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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/30/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1003 E Ermina
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: *** Update on fire incident 8/29/2010 at 1003 East Ermina ***

The man who died in the tragic fire incident at 1003 East Ermina has not yet been positively identified by investigators. An autopsy was completed this morning and we expect to release a name after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin have been made.

The first 911 call reporting the fire came into dispatch at 1:12 AM. Routinely, both Spokane Police and Spokane Fire respond. Spokane Police arrived a few minutes before Spokane Fire and confirmed a fatality inside an active house fire. Inadvertently, the wrong address was initially dispatched to fire personnel; however the majority of fire companies that were responding were redirected to the corrected address while enroute. The first fire company arrived in ten minutes and 22 seconds after the initial call.

Yesterday's tragic fire was the fourth fire fatality in the City of Spokane this year (2010). The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes 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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/29/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1003 E Ermina
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 0116 Hours (1:16AM PST), six Companies of Spokane Firefighters; three engines, two senior ladders and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Haworth responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1003 East Ermina in Spokane's Northeast Side.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire showing from all sides of the single story single-family residence. Another home and garage were quickly identified as exposures due to their close proximity to the quick-moving fire. Firefighters entered the structure using handlines and mounted a bold assault on the fire, and simultaneously provided ventilation of heat and smoke to assist with the search for reported persons missing within the confines of the wood frame home.

The swift moving flames, which spread throughout the 700 square foot home, was ultimately confined to the structure and extinguished in just 15 minutes.

During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered the remains of an adult near an exit. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Three large canines were also found deceased.

During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered and the alarm was upgraded to a working fire which added supplementary resources to assist in the search and management of the incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or other civilians on this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. The presence of smoke alarms and possible functional status has not yet been determined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/24/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: The Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has made two arrests related to the fire on 08/24/2010 at 1524 E. Pacific Avenue. A 19 y/o male (Brandon M. Winham) and one 17 y/o male were booked into the Spokane County Jail on a charge of Arson in the 1st Degree. Additional criminal charges are possible against the defendants. The investigation remains 'open' and additional arrests are also possible.

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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: BC Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/16/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 702 S OAK
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99221

NARRATIVE: On August 16, 2010 at 2017 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 702 S Oak, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company L4 reported fire on the second floor of a three story wood/frame apartment building. They reported further, that they were going to stretch a hose line to the fire floor and attempt to make entry into the apartment to locate and extinguish the fire. Additional fire fighting resources began arriving on scene. As they arrived, they were given various assignments which included search, rescue, and ventilation of the building. A back-up hose line was deployed to protect the fire fighters who had already made entry. A Rapid Intervention Team was established for fire fighter's who might be injured or become lost inside the structure. Fire fighters were able to quickly locate the seat of the fire and get a fast knock down on the rapidly growing fire. A search of the building was conducted. All residents of the building were safely evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries to civilians or to the fire fighters at the scene. The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room. The apartment above the fire floor had light smoke no fire damage. The apartment below sustained some water damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. Seven pieces of fire fighting apparatus and two Command vehicles delivered 23 fire fighters to the scene.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT:
The fire was contained to the room of origin but that room sustained heavy fire damage as did the contents located in that room.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,00
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

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ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2217 E Sprague Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On 08/14/2010, at 1:21 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue, and two chief officers to a reported fire in an abandoned house located at 2217 E Sprague. First arriving company SE7, which is located in the East Central neighborhood, reported smoke and fire showing from a 1 story, wood constructed, residential structure. This same structure had suffered a fire in April and was currently boarded up and posted "not for occupancy" by the Fire Prevention Division. However there had been reports that the structure was being frequented by homeless citizens which necessitated a thorough search be undertaken. One victim was located outside the structure by first arriving crews and he was treated on-scene by SFD medics for smoke inhalation before being transported to Valley Hospital . This fire presented several challenges to firefighters due to the fact that all the openings were boarded over, the main fire was located in the basement, and there had been a previous fire which had damaged the structure. A coordinated effort was undertaken to protect the searching crews which included removing the plywood over the doors and windows, placing hoses between the searching crews and the fire, and removing smoke and toxic gasses. Fortunately no other victims were found and the fire was extinguished. Two additional engines were called to the scene to assist with the overall effort. Crews remained on-scene for several hours to locate and extinguish hot spots. One firefighter suffered a dog bite to his hand while treating the smoke inhalation patient and was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Dept SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The structure suffered severe damage to the basement and first floor, with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80000
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

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ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/12/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5th and Bernard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On Thursday August 12th, 2010 at 12:04 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team responded on a report of a peculiar solution in a container on the top of a roof near the corner of 5th and Bernard. After their arrival, the team reported that the solution was bubbling inside a container. A hot zone was created which protects the immediate area from any spill or possible pressure rupture from the solution. A request was made for the Spokane Police Department to respond and also the City/County Explosives Disposal Unit in case this proved to be a device that could detonate. Bernard was closed from 4th to 5th and 5th from Bernard to Washington. After consulting with the Explosives Unit and the Spokane Police Department, it was decided that the Haz Mat Team would send in their Entry Team along with a Backup Team and attempt to test the solution while wearing their protective suits. The team entered the hot zone and successfully tested the solution using their Mass Spectrometer instrument and discovered that the solution contained a number of different chemicals. After obtaining these specific chemical names, assistance was sought using the teams Mobile Data Computer to communicate with a remote lab located on the east coast and soon the results were available to the team. It was revealed that the solution was harmless and posed no threat to the public. There were 9 trained Hazardous Materials Technicians and Specialists who responded on this call.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Container left by someone on a rooftop.
DAMAGE EXTENT: None.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/12/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: *** Update from incident occurring on August 10, 2010 at the Bel Air 7 Motel (1303 E. Sprague Avenue) ***

The fire has been determined to be 'accidental' in nature. The ignition source was found to be smoking materials and originated among the materials of the bed. The fatality has been identified as a 49 year old female, however we are awaiting notification of next of kin so are not releasing the name of the woman.
This fatality is the third fire-related fatality in the City of Spokane this year.

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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/10/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1303 E. Sprague Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 10th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported room fire at the Bel Air 7 Motel, 1303 E. Sprague Avenue in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within three minutes and reported a two story brick and concrete block motel with very light smoke visible in the area of the front of the structure. The crew located the source of the smoke, which was a ground floor unit on the east end of the motel. They immediately forced open the door and advanced their hose lead into the unit. The crew encountered heavy smoke as they extinguished the fire and concurrently searched for victims. One victim, the lone resident of the unit, was found on the floor of the unit and quickly removed where fire department paramedics began resuscitation efforts. The victim, an adult female, was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center where resuscitation efforts continued. Sadly, the victim, an adult female, was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased by emergency department physicians. The fire was knocked down within minutes and confined to the one motel unit. All other units at the motel are habitable. In all, twenty-eight fire department personnel responded on eight trucks and two command vehicles. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was heavy smoke and heat damage to the motel unit. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be $10,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
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: 8/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2114 E. Hartson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Monday August 9th, 2010 at 1:04 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, a ladder, a pumper ladder, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a structure fire in a dwelling at 2114 E. Hartson. Engine 7 from their neighborhood fire station at 1st and Magnolia was first to arrive a found a home with smoke coming from the front door and window on one side. After donning their protective self contained breathing apparatus and advancing a hose line, they made their entry into the burning structure. The fire proved hard to locate due to the heavy smoke conditions on the inside. While this was developing, a search team made up from two companies began their task of searching all interior areas of the dwelling for people still trapped and unable to escape. Additional resources were assigned to include a backup crew on an additional hose line and a ventilation team on the roof to assist with confining the fire. Because of the difficult smoke conditions inside, an additional engine crew was requested. A primary and secondary search of the dwelling was completed and the two adults that lived there were both found to be safely outside. The source of the fire was then found to be in a bedroom and was soon extinguished. Fire crews then began to check for any extending fire in walls and ceilings and found the attic to be clear as well as the basement below. The fire was knocked down after 15 minutes and soon after this, the long arduous task of overhaul began. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit responded and found the fire to be caused by candles that were left burning in a bedroom. The structure sustained heavy fire and smoke damage to two bedrooms and a living room. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Burning candles are one of our most common causes of dwelling fires in the city of Spokane. Of all candle fires in homes, more than a third of them occur in bedrooms. The Spokane Fire Department would like to offer the following reminders if you must use candles. Burn candles in the center of a one foot "Circle of Safety" free of anything that can burn. Stay in the same room with burning candles, never leave them unattended. Burn candles on a non-combustible surface such as a ceramic saucer or plate. Be sure to snuff out candles before falling asleep, going out, or leaving the room. Teach everyone in the family the rules of safe candle use. Keep candles out of reach of small children and pets. In this fire, the two adults had just left the home not realizing the candles were still burning. One burning candle eventually burnt down enough until it caught some nearby bedding on fire. The fire then spread rapidly to the entire bedroom and extended into the adjacent bedroom and living area. A total of 24 firefighters responded on this blaze and remained at the scene for 2 hours completing their work which consisted of searching for embers that remained in void areas and final extinguishment.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Candles that were left burning and unattended in the bedroom.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy fire and smoke damage to two bedrooms and the living room. The contents of the bedroom were destroyed.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

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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: 8/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2115 W. Dean
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Sunday August 8th, 2010 at 6:51 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a kitchen fire located at 2115 W. Dean. E3 from their neighborhood fire station at Indiana and Ash found a kitchen fire that was being attacked by the tenants of the apartment house using a garden hose. Fire crews entered the structure and made sure everyone was out and at the same time, began their attack on the fire. Most of the fire had been extinguished successfully by the tenants, however, fire crews had to pull down portions of the ceiling and walls in the kitchen in order to make sure the fire was completely out. They also used their thermal imaging camera to check the ceiling area and attic space for any hidden fire that may have traveled vertically from the kitchen. This fire began as a cooking fire that escaped a pot that was on the stove. Due to the quick thinking of the tenants, the fire was kept relatively small. The Spokane Fire Department recommends that you immediately evacuate any burning structure and call 911. It is also recommended that you keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen as a kitchen fire is typically one of the most common types of fires to have in a home. Luckily, none of the tenants that chose to fight the fire received any injuries. A total of 20 firefighters responded on this fire. The three occupants, two adults and a child will be taken care of by the American Red Cross until they can occupy their apartment unit again.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire was caused by a cooking fire on the stove.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant fire damage to the kitchen walls and ceiling. Smoke damage throughout the main floor of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
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

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ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 918 E Wabash
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, August 8, at 02:50 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, and 1 heavy rescue unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dave Haworth and Steve Sabo to a reported structure fire at 918 E Wabash. SE15, located in the Hillyard neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes and reported smoke and flames coming from the front of a one story, wood constructed, residential dwelling. SE15 advanced a preconnected hose and began to attack the fire which mainly involved the front exterior wall, the edge of the roof, and the attic. As other crews arrived they were assigned to search the structure for occupants, create openings in the structure to remove smoke and dangerous gasses, and advance additional hoses to protect the searching firefighters. Crews were able to locate a tenant sleeping in the basement and removed her and her pet to safety. The quick attack diminished the fire immediately and it was totally extinguished shortly thereafter. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is currrently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined to the front exterior wall, front porch, roof, and the attic.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
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

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ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/8/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3822 E. 8th Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 10:25 P.M. Saturday, August 7th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported deck fire at 3822 E. 8th Avenue in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within four minutes and reported a split-entry wood frame house with fire visible on the back of the house and heavy smoke inside. Neighbors reported there was no one home, and fire crews searching the house confirmed that. The fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes, but overhaul of the burned and fire damaged areas continued for several hours. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night to continue searching for hidden pockets of fire. Damage to the house was extensive, with fire damage to the rear exterior, kitchen, and dining area. In addition, the house sustained considerable heat, smoke, and water damage throughout. At the time of this release the homeowners had not been located to notify them of the fire. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit conducted a preliminary review of the scene late Saturday night and will return to continue the fire cause investigation at first light Sunday. In all, twenty-nine fire department personnel responded on nine trucks and two command vehicles. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $60,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 60,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/3/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Tonight, August 3, 2010, we hope you will join the many on-duty firefighters, their families and concerned citizens across our nation who are taking to the streets to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie during 'National Night Out."

In a series of events across the City of Spokane, you're sure to find many of us standing together with our neighbors in a show of solidarity and strength with the men and women of the Spokane Police Department.

To learn more about these citywide events, please contact your local C.O.P.S. Substation (www.spokanecops.org).

We're proud to work together with Police Officers and concerned members of our community in keeping the City of Spokane safe!

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