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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/28/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 29th Avenue and High Drive
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: At 5:27 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle over the embankment of High Drive on Spokane's south hill. The caller was driving on Highway 195, which is in the Latah valley, and reported that they saw a vehicle go down the embankment near the area of Highway 195 and Thorpe Rd. The exact location of the vehicle was not reported, and the only caller on the incident did not remain at the scene. Fire crews searched the area from above on High Drive as well as from below on Highway 195. There was no evidence of a vehicle found in this area, so with no further information to go on, the crews returned in-service.

Then at 6:35 PM fire crews were once again dispatched to a reported vehicle over the High Drive embankment. This time the caller, who was hiking on the hillside, reported that he was at the vehicle, and had one injured victim. The caller also provided a more accurate location of 29th Avenue at High Drive. As crews arrived on the scene, they began working their way down the hillside as the caller worked his way up to meet them. This coordinated effort resulted in locating the victim and the start of the rescue effort. Because the vehicle was slightly more than half way down the embankment, three additional fire companies, including the Spokane Fire Department's technical rescue team, were dispatched to begin accessing the incident scene from the Avista substation at the bottom of the hill. The lone victim, an 18 year old male, was trapped in the crumpled car, which had apparently barrel-rolled and end-over-end rolled several times during its plunge down the embankment. The vehicle's descent was slowed and finally stopped by heavy brush, which stopped it at the brink of a particularly steep portion of the hill. While crews worked on extricating the victim from the vehicle, others treated his injuries and evaluated the options for removing him from the hillside. Because of the trail network on the upper portion of the hillside, it was decided that the quickest method would be to use a special single wheeled stretcher, designed for use in such rough terrain. Once the victim was removed from the vehicle, he was brought up the hill to an awaiting ambulance at 29th and High Drive. Two AMR ambulance crews assisted the Spokane Fire Department in this rescue. The victim was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. There is no doubt that the victim's lack of more serious injuries is due to the fact that he wore a seat belt. Even though this was a very physically demanding rescue, there were no injuries to any of the rescuers.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Police Department is investigating the cause of the incident, which may have been due to an existing medical condition.
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1423 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 2:55 am the Spokane Fire was called to 1423 E. Sanson in the Northeast part of the city to a kitchen fire. This was in a duplex that has 6 adults and 4 children living in one apartment. There was no working smoke detector and the cause of the fire appears to be an unattended pan of grease being heated on the stove. The pan of grease ignited catching the cabinets on fire. Upon arrival Engine 15 found the residents out of the structure and the fire growing in intensity in the kitchen. A quick fire attack using a 1 ¾ inch hose line knocked the fire down. At the same time a search of the apartment was made while ventilating the smoke out. The ceiling above the kitchen stove was opened up to make sure there was no extension of fire into the structure and there was not. Red Cross was called to assist the residents as the kitchen was damaged and electrical power shut off to the apartment. One civilian injury was reported caused by smoke inhalation. She was looked at by Fire Department Paramedics but not transported at her request. Damage was confined to fire damage in the kitchen with smoke damage on the main floor. There were no injuries to Firefighters on scene and crews began to be released about 15 minutes after the arrival of the first crew. In all 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke detectors. Fortunately these people got out. Do not count on smoke waking you up; a working smoke detector will sound giving you time to evacuate yourself from the structure. Secondly, cooking fires like this happen quite often and can be prevented by not leaving the kitchen while cooking. When using any type of heating or cooking appliance your vigilance is required to stay safe.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended pan of grease
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen and smoke throughout the main floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Northwest Blvd and Kiernan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Friday July 17, 2009 Fire Crews from the Spokane Fire Department Technical Rescue Team responded at 7:42 PM to Northwest Boulevard and Kiernan on a reported car over the embankment. Fire crews from Fire Station 16 and Station 3 were on scene and reported that a mini van had lost control and traveled over 150 feet down the embankment and stopped approximately 50 feet above Aubrey L. White road below. Fire crews stabilized the patient while the Technical Rescue team stabilized/secured the vehicle and established a low-angle rope system to lower the patient to the road below. There were no injuries to any firefighters and the patient was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 9
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

Kiddie Recalls Dual Sensor Alarms

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke AlarmsUnits: About 94,000Manufacturer: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.Hazard: An electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, causing it not to warn consumers of a fire. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reported incidents of smoke alarm malfunctions involving electrostatic discharge during installation. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms model PI2000. The alarms can be identified by two buttons, “HUSH” and “PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY,” which are located on the front/center of the alarm. The model number and date code are on the back of the smoke alarm. Only date codes 2008 Aug.01 through 2009 May 04 are included in this recall.

Sold at: Retail, department, and hardware stores and through electrical distributors nationwide from August 2008 through May 2009 for between $30 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact Kidde immediately to receive a free replacement smoke alarm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde toll-free at (877) 524-2086 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.kidde.com/

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/11/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1904 E. Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At just after 2pm Saturday afternoon July 11, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1904 E. Gordon in the Northeast part of the city. Due to the fast action of the homeowner by calling the Fire Department and a quick coordinated fire attack from below the attic fire and ventilating the roof with a chainsaw the fire was kept to a minimum. Upon arrival of the first fire crew, smoke could be seen coming from every opening in the roof. A search of the house was made to make sure all occupants had gotten out. Simultaneously a hole was cut in the roof to ventilate the hot gasses out of the attic and a 1 ¾" fire hose was pulled to the upstairs and used to extinguish the fire. The utilities to the house were shut off for safety and an investigator was called to determine the cause of the fire. Fire crews had a knockdown of the fire about 15 minutes after arrival. There are no reports of injuries to either the homeowner or the fire crews. 4 Engine companies, 2 Ladder companies, a Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded to the fire but crews began to be put back in service about 45 minutes after the fire attack began.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation but first look by responding crews it appears to be electrical.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Ceiling on the second floor, roof decking and some smoke/water damage on the second floor.
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: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/10/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Numerous
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: Media-

Please realize that this morning has already been full of activity and it looks like I will be tied up until 1130. Since many of you have called, here is a breakdown on this morning's South Hill incidents;


Date/Time: 07/10/2009 at 0008 Hours
Address: 38th and Grand Boulevard
Incident: "Porta Potty" tipped over and then purposefully lit on fire. Incendiary

Date/Time: 07/10/2009 at 0027 Hours
Address: 39th and Hatch
Incident: Parking strip and grass on fire. Incendiary.

Date/Time: 07/10/2009 at 0242 Hours
Address: 618 E. 39th Avenue
Bush fire that spread to vinyl fencing (approximately 25 to feet of damage). Incendiary

Date/Time: 07/10/2009 at 0415 Hours
Address: 1803 E. 37th Avenue
Incident: Roof of detached garage fire (with common roof to house, occupied dwelling). Incendiary.

Members of the SFD's SIU are in the field diligently working on these cases as they are considered to be all related. The SPD is concurrently investigating a multitude of other crimes/damage in the area as well.

Feel free to call after 1130. Thank you.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
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

FITNESS RESULTS FROM ACADEMY 2009-01 !

The time elapsed between pre and post fitness assessments were 10 weeks. There were a total of 8 recruits. Ages ranged from 23 to 40 years old.

• Every recruit had a drop in resting heart rate (an indicator of heart health). 14 beats per minute was the average.
• Every recruit had a drop in body fat percentage. 2.14% was the average
• Every recruit had an increase in aerobic capacity. 5.4% was the average
• Every recruit had an increase in flexibility (specifically the lower back). 28.4%
• Recruits averaged a 14% improvement in grip strength
• Recruits averaged a 9.1% improvement in leg strength
• Recruits averaged a 27.6% increase in core strength

The recruits collectively lost over 32 pounds of fat and gained over 15 pounds of muscle!

*A special thanks goes out to Mike, Brandon, and all the CrossFit trainers at the gym for making this happen. Great job guys!

Station 15 to Dedicate New Engine

A short ceremony will take place tomorrow (Friday) at 2PM as the crew of Station 15 places their new Engine in-service by pushing it into the Fire Station. Station 15's Captain, Ryan Redding, will be on hand, as well as many members of the neighborhood Fire Station to answer questions and demonstrate the apparatus. Council members, Union Leaders and Fire Department Chief Staff are also expected to be on hand.

Station 15 is in the heart of Hillyard and protects much of the area surrounding our City's Northeast neighborhoods. The Station is staffed with three personnel and is one of the eight "ALS" (Paramedic Advanced Life Support) Companies in the City. Last year Engine 15 responded to well over 3500 calls for service and is the second busiest company in the City.

Station 15 is located at 2120 E Wellesley Ave and the ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/8/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 614 West Montgomery
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday July 8, 2009 at 08:30 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Hanna responded to a reported residence fire at 614 West Montgomery. A resident in the two-story single family residence converted to an apartment contacted Fire dispatchers via 911 at and reported that the residence was filling with smoke and there was a fire.

The neighborhood fire company arrived within four-minutes and reported smoke showing from all sides of the two-story apartment house. They followed up with additional information that a significant amount of fire was spreading in the rear of the home from the first floor to the second floor. It was unknown at the time of the alarm whether all occupants were able to evacuate from the home during the fire. The first engine stretched pre-connected hose lines to the first floor with four firefighters to attack the fire and confine it in order to allow for a safer atmosphere for other companies as they searched for possible victims. Nearly simultaneously, a Ladder Company arrived and immediately entered and began to search both floors of the home to locate potential victims. Additional companies placed ground ladders to the exterior, ventilated the roof and backed up the initial attack crews and extinguished the fire in the adjoining areas while continuing to search victims. The fire was controlled in just twenty minutes. They were successful in confining the fire to the rear of the home and attic and limited spread into the address side (front) of the structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The official cause is under investigation currently by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Preliminary information given from residents at the scene to the media suggested that the cause was electrical; however the cause has not been determined at the time of this release.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant structural damage on all floors and attic in the rear of the converted structure.
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: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1516 E. Sharp Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 7:42 P.M. on July 4th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire in an attached garage at 1516 E. Sharp Ave. Multiple crews reported heavy smoke visible while enroute to the scene. The first crew arriving on scene reported an attached garage fully involved in fire, and fire extending through an enclosed breezeway and beginning to enter the house. Arching overhead power lines which burned through and dropped to the ground presented an additional hazard to the firefighters. As some crews began extinguishing the fire, others searched the house to make sure any occupants were out. No one was found in the house, and it was later determined that the tenant was visiting at a nearby house at the time of the fire. An aggressive fire attack combined with rapidly opening-up concealed spaces stopped the advancing fire before it could gain a strong foothold in the house. Crews remained on scene for more than three hours completing salvage and overhaul.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The area of origin of the fire appeared to be on the exterior of the garage, but the exact cause is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The single car garage and breezeway attaching it to the house were heavily damaged. The house received some fire damage and will not be habitable until repairs can be made.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30000
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: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 111 East Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Update on this morning's incident at 111 East Sinto:

Another victim was identified and transported to the hospital after the media release was sent. In addition to the adult which was treated/transported to the hospital, a two year-old also received second degree burns while trying to flee from the bedroom fire and was transported. The cause of the fire has been determined to be a malfunctioning electrical box fan being used in a window. The incident is classified as accidental.

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: 7/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 111 East Sinto
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Saturday July 4, 2009 at 4:33 AM, 9 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 3 Senior Ladders, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Inman and Cornelius responded to a reported residence fire at 111 East Sinto near the Gonzaga Campus.

A patrolling Police Officer discovered and reported the fire through SPD Dispatch. Police Officers made attempts to evacuate residents of the apartment prior to SFD's arrival. The first company arrived within 5-minutes and reported an older multiple-story home with smoke and fire coming from the back of the building. The building was actually a large older home converted into apartments occupied with multiple tenants. Initial arriving companies were able to rescue two persons which crawled onto a roof their bedroom window with ladders and evacuate the remaining tenants through doorways. Other companies ventilated and attacked the fire simultaneously while performing detailed searches on all three floors. One occupant was treated on-scene by SFD Paramedics and transported via AMR due to injuries received from the fire and products of combustion. Her condition was listed as stable at the time of this release.

The fire was confined to bedroom and adjoining area within 15 minutes. Aside from the occupant transported, no other injuries were reported. Both SFD and SPD are anticipated to be remaining on scene for most of the morning.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currently under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Smoke damage throughout and focused fire damage to the rear of structure. Seven adualts and three children are receiving assistance by the American Red Cross/ Inland NW Chapter.
DOLLAR LOSS: 75,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 32
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: 7/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5408 East Commerce Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99212

NARRATIVE: On Friday July 3, 2009 at 08:41 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Inman responded to a reported residence fire at 5408 East Commerce Avenue on the City's far east side. The neighborhood's Fire Engine (Engine 8) arrived within five minutes and reported a single family home fully involved in fire. Nearby residents also reported that fire was blowing from all of the windows of the home and the front yard. As the first company was establishing a water supply and preparing to take action on the fire, two patients were identified as occupants from the home by neighbors. An adult female and 4-year old male (mother and son) were able to escape from the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival and were found across the street suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Simultaneously, other companies arrived and provided advanced life support to the patients as other companies made entry into the home to search for additional family members and attack the fire. Neighbors had reported to on-scene personnel that multiple family members routinely stayed at the home which resulted in companies searching the home and its basement four-times under heavy fire conditions.

Both patients were transported to Sacred Heart and are receiving treatment there for injuries received from the incident. The fire was controlled in 30-minutes with all of the assigned resources working extremely hard in difficult conditions. Firefighters were successful in confining the fire to the home, limiting loss to the family's possessions and preventing the fire's spread to adjacent homes. The Spokane Police Department's Chaplain was also successful in locating and accounting for family members which were off-site with relatives.

The outcome of this incident reinforces the importance of the Fire Department providing Paramedic-Level Emergency Medical Services in the fashion that we do. Dual trained Firefighters as Paramedics allows us to immediately treat injured/ill people without delay and truly bring the Emergency Room to the patient in need. 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 has been determined to be the child playing with a lighter.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The majority of the home was destroyed by the fire. Some of the family's possessions were removed by firefighters and salvageable.
DOLLAR LOSS: 200,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
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

Video of Fireworks Ban Press Conference

Spokane-area Fire and Law Enforcement representatives  conducted a press conference on Thursday, July 2nd on details and expectations regarding the 17^th year of a complete ban on the individual use of fireworks in Spokane. 

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 County.  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 4^th.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Wildland Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1402 East Magnesium
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday July 1, 2009 at 3:55 PM, Spokane Engine Company 18 responded to a small fire in a field behind 1402 East Magnesium. The neighborhood Fire Company arrived within 6 minutes and reported a small 15' x 15' brush fire moving toward a timbered, unoccupied area. Fueled by continuous heavy brush, wind gusts and hot/dry atmospheric conditions, the fire moved into the timber and created a large brush fire which potentially endangered nearby apartment buildings and single-residence subdivisions.

The alarm was upgraded to eventually include; five Brush Engines, one Pumper/Ladder, one Structural Engine, one District 9 Tender and one District 9 Attack/Brush Engine, one District 9 Plow and multiple Chief Officers.

A unified command post was established with Spokane Fire Department and Fire District 9 as the fire grew to approximately 25 acres and encompassed area within both jurisdictions. Due to the proximity to occupied residences and potential for evacuations, specific emphasis was placed on exercising the County's Evacuation Plan. The evacuation plan on this incident involved the Spokane City Police, Washington State Patrol and Spokane Sheriff and created contingencies to evacuate the neighborhoods if tactical benchmarks were reached.

Firefighters were able to create over a mile of fire-line around the fire and reported it 100% contained within 2 hours. The incident is still considered active and companies will be on-scene throughout the night patrolling the fire line and guaranteeing that spot fires do not develop across the line with the evening's anticipated winds.

There were neither civilians nor firefighters injured in the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire damaged and destroyed over 25-acres of natural area near residential neighborhoods, however firefighters successfully prevented nearby apartment buildings and homes from being involved in fire.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 45
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: Battalion Chief Mike Inman
DATE OF INCIDENT: 7/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1723 E. Francis Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 7:36 PM on July 1, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1723 E. Francis. When the fire was reported there were only a couple of fill in apparatus in the North part of the city because of a wildland fire burning in the Northeast portion of Spokane at the same time. All of the North Battalion Stations had been committed to the wildland incident so the full response to the structure fire was slower than normal. The first Engine to arrive on scene found a 2 story structure approximately 100 feet by 60 feet with heavy smoke showing out of all sides of the building and fire in the rear. The first Engine Company made the decision to not make entry due to the need of a rescue team on a working fire. The first Engine Company requested ventilation and backup as well as asking the responding Battalion Chief to take command of the incident upon his arrival. The first Battalion Chief on scene found the building heavily charged with smoke and started assigning apparatus that were responding from all over the city. It was quickly determined that the structure was not safe for an aggressive interior attack or to put crews on the roof to ventilate the building. Additional apparatus were requested which necessitated mutual aid response from surrounding Fire Districts and Departments. Francis Ave. is a major arterial in the North part of Spokane and traffic control was needed as crews arrived on scene. The incident became a defensive fire almost immediately which focused the firefighting effort on protecting exposures and fighting the fire from the outside. The building is a total loss and had one commercial business in the structure. The incident will require fire crews on scene all night and the fire is currently under investigation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unknown at this time it is under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss
DOLLAR LOSS: 750000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 37
MUTUAL AID: 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