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
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