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

ISSUING OFFICER: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/30/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W. Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE:
Spokane-area Fire and Law Enforcement representatives will conduct a press conference on Thursday, July 2nd at 10:00 AM on details and expectations regarding the 17th year of a complete ban on the individual use of fireworks in Spokane. The conference will take place at the Regional Fire Training Center located at 1618 N. Rebecca.
The complete ban on the individual use of fireworks applies to the City of Spokane, City of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney and the unincorporated areas of Spokane. By State law, all firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles are illegal throughout Washington State with the exception of designated tribal land on Indian Reservations.
The public is invited to attend the major fireworks displays conducted by licensed pyrotechnicians at Riverfront Park and Liberty Lake on the night of July 4th.
For additional information, please contact Spokane Fire Marshal, Lisa Jones, at 625-7040 or Jan Doherty at 435-7058.

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

The Fireworks Ban in Spokane is Working!

This July marks the seventeenth year of a complete fireworks ban in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated parts of Spokane County. Spokane Fire Department personnel appreciate the dramatic reduction in fires and injuries that were traditionally associated with Independence Day celebrations in our community.  Because of the ban on individual consumer fireworks, fireworks-related fires in the City of Spokane dropped from 1,044 in the ten years prior to the ban to just 46 in the ten years after the ban. In a similar manner, fireworks-caused injuries dropped from 290 to 37.  In 2008, there were no reported injuries occurring in the City of Spokane and there were five small grass fires.  Most people are honoring the ban.  Violations of the ban can be reported to Crime Check at 456-2233.

Common fireworks are NOT “Safe-and-Sane”!  There are still about 8,000 fireworks-related injuries requiring emergency room care or hospitalization each year in the U.S. during the July 4^th period.  Most fireworks injuries involve devices that are legal under current federal law.  The majority of those injured by fireworks are children under age 15.  The American Academy of Pediatrics,  American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Hand Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Center for Injury Research & Policy, Emergency Nurses Association, Fire Department Safety Officers Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, International Fire Marshals Association and Prevent Blindness America are all in support of consumer fireworks bans throughout the U.S. 

Individual fireworks are NOT cheap entertainment! Millions of dollars in direct property damage is caused each year in less than a 2-week period as Americans celebrated their July 4^th Independence. The Colville Tribe lost over $15 million in timber on July 4, 2003 after someone lit a bottle rocket from their boat on Lake Roosevelt.  In 2006, there was about $6 million in damage to schools in Washington State that was caused by fireworks. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles have been illegal throughout the State of Washington for more than 60 years, long before the Spokane ban. 

 Spokane Fire Department encourages the community to celebrate the Fourth of July by enjoying the annual public fireworks display in Riverfront Park. 

For additional information on the negative impact of individual fireworks across the United States, please contact the National Fire Protection Association at   www.nfpa.org or our public education desk at  jdoherty@spokanefire.org

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1908 E. Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On the morning of June 25th, 2009 at 3:15 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 26 firefighters with 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 pumper ladder company, 1 rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1908 E. Wellesley. Engine 15 under the command of Capt. Ryan Reding found a single family home with fire coming out the back side. A report was received by the dispatch center stating that there were two people possibly trapped inside. A fast and aggressive search of the structure was started utilizing two fire crews. These search crews split into two groups and were able to cover the main floor of the burning home in rapid fashion. At the same time of the ongoing search, a fire attack team along with a roof team were working together in order to confine the fire as soon as possible. A roof ventilation hole was cut by the roof team and the fire attack team below was starting to darken down the fire but the fire had gained a significant amount of headway and was continuing to spread inside void areas above, in the attic. After a hard battle of hose line stretching, extinguishment, searching, cutting and breaching it was determined to "go defensive" as the house had been considerably weakened by the fire. An immediate withdrawal of firefighters from the interior was ordered. Although the majority of the home had been searched for victims, a small portion remained that had not been searched. Defensive tactics began which involved crews controlling the fire from above using an aerial nozzle stream and from hose lines on the ground on the outside of the structure. As soon as defensive tactics were underway, a report was received that the two occupants were out of town and this was later confirmed to be true. Fire crews also searched the garage behind the home and found a number of dogs to be in good condition. Shortly after this, a partial collapse of the porch roof occurred on the back side of the house momentarily trapping 3 firefighters. The Rapid Intervention Team consisting of firefighters from Ladder 1's crew were deployed to assist. All 3 firefighters were removed from the debris very quickly and one firefighter sustained a minor back injury and was transported to Holy Family Hospital. He was released a few hours later and is expected to recover soon. The other 2 firefighters were not injured. Another firefighter also sustained a minor back injury in the later stages of the fire while operating on the outside of the home and was not transported. As the fire was burning, two separate multi-occupancy complexes on either side of the home were under threat. Fire crews successfully kept the fire from extending to these structures. A complete evacuation was ordered early to ensure the safety of these occupants. All occupants were allowed to return after the fire was contained. The Red Cross arrived and assisted the family of the burned home with shelter, food and clothing. The home was a total loss and plans were being made early this morning to demolish the structure. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The home and the majority of it's contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 170,000
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

Fire recruits endure grueling workout

Posted KXLY: Friday, June 19, 2009 9:24 PM

Also See:
Fire recruits endure grueling workout
Story by:
Erik Loney / KXLY4 Reporter

SPOKANE -- It was graduation day for eight new Spokane and Spokane Valley firefighters. But before the recruits made it to graduation, they endured one of the toughest fitness programs there is.

For the first time this year, the Crossfit workout is part of the Spokane Regional Recruit Academy. A Crossfit workout starts with a warm-up and normally ends with exhaustion.
Eight future firemen, three from Spokane and five from Spokane Valley, used the new high intensity workout to get ready to run into burning buildings.

"When we get on the fire scene, we go from 0 to 120 mph in 10 seconds," said Crossfit trainer Lt. Dave Pointer. "That's what this workout does, it brings them in, it's very intense and very hardcore and covers the whole body."
The workout has become popular with the military and first responders like police officers and firefighters.

It uses more conventional exercises like running, jumping and squatting, but also includes other elements like gymnastics rings, sledge hammers and huge truck tires.
"We do everything you typically wouldn't see in a regular gym, or would get kicked out for doing," said Crossfit trainer Mike Gerry.

Gerry owns Spokane's Crossfit Gym. He says the workout is well tailored to firefighting.
"The one time they need their fitness could mean the difference between life and death for themselves or somebody else," Gerry said. "It's very beneficial compared to your traditional type of training."

The fire recruits say they can feel the difference the workouts have made.
"You recover so much quicker," said Spokane City Fire recruit Isaac Anderson."We just got done with a half-hour workout and I'm ready to rock-and-roll... I'm not spent for the day."
"This training is fast, intense, hard training and it's geared for what we need to go at a moments notice," said Spokane Valley Fire recruit Kirk Kiefer.

Fire officials say the workouts are helping to create a new generation of stronger, faster and fitter firefighters.

http://www.kxly.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3885690&at1=News&h1=Fire%20recruits%20endure%20grueling%20workout&rnd=53800882

Station 11's Lawn Fungus

After receiving numerous calls, the SFD wanted neighbors to be aware that the lawn at Station 11 (3214 S Perry Street) has a necrotic ring fungus that the Firefighters have been struggling with for years. The Station Captain and firefighters have tried several ways to try to improve the situation, but have found that the most successful solution to try to remedy this is to kill the existing lawn and reseed with a more resistant grass seed blend. They are in the process of doing that right now however the process makes the lawn look horrible. It is brown and gives the general public the impression that we are just not taking care of it.

We know it's not a pretty sight right now, but the we will be adding top soil to level out the bad spots, re-seeding and begin the watering process soon. Hopefully it will not be an eyesore for much longer.

To our neighbors, we are sincerely sorry and doing everything we can to correct it.

Division Chief Iron Man Nichols running Ironman for a good cause

Firefighter running Ironman for a good cause

Posted: Jun 17, 2009 5:21 PMUpdated: Jun 17, 2009 6:36 PM

Also See:

• Firefighter running Ironman for a good cause

Story by:

• Dave Erickson / KXLY4 Anchor / Reporter

SPOKANE -- More than 2,000 men and women will be participating in Ironman Coeur d'Alene this weekend. For one Spokane firefighter, his journey will help change lives for years to come.

Spokane Fire Department Division Chief Art Nichols has had a 26-year career with the department and shows no signs of slowing down. At 54-years-old he's preparing to tackle his fourth Ironman in a row coming up this weekend.

"It's probably after my second Ironman that I was finally able to make it to the banquet afterwards and that's when I learned about the Janus Charity Challenge. Before I really didn't know what it was about, once I saw that I said I can do that," Nichols said.

The Janus Charity Challenge is a fundraising program helping Ironman participants raise money for non-profit organizations. Last year Art raised $18,000 for Operation Smile, a children's charity treating facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates all around the world. 

This year he hoping to raise more than $21,000 for 'Hearts in Motion', which performs surgery for Operation Smile.

Art's race almost didn't happen after he took a nasty fall during a training ride in April.

"The crank arm broke about two-and-a-half hours into my ride, so I went down, landed on my back, hit my head, broke my scapula, four ribs, clavicle, punctured lung  and now I've got vertigo, dizzy spells, but not when I swim, I'm OK when I swim," He said.

It took some time to get his strength back but Art made a commitment to raising money for charity and he's sticking to it.

"It won't be my best race, it wasn't my goal to just come out racing but I've gotta do it, gotta do it for the program, got to do it for the Hearts in Motion, gotta do it for myself."

Art hopes to travel to Guatemala next year to see first hand how the money he's raising is being used.

http://www.kxly.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3876808&at1=News&h1=Firefighter running Ironman for a good cause

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1518 N Rebecca St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: Three probationary Firefighters will be graduating this Friday (6/19/09) during the Regional Fire Academy Graduation Ceremony. The Ceremony will be held at the Spokane Fire Department's Training Facility (1618 N Rebecca) at 1000AM with a reception following in the same building.

The three SFD Recruits are:
Isaac Anderson, Travis Wise and Daniel Emert

The ceremony will be brief (most likely less than an hour). Please contact me if you need special accommodations (or Media if you need tripod room).

PROBABLE CAUSE: NA
DAMAGE EXTENT: NA
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, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/16/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: June 14-20, 2009 has been recognized by the Nation's Fire Service as Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week. This year's theme reflects the need for improved firefighter responsibility and accountability while focusing on developing a strong safety culture.

This Thursday will mark the second anniversary of the quick-moving fire that killed nine Firefighters in Charleston, SC at the Sofa Super Store. In recognition of the tragedy and the correlating theme of this year's Survival Week; Spokane Firefighters will be visiting the majority of furniture stores throughout the City to review floor plans, assess potential risks and discuss strategies for fighting fires in these businesses. The goal is to better familiarize themselves with possible dangers of these "big box" businesses and identify tactical steps that can be taken by firefighters to prevent similar disasters as the one in Charleston.

Fire Companies when not committed to emergency incidents or participating in formal training may be seen at these businesses throughout the week. Ladder Companies may be seen extending their ladders or working on the exterior of the buildings, however during their time at the businesses they are remaining in-service available for responses.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions about this effort.

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

Busy Weekend For Spokane Firefighters

In addition to the multiple structural fire incidents and technical rescue this weekend, SFD Firefighter/Paramedics also treated three burn injuries in separate, significant medical incidents.

The first occurred on Saturday June 13th at 7:59 PM in the 1900 block of East Wellesley. An adult male citizen was burned in a flash fire after using a cordless drill during a painting operation. SFD Firefighter/Paramedics treated the man and he was transported to Deaconess Medical Center.

The second incident occurred on Sunday June 14th in the 1600 block of North Cook Street. Two adult females were injured in a fire involving a backyard fire pit around 1:42 AM. One female was burned critically and was treated by SFD Firefighter/Paramedics and eventually transported to Harborview in Seattle. The second female was treated and released from a local hospital. This incident is still open and under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

As the summer temperatures and outdoor activities increase, it is imperative that citizens take a proactive role in fire safety and make every attempt to prevent fires.

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: 6/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2301 West Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: SIU Arrest:

Spokane Fire Department investigators arrested a twelve year-old male last week accused of intentionally setting a fire on the exterior of the Wal-Mart building located at 2301 West Wellesley. The incident occurred at 3:10 AM on June 10th and involved storage materials and a"storage pod" located on the exterior of the building. The storage pod was approximately thirty eight feet long, eight feet wide and eight feet in height. It sustained damage from direct fire impingement and stored a significant amount of fixtures and equipment intended for sale by Wal-Mart. The estimated loss/damage is $7500.00.

The youth was booked into Juvenile Detention and is charged with Second Degree Arson.

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: 6/15/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1708 W Mission
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 telephone call from a concerned passer-by at approximately 12:20 in the early morning on Monday, June 15th, 2009. The caller reported that a building located at the corner of Mission and Ash was on fire. Immediately a full fire response was sent out, fortunately one of the Stations dispatched is located just a couple of blocks north of that intersection and they arrived on scene within minutes and reported that the building was involved by fire and that the fire was growing in intensity and beginning to gain entry into the building. That initial fire crew rapidly set about attacking the fast spreading fire and was able to get it knocked down very quickly. They forced entry into the locked building at the front door and extinguished the fire that had penetrated to the inside of the structure. As other fire crews began arriving on scene they were directed to begin laddering and ventilating the building, still other crews began the labor intensive process of pulling ceilings and opening walls to get into the concealed spaces where fire tends to hide. The actual address of the burned structure is 1708 W. Mission. An investigator from the Spokane City Fire Special Investigation Unit was requested to respond to the incident since the circumstances surrounding this fire appeared to be suspicious; his work on this case is on-going at this time.. There were no reports of injury to any of the firefighters at the scene. The damage to the building was confined to the area around the front door, including the large soffit area above the front door which is a conduit to the attic spaces. Fire damage was also present in the foyer area just inside the building. Smoke damage occurred throughout the interior of the structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Dept.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Front door area ouside of the building including the large overhanging soffit that conceals the attic space, interior damage to the entry area inside the front door, and smoke damage throughout the building.
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 400 North Monroe Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, June 14, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 2:02 PM to the Spokane River below the Post Street Bridge on a report of a man in the river. The Spokane Fire Departments Water Rescue Team and Technical Rope Rescue Team arrived on scene and found an adult male patient on the north side of the river who had fallen 30 - 40 feet from a ledge below the Post Street bridge landing on the concrete bridge supports at the river's edge. The Water Rescue Team was utilized as down stream safety support for crews working near the river and the High Angle Rope Team established a rope haul system and raised the patient to safety after he had been stabilized by Fire Department Paramedics. He was transported to the trauma center and his condition was not known at the time of this report.

Fire crews in staging at this incident responded to a second individual trapped on the south side of the river near the Monroe Street Bridge. This person had climbed down a concrete embankment to view the river and could not get back up the wall. Fire crews utilized a rope to secure the individual and lifted him up the wall. This person was not injured.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
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: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/12/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2122 West Gardner
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Friday June 12, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 4:10 AM to 2122 West Gardner on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the roof and fire showing from the eaves on the east side of the home. An aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to the attic. 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 Department Investigators.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the attic and the ceilings in the kitchen and living room
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 Paramedic Darin Neiwert and John Gilbert Receives Spokane County ALS Provider of the Year 2009

THE INCIDENT:  On August 27, 2008 SFD Engine 4 was dispatched to a reported an accident involving a dump truck.  On arrival the crew found that a dump truck had run over a 9-year old child playing near the back of the truck as it was in reverse, essentially backing over the child. The child was using a self-propelled scooter and was wearing helmet, knee/elbow pads.  The SFD’s Medical Director, Scott Edminster was also on-scene and assisted Engine 4 as they immediately recognized the; kinematics, early signs of shock in the pediatric patient and gut feeling of the paramedics which led them to immediately called Medical Control and request a trauma activation while loading the patient for rapid transport.  The crew continued care with AMR in the ambulance during transport while Dr. Edminster remained with the family explaining the situation and answering the father’s questions. The quick actions by Engine 4 and Dr. Edminster were directly responsible for this patient surviving.  She has sustained multiple follow-up surgeries and procedures, however is extremely thankful for Engine 4’s competence and compassion. 

(John Gilbert was not available at the County EMS Award's Ceremony for a photo)

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 303 W North River Drive
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 06/08/09 at approximately 0232 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 303 W North River Drive, Red Lion Inn at the Park Hotel, upon activation of the fire alarm system. First arriving crews could smell smoke but initially did not see any active fire. Upon further investigation SFD crews found a fire in the laundry room in the lower level of the hotel. Firefighters advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the fire area, and with the assistance of the sprinkler system quickly extinguished the fire. Many tenants of the hotel had evacuated the building prior to the arrival of firefighters on scene.
While the fire was being extinguished, other SFD units checked the floors above the fire to assure no fire extension to those areas. Once all areas of the hotel were determined to be safe tenants were allowed to return to their rooms.

A total of 31 firefighters on 10 apparatus fought this blaze. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 0500 hrs.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation. No final fire cause has been determined at this time. More information to follow.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire is currently under investigation. No final fire cause has been determined at this time. More information to follow.
DOLLAR LOSS: 2,500
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 31
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 Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1710 East 12 Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On the 4th day of June 2009 at 5:00 p/m the City of Spokane Fire department responded 6 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to 1710 East 12th for a reported structure fire. The first company on scene reported light smoke coming from the basement on side Delta. Upon further investigation a fire was discovered in the basement of the one and one half story house. Hose lines were advanced to the interior and the fire was quickly extinguished. A search of the residence was made and no one was home at this time. The fire was confined to the basement and contents with heavy smoke damage. The fire did not extend to the main floor which did suffer some smoke damage. There were no reported injuries. The residents were displaced and will be staying with relatives. Fire department investigators were called in to determine the cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electronic Gaming Device shorted out.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Basement and contents . Smoke through out
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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

Grilling Safety Tips - Part 1

Grilling Safety Tips - Part 2

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 6/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Riverside State Park
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: Per notification from the local State Parks representative, the missing boater from today's incident has been located. According to the report, the subject was on the river this morning. His boat flipped and he was able to self rescue and swim to shore. The citizen subsequently had to abandon his boat and continue to work. When he arrived at his employment, he contacted the Department of Emergency Management's Marine Division and left a message on a voicemail explaining the situation. Unfortunately the voicemail was not heard until late in the afternoon.

Law Enforcement officers from State Parks were successful in contacting the subject this afternoon. According to the officer I spoke with this evening, no charges were filed and the subject had no intent to inconvenience the responders. He was apologetic for the communication error.

This incident reinforces the importance making sure that another person(s) always knows your location and status when you are on boating on the River, hiking or enjoying any type of recreation where you could become lost or stranded. It is equally important that when you pass critical information to responders to make sure that it is confirmed and understood by the agency.

Any questions concerning the incident should be directed during business hours to the Riverside State Park's business office.

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: 6/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Bowl and Pitcher State Park
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At just after 11am on Monday June 1, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department water rescue team was beginning their quarterly training in the vicinity of the Bowl and Pitcher State Park on the Spokane River. One of the water rescue crews was approached by a Park Ranger who indicated that an overturned raft was found on the river bank just downriver from the Bowl and Pitcher. Nobody was found in the vicinity of the raft and it was unknown how long the raft had been there. The Spokane Fire Department Water Rescue team requested a full river rescue response. The Technical Rescue team was dispatched along with 2 other Engine Companies, a Rescue unit, two Battalion Chiefs and mutual aid from Spokane County Fire District 9. The water rescue team launched their jet boat along with kayaks to search the river and Med Star helicopter was requested to search from the air. After a little more than 2 hours the scene was turned over to the Sheriff's water team to continue the search. Nothing was found prior to demobilizing the response by the City of Spokane Fire Department and Fire District 9. The raft that was found by Park Rangers is a 9 foot Outfitter x9 green on gray one person pontoon cat-a-raft. The Spokane Fire Department would like to once again express the importance of water safety when recreating in or around the river at any time especially right now with the summer like temperatures and the frigid water temperatures still in the river. Life jackets or personal floatation devices are a must when in the immediate vicinity of the Spokane River.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown
DAMAGE EXTENT: No damage
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: 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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/30/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Results of the SFD 2009 Meritorious Awards Ceremony Held on May 30, 2009

RETIREES:

Fire Lieutenant David Batty
Fire Lieutenant Richard Carlson
Fire Equipment Operator Gary Holmes
Medic Bing Preston
Information Analyst Roger Sothen
Firefighter Craig Sullivan
Fire Equipment Operator Jack Tritt

PROMOTIONS

Fire Equipment Operator Jesse Ayotte
Accountant II Lori Bryant
Fire Equipment Operator Brian Chavez
Fire Lieutenant Paul Edens
Fire Equipment Operator Charles D. Harbin
Fire Equipment Operator Christopher Long
Fire Lieutenant Emmett McNamee
Fire Lieutenant Jamie Newcomb
Fire Captain Ryan Reding
Fire Equipment Operator Fred Schoenfeld
Fire Lieutenant Tracy Schoenleber
Fire Equipment Operator Tony K. Yuen

Local 29 Meritorious Service Award (1 Award Issued)
Criteria: Local 29 Meritorious Service Award is selected by members of Local 29 in recognition of special dedication in the service of the members of IAFF Local 29.

RECIPIENT: Firefighter John Griffith

Citizen Community Life Saving Award (11 Awards Issued)
Criteria: The Citizen Community Life-Saving Award may be granted to any member of the community who aids in saving the life of another within the City of Spokane.

RECIPIENTS: Ross Boatsman and Greg Mechals - Citizen Community Life-Saving

Mr. Boatsman and Mr. Mechals were at the neighborhood flower shop and noticed smoke from the apartment next door. Both men forced entry into the apartment and were able to use an extinguisher to knock down the fire. After knocking down the fire, they heard what was described as "moaning" and made entry into the apartment. They located Mr. Laverman quickly and were able to successfully remove him from the apartment in smoky conditions.

The men started CPR, which they continued until the Fire Department's arrival.

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RECIPIENTS: Frankie Ghee, Dave Paulson & Jessica Gaddy - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On September 19, 2008 at 07:34, SE-15 responded to Shaw Middle School at 4106 N. Cook St. on a reported unconscious male. Upon arrival, they found gentleman in cardiac arrest. Three citizens were taking turns performing CPR. They were co-workers and personal friends of the victim. The resuscitation efforts on scene were intensive including needing to defibrillate the patient 7 times. These three individuals remained on scene throughout the incident and assisted the crew. The patient survived and was taken to Holy Family Hospital where he was stabilized and taken to Deaconess for further cardiac care.

Without these three individuals performing CPR prior to SFD interventions, Captain Clinger felt this man's chances to survive would have been severely diminished.

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RECIPIENTS: Citizen Dan Jones and Off-Duty Police Officer Daniel Lesser - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On January 10, 2008, Senior Police Officer Daniel Lesser was off duty, and attending his daughter's soccer practice at the indoor soccer center, located at 5900 N. Market. Suncrest resident Dan Jones, whose daughter was on the same team as SPO Lesser's daughter was also attending the practice. A few minutes after arriving Theresa Duddy came back into the training facility and told SPO Lesser and Dan Jones that she believed her father was having a heart attack. SPO Lesser, along with Dan Jones responded immediately to the parking lot where they found Mr. Duddy sitting in the driver's seat of his car, unresponsive. They moved Mr. Duddy out of the car, resting him on the ground. SPO Lesser checked his vital signs. Finding that he had no pulse and was not breathing, he decided to start CPR.

SPO Lesser quickly directed another onlooker to call 911 and then directed Dan Jones to start rescue breathing on Mr. Duddy. While completing chest compressions, SPO Lesser directed another person to dial Police Radio. Once this was completed, the phone was held to SPO Lesser's ear while he talked to the radio supervisor, explaining the situation and requesting medics expedite their response. SPO Lesser and Dan Jones continued CPR for more than five minutes until the first Fire Department unit arrived.

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RECIPIENT: Amanda Fjermestad (9 y/o) - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On the late afternoon of August 16, 2008 Amanda Fjermestad found her 3 y/o sister, facedown in the pool. Amanda jumped in with her clothes, swam to her sister and rescued her. CPR was started prior to the FD's arrival and her sister was successfully revived.

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RECIPIENT: Josh Myers - Citizen Community Life-Saving

On January 6, 2009, just before midnight, PL 13 responded to a call for a car fire on North Belt. Upon arrival, they found a car that ran off the road up a snow bank well involved in fire. After extinguishing the fire they learned that Josh Myers found the driver of the vehicle passed out at the wheel with fire in the engine compartment and was unable to open the doors as they were locked. He picked up a snow shovel and broke out a window to get the doors unlocked and pulled the driver to safety. Josh lives just a couple of houses down from the incident with his mother who was also on scene. Upon the FD's arrival, fire had spread into the passenger compartment with dense smoke. Had Josh not acted, the driver would have certainly perished.

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RECIPIENTS: Carol Parks and John Page- Citizen Community Life-Saving

On the evening of March 24th, 2008, Mr. Robert Downs was sitting at his desk. He went unconscious, slumped to the floor, and stopped breathing. This bystander reacted immediately. 911 was called, and CPR was initiated. Upon SE3's arrival, CPR was still in progress. They immediately attached their LifePack, showing V-Fib and initiated 1 shock converting the pt back to a sinus rhythm with pulses.

Because of their concern for a fellow citizen and their willingness and ability to perform CPR, there is no doubt that their actions are directly responsible for Mr. Downs being alive today. Their actions reflect greatly upon themselves and their community. (Mr. Downs was present for the award presentation)

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Distinguished Conduct Award (2 Awards Issued)
The Distinguished Conduct Award may be awarded to any member of SFD who has acted with professionalism and efficiency when faced with a specific danger or adversity.

RECIPIENTS: Firefighter Andrea Kernkamp and Firefighter/Paramedic DJ Hill.

On October 30th, Firefighters Andrea Kernkamp and DJ Hill responded at the request of BC Hanna to assist at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving a horse trailer near Division and Ermina. Hanna specifically requested Andrea & D. J. due in large part of their horse experience.

On Chief Hanna's arrival of the accident he found multiple people trying to get a horse, which had slipped to the floor of a two-horse trailer, up from the floor. They were getting nowhere as the horse kept slipping back down. The horse appeared to be extremely tired and possibly injured. He requested a veterinarian for any injuries or sedation that might be needed. Kernkamp and Hill immediately went to evaluate the horse's condition. Andrea jumped up into the head house of the horse trailer to comfort the horse. She remained there throughout the incident. Hill and Kernkamp helped direct the cutting of the center divider to provide room and also of the rear center trailer door support. Hill took direct control of the extrication efforts by making sure personnel working around the horse were protected by a backboard and small ladder (so not to be kicked).

After the horse was removed from the trailer, Hill & Kernkamp arranged to pay the veterinarian, arranged and paid for a room for the out-of-towners (with SFD Foundation Fund) and drove Kernkamp's truck and horse trailer with the horse to the Mt. Spokane Large Animal Facility. Hill and Kernkamp's professionalism and compassion during this incident led to a successful conclusion and represented the Spokane Fire Department in the most positive and much appreciated way.

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Medal of Valor (1 Award Issued)
The Medal of Valor is awarded to a member of SFD who, in the line of duty distinguishes him in the performance of an act of courage involving risk of imminent serious physical injury, with knowledge of such risk, for the purpose of saving or protecting human life.

In this case, the Medal of Valor was awarded to Firefighter Shawn Poole. On the morning of July 24th 2008 Shawn responded as the acting officer of Engine 4 to a dumpster fire at the Joel Building. A smoldering dumpster was discovered in the alley off of Post Street on the north side of the Joel Building. As they investigated further, it initially appeared as if the fire might have extended into the Joel Building basement through an electrical conduit. The front door of the Joel Building was breached with only a very faint presence of smoke encountered and no heat detected on the ground floor. Shawn and FF Darin Neiwert advanced an uncharged lead through the building to the northeast corner where the stairwell to the basement was located. The stairwell was constructed such that a landing was located on the ground floor with stairs leading up to the next level as well as stairs leading down to the basement with the door to the basement being at the bottom of the stairs rather than the top. After shining their lights down the stairwell, only a very light trace of smoke was present. Poole and Neiwert went on air and were set to advance the lead into the basement and search for any possible fire. FF Neiwert was to pull the lead to the bottom of the stairs and check the door for heat while Poole pulled and positioned the hose along the hallway on the ground floor to ensure easy deployment once in the basement. Poole began pulling hose while FF Neiwert stepped down onto the landing to make his way to the bottom of the stairs when the floor beneath him gave way. He fell through the floor with his air pack and armpits getting caught up on the floor joists. Looking down it was discovered that the basement was completely involved with heavy fire present. Poole heard the floor give way and immediately ran back to the stairwell, stepped down onto the joists and lifted Neiwert out of the hole. Upon exiting the whole, heavy fire came through the breach reaching the ceiling of the ground floor.

FF Poole's actions demonstrate the highest ideals of the fire service in preserving life and also depict the willingness to place the life of a fellow firefighter above one's self.

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Purple Heart (1 Award Issued)
The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of SFD who, in the line of duty, sustains a serious injury and requires immediate treatment by a physician or hospital.

While operating same incident as above, which ended up being a third alarm, plus incident, FF Poole was injured seriously when he stepped into a stairwell obscured by smoke and fell. FF Poole suffered serious injuries to his chest and knee which resulted in admission into the hospital.

For his actions at this incident FF Poole meets the requirements for award of a Purple Heart. This was the first Purple Heart awarded in the SFD's 125-Year History. FF Poole was not able to be present as he is currently serving and protecting our country as an Army LTC in Iraq. Poole's wife, Teresa and family accepted on his behalf.

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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