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
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