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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/29/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1523 W 10th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigative Unit arrested two persons this afternoon relating to the car and building fire at 1523 W 10th Avenue, Zip Trip Convenience/Gas Station. Both suspects were located by investigators near the area and placed under arrest on the scene.

The two subjects; Joshua S. Garry (23) and James S. Reed (38) were booked into jail today and charged with Arson in the First Degree. Mr. Reed also had an outstanding warrant for an unrelated charge.

The incident involved a vehicle fire at the rear of an occupied Zip Trip this afternoon at 12:07. Initial arriving Firefighters were successful in extinguishing the car fire quickly and prevented significant extension into the building.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Arson
DAMAGE EXTENT: The car was completely destroyed and the building sustained minor exterior damage. Smoke damage did occur in the interior and the County Health Department was notified due to the presence and possible contamination of food items for sale/distribution.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
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

May 29, 2009

Brian Schaeffer

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department welcomed Fire Chiefs from throughout Washington to Spokane on Thursday for the 77th Annual Washington State Fire Chief's Conference. Spokane Council President and Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams both spoke at the opening ceremonies on Thursday and thanked the members of the association for choosing Spokane and praised them their community service and dedication. Members from SFD's Honor Guard presented the colors for the service while Rosalia's very own 9 year old Jaycee Johnson sang the National Anthem, 'a cappella' and received a raving applause from the group.

The conference is being held at the Doubletree Hotel and Spokane's Convention Center and concludes Saturday May 30.

**(The engine pictured is a 1959 Pirsch from old Station # 11 which was located at South 2711 Grand Blvd)

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: 5/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: West Clark Avenue and N North Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On May 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM, seven companies of Spokane Firefighters; 2 Water Rescue Companies, 2 Heavy Rescues, 1 Senior Ladder, and 2 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Brown and Moline responded to the area of West Clark Avenue and N North Street for a reported victim in the river. On arrival, a group of people reported to authorities that an approximately 23-year old woman had been witnessed being in the water and carried away by the river's current an estimated 45-minutes prior to the FD being notified.

A unified command post was established with SPD and concurrence was achieved with the incident's strategic goals. The Fire Department's Water Rescue teams did not deploy into the water due to the River's conditions, however both Fire and Police personnel performed a rapid, thorough search from the ground and bridges for nearly an hour. Aircraft to assist in the search were ordered from Spokane Sheriff's Office and MedStar, unfortunately both were unavailable.

After an extremely difficult discussion, the Incident Command Team collectively decided that in light of the significant amount of time that had passed since the victim was last seen and compounding factors including; extreme darkness, frigid water temperatures and extreme flow rates (20,000+ CFS), and difficult terrain that the Fire Department's rescue efforts would cease and recovery efforts be deferred until daylight.

After an anticipated briefing with Spokane Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Police Department in the morning, the Fire Department will be transferring the information from the incident to Law Enforcement with an expectation that they may reconvene recovery efforts in the morning with their recovery and investigative teams.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/24/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 809 N. Canon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 4:31pm, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a full alarm consisting of 6 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported house fire located at
809 N. Cannon St. The first arriving company, E3 under the direction of Lt. Greenamyer arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched.
The initial report from Lt. Greenamyer was that he had a one story wood frame home with fire on the exterior that had extended up the siding into the attic. Engine 3's crew immediately stretched pre-connected hose lines to start extinguishment of the fire while verifying that all occupants were out of the structure. The additional arriving crews provided roof ventilation, covered interior furnishings with water proof tarps, and searched for a missing family cat. The main body of fire was knocked down within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for approximately 1 ½ hours.
There were no injuries at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the exterior siding on the north side of the house, the attic area where the fire went up the siding and into the attic via the roof soffit, two bedrooms where fire fighters had to open walls and pull ceilings to get at the fire, and of course a major section of the building's roof.
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 S Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The cause of SFD's third alarm fire at 5111 South Regal on 5/13/2009 has been determined to be accidental in nature; and caused by a discarded cigarette on the deck of Apartment # 9. The damage has been estimated at over a million dollars.

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

Celebrate EMS Week May 17-23, 2009

From Dr. Jim Nania, Medical Program Director for Spokane County:


EMS, A Proud Partner in Your Community.

Dear EMS Provider,

I wanted to say thanks to all of you during EMS Week. For Spokane, this is a somewhat auspicious week. Monday, May 18th, was the anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. Some of you who have been involved in EMS as long as I have will remember the day when the afternoon skies got dark as night. The ash fall Spokane experienced caused a marked increase in respiratory complaints and also resulted in an increase in motor crashes due to decreased visibility. Although it was a fascinating experience, the dusty conditions 'got old' very fast. As an ambitious young emergency physician, I wrote my first published EMS paper on the emergency medical effects of the volcanic ash fall. I am glad it has only happened once in our region.
Whether it has been Mt. St. Helens, Fire Storm, Ice Storm, or the tragic Fairchild shootings, our EMS system has rallied to the challenge and responded to the increased demands for emergency care. Each and every time these natural and manmade disasters have required our EMS personnel put in many extra hours and make even greater personal sacrifices to protect the public health and safety. I am very proud of the manner which you have all responded to these major community challenges. Perhaps, even more important, as someone who provides emergency medical care with a lot of help in the ER, I really recognize the daily challenges you face 'on the streets' and I am amazed at your ability to assess and treat each patient in a highly skilled and compassionate manner.

This week is for you!

James M. Nania, MD, FACEP
Medical Program Director
Spokane County EMS & Trauma Care Council

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 211 W. Franklin Court
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: At 1250 hours on May 5, 2009 members of the Spokane Fire Department's SIU arrested a 16-year male for Arson in the 1st Degree. This incident involved the defendant pouring an ignitable liquid on the front porch and front door of an occupied residential dwelling at 211 W. Franklin Court and then lighting the ignitable liquid on fire. This was a random act of violence with no specifically targeted person. The ignitable liquid is presumed to be gasoline, but will be forensically tested. Additional arrests are probable.

There were no injuries to the occupants or fire fighters. The defendant is currently incarcerated in the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center.

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

Spring 2009 "Where’s the Fire” Race

An Email to All SFD from Deputy Chief Leavenworth; 

I hope you will join me in congratulating four members of our department who recently competed in the “Our Spring 2009 Where’s the Fire” race sponsored by the Calgary Fire Department as a fund raiser for the Make a Wish Foundation. This race is a 12 hour endurance race with 20 4 member teams this year. The course consists of an Orienteering challenge, a running section, a ropes section, a mountain bike section, and a river raft section. 

Jason Keen, Jeff Webb, Doug Kelly, and Jeff Baxter completed this grueling endurance race in 15 hours and were one of only four teams out of the starting twenty who finished. They were the only team from the USA to compete this year.  Much of the course was covered in rain and snow and mud up to the competitor’s shins. If you want to here a good story just get them to talk about the challenges they faced on this course.     CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!

                                                                                

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/13/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5111 South Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday May 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Pumper-Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Cornelius responded to a reported apartment fire at 5111 South Regal on the City's South Hill. A citizen reported what appeared to be a deck on fire on the second floor of a two-story apartment building with ten units. While the first-alarm assignment was enroute, the first due Engine reported a heavy column of smoke showing and requested a second alarm.

The closest fire company arrived on the scene within seven-minutes and immediately established a water supply and stretched hose lines to attack the rapidly progressing fire which had already extended into adjoining units and the attic. Ladder 4 arrived five minutes after the first companies and quickly laddered the apartment building's roof and placed a ventilation trench cut at the building's fire wall to prevent additional extension into multiple other adjacent units. Additional companies from the second alarm (3-Engines, Heavy Rescue, CARES Team and multiple Chief Officers) were utilized to; simultaneously attack the fire from multiple areas, search for victims, ventilate and protect means of egress. The SFD's CARES Team was specifically utilized to manage the reunification of arriving children that had their homes affected by the fire from school busses with their families. The members also coordinated with the Red Cross in arranging temporary accommodations as well as assisting the citizens with coping with the trauma of losing their homes.

Due to the complexity of the fire and its continued escalation, a third alarm was requested at 1301 which brought three additional companies from the City's farthest north Stations. At several points throughout the near three-hour incident, all of SFD's Fire Companies were committed to either the third alarm fire or many other simultaneous incidents. Off-duty Spokane Firefighters as well as mutual aid companies from Fire District 9, Spokane Valley Fire Department and Fire District 8 were utilized for City coverage.

The fire was declared under control in approximately 90 minutes with all of the assigned resourced working extremely hard. They were successful in confining the fire to approximately five units and limiting damage to one side of the building.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters and companies are still on the scene at the time of this release. There were a total of 17 adults and 12 children living in 9 of the 10 apartment units.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The determination of the fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. A formal cause will be issued when the investigation is concluded.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the building, however it is significant in at least 4 units. There appears to be moderate structural damage and smoke damage throughout.

DOLLAR LOSS: To be determined
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 68
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 8, Fire District 9

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

Shawn Poole Honored as Firefighter of the year

May 7, 2009

 

Today, the Exchange Club of Downtown Spokane presented their "Firefighter of the Year” award

to Shawn Poole for Outstanding Service to the Citizens of our Community. The Exchange members are a bunch of warm-hearted individuals that love doing good for their community.  It is the "Blue and Gold" Award.  They had their blue and gold flag with a big E (for Exchange on it) on display.  This is a part of the club's history in recognizing an outstanding fire/police officer in the community.  They have invited Shawn to lunch when he returns.

 

Chief Bobby Williams was great and very well spoken and sat with Scott, Lisa, Stacia, Cheryl,

Jordyn and Teresa for lunch.  Also representing the fire department were Dave Leavenworth, Rich Kness (who was with Shawn in the hospital) and Bob Hanna.

 

Chief Williams started off describing what happened that day and then Teresa accepted on Shawn’s behalf with a few words and thanks from the family!

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2220 south Grand Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99206

NARRATIVE: On Thursday May 7th at 2:32 in the afternoon the City of Spokane Fire Department responded seven fire apparatus and two command vehicles to 2220 South Grand Blv. for a structure fire. Engine Company 9 the first fire apparatus on scene reported heavy smoke showing from a 2 story wood frame house. Crews advanced attack leads into the main floor and to the upstairs. A search was conducted as crew attacked the fire. Ladder companies laddered the roof and ventilated the hot smoke and gases from the structure. This coordinated effort resulted in a quick knock down and extinguishment of the fire. The structure had severe damage to the first floor living room and a small amount of fire extension to the up stairs. There was smoke damage throughout. This fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries to report. The family cat was lost in the fire. This fire is under investigation to determine the cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire in the main floor living room, upstairs bedroom, and smoke throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 110,000,00
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: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Follow up on recent Fire Incidents and Investigations;

April 23, 2009; 2727 E. 53rd: Currently listed as Undetermined; probable electric water heater tank malfunction, however additional work is still being done on this case.

April 24, 2009; 2519 W. Boone: Listed as Accidental (overturned candle). The SIU has not located tenants who fled the scene and this case is still open.

April 28, 2009; 2932 N. Stone: (Case open, Undetermined); The fire's origin was in the sofa and likely related to smoking materials

May 2, 2009; 726 E. 43rd (Case open, Undetermined); The fire's origin appears near a computer printer, however additional forensic work needs to be completed to determine if the device was responsible.

May 3, 2009; 4911 N. Florida: (Case Open, Under Investigation); The mobile home was abandoned and being used by homeless/transients

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 0
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: 5/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Bloomsday Update:

A more detailed report will be available regarding the SFD's response to the Bloomsday event this morning/afternoon. However, the preliminary reports filed thus far indicate the SFD field crews responded to 13 medical events on the course from PedMed Teams. The incidents resulted in multiple transports to the hospital (most other minor injuries were handled by first aid tents). Injuries and illnesses found by SFD Paramedics ranged from minor medical problems to an adult cardiac arrest.

The cardiac arrest occurred at Broadway/Monroe and SFD Paramedics were on scene nearly immediately. When responders arrived the patient was clinically deceased and the SFD Paramedics successfully revived the patient which was ultimately transported by AMR to the hospital.

If you need additional information, feel free to send me an email up to 2100 this evening.

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: Joel Fielder
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4911 North Florida
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, May 3, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 00:52 AM to 4911 North Florida on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke coming from a mobile home. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom at the back of the home. The fire damage was confined to the bedroom with heat and smoke damage through out the rest of the home. The fire was brought under control within 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 Steve Jones and he can be contacted at 625-7051.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the mobile home
DOLLAR LOSS:
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: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 726 E. 43rd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 05/02/09 at approximately 1216 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to a 726 E. 43rd upon report of a structure fire. First arriving crews found a commercial structure, the Rocket Market, with smoke coming from the second floor. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the second floor to extinguish the fire, laddered the roof and ventilated the second floor, and made sure all civilians were out of the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews then concentrated on making sure no hidden fire was present within walls of the structure. The fire was under control within approximately 15 minutes with SFD crews remaining on scene another 90 minutes conducting overhaul operations.

A total of 22 firefighters on eight apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to either firefighters or civilians were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more information on the cause of this fire contact Steve Jones of The Special investigation Unit at 625-7057.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire was confined to a small, second floor, office area. This is the only area that had significant fire damage. Damage to other areas of the building was confined to a small amount of water damage on the first floor directly below the fire area. Smoke damage on the first floor was also minimal.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
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