SFD prepares for H1N1

H1N1 Flu

What is The Fire Department doing?

The Spokane Fire Department is prepared for cases of H1N1 flu in Spokane City. We have taken the emerging information on this new flu virus very seriously and we have preparations in place to respond to and manage incidents of this type in cooperation with other agencies within the region.

What Can You Do?

We are urging citizens and visitors to take common-sense measures to guard against the illness. Panic is not helpful, but caution is. For example, practicing proper hygiene, staying healthy and visiting a health care provider if you start having symptoms consistent with the flu are important measures that citizens can take to assist with the containment of this flu.
Who can you call for more information?

Spokane County Health Department Call Center for H1N1 866-800-4950 available Monday-Friday and staffed 10-1800

Eastern Washington 2-1-1

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2928 N. Stone
CITY: spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 04/28/09 at approximately 1731 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 2928 N Stone upon report of a structure fire. First arriving units found a one story, wood-frame, single family residence with fire coming out the window. Fire crews used pre-connected hose-lines to attack the fire while at the same time other fire department crew members searched the home for people that were potentially trapped. In addition other crews were assigned to the roof in case ventilation was necessary. After a primary and secondary search of the structure no civilians were found inside, and ventilation of the roof was determined to be un-necessary. The main body of fire was extinguished within approximately 15 minutes. Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours to assure the fire was out.

A total of 22 firefighters on 9 apparatus responded to the blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported. Two animals were killed in the fire. Efforts by firefighters to revive a dog were unsuccessful.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Lt. Jim Bowen at 625-7053.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The main body of main fire was confined mainly to the living room situated on the front of the residence. Other areas of the structure were damage by either smoke or heat. The fire was essentially a contents fire with the main structural members of the residence undamaged.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000
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: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2519 West Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Friday April 24th, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 8:50 PM to 2519 West Dean on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing from a window on the east side of the home with possible fire extension into the house next door. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the bathroom and attic with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control with in 30 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 Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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: 4/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2727 E. 53rd Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: At 6:30 PM Thursday, April 23rd, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the Biltmore Apartments at 2727 E. 53rd Ave, on Spokane's south hill. The first engine company to arrive on-scene reported smoke from a second floor apartment in the three story wood frame Building D, of the complex. As the fire attack crews advance hoses into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire, other fire crews searched the fire apartment for possible victims. The fire was quickly knocked down. No human victims were found, however, a pet cat succumbed to the heat and smoke. Surrounding apartment units were evacuated and checked for fire extension. Although the fire was contained to the apartment of origin, three other apartments received varying degrees of smoke and water damage. The apartment of origin received heavy smoke, heat, and water damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters at this fire. Occupants of the affected apartments will be displaced until repairs can be made to their units. In all, seven fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire. They were on-scene for several hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total damage to Building D of this complex and the contents is estimated to be over $30000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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: Bob Green
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/23/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Wellesley Avenue and North Cook Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Thursday April 23, 2009 at 0850 AM Spokane Fire Engine 8 was dispatched to a reported motor vehicle incident with unknown injuries near the intersection of Wellesley Avenue and North Cook Street. Engine 8 arrived within 8 minutes and reported two passenger vans involved in the collision with at least two patients. The company officer also requested an ambulance to the scene. Spokane Chief 2, Schaeffer, also added himself to the alarm and arrived within a few minutes of the initial dispatch.

Upon investigating, Engine 8 found both vans to be loaded with young children and suffering from multiple types of injuries. Chief Schaeffer conferred with Lieutenant Widener from Engine 8 and assumed command of the incident. The incident was upgraded to a Second Alarm-EMS, which indicates a complex Medical Incident requiring a significant number of resources to safely and effectively treat a large amount of patients. Three additional ALS Companies (Pumper/Ladder 11, 13 and Engine 4), Heavy Rescue 1, EMS Division Chief, CARES Team as well as additional Command Staff were assigned to the incident. An additional seven ambulances were also assigned from American Medical Response (AMR) as well as their on-duty Supervisor and Operations Manager.

A total of twenty-one (21) victims were involved in the incident. Fifteen (15) patients were treated by SFD Paramedics and transported by AMR to multiple hospitals within Spokane. Two of those patients were triaged type 'red', which indicates potential serious injury while the remaining type 'green' indicating minor injuries. SFD's CARES Team was utilized to care for the children not injured as well as assisting with psychological aspects of the trauma.

Additional members from Spokane Public Schools, City of Spokane Parks, Mayor's Office and Police Department cooperated and participated with the mitigation of this incident. As a result of interagency cooperation and use of a Liaison Officer (Jason Conley, Spokane Public Schools), a phone bank was quickly established and staffed which allowed for immediate information to be relayed to parents with the status and location of their children.

No additional injuries resulted from the incident's operations and companies returned to service within 2-hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The incident is under investigation by the Spokane Police Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Vehicles received damage and were not drivable.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

Spokane Fire Department's 125th Anniversary Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Spokane Fire Department was established on October 1, 1884; and

WHEREAS, the department was formed by a group of volunteers including one fire marshal, a first assistant marshal, a second assistant marshal and 30 volunteer firemen; and

WHEREAS, fire department volunteers formed two fire companies: a hook and ladder and a hose company. Both horse-drawn units were kept at West 418 First in downtown Spokane; and

WHEREAS, the City of Spokane now has 14 fire stations and 301 firefighters; and

WHEREAS, the department continues to serve the community by protecting life, property and the environment and by providing excellent service through prevention, education, preparedness and mitigation; and

WHEREAS, this year the Spokane Fire Department will celebrate their 125th year anniversary of public service:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary B. Verner, Mayor of the City of Spokane, on behalf of the citizens of Spokane do hereby proclaim the period between May 1 – December 1, 2009, as the

125th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT

and urge all citizens to join, assist and support all activities provided during this period of time.
I, Mary B. Verner, Mayor of Spokane,
do hereunto set my hand and
cause the seal of the City of Spokane
to be affixed this
27th day of April in 2009.



Mary B. Verner
Mayor

April "2nd Alarm" - Disaster Preparedness for the Specific Needs Population

A major emergency in our region will dramatically impact us all. But for those who are more vulnerable, there will be an even greater risk or being “left out or left behind”. The traditional “first responders” from Fire and Law Enforcement agencies will be taxed to the limit and will simply not have resources to help everyone. Individuals must become able to help themselves and others in their circle of care.

   

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/22/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3728 E. Cleveland
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99217

NARRATIVE: Early Wednesday morning, April 22nd 2009 at 1:10 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire at 3728 E. Cleveland. First arriving fire crews found a detached garage with fire inside. An aggressive interior attack was made using two hose lines, and at the same time, a rapid primary search was conducted to determine if anyone remained inside. After a quick knockdown of the flames was completed, ventilation was started to clear the atmosphere of hazardous smoke. The fire was confined to a corner of the garage and as a result, damage and flame spread were kept to a minimum and the dwelling next door was spared. No one was at home in the dwelling during this incident. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit was summoned to the scene to help in determining the cause of the fire. Many of the same fire crews, along with the SIU, had been on a house fire an hour earlier on north Monroe Street. It was a busy night for investigators and fire crews. The two fires appear to be unrelated at this time. There were 19 firefighters that responded to this fire call and there were no injuries. The fire was called in by alert neighbors who noticed smoke coming from the garage. The structure sustained minor heat damage, and there was some smoke and heat damage to contents.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor heat damage to the structure. Minor to Moderate heat and smoke damage to contents.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 19
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: 4/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4606 N. Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 10:36 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 ladder company, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 4606 N. Monroe. Pumper ladder 13, the first arriving fire company, sized up the situation and discovered a fire inside of a 1 ½ story wood frame home. A preliminary report was received indicating that the occupants were all out of the home but another separate report from a neighbor stated otherwise. As a part of routine procedure, a "search group" was created and deployed to the interior of the home with the focus on searching sleeping areas as a priority. As areas were being searched, a simultaneous fire attack with hose lines, and ventilation by opening windows, were conducted. Fortunately, the search effort did not reveal any victims. The fire was contained after 15 minutes and was confined to the main floor near the stairway leading up to the bedrooms. Overhaul work began and involved searching for and digging out hot embers that remained within the void areas of the home. The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time and is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. 24 firefighters responded on this call. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the hallway ceiling, walls, floor and contents. Smoke damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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

Legislature approves ban of novelty lighters

Sunday, April 19 2009 -OLYMPIA – Lighters that look like everything from a gun to a snowman will be no more in Washington stores, under a law sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent. The Legislature passed the measure Saturday.
Kauffman says the legislation came at the request of state fire department officials who say more children are being burned or causing house fires with lighters that look like toys.
“We needed to take action on this, these lighters are looking more and more like toys. One burned child is too much, let alone house fires that can destroy property and lives,” Kauffman said.
Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to sign the law, prohibiting the sale of lighters that have flashing lights or could be mistaken as a toy, into effect.
The bill is Senate Bill 5011.

For more information on novelty lighters and the danger they pose, visit :

http://www.firemarshals.org/mission/residential/ignition-sources/toylike-novelty-lighters/

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 627 E. Sprague
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 04/16/09 at approximately 1424 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 627 E. Sprague upon report of a vapor release within a commercial structure. First arriving units on the scene made contact with the manager who indicated a worker dropped a glass vial on the floor, stomped on it and then quickly exited the business. A pungent odor was immediately evident in the area of the broken vial and several employees in the area soon reported feeling ill. The SFD Haz Mat team responded to the scene and conducted operations to identify the substance. Haz Mat team members used specialized protective suits and detection equipment to gather samples and analyze the substance. In addition they collected samples for further testing. Final identification of the substance will be determined at a later date.

Several employees of the business complained of feeling ill after being in the area of the vapor. SFD personnel checked on 26 employees of the business, taking vitals on each. One person was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. After ventilation employees were allowed to return to the structure.

A total of 17 members of the Spokane Fire Department participated in this incident. Nine of those were members of the Haz Mat team. In addition Law Enforcement was contacted to investigate the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This incident is under investigation by Law Enforcement. For additional information contact Lt. Jimmy Bowen of the Spokane Fire Department Speical Investative Unit at 625-7053.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage confined to the carpet area of the business in the area of the release. A portion of the carpet was taken both as possible evidence and for further testing.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 17
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

The role of firefighters in the EMS system

Fire fighters do much more than just fight fires. This video produced by the IAFF and the IAFC explains the important role that firefighters play in the EMS system nationwide.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2317 W Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: *** Update ***

The victim from this morning's fire at 2317 W Dean has been released from the hospital. Fire investigators concluded that the cause of the fire was accidental. The Investigators also noted that there were no operating smoke detectors in the residence at the time of the fire.

Smoke alarms save lives. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all or no smoke alarms that work. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

Tips

-Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
-Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
-Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
-Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps", warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
-Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
-Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing . These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms

The Fire Department has smoke detectors available for residents that are unable to purchase them. Call Jan Doherty at 625-7058 for more information.

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: 4/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2317 West Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Thursday April 16, 2009 at 7:32 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Kirsch responded to a reported residence fire at 2317 West Dean Avenue in the City's West Central Neighborhood. A resident on the second floor of a two-story home contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the upstairs was full of smoke and there was a fire. She told dispatchers that she was unable to get out via the bedroom door and was going to try and make it through the smoke to the balcony. While a first-alarm assignment was being dispatch, a second 911 call was received from the son on his cell phone calling from the first floor. The son was reporting heavy smoke and a large amount of heat from the second floor and that his attempts to get to the stairs in a rescue effort for his mother were prevented due to the heat.

The neighborhood fire company, Engine 3, arrived within five-minutes and reported smoke showing from the two-story house and they notified other companies responding that there was a victim visible on the second floor. Engine 3 stretched pre-connected hose lines up to the second floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to protect the victim. Simultaneously, Ladder 4 arrived and placed ground Ladders to the victim and successfully rescued the 51 year-old female. Other companies arrived and backed up the initial attack crew and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while searching for other possible victims. The fire was controlled in just fifteen minutes with all of the assigned resourced working hard. They were successful in confining the fire to the second floor and limiting spread into the roof/attic and first floor areas of the structure.

The female resident was treated by Spokane Fire Department Paramedics and subsequently transported by AMR to Deaconess urgently. At last report the victim was in stable condition. Spokane Firefighters also were able to rescue the family's pet dog which is doing fine.

The outcome of this incident reinforces the importance of Fire Department staffing, adequate training and commitment to sustaining and improving the level of service. In a Fire/EMS deployment system, time is of the essence; and the life saved today is a perfect example of the components of the system coming together for a successful outcome.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU. The likely cause appears to be improperly discarded smoking materials. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the second floor contents are significant.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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

Link to Story on KHQ:  http://www.khq.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3661593&at1=News&h1=Fire fighters rescue woman from second floor balcony 

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 7010 N COLTON & 5302 E TRENT AVE-CS
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: All of Spokane Fire Department's on-duty companies were assigned today to multiple near-simultaneous events this afternoon. A first-alarm assignment was sent at 2:12 PM for smoke in the Burlington Northern building located at 5302 East Trent in far East Spokane. When companies arrived, the building was being evacuated as individuals reported smoke present on the interior. As additional companies arrived on the Trent Incident and investigated the situation, a second serious incident was dispatched at 2:25 PM on the far North side of Spokane at 7010 North Colton (Autumn Ridge Apartments) for a fire in an apartment. These two incidents along with another call had all of the on-duty companies committed for period of time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the initial incident at 5302 East Trent resulted from a problem in boiler which caused over-pressurization and steam inside the building. It took firefighters an extended period to control the building's utilities thus preventing additional problems from the boiler.

The cause of the second incident at 7010 North Colton was accidental in nature and involved discarded ashes, however resulted in damage to various areas in the apartment's exterior walls and the unit's interior.

DAMAGE EXTENT: On the Trent Incident, damage is minor and repairable. The second incident (7010 N Colton) involves cosmetic damage to the structure and some contents. The occupant at the time of the fire was treated by SFD Paramedics for second degree burns and has been transported to a local hospital.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 58
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