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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5400 N Helena
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday February 24, 2009 at 7:33 AM six companies of Spokane Firefighters; three Engines, one Senior Ladder, one Pumper/Ladder and a Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief Dan Brown responded to a reported natural gas leak at the Whitman Elementary School--5400 North Helena. Both Avista Dispatch and Fire Department Communication Centers received multiple reports of a strong odor of natural gas in the neighborhood. The first company arrived within 6-minutes and reported a strong odor present in the area and began to evacuate the school in the event the leak was originating from the School's natural gas service line.

Since the school was not yet occupied with children, the initial evacuation was relatively quick and mainly consisted of staff. The command staff on-scene utilized the pre-planning software package "Rapid Responder" to determine tactical plans and contingencies which were quickly initiated. Working within a unified command, the Spokane Public Schools officials supported the incident's objectives by sheltering the arriving children in school buses and providing logistical support from the Administration. The Spokane Police, School Resource Officers/Security and Street Department were also critical players in securing the immediate area and providing a safe location to meet arriving children, explain the circumstances to parents and accompany them to awaiting buses.

The SFD HazMat Team monitored the internal and external atmosphere with their instrumentation and was able to confirm the ambient air inside the school was safe. Children and staff were returned, safely, into the school in a calm fashion and the incident was turned over to Avista for long-term monitoring. Avista reportedly deployed a leak detection team in the neighborhood and did not request the Fire Department's assistance from that point. Information regarding Avista's findings and/or additional questions can be obtained by calling the Avista Media Line.

The Spokane Public's School Administration and Staff showed a high degree of competency, preparedness and professionalism throughout this incident-for which we are very grateful. The outcome of this incident represents yet another example of the partnerships that the SFD enjoys with Avista and Spokane Public Schools.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department has taken delivery of two of the four new Pierce Fire Engines purchased nearly a year ago. The Engines were purchased with funds from the citizen-supported 1999 Bond Issue as well as dollars earned/recovered from the sale of previous fire stations. The total of four engines will assist replace existing in-service apparatus that are 30 years old (American LaFrance Engines built in 1978/1979).

The Engines were purchased from Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin at a cost of approximately $481,000 per engine. The Engines are designed to respond to All-Risk Situations such as EMS, Fire, Hazardous Material and Special Operations incidents and safely transport a company of four firefighters to the emergency. The design and unit specifications for the fire engines came from a cross-section of Spokane Firefighters that routinely use the equipment. The Engines are currently at SFD's Maintenance Shop where they will undergo significant additions of medical and fire equipment, communications and additional gear necessary to deliver service to Spokane's residents.

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: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1221 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At 1143 pm February 21, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched on a report of smoke coming from the roof of a building. The first fire crews on scene were Engine 3 and the North side Battalion Chief who saw a significant amount of smoke coming from what appeared to be the roof of a 3 story apartment building. As other fire crews arrived they went to the opposite side of the building and reported seeing fire in one room on the 3rd floor. At about the same time Engine 3 made entry to the 3rd floor from the inside and reported heavy smoke and heat conditions. The North side Battalion Chief requested the incident be upgraded to a working fire. When a second Battalion Chief arrived on scene and went to the back of the building it was decided to upgrade the fire to a 2nd alarm due to the fire on the 3rd floor and the potential number of people in the building. Crews were immediately assigned to search the building for occupants, attack the fire, ventilate the smoke and heat and set up a rapid intervention team in case anyone was to get trapped inside. Engine 3 was the first fire crew into the room on fire and did an aggressive attack with a 1 ¾" attack line. This knocked the main body of the fire down then the efforts of the Firefighters were directed to making sure the fire did not extend beyond the room of origin. Red Cross was called to assist approximately 20 displaced residents because the gas was shut off to the building for safety purposes while the fire was being extinguished so there was no heat in the building. In all 42 Firefighters were called to the scene with over half of the available fire crews in the city dedicated to the fire. AMR, American Medical Response ambulance company is based across the street from the apartment building and AMR opened up there building to shelter the displaced residents and give Red Cross a place to meet with the residents. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to one apartment on the 3rd floor with smoke throughout the 3rd floor.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 42
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 R.D. Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Rimrock and Houston FIRE DISTRIC 10
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On 2-20-09at 11:36 PM Fire District 10 requested assistance in rescuing a person that fell about 30 to 40 feet off a cliff on Rimrock DR. City fire responded their High angle rescue team from Station 4 and one response Battalion Chief. When the high angle crew located the patient he was conversing with crew members from Fire Dist. 10. After assessing the situation rigging for a high angle rescue was put into place. One paramedic was lowered to assess the patient, once this was done a second medic was lowered with a harness and a helmet to assist in brining the patient up .Patient was turned over to District 10.
The patient suffered a cut above the eye and was treated at the scene.
Rescue efforts were slowed down because of the deep snow on the untracked road and the travel distance to the patient.
There were no injuries rescuers'

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fall
DAMAGE EXTENT: Personal injury.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,00.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 10

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: 2/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Situation
INCIDENT ADDRESS: E. Olympic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: This morning February 21, 2009 at 6:35 am the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported carbon monoxide poisoning and the victim being rescued. The private citizen had an internal combustion gasoline generator running in their basement. One of the byproducts of an internal combustion engines is carbon monoxide. The resident of the home had been overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning when a friend came by and discovered them. The fast thinking and action by the friend of the resident most likely prevented a much more serious outcome. Upon search of the house to determine CO levels we found numerous extension cords and "zip" cords with power strips plugged into power strips. The generator running in the basement initiated the call and can be deadly in itself but the careless use of extension cords to replace permanent wiring can be just as deadly by overloading the wiring in the walls. The Fire Department cannot stress hard enough the dangers of gasoline powered appliances being kept inside a structure while running without proper ventilation and the dangerous of overloading permanent wiring with the excessive use of extension cords and power strips. The outcome of this incident was good but it could have been a lot worse.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Improper use of gasoline powered equipment.
DAMAGE EXTENT: None except to the health of the resident.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 6
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: 2/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Police Department's PIO's are now handling the information related to the incident reported on yesterday involving the former GU student. You can contact one of their on-duty SPD PIO's and/or Officer Jennifer DeRuwe through normal channels and procedures.

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: 2/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At approximately 0930 February 17, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) received a telephone call from Gonzaga Security regarding a Molotov cocktail device that had been found by a custodian in the parking lot of Catherine-Monica Hall on campus. The device had been secured by GU and taken as evidence.

The subsequent investigation and a tip led to the discovery of similar prohibitive items inside the dorm room of Timothy D. Parker, 18-year-old former GU Student. Throughout the stages of the investigation, the SIU officers secured several items as evidence including stolen firearms and ammunition from an off-campus location. (*Media please clarify that weapons recovered were NOT on the Gonzaga campus).

From what the investigators have determined thus far, it appears that at no time were other students and/or staff in danger from the situation. Gonzaga Administration has taken proactive, deliberate steps to assure the safety of everyone and we are extremely appreciative of their cooperation.

This has been a very dynamic case and is ongoing. The SPD, SFD and Gonzaga Security Staff are working together to complete the investigation. We will most likely be announcing additional criminal charges in this case and the investigation persists.

I do apologize for the brevity of the release and amount of information available at this point; however we will do our best to keep you up to date as information becomes available.

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: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2112 W Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: W
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2112 W Sinto at 1:11 in the afternoon on Wednesday, Feb. 18th, for a reported structure fire. Additional information provided by Fire Dept. Dispatchers to the responding fire companies included reports from 9-1-1 callers that they could see smoke coming from the roof area of the house. The first arriving fire company radioed that there was indeed smoke showing from the roof and vents of a single story wood/frame dwelling and that they were going to attempt to make entry into the structure to investigate for the source of the smoke. Later arriving fire companies were assigned various tasks which included securing a water supply, forcible entry, ventilation (both vertical and horizontal), search and rescue, back-up fire leads, and scene safety. The fire fighting crews inside the residence were able to gain access into the attic space by pulling ceilings and found the well hidden fire smoldering in the attic insulation. Crews on the roof cut a large ventilation hole in the roof over the suspected area of attic involvement and assisted in the extinguishment. Search and recue efforts determined that there was no one in the house at the time of the fire. Once the main fire was discovered and extinguished the fire crews at the scene began the labor intensive job of digging out and removing the blown-in insulation to insure that all the smoldering material was extinguished and removed from the interior of the structure. There were no reports of any injuries to civilians or to the fire fighters. Investigators from the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit responded to the scene and began their investigation into the cause of this fire. Preliminary investigation is centering on the old wiring system which supplies electrical power to the building. Damage to the dwelling was confined to the ceilings in the kitchen, dining, and living room; the attic space over those affected rooms, and of course the rear area of the roof.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation with preliminary indications centering on the electrical system and the wiring in that system.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceilings in the living room, dining room, and kitchen; the attic spaces over those affected rooms; the back portion of the house's roof.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1218 E. Rich
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire in the early morning hours of February 14, 2009 only to find light smoke in the residence and the owner very agitated. The damage was minor confined to the light smoke in the house. The cause is of concern and that was a discarded cigarette into the trash. Fortunately the resident of the house was awake and noticed the small fire in the kitchen area then called the Fire Department. Her smoke detector was on the kitchen table without a battery as she had not been able to get to the store to replace the battery. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public of the dangers of improperly discarded smoking materials as well as not maintaining a working smoke detector in the house. The damage was minor in this incident and nobody was injured but that is not always the case with improper disposal of cigarettes and or not maintaining working smoke detectors. The Fire Department did ventilate the house and put a new battery in the smoke detector prior to leaving the scene.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cigarette
DAMAGE EXTENT: Very minor. Just a light smoke in the house
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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

Become a Fire Sprinkler Technician

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1737 E Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched fire crews and their apparatus to 1737 E. Sanson at 12:09 in the very early morning on Wednesday, Feb 11th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire crew reported heavy smoke coming from the roof and eaves of a single story wood/frame dwelling and radioed their intent to enter the structure with a charged fire lead in an attempt to locate the fire and extinguish it. As the other incoming fire apparatus were approaching the scene, the Incident Commander began making assignments to them that included search and rescue, additional fire hose leads, ventilation (both horizontal and vertical), water supply, and fire scene safety. The crews inside the structure reported heavy smoke conditions which hampered their progress somewhat as they struggled against the heat and smoke. They were finally able to get to the back bedroom where the fire is believed to have originated and, once there, got a fairly quick knockdown of the fire. There were no reported injuries to the fire fighters or to the tenants. Early discovery of the fire by one of the tenants, especially because of the time of the night, contributed to their successful escape from the house at a time when conditions inside were rapidly becoming critical. The house sustained very serious smoke damage throughout as the thick, black smoke that was present inside covered nearly all of the contents in the structure. The bedroom where the fire originated was completely destroyed and a good-sized hole had been cut in the roof of the house to allow the pent-up heat and toxic by-products of combustion out of the building. Ceilings were pulled and walls were opened up inside the building to allow the fire fighters to be able to fully extinguish any stubborn hot spots that were still burning. Investigators from the Spokane Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit were on the scene trying to determine the cause of this early morning fire and at the time of this report no conclusions have been reached.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept.'s SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Severe fire damage to the bedroom of origin, heavy fire and collateral damage to other areas of the buiding, and severe smoke damage to the entire interior and contents of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
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: 2/5/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2517 W. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At 7:30 pm on February 5, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire in the Shadle area on the North side of the city. The house located at 2517 W. Queen is a single story home being used for storage. Vigilant neighbors noticed a light smoke coming from the eve line on the roof of the house and called the Fire Department. The first crew on scene was Pumper Ladder 13 who reported nothing visible from the street. But upon close inspection they saw the smoke and forced entry into the structure. Once inside, the smoke conditions were heavy but it was not very hot. The fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional Engine Company was sent along with an investigator. After advancing a hose line into the house they found the basement stairs had burned out and the damage was contained to that area with a quick knockdown of the fire. Nobody was living in the house and the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported and the incident was controlled by the 21 Firefighters that responded.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: structural damage to the basement stairs and smoke throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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: Joel Fielder / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1607 West Nora
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday February 3, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:52 AM to 1607 West Nora on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke coming from the back of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom in the basement with smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Jason Reser and he can be contacted at 625-7051.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the basement with smoke damage through out the residence
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 2/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1206 S. "F" Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: At 6:50 PM this evening, Monday, February 02, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported shed fire at 1206 S. "F" Street. Upon arrival the first fire crews reported a detached 12'X18' storage building heavily involved in fire. Siding on the main house at that address, which was less than 20' away from the storage building, was smoking and near ignition from the radiant heat. Fire crews applied water to the house and checked the inside for any fire extension as other crews simultaneously attacked and extinguished the fire in the storage building. During their investigation of the house one of the crews located the occupant, who reported he had received burns from the fire. The victim, an adult male, was working on his motorcycle in the storage building when gasoline vapors were ignited by a kerosene heater used to heat the building. The victim sustained second degree burns to both hands and first degree burns to his face prior to escaping the burning building. He was treated at the scene by Spokane Fire Department paramedics and transported by ambulance to Deaconess Medical Center. His injuries are not considered life threatening.

PROBABLE CAUSE: As was noted, the cause of the fire was accidental ignition of gasoline vapors inside the storage building.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to a total loss of the storage building and its contents, as well as minor damage to trim and siding on the house at this address.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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: 1/31/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 911 W. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On January 31st, 2009 at 5:09 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 7 apparatus and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire located at 911 W. Jackson. Firefighters discovered a well advanced fire in the basement of a home with a report that there may have been an explosion accompanying the fire. Crews used a transitional approach and first knocked down what fire they could through an available exterior basement window. At the same time, the natural gas was turned off and ladder crews began their search and ventilation duties. It was found that the occupants were not at home, however two dogs were successfully rescued and safely taken outside. Hose line crews on the inside with help from roof crews cutting holes to ventilate were able to knock down the basement fire after approximately 15 minutes and as they began to check for hidden hot spots throughout the building, they also discovered a python snake, a boa constrictor, a tortoise and a Nile monitor lizard. All were caged and unharmed but due to the special nature of this situation, arrangements for transportation for these exotic animals proved challenging but eventually Spokanimal arrived to transport the animals to a warmer and safer place. Close examination of the structure revealed that there was a concussion which disrupted a portion of the concrete foundation and walls. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Crews will remain at the home throughout the night and early morning hours finishing their job looking for hidden pockets of fire that could remain in the floors, walls and roof areas. There were no injuries to firefighters. The Red Cross is in contact with the family and is assisting them with their displacement.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The wood frame home received extensive heat, smoke and water damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
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