gonzaga dormitories, got hands on training today from the Spokane Fire Department's in the proper use of fire extinguishers. For most, this was there first time operating one. The use of a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life and property saving tool. However, a majority of adults have not had fire extinguisher training and may not know how and when to use them. The goal of today's training was to make students comfortable with the fire extinguishers so they could extinguish small fires if safe to do so. Safety was the number one priority and students were told only to attempt to extinguish small fires like those in waste baskets or cooking fires.

Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association on the safe operation of fire extinguishers.


Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: -

Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.

Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.

Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape planand working smoke alarms.

Campus Fire Safety

Each year college and university students, on- and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies nationwide. There are several specific causes for fires on college campuses: cooking, intentionally set fires, and open flame. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention. The great majority of student fire deaths occur in off-campus housing that lacks insufficient exits, missing or inoperative smoke alarms, and automatic fire sprinklers. Also, use of candles, careless smoking habits, and the misuse of alcohol – which impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts – contribute to off-campus housing fire deaths.

As the Fall semester approaches, colleges and universities are busy preparing for the arrival of new residents to their campus communities. Some will be first year students moving into the residence halls. Other arriving students will be moving off-campus and living on their own, some for the first time. For most of these students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school; but with new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives.

Learn the facts about campus fire safety and be fire-wise!




QUESTIONS PARENTS AND STUDENTS SHOULD ASK

There are several questions parents and students can inquire of a school to discern the
level of safety and preparedness by simply asking informed questions.

A safe school will share these answers with pride.
• How are the fire incidents on your campus? Are the incidents usually accidental
or intentional? Do you follow up with public education and informing students
of how to prevent these events in the future? How do you handle fire
investigation and an identified fire-setter in the school community?

• Which buildings are protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system? Are
sprinklers included in every new-construction project and renovation? Are all
residential buildings equipped with sprinklers? Are labs and other high risk
areas protected(such as art rooms, kitchens, mechanical areas or shops with
heavy equipment)?

• Does your college or university have a system for the security and
accountability and safe storage of chemical, biological or radioactive materials
(as applicable) with the information available 24-7?

• Does every student’s room have a smoke alarm? Does it send a signal to
campus security of the fire department? What is the power supply to the
detector? (hardwired/ battery/ both) Are batteries changed when clocks are
changed? Who provides the battery replacements?

• Are false alarms a problem in the residence halls? If not, what practices have
given you this success? If they are, what steps are being taken to correct the
situation?

For more information on Campus Fire Safety visit http://www.campusfiresafety.org/ or http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/24/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2515 E. Trent
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 08/24/08, at approximately 1503 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 2515 E. Trent upon report of a structure fire. E-1 was initially dispatched to a vehicle fire at Trent and Napa and found a yellow school type bus heavily involved in fire, with the fire impinging on an adjacent metal clad building. E-1 upgraded the incident to a full alarm to bring additional fire department resources to the scene. An additional 7 fire trucks with 20 firefighters then responded to the incident. As the additional resources arrived on scene, a second pre-connected hose-line was advanced to fight the bus fire. At the same time other crews forced entry into the metal clad building, located the area in which fire had entered the building, and extinguished the fire with hose-lines. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes with crews remaining on scene for another 2 hrs to conduct overhaul operations to assure fire extinguishment.

A total of nine fire trucks with 27 firefighters responded to this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The bus involved in this incident was a total loss suffering fire, smoke, and water damage. Fire did enter the metal clad building, causing minor damage to the northeast portion of the building.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/18/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2302 W. Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On August 18th, 2008 at 3:09 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a garage fire located at 2302 W. Gardner. Fire crews found a grass fire in an alley that was also extending to the interior of a detached wood frame garage. A quick "knock down" was achieved in approximately 15 minutes. Although there was another exposure that was close to the garage, it was spared due to the quick actions of the firefighters. Damage was confined to the garage and some of the contents inside. A total of 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this incident. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews remained on the scene conducting final extinguishment and assisting with the investigation. The residents in the dwelling next door were not at home during the fire but did arrive later while fire crews were still on the scene. The fire was called in by an alert passerby.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents received extensive heat damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
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: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/18/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4306 E. Princeton
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217

NARRATIVE: On August 18th, 2008 at 11:53 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a recreational vehicle fire located at 4306 E. Princeton. After arriving, fire crews found a recreational vehicle fully involved along with some grass and brush that was burning. At this same time, power lines directly over the fire that burnt through had dropped and were contacting and energizing a large network of metallic fencing that was surrounding a number of separate properties. This created an extremely dangerous and potentially lethal situation as many neighbors and observers were in this immediate area. An extra fire crew was called in order to help isolate this hazardous area and to keep the public at a safe distance. Fire crews were assisted by the Avista utility company who quickly cut the power to the area affected. A rapid "knock down" of the fire was achieved after approximately 15 minutes and the brush fire was also quickly contained. There were a total of 4 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs that responded to the incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. At this time, the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. The public should know that power lines lying on the ground or power lines that are not properly suspended or that can easily be contacted by people present a serious hazard and should be considered energized with electricity. Metallic fencing is a good conductor and will allow electricity to travel long distances.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss to a Class C style recreational vehicle.
DOLLAR LOSS: 4,000
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: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/18/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Spokane River at the Division
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On the afternoon of the 18th of August at1701 hrs it was reported that a female was in the Spokane River just west of the Division St Bridge. Fire arrived on scene at 17:05 and established river command. The victim was spotted in the middle of the river moving west towards the Avista Spill way in the main channel of the river. She was coaxed into swimming south to the river bank where she was taken into custody by the City Police. The Fire department launched 2 Kayaks in the river and proceeded to assist in the rescue of the victim. The Fire Department responded the Water Rescue Team and the Technical Rescue Team and several support personnel to this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Person in river.
DAMAGE EXTENT: None
DOLLAR LOSS: 000000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

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Mayor's roundtable on Emergency Preparedness

Building on a successful series of interactive Community Roundtables this spring, Spokane Mayor Mary Verner hosted a new Roundtable on Emergency Management. The session’s topic is “A Community Discussion on Emergency Management and Preparedness.”The session is intended to explore how we plan for emergencies as a community and as individual citizens. Guests also talk about the role of Homeland Security programs and how agencies communicate with one another. With recent wildfires, the discussion is timely.

Joining the Mayor are guests:

Lisa Jameson, Spokane County Department of Emergency Management.

David Byrnes, Region 9 Homeland Security Director.

Dr. James Nania, Medical Program Director for Spokane County EMS and an emergency physician at Deaconess Medical Center—the Disaster Control Hospital for the 10 counties in Eastern Washington

This program originally aired on City Cable 5 in Spokane.

For more information on emergency preparedness in Spokane visit http://www.spokaneprepares.org/

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2428 W 14th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On August 7th 2008, at approximately 0700 hours the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 3 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue apparatus and 2 Chief Officers to a reported home fire at 2428 W. 14th Ave. The first two arriving apparatus were Engine 4 and Ladder 4. Lieutenants Jay Holder and Ryan Reding reported smoke showing upon their arrival. They quickly directed their crews to search the home and to start extinguishment of the fire. Due to Station 4's quick actions the fire that had extended from the bathroom area into the attic was rapidly knocked down. The elderly couple that lived in the home were medically checked out. No injuries occurred at this fire and the fire damage was confined to the bathroom and the attic area above. The fire is still being investigated, but early indicators are pointing towards a faulty fan unit in the bathroom ceiling

PROBABLE CAUSE: Still under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the back bathroom and attic.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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

Blogger Ties the Knot

SFD's very own Dean Pearcy (AKA Dino) was married to Melissa Friend on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 6:00 PM. Melissa and Dean had a wonderful ceremony at the Arbor Gate Heritage Gardens in Nine Mile Falls without any normal Fire Department harassing (best behavior). Dino is the Creative Talent behind SFD's Media Services and frequent Blogger.

We welcome Melissa into the SFD Family and wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Today marks the 119th Anniversary of Spokane's Great Fire. The following is an excerpt from an essay on www.Historylink.org;

On Sunday, August 4, 1889, a catastrophic fire destroyed most all of downtown Spokane. Although it began in an area of flimsy wooden structures, it quickly spread to engulf the substantial stone and brick buildings of the business district. Property losses were huge, and one death was reported. After the fire, Spokane experience the "phoenix effect" typical of many cities destroyed by fire, as fine new buildings of a revitalized downtown rise from the ashes.

The summer of 1889 had been hot and dry. On the afternoon of August 4, Adelaide Sutton Gilbert (1849-1932) complained in a letter from nearby Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, of temperatures in the nineties "for ever so long" and "dense smoke from fires all over Northwest" (Nolan, 13). Shortly after 6:00 that evening, the Spokane fire began. The most credible and enduring story of its origin is that it started at Wolfe's lunchroom and lodgings opposite the Northern Pacific Depot on Railroad Avenue. The Spokane Daily Chronicle of August 5 reported:
"About half past six smoke was seen issuing from the third story gable window of Wolfe's lunch counter. ... The lower part of the establishment is used as a saloon, and the upper part, like most of the buildings in that locality, is used as a lodging house. As near as can be now ascertained, the fire was caused by the explosion of a gasoline lamp in the upper room referred to."

The flames raced through the flimsy buildings near the tracks. The nearby Pacific Hotel, a fine new structure of brick and granite, was soon engulfed in the wall of fire advancing on the business center. Church and fire station bells alerted the public and the volunteer fire department, which had formed in 1884 as the result of an 1883 fire. Because of insufficient water pressure for the hoses, they were unable to put out the fire. Spokane was no frontier town composed entirely of makeshift wooden structures, but the fire did start in such an area, where rubbish between buildings provided ideal tinder.

The fire consumed that part of the city and then moved on. "In quick succession the magnificent Frankfurt block, the Hyde block, the Washington, Eagle, Tull and Post Office blocks were feeding the flames. Besides the Pacific Hotel, every first class hotel was destroyed" (Chronicle, August 5).

Daniel H. Dwight (1862-1950) was typical of the many people who raced from home to remove contents of their businesses ahead of the flames. A letter describes the futile efforts to save his office in the Opera House:
"... Before this time May & I were downtown & and we hurried down to the block and I got tubs from the grocery store and put one at each window in the Opera House and filled them with water and stationed a man with a broom at each tub and window to keep the [fourth floor] window frames wet. ... May stood bravely by one with her broom & water. By this time the flames were down to Sprague St. and spreading rapidly. The chief of the fire department now began to blow up the buildings with dynamite ahead of the fire to try to stop it. ... A few minutes more and our glass began to crack & I had to order May downstairs and out of the building to get her away from danger. ... with one great burst the flames jumped through the Opera House windows and also leaped to the roof on the outside. ... I ... seized my antique oak desk and dragged it out [of his office] for it contained all my receipts and papers. I hauled it down the stairs but just as I got to the Opera House entrance the smoke & flames whirled round the corner and swept into the doorway with such blinding force that I had to let go of everything ... and run for my life" (Nolan, 24-26).
The flames jumped the spaces opened by dynamiting and soon created their own firestorm. In a few hours after it began, the Great Spokane Fire, as it came to be called, had destroyed 32 square blocks, virtually the entire downtown. The only fatality was George I. Davis, who died at Sacred Heart Hospital of burns and injuries when he fled (or jumped) from his lodgings at the Arlington Hotel.

Many others were treated at the hospital, where the nuns served meals to the newly homeless boardinghouse dwellers, mostly working men, plus others referred to in newspapers as the "sporting element." Estimates of property losses ranged from $5 to $10 million, an enormous sum for the time, with one-half to two-thirds of it insured.

Some of Spokane's leading citizens immediately formed a relief committee, and other cities donated food, supplies, and money. Even Seattle, just recovering from its own disastrous fire of June 6, sent $15,000. The National Guard was brought in to assure public order, to guard bank vaults and business safes standing amid the ruins, and to prevent looting. Mayor Fred Furth issued dire warnings against price gauging. Unemployed men immediately found work clearing the debris, and any who declined the opportunity were invited to leave town.

Businesses resumed in a hastily erected tent city. They included insurance adjusters, railroad ticket offices, banks, restaurants, clothing stores, and even a tent in which the Spokane Daily Chronicle carried on publication.

You can learn much more about the Great Spokane Fire at HistoryLink.org, the Museum of Arts and Culture and your Local Spokane Public Library.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/2/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1313 N. Ruby St.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 0630 this morning, Saturday August 2, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in Sonic restaurant at 1313 N. Ruby. The first crews on scene reported a fire behind the fryer unit in the kitchen. The fire was quickly knocked down, and there was no fire extension to the structure. Damage was confined to the fryer unit, with minor smoke damage throughout the restaurant. Health officials were notified of the situation and are expected to conduct an inspection of the restaurant prior to the business resuming operation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was the fryer unit. Fire investigators have yet to determine whether the unit malfunctioned or whether there may have been maintenance problems.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be $12,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 12000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29
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: 8/1/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: SIU Update on Recent Major Incidents:

7/10/2008, 1727 W Sinto
3rd Alarm
"Ugly Duck Fire": The fire's origin was determined to be an area of natural fuel (grass, weeds, etc) in the alley of the Ugly Duck's East-most building. The fire spread rapidly to combustibles located next to the building. As the fire grew it also involved a natural gas meter which created a high-pressure flammable gas powered fire which propagated to the adjoining Ugly Duck warehouse. The cause is still under investigation.

724/2008, 161 S Post
3rd Alarm+
"Dorian/Joel's Building Fire": The origin of the fire was determined to be in the basement of the Dorian Building. The theory that the fire started in a nearby dumpster has been scientifically disproven. Debris removal is expected to begin on approximately 08/18/2008. The delay in starting is due to the required structural shoring necessary to make the structure safe for workers. The fire's cause is still under investigation. The firefighter hurt and subsequently released from the hospital was re-admitted on Wednesday with serious complications from the original injury.

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