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
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