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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/31/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Memorial Day is observed to commemorate men & women who have died in the military service of our country.

Along with visiting cemeteries and attending special events, we ask you to join members of the SFD and our families in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. Spokane time. Details can be found at: http://www.remember.gov/

While some never return from battle, every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine loses a small part of themselves with those they must leave behind. One of the most respectful things that we can do as Americans is to ask the warriors among us to recount their memories of the beloved friends and colleagues who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Freedom certainly is not free, and we are very privileged in our Country to enjoy it. Blessings and Thank You from the SFD to all of our protectors in the military this Memorial Day.

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/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/26/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Market and Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today May 26, 2010 at approximately 6:29 PM the Spokane Fire Department responded to the intersection of Market and Queen on a report of a natural gas leak. First crews on the scene reported that a natural gas line in a vacant lot at the northeast corner of this intersection had been severed by a vehicle that was driving through the vacnat lot. The Spokane City Fire Department Hazardous Material Response Team responded and worked with other fire crews on scene safety, evacuation and atmospheric monitoring to determine the extent of the gas leak. Avista's quick response by their natural gas team had the gas leak stopped in approximately 15 minutes.

PROBABLE CAUSE: It is reported that the gas line had been hit by a vehicle driving through the vacant lot.
DAMAGE EXTENT: NA
DOLLAR LOSS: 00
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: 5/25/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3524 East Broad
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On May 25, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:34 AM to 3524 East Broad on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported smoke showing from the back of a one story, wood framed single family residence. Fire fighters aggressively performed an interior attack on the fire while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. No one was home at the time of the fire. One firefighter was injured and was transported to a local hospital and treated and released for a knee injury. Eight fire companies with 26 firefighters responded to this fire and we were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor of the home with heat and smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 12000
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/24/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3rd and Monroe
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Monday May 24th, 2010 at 5:31 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a pumper ladder, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of a fire involving a vehicle inside a covered area at a business located at 3rd and Monroe. Engine and Ladder 4 from their station located at Riverside and Maple were the first to arrive and found a private vehicle involved in heavy flames. The fire was rapidly extending to a covered carport area overhead and was starting to move towards an attached business. Firefighters found the vehicle unoccupied and quickly extinguished the flames preventing further spread to the underside of the carport and business. There were no injuries to firefighters. The vehicle received heavy fire damage to the engine and passenger compartments. The carport received moderate fire damage as a result of the fire extending from the vehicle. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire damage to the engine and passenger compartments of the vehicle. Moderate fire damage to the underside of the carport.
DOLLAR LOSS: 8,000
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Situation
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Indian Trail Road and Pacific Park Drive
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. received a request from the Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at 12:20 on Saturday, May 22nd, asking about the feasibility of using one of the Fire Dept.'s aerial devices in an attempt to tranquilize a black bear that was located high up in a tree inside the City limits. The bear was in a large pine tree located just off of Indian Trail Road near Pacific Park Drive where many curious on-lookers were gathering to watch the unusual spectacle and where people driving by on Indian Trail Road were starting to create a traffic bottle-neck by trying to get a glimpse of the animal. It rapidly became a priority to remove the bear from the highly populated area. The Fire Dept dispatched Spokane Ladder 2, housed at North Foothills Drive and Nevada, accompanied by one of the two on-duty Battalion Chiefs to the scene in order to meet with Officers of the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and Officers of the Spokane City Police Dept., who were on scene as well, to discuss the situation and to formulate an action plan that would protect the citizens living in the area from the bear and, hopefully, result in the removal of the bear without serious injury to him. The Officers of the Fish and Wildlife Dept. already had a plan in mind and that was to put one of their Officers in the bucket of Ladder 2, armed with a tranquilizer rifle, and to have the crew of the Ladder manipulate their aerial device to a position where the Officer could get a clean shot at the bear's backside and then to consider alternatives in removing the tranquilized bear from the tree into a waiting bear pen parked in the field directly below the tree where the bear had taken up temporary residence. While the Police closed down all traffic on Indian Trail the crew of Ladder 2 positioned their Fire Apparatus across all lanes of the roadway and extended their stabilizing jacks prior to raising their ladder and its bucket. The Fish and Wildlife Officer, accompanied in the bucket by two firefighters, was lifted to a height where he could clearly see his target and after waiting patiently for a number of minutes for the bear to quit moving around he fired a dart into the bear's backside. The effect of the single dart of the tranquilizer was not having the anticipated results so it was decided to reposition the Ladder and attempt another shot from a different angle at the still awake bear. The second dart also hit its mark and after a few minutes the bear was starting to feel the effects of the tranquilizer. As plans were being talked over about possible ways to safely remove the bear from the tree should he fall asleep wedged up in the tree, the bear began to move some more and for a while it appeared he was going to try to climb even higher. The bears' coordination and his strength were now starting to fail him and any plans for trying to remove him were no longer necessary as all of a sudden he lost his grip and his footing on his perilous perch and began to fall, breaking off some small tree limbs as he was falling to the ground. A safety device to break the bears' fall that had been positioned around the base of the tree by the Fish and Game Officers early on in the incident helped as the bear hit the device and then the ground. The now sleeping black bear appeared to have no serious injuries and he was quickly picked up by Fish and Game Officers and a Police Officer and then loaded into the waiting bear pen soon to be transported to an unknown but distant location.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Black bear in a tree.
DAMAGE EXTENT: No damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 5
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: 5/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5904 N. Regal
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Saturday May 22, 2010 at 06:17 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters consisting of 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 2 Chief Officers responded to a report of a fire in a home located at 5904 N. Regal. Neighbors had called Fire Dispatch reporting that smoke was coming from the home.

Engine 15 under the direction of Captain Scott Kline arrived at the scene within 5 minutes of the initial call. Captain Kline reported that he had a residential home with smoke showing, and that he was setting up for an offensive operation. E15 advanced a pre-connected hose line into the structure, while additional crews performed a search of the home for potential fire victims.

The fire was quickly extinguished and the home was found to be unoccupied. There were no injuries to firefighters at this incident and the fire was confined to the back, bedroom portion of the home. A fire investigator was brought in and the fire is still being investigated at this time.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by SFD SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to bedroom area of home. Smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15000
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: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/22/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 217 West Spokane Falls Blvd
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On May 22nd at 2:53 am the City of Spokane fire Department responded 8 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to the Park Tower apartments at 217 West Spokane Falls Blvd. for a reported room fire. Fire Station 1 arrived on scene within 4 minutes to report nothing showing from the 20 story high rise apartment building. Once crews entered the building they reported that the alarm system was sounding and we had active smoke on the 2nd floor. Water supply was established and arriving crews were assigned to search and fire attack. The fire was found in an apartment bathroom and was quickly extinguished. This incident was initially up graded to a working fire which brought additional fire apparatus to the scene. Several tenants were evacuated to the lobby and remained there until it was safe to return to their apartments. This was a smoker caused fire and was confined to the bathroom and smoke through out the fire room. One of the tenants was checked for smoke inhalation by fire department Para Medics and did not require any further medical care. There were no injuries reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Smoker
DAMAGE EXTENT: Plastic garbage container and smoke damage through out,
DOLLAR LOSS: 600.00
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

2010 EMS Week

I don't work 9-5, I don't wear a suit and dress shoes. I don't have a cubicle. I don't have a designated lunch break. You call, I run, 24/7. Rain, snow or shine, upstairs, downstairs, clean or messy. My office is a red truck and my cubicle is in the front seat. Hundreds of Thousands of Spokane Citizens and Visitors depend on me. My office is the streets. My work is helping you. I'm a Spokane Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic. HAPPY EMS WEEK!!!!!!

City of Limerick Visits SFD

From left to right: Oliver O'Loughlin, Director of Service for the City of Limerick; Chief Bobby Williams; Limerick Mayor Kevin Kiely; and Jack Geraghty, former Spokane Mayor.

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 240 West Sprague
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On 5-14-10 at 6:10 Pm the City of Spokane Fire Department responded 9 fire apparatus and 2 command officers to a reported room fire at 240 West Sprague. Fire apparatus from Station 1 Riverside and Browne arrived arrived on scene with in three minutes to report nothing showing. On investigation it was discovered that a room fire on the second floor was extinguished by the sprinkler system and did not extend beyond the room. Residents were returned to their rooms after the smoke was cleared from building. The cause of this fire appears to be an unattended candle. The fire Department would like to remind anyone who is burning candle that the candles need to be placed in proper containers and should not be left unattended. There were no injuries to report at this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended Candle
DAMAGE EXTENT: Shelves and a microwave. No structural damage
DOLLAR LOSS: 1500
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: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/12/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Injured Civillian
INCIDENT ADDRESS: Sprague and Smith
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 at 7:29 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded multiple fire apparatus to a report of an explosion and fire located near Sprague and Smith. First arriving fire crews found a small travel trailer parked on the street, involved in fire and a victim of the blast and fire lying nearby. The first in Advanced Life Support fire crew with a paramedic on board was assigned to patient care. The crew immediately began their assessment and treatment for the victim who apparently was inside the travel trailer. The victim was rushed to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center by AMR ambulance and Spokane Fire Department personnel. The victim sustained 40-50% burns to his hands, face, hair and back. The majority of these burns were 2nd and 3rd degree. The fire was quickly extinguished within a few minutes of the fire department's arrival. It was discovered that there were numerous propane bottles inside the travel trailer. The cause of this fire and civilian injury are unknown at this time but the situation remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The incident is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Travel trailer was gutted by the fire.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: *** Update on the Apartment Fire at 1818 W Northridge Court which occurred on May 7, 2010 at 4:48PM ***

The SIU has arrested Kristin Brazeau (30 y/o female) and charged her with Arson 1st Degree for the incident.

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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 926 E 8th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: *** Update on 3rd Alarm Incident at 926 E 8th Avenue ***

Spokane Police Department- When the fire was initially reported on-duty SPD Officers responded to the incident in force. Nearly every available officer was on the scene within minutes of the incident and assisted ambulatory residents as they attempted to evacuate. The officers acted without concern for their safety and successfully carried several patients to Firefighter/Paramedics during the initial stages of the incident. Two officers were seen at local hospitals for smoke inhalation and have been released from the hospital.

Patient Status - The patients admitted to the hospital with critical injuries survived and are improving. Several of the lesser-injured patients have been released from the hospital and have joined their other relocated neighbors in the hotel.

Red Cross - Red Cross responded to the incident with an entire team of volunteers to assist with the placement of the displaced residents. The Red Cross Team successfully assisted persons with the physical needs which people often are without after a fire (clothing, toiletries, etc). Their specialists helped the building manager identify and acquire resident's pharmaceutical containers so that they could continue their medication regiment(s). The Red Cross volunteers were an incredibly integral part of this third alarm incident and the City of Spokane is very thankful.

AMR- American Medical Response responded to the incident with six ambulances, the on-duty supervisor and off-duty operations manager. AMR personnel integrated into the incident command system and provided a liaison to the community's hospitals which had activated their mass casualty/emergency plan. Their assistance allowed for a managed transportation of the patients to the correct destination based on the criticality of injuries. The Spokane County Mass Casualty Plan is designed so that on-scene medical personnel are able to concentrate on patient care while a Physician determines the destination of patients so that the community's resources (hospitals) are utilized appropriately for the patient's benefit.

As more information becomes available I will distribute it. (Media- due to the location of this structure, there is no dash cam footage or stills available)

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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 926 E 8th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Saturday May 8, 2010 at 0:122 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Steve Sabo, Dave Haworth and Larry Mummey responded to a reported building fire at 926 E 8th Avenue, HiFumi En Apartments. The apartment building is a HUD subsidized building specifically for disabled persons and seniors 62 years of age or older. The building housed 41 living units and was 99% occupied at the time of the fire.

The first company arrived within 5-minutes and reported a two-story apartment building with smoke showing from the address side. The incident was upgraded to a working fire and companies went to work immediately upon arriving to search and rescue victims from both floors and confine the fire to the area of origin. Due to the high potential for multiple victims and difficulty rescuing non-ambulatory victims, a second alarm was struck at 0134. Additionally, a third alarm was struck at 0145 as well as a special alarm for 6 ambulances soon after.

It took 52 Firefighters just 20 minutes to locate and knock down the fire. The entire building's occupants were evacuated and many of those had to be rescued by Ladder and Engine Companies. Firefighters were able to limit the fire's damage to the first floor common areas and the main hallway. Seven (7) occupants were treated and transported from the scene to local hospitals (one critical, two serious and four minor). Nearly all of the occupants received medical care on scene and varying levels of support from the SFD Firefighter/Paramedics until they could be moved to temporary accommodations.

In cooperation with the Housing Authority, the SFD Command Team was able to place all of the occupants in a local hotel. The occupants were transported by an SIA Bus to the hotel and accounted for on arrival by facility staff members. The HiFumi En Apartments are not able to be reoccupied until significant repair can be performed and approved by the Fire Marshal and Building Department.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation by the SFD SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage on the first floor in the common area and hallway. The building is not able to be reoccupied without significant repair.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 66
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/6/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1405 N LINDEKE ST
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Thursday May 6, 2010 at 2:17 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1-Hazardous Materials Truck under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Craig Cornelius responded to a reported natural gas leak at 1405 N Lindeke. The incident was near Holmes Elementary School (2600 West Sharp Avenue) and occurred within 45-minutes of the end of school.

When the first company arrived, they were met with a leaking underground gas line which had been severed during a residential digging operation. Companies assigned to the incident were used to evacuate nearby neighbors and establish a parameter in which dangerous levels of the gas existed. The SFD's HazMat Team was also utilized specifically to monitor the levels of natural gas and assist in mitigating the leak with the crews from Avista.

Two fire companies and a Chief were specifically assigned to the Holmes Elementary School. The groups included Spokane Public Schools' resource officers and administrative staff from the Elementary School and their collective objectives were to protect the children in the school from the threat of the nearby leak and facilitate and orderly and timely dismissal of students.

The incident planning software "Rapid Responder" was utilized by Incident Command Staff to accomplish these objectives and to identify locations of utilities, key staff members and make tactical plans. The software package is cooperatively used by Law, Fire and School District personnel throughout Spokane to ensure your safety. Children in the school were moved to areas in accordance with their emergency plans and a contingent bus route was exercised which allowed for easy loading of busses and unification with parents by foot and by vehicle.

The HazMat Team was successful in containing the leak and assuring the citizens were safe by continuously monitoring the area until levels of natural gas were dimished. The children and staff at the school were kept safe and eventually dismissed on time without an impact to their schedule.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: On Thursday May 6, 2010 at 2:17 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1-Hazardous Materials Unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Craig Cornelius responded to a reported natural gas leak at 1405 N Lindeke. The incident was near Holmes Elementary School (2600 West Sharp Avenue) and occurred within 45-minutes of the end of school.

When the first company arrived, they reported a leaking underground gas line which had been severed during a residential excavation operation. Fire companies assigned to the incident evacuated nearby neighbors and established a parameter around the leak where dangerous levels of the gas existed. The SFD's HazMat Team was also utilized specifically to monitor the levels of natural gas and assist in mitigating the leak with the crews from Avista.

Two fire companies and a Chief were assigned to the Holmes Elementary School. Personnel from the Spokane Public School administrative staff and resource officers met with the SFD and identified their collective objectives as; protection of the children/staff in the school from the threat of the nearby leak and facilitate an orderly and timely dismissal of students.

The incident planning software "Rapid Responder" was utilized by Incident Command Staff to accomplish these objectives and to identify locations of utilities, key staff members and pre-existing tactical plans. The software package is cooperatively used by Law, Fire and School District personnel throughout Spokane to ensure your safety. Children in the school were moved to areas in accordance with their emergency plans in Rapid Responder. A contingent bus route was also put into place which allowed for easy loading of busses and unification with parents by foot and by vehicle.

The HazMat Team was successful in containing the leak and assuring the citizens were safe by continuously monitoring the area until levels of natural gas were dimished. The children and staff at the school were kept safe and eventually dismissed on time without an impact to their schedule.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

DAMAGE EXTENT: The cause of this incident was determined to be accidental and a result of a residential excavation project.
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: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4708 North Cook
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:45 PM to 4708 North Cook on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a wood framed, 2-car garage. The fire was extinguished in approximately 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's Special Investigation Unit, however the fire is listed as suspicious in nature due to its close proximity to a garage fire that happened approximately 90 minutes earlier within the same neighborhood.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and its contents were a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
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: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4904 North Lee
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:24 PM to 4904 North Lee on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a wood framed, single-car garage with the fire extending into a motor home parked in front of the garage. The fire was extinguished in approximately 15 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's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire totaled the garage, a vehicle parked inside the garage and the motor home.
DOLLAR LOSS: 12000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/5/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1100 N. Superior
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 at 10:38 P.M. units of the Spokane Fire Department responded on a fire reported at the Maplewood Gardens Nursing Home located at 1100 N. Superior. Initially, this call was received as an alarm system that had activated and then was shortly "upgraded" by the dispatch center to a full alarm after receiving additional calls reporting smoke on the 4th floor. The upgraded alarm brought additional fire companies to the scene. Fire crews first on the scene reported smoke coming from a 4th floor window and curling up towards the roof. A rapid entry was made into the building and interior search efforts were coordinated along with an aggressive fire attack using multiple crews to confine the fire and safely evacuate the tenants that remained inside the building. A tenant inside the apartment on fire was successfully rescued after being found on the floor by the crew of Ladder 1. After finding her, they were able to quickly remove her from her burning apartment unit. She was transported to a medical facility for an evaluation and was able to return to her home later in the evening. The sprinkler system had activated inside the apartment unit where the fire began and was responsible for assisting in keeping the fire small. As the fire suppression efforts were underway, there were 7 patients that were immediately identified and extra ambulances were ordered to help deal with the situation. Patient symptoms ranged from smoke inhalation to cold exposure. Two of these patients were transported to medical facilities. The fire was successfully knocked down and extinguished after 15 minutes. Station 1 from their neighborhood location of Riverside and Browne were the first crews to arrive. Their quick response, fast attack and search efforts supplemented by other neighboring crews were another key reason why this fire was kept small. A total of 30 firefighters on 5 engine companies, 3 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this fire. The fire currently is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit and remains undetermined at this time. Fire damage was confined to some of the apartment contents, a wall and carpeting. There was smoke damage to the apartment unit including some of the neighboring apartment units and some water damage to an apartment unit below. In this fire, the sprinkler system and alarm system both found to be operating in this complex, were important factors in allowing for early alerting and evacuation of the occupants, and quick suppression efforts on the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Light fire damage to the apartment unit. Moderate fire damage to contents. Moderate smoke damage throughout complex wing and moderate water damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

END OF RELEASE

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 617 W Providence
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On May 3, at 1216 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 617 W Providence. First arriving companies reported light smoke throughout the residence with no obvious cause. After ensuring all residents were evacuated, companies began to search for the source of the smoke. The fire was eventually located in a crawlspace under the main floor laundry room. A small portion of the main floor had to be removed to expose and finally extinguish the fire. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was caused by lint buildup in a dryer vent hose.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the dryer and the structural members directly beneath the dryer with minimal smoke damage to the rest of the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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: 5/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 8821 North Hill N Dale Street
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: This afternoon (May 2, 2010), the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 4:36 PM to 8821 North Hill N Dale street on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing on the exterior of the south side of the 3-story wood framed apartment building. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire that had started in a shrub near a main floor patio and extended up to the third floor and was spreading into the attic when it was extinguished. Additional fire crews completed ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Six fire companies with 21 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be children playing with matches.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the vinyl siding on the apartment building.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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