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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/30/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 911 East Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday October 29, 2008 at 10:46 AM six companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Pumper-Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Bruce Moline responded to a residential natural gas leak at the home located at 911 East Queen. The first company arrived within 4-minutes and reported a ruptured residential natural gas line which was located on the exterior of the home. The line located on an exterior western wall that had been excavated by a canine. For those of you that are detailed readers. that's right, a canine.

Initial companies evacuated neighbors and citizens which were outside. Companies were utilized to provide protective suppression efforts and established a perimeter around the residence in relationship to the existing weather conditions. Avista was ordered at the time of dispatch and arrived quickly and mitigated the leak successfully. Members from the HazMat team assisted Avista and provided monitoring inside homes and in the atmosphere with their instrumentation. Municipal services were restored within an hour and fire companies subsequently allowed evacuated citizens to reoccupy their homes.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the rupture was a dog that dug nearly two feet into the ground, located the line and chewed through it.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Limited to the Avista gas line.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
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: 10/30/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 520 East Holland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday October 29, 2008 at 3:47 PM nine companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and the Hazardous Materials Team under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Bruce Moline responded to a natural gas leak in the area of 520 North Holland. The first company arrived within 7-minutes and reported a 2-inch natural gas line which had ruptured. The line was located approximately 26 inches below an asphalt covered street and was flowing natural gas vapor vertically into the atmosphere.

Initial companies immediately evacuated employees and citizens near the area and established a perimeter around the leak. On-scene Chief Officers and Fire Department HazMat specialists developed an incident action plan to protect the public and firefighters, safely mitigate the leak and to return municipal services to the area. Due to the leak being in close proximity to multiple commercial buildings, including Fairwinds-Northpointe Retirement Home housing 117 people, a contingency evacuation plan was developed to facilitate the removal of nearly two-hundred citizens as well as the closure of businesses.

A unified command post was established near the incident and consisted of the Fire Department, Police Department and Avista. Agency representatives from STA, Spokane City Public Works, Northpointe Retirement Home and Qwest were also present and involved with the planning process.

The incident took several hours due to the leak necessitating excavation of over two-feet of earth beneath several inches of asphalt. The task of mitigation took time as it had to be coordinated between multiple agencies including Avista, Qwest and the FD. The HazMat team had to monitor the natural gas plume with instrumentation and make predictions of product travel based on weather and volume throughout the area as well as inside the nearby businesses and residences. Resource requests were made for multiple STA busses, logistical support for the personnel on-scene (food/water) and overhead personnel to support the incident.

The incident objectives were completed successfully and without incident or injury. The leak was mitigated by Avista in collaboration with the SFD providing suppression protection and technical expertise for hazardous material functions. Municipal services were restored and Avista's media relations department is responsible for releasing any additional information regarding the leak itself.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by Avista.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Contact Avista Media Relations.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
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: 10/30/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 510 North Lincoln
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Thursday October 30, 2008 at 7:04 PM two companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Engine and 1 Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bob Hanna and Dan Brown responded to assist the Spokane Police Department with identification of an unknown object visible in the Spokane River below 510 North Lincoln. The object in the River appeared to be a body bag and SPD requested assistance confirming the object.

After receiving multiple calls today from the media, I have been able to speak with the people involved. It appears that Northwest Film Company (NxNW) had met with City Special Events staff last month to go over planning for the Movie, "Give 'Em Hell Malone." One of the pre-planned scenes involved throwing a body bag(s) into the river off of one of the Riverfront Park bridges. The SFD Prevention Division notified the company that they would not be allowed to go into the river due to safety concerns and NxNW assured the Fire Department that they would retrieve the bag(s) by attached cables without having to make entry into the river.

Yesterday afternoon, NxNW's Film Program Manager notified the Fire Marshal that unfortunately the cable had severed on one of the body bags and NxNW would need assistance from the Fire Department to retrieve the bag. Fire Department Dispatch was then notified of the situation in case they received calls for a body in the river as the Department would wait until daylight to retrieve the object for NxNW. A call reporting the object was subsequently received in Fire Department Dispatch which resulted in a modified response being sent to investigate. Following the SFD's Risk Management plan, the companies did not take action to lower themselves down to identify the prop. Alternative methods were used to identify the object as the movie's prop and companies were returned to service. If you need clarification or have questions, please call me on my cell phone. 509-435-7002

PROBABLE CAUSE: n/a
DAMAGE EXTENT: n/a
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 7
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

Set your clocks back and check your smoke detectors this weekend

ISSUING OFFICER: Jan Doherty/Fire Education Officer

When you change your clocks back one hour this weekend, please take time to check on the condition of your smoke detectors as well. Both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors have been on the market since the 1970s. Both have saved thousands of lives. However, we now know that photoelectric detectors provide a much faster alert in a slow-burning, smoldering fire. Most homes in the U.S. currently have ionization detectors: they are so sensitive to small particles that they may give off nuisance alarms for smoke or steam. Yet they do not respond quickly in a smoldering type of fire that gives off large smoke particles.
. If your detectors are 10 years old or more, replace them!
. If you do not have at least one PHOTOELECTRIC detector on each floor of the home, plan to get them installed before the end of the year. Call your preferred hardware or general merchandise store before shopping to make sure they have PHOTOELECTRIC smoke detectors in stock. They should cost between $12 and $18.
. If you have 9-volt alkaline batteries in your detectors, this is the weekend to put in fresh batteries. If you have long-lasting lithium batteries, check to make sure they are still working well.
. If you have hardwired smoke detectors, the 10-year limit and the need for photoelectric protection still applies.
. You can also purchase dual sensor, ionization and photoelectric, battery-operated smoke detectors for about $25. So far, there are no combination hardwired smoke detectors on the market.
On behalf of Spokane Fire Department, thank you for taking time to make sure your family is protected with working smoke detectors and a good fire escape plan. As we move into the winter months, we know there will be an increase in home fires. Working smoke detectors save lives. For additional information, call 625-7000.

Halloween Hazards

Beware of Halloween hazards

Villains and spooks aren't your biggest dangers on Halloween.

Instead, safety professionals are warning trick-or-treaters of car accidents and costume hazards.

The combination of Friday night and Halloween celebrations this year could mean bigger crowds hitting the streets and a heightened risk for traffic accidents. Pedestrians and drivers are encouraged to proceed with caution.

“Obviously, this is not a school night for kids … so one would expect more children to be outside and more parents to be available; parents need to be relied upon to keep an eye on their children.”

Additionally, seeing how it gets darker earlier and so many kids will be out walking the streets, (drivers) have to be a lot more watchful.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, traffic fatalities among pedestrians between the age of five and 14 are higher on Halloween than any other evening of the year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 44 percent of highway fatalities on Halloween night in 2006 involved a drunk driver.

Children and parents can be more visible with bright colored clothing, flashlights or glow sticks. Be visible, be obvious, and be seen!



Safety Tips for Fright-Free Fun!
Few holidays produce the same burst of energetic excitement as Halloween. Spooky decorations, creepy costumes and visions of candy spur kids – and often the entire family – into an evening of fun-filled frenzy. But hidden dangers can be easily overlooked in the rush to celebrate.

Trick-or-Treating is fun but it is also an important time to practice fire safety. Follow these safety tips to have a happy and safe Halloween:

If you buy your costume, ask an adult to check to see if it has a label that says "Flame Resistant." Flame Resistant means that your costume will be hard to catch on fire and if it does, the fire will go out fast.

If you make your costume, try not to make one that is big and baggy so that the material doesn't touch candles or other flames.

Be sure to stay away from candles and jack-o'-lanterns that may be on steps and porches. If you get too close, your costume could catch fire.
Kids should never carry candles when they are trick-or-treating. Always use a flashlight or glow stick.

Remind your family to keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains and other decorations that can catch on fire.
If you see other kids playing with matches or lighters, tell an adult right away!

Before Halloween fun begins, take a moment to check for safety hazards and discuss the evening’s dos and don’ts with the kids. A little precaution can keep a fright-filled evening from becoming a real scare.

Fill ‘em up first: Send trick-or-treaters off with a full tummy so they won’t be as tempted to eat candy before it’s inspected.

Follow safe Trick-or-Treating tactics: Accompany young children at all times and send older kids out in a group with strict route guidelines and curfews – and a charged mobile phone for emergencies. And don’t forget flashlights or glow sticks for everyone, both to see and be seen.

Remember safety basics: Emphasize to kids that Halloween night is no different when it comes to safety. Avoid strangers and dark houses, stay on well-lighted streets on a pre-approved route, and take extra care when crossing streets.

Decorate with the littlest ghouls in mind: Make yard decorations safer for all. Secure electrical cords and strings out of reach, use glow sticks as light sources instead of candles, and make walkways clear and accessible. If creating a particularly scary haunted yard, consider including a less-scary area for younger trick-or-treaters.

Costume for comfort and safety: Dress kids in costumes that are temperature-appropriate, allow free range of vision and movement, and are easily seen in the dark. Accessories from swords and knives to fairy wands should be safely blunted and flexible to prevent injury.

Carve a safer Jack o’Lantern: Let little ones scoop the insides of the pumpkin and draw the face – always the best designs – but leave the carving to adults or older kids. Create a safer spooky light using glow sticks in two or three colors instead of candles.

Check all candy before eating: Inspect candy before allowing kids to eat. Discard candy with broken wrappers, that can be opened and resealed, or appears tampered with in any way. When handing out candy, include toddler-friendly goodies like lollipops, single-serving cookies or animal crackers in the candy bowl.

Keep pets inside all night: It’s safer and less stressful for pets, pet owners and visitors.

Prepare for unexpected scares: Assemble a portable first aid kit to treat minor scrapes, burns and cuts, and include medications for asthma or allergies.

Have a get-home plan: Whether trick-or-treating, attending a party, or stopping by the neighborhood carnival, have a plan that works for everyone in case of separation. Identify a location to go if separated from the group, and attach parents’ names, address and phone numbers to younger kids’ clothing.

Fire Safety for Young Children

Fire Safety video from the Washington of Department of Social and Health Services

For all parents and those who care for young children. Many children run away from firefighters trying to rescue them - teach them fire safety.

http://www.dshs.wa.gov/word/ca/firesaf2rv.doc

Kids often hide when they're faced with danger, in a fire this can be life threatening.Ever seen a firefighter in full gear? It can be pretty intimidating for us adults... even more so for young children.
Kids often hide from firefighters who try to rescue them. Teach your kids to be fire savvy and it may save their lives.
Children are often afriad of the fire fighters and the equipment they carry and hide from them when there is a fire in the home.
This video and your advice to children about fire safety and the work of firefighters may save the life of a child.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4446 N. Division
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Saturday October 25th, 2008 at 11:01 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a natural gas leak located at 4446 N. Division. A total of 4 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit, the Hazardous Materials Team and 2 battalion chiefs responded to the alarm. Upon arrival, fire crews found a natural gas meter pipe that was severed next to a commercial business. Fire crews confirmed that the business was unoccupied. There were numerous residential dwellings to the east that were under threat from the escaping gas. An immediate evacuation of this area was ordered and both northbound and southbound lanes of Division Street were shut down with the assistance of the Spokane Police Department. A McDonald's restaurant to the south was not under any threat and was allowed to remain open. As the evacuations were underway, plans for fire suppression were made should an ignition take place. In addition to Division Street, both Heroy and Princeton Avenues were also blocked off in order to complete isolation of the area. The Hazardous Materials Team began the task of searching each of the surrounding buildings for signs of natural gas aided by special instruments designed to detect hazardous levels in the atmosphere. The Avista Company arrived and shut off the gas at 11:45 P.M. After a second check for natural gas, the neighborhood was allowed to return to their homes and the southbound lanes of Division were opened. Firefighters however, still had to check for access into the structure to make sure gas had not migrated to the interior of the building. They accessed the roof via ground ladders and took instrument readings and did find concentrations of gas. They then checked just inside the entry doors at the street level and found high levels of gas inside. The doors were opened fully and fire crews were pulled back and the atmosphere was allowed to ventilate before crews entered for a second time to complete the ventilation task. Final instrument readings revealed levels that were well within normal limits. After this was verified, the northbound lanes of Division were opened. 23 firefighters worked at this incident and after 2 hours, the situation was declared under control. At the conclusion of the operation, the incident was turned over to the Avista Company.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time, but possibly caused by a vehicle near the loading dock.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was sustained to the natural gas meter and pipe. There potentially could be damage to the merchandise inside caused by the natural gas odorant.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
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 www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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: 10/25/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2208 E Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and firefighting crews to a report of a structure fire at 2208 E. Longfellow at 7:13 PM on Friday, Oct. 24th. The call for assistance was made by a neighbor who told Fire Dispatchers that there was smoke coming from the eaves of the structure and the caller was very concerned that the occupants of the home were still inside. The first arriving fire crew reported heavy smoke issuing from the eaves and other openings in the building, neighbors again voiced their concerns to the just arriving fire crews that they believed the occupants were still inside the house. Initial assignments were made by the Incident Commander on scene and those assignments were primarily focused on search and rescue priorities for occupants coupled with an aggressive interior attack at the seat of the fire. A primary search was completed and a secondary search followed, a third search was also ordered due to the concern voiced by neighbors at the scene. To the relief of firefighters and concerned neighbors it was determined that the two occupants of the home were not in the building. The seat of the fire was located in the basement and was quickly confined and extinguished. Although the fire was confined to the basement thermal and smoke damage was present in every room on the main floor and that damage was considerable. Structurally the house did not suffer serious damage however the interior finishes and the contents did sustain heavy damage. Seven pieces of fire apparatus and two Command Vehicles delivered 26 firefighters to the scene; there were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or to any civilians. Investigators from the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were dispatched to the fire scene and are currently undertaking the laborious process of determining a cause for this early evening house fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Considerable fire damage to the basement, heavy smoke and thermal damage on the main floor. Contents in all areas of the building will need to be replaced.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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: 10/21/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 17 E. 8th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday October 21st, 2008 at 12:38 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a natural gas leak located at 17 E. 8th. A total of 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 rescue unit, the hazardous materials team and 2 battalion chiefs responded to the alarm. Upon arrival, fire crews found a 2 inch plastic pipe that was severed from a backhoe operation at a new construction site located next to the St. Joseph's Care Center. Numerous other occupancies were also under threat from the escaping gas. These other occupancies included an apartment complex and another care center across the street. Evacuations soon began as well as preparations for fire suppression should an ignition take place. 8th Avenue was closed off to traffic as well as Division Street. As the hazardous materials team secured the area, an "evacuation group" of firefighters were assembled and began the task of searching each of the surrounding buildings for signs of natural gas aided by special instruments designed to detect hazardous levels in the atmosphere. The Avista Company arrived and assisted the firefighters in locating the shutoff valve and it was successfully shut off approximately 30 minutes after the initial alarm. A secondary sweep of all the buildings affected was conducted and after the results showed no hazardous levels of gas were present inside, the occupants were allowed to return. 23 firefighters responded to this incident. At the conclusion of the operation, the incident was turned over to the Avista Company.

PROBABLE CAUSE: A backhoe working at a construction site, struck a natural gas line underground.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The 2 inch gas line was severed.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
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 www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Spokane Fire Chief honored for twenty years of service

Chief Bobby Williams is being honored this week for twenty years of service to the City of Spokane. He is the longest serving fire chief in the 124 year history of the Spokane Fire Department. He has lead the department through such major events as Firestorm in 1991 and Icestorm in 1996. He also oversaw the passage of two major bond issues that allowed the department to modernize stations and apparatus.



Chief Williams was honored at a special reception before the City Council meeting this meeting. Mayor Mary Verner presented Chief Williams with a twenty year service pin.

Photo of Spokane FF featured on National Geographic website.

Congratulations to Spokane photographer Jennifer Raudebaugh. She had a photo of her husband, Spokane Firefighter Jesse Ayotte, selected by the editors of National Geographic for the "Daily Dozen" section of their website.

You can check it out for yourself online by going here:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/your-shot/daily-dozen

Then select the 2nd week of October and scroll through until you see Firefighter Jesse Ayotte. He is up for the running to be printed in an upcoming issue of National Geographic Magazine.

To see more of Jennifer's photography visit:

http://www.cannonhillphoto.com/

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/14/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 618 W. Shannon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On October 14th, 2008 at 6:32 pm the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Command Officer to a reported basement fire in a home located at 618 W. Shannon Ave. A Spokane Police Officer at the Neighborhood COPS substation was also notified about the fire. He arrived at the residence within a minute and reported the fire conditions to Fire Dispatch. He also made sure the occupants were out and assisted an elderly gentleman from the front of the home.

Fire Engine 3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived with his crew within 4 minutes. Lt. Greenamyer reported that he had a single story residence with smoke and fire coming from the basement. Engine 3s crew descended through the smoke down into the basement and made a quick attack on the fire. Other fire crews on the scene provided ventilation and backup. One of the responding paramedic units tended to the elderly gentleman who was with the Spokane Police Officer.

The basement fire was knocked down within 10 minutes and was confined to the basement with heavy smoke damage occurring throughout the home. Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours.

The fast actions of the Spokane Police Officer in assisting the occupants from this home contributed to the occupant's safety, and allowed the first arriving Fire Crews to focus on quickly extinguishing the fire. The elderly gentleman assisted from the home was not injured and was not in need of transport to a hospital. Fire Crews did locate the family dog and reported it to be in good condition. The local Red Cross responded and is assisting the family.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation at this time. The fire investigator will look at several possible ignition sources. One of the items that will be checked out is a portable electric heater found in the fire room. Although, it is only one of the potential sources for ignition, the Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the hazards of such electrical devices. When using these appliances this winter, remember electrical heaters should not be left on and unattended. They also pose a hazard to all combustible materials that are in close proximity the heater when it is operating.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire Damage : Basement
Smoke Damage: Throughout structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 10000
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

Update on North Hartley Fire

*** UPDATE *** The cause continues to be an open case with SFD's SIU. However, one probable scenario is that a 7,600 volt electrical line fell near a passenger vehicle near the dispatched intersection. The arcing power line subsequently energized the direct area with high levels of electricity which also resulted in a grass fire. The grass fire spread to the passenger vehicle. Simultaneously the electrical energy also transferred to a metal fence which energized the entire fenced area and resulted in below-ground involvement of a nearby gas line. These set of circumstances produced a rapidly progressing, natural gas fed fire that continued to generate flames from the ground in multiple areas. The flames that emanated from the ground started multiple fires around the two homes as well as areas from the exterior of the home.

An item of note- during the investigation, it was found that the electrical energy was powerful enough to weld the gates and hinges on the electrical fence together. The metal on the gates were actually melted.

DAMAGE EXTENT: A passenger vehicle sustained significant damage. Additionally, metal fences and exterior areas on homes received varying levels of damage. Natural gas service has been disconnected to several homes and Avista is the primary media contact for estimates on restoration of utility service.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

SFD investigating gas line fire

On Wednesday October 8, 2008 at 8:11 AM Spokane Engine 16 was dispatched to a power line down near the intersections and Hartley. Upon arrival, Engine 16 reported an arcing power line down and a vehicle that was on fire. As the company officer walked around the structure, he noted a fire that was spreading between two homes; completely separated from the vehicle fire. Flames were appearing from the ground under pressure in random areas without an obvious source. It was determined that a natural gas leak below ground and the alarm was upgraded to include a hazardous materials team response. Seven additional companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Green responded.

As companies arrived on-scene they were utilized to remove occupants from nearby homes and establish a perimeter around the natural gas leak. The fire was extinguished using foam additives by the SFD Engine companies and Avista Utility response crews secured both energized electrical lines as well as the natural gas leak. SFD HazMat Team members monitored natural gas levels inside the involved homes and provided ventilation where necessary.

The incident was mitigated within two hours and fire companies have returned to service. Utilities are expected to remain on scene for several hours. Neither civilians nor firefighters were injured during the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: A passenger vehicle sustained significant damage. Additionally, metal fences and exterior areas on homes received varying levels of damage. Natural gas service has been disconnected to several homes and Avista is the primary media contact for estimates on restoration of utility service.28
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000

FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Survey finds concerns about economy may increase incidence of home fires

From the NFPA and The American Red Cross-


WASHINGTON, D.C., October 2, 2008 — The American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) today released results of a survey showing the majority (79%) of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes, and many will use an alternative heating source to reduce their bills this winter. The survey identified additional behaviors related to appliance maintenance and cooking that could also present home fire hazards this winter.

“As we head into, what by all accounts is likely to be a very costly heating season, these survey results and Fire Prevention Week provide a critical opportunity for us to remind people about the things they can do to prevent home fires and keep their families safe and warm this winter,” said NFPA President James. M. Shannon. “If people use alternative heat sources to reduce energy costs, it is critical they use devices that are new or in good working order, and they turn off units when they go to bed or leave the room.”

“We hope this survey will encourage more people to take the simple steps necessary to protect their families and homes from fire,” said Gail J. McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Of the more than 74,000 disasters the American Red Cross responds to each year, approximately 93% are fire-related, but unlike natural disasters, most home fires can be prevented.”

Heating and Cooking Fires

According to NFPA reports, cooking and heating are the leading causes of home fires. The survey revealed the majority of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes (79%), and that 48% of households will use an alternative heating source to reduce their bills this winter. Alternative heating sources include portable space heaters, stoves, ovens and fireplaces. A third (36%) of people with fireplaces reported they never cleaned or inspected their chimneys. The survey also found 23% of respondents did not consider it essential to make sure someone is home when food is cooking on the stove.


Young Adults at Risk


Young adults, ages 18-24, were more likely than other respondents to state they will use the oven to keep the kitchen warm this winter (17% versus 7% for all households). Young adults were also less likely to take precautionary steps such as removing the lint from the dryer filter after every load (one in three do not remove the lint after every load).

Smoke Alarms and Fire Escape Plans


Respondents also revealed another unsafe behavior, which is disabling (37%) smoke alarms when they go off in a non-testing situation. More than half (53%) of the households surveyed have not taken any of three common actions in most home fire escape plans, which includes discussing with family members how to get out of the home, deciding on an outdoor meeting place and practicing the plan.

“On any given night in America, the Red Cross is out responding to hundreds of home fires, providing comfort, shelter and aid to help families pick up the pieces,” said Red Cross President McGovern. “That’s why the Red Cross is working during Fire Prevention Week, and each and every day, to help people prevent fires and stay safe in the event of a home fire.”

During the month of October, Red Cross chapters will distribute information, provide educational presentations and partner with first responders to share fire safety and prevention messages in communities across the country.

NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 85 years. Each year, NFPA selects an official theme to support the week which is celebrated each October. This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 5 – 11 and the theme is It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires. NFPA creates official campaign materials as well as a Web site providing fire departments, families, kids and educators with information to implement a successful community-wide campaign. For more information, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

NFPA and the American Red Cross offer these and other safety tips:

*Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

*Give space heaters space by keeping them at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

*Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

For additional fire safety tips, visit www.firepreventionweek.org or www.redcross.org/homefires.

2008 Fire Prevention Week Video -"The Checklist"

Fire Prevention Week 2008

With someone's home burning someplace in the U.S. about every 80 seconds, the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2008 is "Prevent Home Fires". Beginning Saturday, Fire Prevention Week recalls the Great Chicago Fire that began the evening of October 8, 1871 and burned three days, costing 250 lives and destroying 17,400 buildings. This is the week for all of us to remember the history and take stock of fire safety in our homes, schools and work sites.
About 80 years ago, approximately 15,000 Americans lost their lives to fire every year. Now, with a larger population, annual fire fatalities number about 2,800. Most of these people died in the building they considered the safest: their own home.

The invention of two types of home smoke detectors (ionization and photoelectric) in the 1970s accounts for much of the reduction in home fire deaths in the U.S. in recent years. Unfortunately, many people fail to keep their detectors in working order: they don't replace them at least every 10 years or they have disconnected or dead batteries. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 65% of residential fire deaths happen in homes without working detectors.

We now know that every home needs both kinds of smoke detector technology: IONIZATION for quick, flaming fire types and PHOTOELECTRIC for slow burning, smoldering types of fire. Currently, most homes have the ionization type because they are easier to find in most stores and they run a few dollars cheaper than photoelectric. Ionization detectors are more prone to false, nuisance alarms. While they have saved thousands of lives over the years, and they respond seconds quicker in a fast-burning fire, they are not as reliable in a smoldering fire as photoelectric detectors.

An individual tragedy is often our wake-up call for changing firesafety notions and equipment. Just before Christmas 2005, five members of a Barre VT family died in a fire that started with cigarette ashes smoldering on a couch. The hardwired ionization detectors never sounded an alarm. The Barre Fire Department, overwhelmed by the loss of a mother and four children, researched the effectiveness of ionization and photoelectric detectors in live burns. They have been instrumental in bringing this concern to the attention of our nation within the past year. Spokane Fire Department conducted similar tests this past year and found that ionization detectors sounded the alarm in smoldering fires many minutes after the photoelectric ones. In some cases, they did not sound at all.

Fire Prevention Week is a good time to check on the type and condition of your smoke detectors. Look for the word IONIZATION or PHOTOELECTRIC in fine print on the back of the detector as well as for the date of manufacture. Smoke detectors have a 3% failure rate per year and they need to be replaced at least every 10 years, whether they are hardwired into the electricity or simple battery-operated units. If your ionization detectors are not more than 7 years old, purchase a photoelectric detector (about $17) to add to your protection on each level of the home. You may also choose a dual sensor (ionization and photoelectric) battery-operated detector for about $23. If you have all ionization hardwired detectors in your home, please contact your electrician and ask for a change to photoelectric detector heads for at least some of the locations as soon as possible.

If you have additional questions, please check the Internet at www.wthr.com/global/Story.asp?s=6552929 or call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 8218 North Marjorie
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Sunday October 5, 2008 at 11:40 AM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Brown responded to a reported house on fire at 8218 North Marjorie Street. The first company arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke showing from the roof of a single-family home.

Engine companies assigned established a water supply and coordinated an interior attack on the fire while a ladder company provided ventilation from the roof. Their efforts were successful and the fire was extinguished within 45 minutes. A family of three has been temporarily displaced due to the fire and receiving assistance from friends and family. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is under investigation by the SIU. Preliminary information suggests a possible scenario of an over-heated fan motor being responsible for the fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is confined to the roof, attack and interior areas near the fire's origin. Smoke damage is present, however, throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
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 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: 10/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 173 E. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On October 5th, 2008 at 9:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 173 E. Cleveland. Upon arrival, fire crews found a home that was well involved in flames. It was confirmed quickly that all of the occupants had made it safely out of the home. Firefighters conducted a quick aggressive interior attack on this fire using hose lines, chainsaws, pike poles, axes, thermal cameras and self contained breathing apparatus. Once inside, crews reported that the roof was considerably weakened because of the fire which limited their time inside to aggressively fight the fire. At the same time, crews were on the roof attempting to "ventilate" out the hot smoke in order to assist the crews inside. An order was given to withdraw the firefighters out of the building and off of the roof. A knockdown of the fire was accomplished after 30 minutes of firefighting. A significant amount of fire remained beneath the roofing material and in the void spaces that kept firefighters busy for the rest of the morning. Members from the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit arrived and began their investigation of the fire. A total of 23 firefighters responded to this alarm with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs. There were no injuries. After on scene interviews were conducted, it was determined that this fire was caused by a 9 year old male playing with a lighter. The boy had ignited a curtain inside the home which spread the fire to the rest of the house. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to never leave lighters or matches within reach of children. They should be kept in a secure location. Nationally, "youth set" fires result in over 300 deaths and 2,000 injuries annually, and 300 million dollars in property damage and more than 400,000 incidents annually. The house and contents sustained heavy fire damage and is not livable. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene to assist the family with lodging, clothing and food.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Junvenile fireplay caused by a 9 year old male playing with a lighter.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home received heavy fire damage and was destoyed.
DOLLAR LOSS: 160,000
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 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: 10/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Today (October 5) the U.S. flag is to be flown to half-staff as per order of the President of the United States in Public Law 107-51 signed on October 16, 2001. The American flag is to be lowered to half-staff on all federal buildings in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters annual Memorial service currently being held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland (you can view live NOW at http://www.firehouse.com/memorial2008/watch.html)

This Sunday, 101 new names will be added to the memorial: 101 brothers and sisters, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, real people, your friends, my friends. Nothing brings home that fact more than when you are sitting there and you see the moms, dads, kids, the widows and widowers, and you realize the incredible void that is left behind when one of us is taken away. To learn more about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation go to http://www.firehero.org/

All firefighters know that our greatest act of bravery is when we agree to be a firefighter. Our second greatest act maybe when we truly accept the responsibility always be there for our community and our fellow firefighters-regardless of the condition.

Please make an effort remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, their community, and their neighbors to protect our community. You can find those 16 men's names and stories located at http://www.spokanefire.org/departments/fallen. May they all rest in peace and God bless America.

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: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 817 E INDIANA AVE
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Saturday October 4, 2008 at 11:31 AM, Six Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Green responded to a reported structure fire at 817 East Indiana. The first company arrived within 6-minutes and reported light smoke showing from a two-story wood-framed home. Spokane Police Officers were already on-scene and had responded to a call for a subject actively setting fires from the exterior of the home.

Ladder 2 and Engine 7 were utilized to extinguish the multiple fire starts and the additional companies still enroute were cancelled as the incident was brought under control in just minutes. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: A 17-year old male suspect was detained by SPD as fire companies arrived on scene. Spokane Fire's SIU Officers were still on the Mission Incident and quickly joined SPD early in the incident. The suspect is now in custody and charged with Arson in the First Degree. Additional charges may be forthcoming; however at the time of this release the suspect has been booked into the Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage is minor and predominately exterior and cosmetic to the home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
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 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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.

The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.

PROBABLE CAUSE: ** (UPDATED) The cause has been determined to be incendiary and SIU Investigators have charged Beverly Nagi (57 y/o) with Arson in the First Degree. SIU Officers arrested Nagi near the fire scene this morning and she was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure. The Spokane Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting the resident.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/4/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 22 E Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Saturday, October 4 2008 at 5:08 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder and 1 Special Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Kirsch and Fielder responded to a reported structure fire at 22 East Mission. The first company arrived within five minutes and reported smoke showing from a two-story wood framed house. The older home was remodeled into an apartment with two separate units (one upstairs and one on the ground-level). Both units were not occupied at the time of the fire; however one tenant had multiple animals which were still inside.

The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being located, extinguished and overhauled within an hour. Multiple animals were also removed safely by firefighters and are being cared for by a responsible neighbor.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the rear exterior and nearby interior walls throughout both floors of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
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: Jan Doherty, Public Education
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/3/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: With someone's home burning someplace in the U.S. about every 80 seconds, the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2008 is "Prevent Home Fires". Beginning Saturday, Fire Prevention Week recalls the Great Chicago Fire that began the evening of October 8, 1871 and burned three days, costing 250 lives and destroying 17,400 buildings. This is the week for all of us to remember the history and take stock of fire safety in our homes, schools and work sites.

About 80 years ago, approximately 15,000 Americans lost their lives to fire every year. Now, with a larger population, annual fire fatalities number about 2,800. Most of these people died in the building they considered the safest: their own home.

The invention of two types of home smoke detectors (ionization and photoelectric) in the 1970s accounts for much of the reduction in home fire deaths in the U.S. in recent years. Unfortunately, many people fail to keep their detectors in working order: they don't replace them at least every 10 years or they have disconnected or dead batteries. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 65% of residential fire deaths happen in homes without working detectors.

We now know that every home needs both kinds of smoke detector technology: IONIZATION for quick, flaming fire types and PHOTOELECTRIC for slow burning, smoldering types of fire. Currently, most homes have the ionization type because they are easier to find in most stores and they run a few dollars cheaper than photoelectric. Ionization detectors are more prone to false, nuisance alarms. While they have saved thousands of lives over the years, and they respond seconds quicker in a fast-burning fire, they are not as reliable in a smoldering fire as photoelectric detectors.

An individual tragedy is often our wake-up call for changing firesafety notions and equipment. Just before Christmas 2005, five members of a Barre VT family died in a fire that started with cigarette ashes smoldering on a couch. The hardwired ionization detectors never sounded an alarm. The Barre Fire Department, overwhelmed by the loss of a mother and four children, researched the effectiveness of ionization and photoelectric detectors in live burns. They have been instrumental in bringing this concern to the attention of our nation within the past year. Spokane Fire Department conducted similar tests this past year and found that ionization detectors sounded the alarm in smoldering fires many minutes after the photoelectric ones. In some cases, they did not sound at all.

Fire Prevention Week is a good time to check on the type and condition of your smoke detectors. Look for the word IONIZATION or PHOTOELECTRIC in fine print on the back of the detector as well as for the date of manufacture. Smoke detectors have a 3% failure rate per year and they need to be replaced at least every 10 years, whether they are hardwired into the electricity or simple battery-operated units. If your ionization detectors are not more than 7 years old, purchase a photoelectric detector (about $17) to add to your protection on each level of the home. You may also choose a dual sensor (ionization and photoelectric) battery-operated detector for about $23. If you have all ionization hardwired detectors in your home, please contact your electrician and ask for a change to photoelectric detector heads for at least some of the locations as soon as possible.

If you have additional questions, please check the Internet at www.wthr.com/global/Story.asp?s=6552929 or call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058.

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

Lower your flag this Sunday to honor fallen firefighters

Flag Lowering Notice:
On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the U.S. flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

 U.S. flags across the country will be lowered on Sunday, October 5, 2008. This includes the U.S. Capitol and the White House, as well as buildings in our local community.

Remember to lower the U.S. flags at your home, fire department, and business. The Spokane Fire Department encourages the local community to follow the Federal Government's example. When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/1/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4621 N. Post
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On October 1st, 2008 at 10:30 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, a pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4621 N. Post. Upon arrival, fire crews found a wood frame structure that had fire coming out the front windows. Pumper Ladder 13'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 the adult occupant, who had been sleeping, had exited safely 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 the front living room and kitchen areas. The fire was also rapidly extending vertically towards the attic. Through their fast and aggressive actions, the firefighters were able to knock down the fire and confine it to the front portion of the home and at the same time, keep it out of the attic area. The majority of the home was saved, however smoke damage was extensive throughout the building. A total of 24 firefighters responded to this call and it took them 15 minutes to effectively contain the fire. Fire crews will remain at this incident through the night conducting final extinguishment and making sure all of the "hotspots" are completely out. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was called in to investigate the fire cause. At this time, the incident remains under investigation. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The home suffered extensive smoke damage and also sustained heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen areas.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Suspicious. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the living room and kitchen. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 150,000
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