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North Battalion Fire with Civilian Injuries

Incident #:  2011016498
Date of Incident:  4/29/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday April 29, 2011 at 1230, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue 1 Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Green, responded to a cell phone call of a house on fire with two adult victims suffering from burns. The caller was not at the address of the incident and reported and confirmed the address was 514 E Sharp. The first company was on scene within 4-minutes and reported that 514 East Sharp was not a valid address. Additional calls to the reporting party as well as other people familiar with the incident revealed the incident was in fact located at 514 West Sharp. Spokane Firefighters were redirected by Dispatchers and arrived quickly to find two severely burned adults and an extinguished kitchen/grease fire in a small wood-framed home. Despite the flash fire's extreme damage to the victims, the fire did not extend to the interior of the home. Members from the Paramedic Engine Companies immediately began treating the critical injuries from the victims while additional AMR ambulances were ordered. A total of two AMR ambulances and AMR Supervisor responded and transported both patients with SFD Paramedics onboard to the Trauma Center which led to a subsequent air transfer to Harborview in Seattle.

Cause:
The SFD's Special Investigation Unit concurred with the Incident Commander's determination that an unintentional "flammable liquid flash fire" occurred in the kitchen and caused the full-thickness burns to the two residents.

Damage:
No structural damage.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 28

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Structure Fire

Incident #:  2011016274
Date of Incident:  4/27/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Clive Jones

On 04 / 27 / 2011 at 17:36 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 5 engines, 1 ladder, 1 rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 8617 N Colton. First arriving SE18 reported smoke coming from the second floor window. After ensuring all occupants were evacuated from the home, SE18 took a fire attack hose lead into the structure to locate and extinguish the fire. The fire was located in the upstairs master bedroom. SE18 was successful in knocking down the fire and containing the fire damage to the master bedroom. SE8 along with SE15 entered the home and assisted the fire attack efforts by pulling ceiling to expose any areas where the fire may have extended. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters on this response.

Fire damage to the master bedroom, smoke damage throughout the home

The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments SIU.

# Firefighters Repsonding: 22

Dollar Loss: $25,000

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Simulated Mass Casualty Exercise

Incident #:  N/A
Date of Incident:  4/27/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Tomorrow (Thursday April 28, 2011) the Spokane Fire Department and numerous local and regional agencies will participate in a simulated mass casualty exercise to evaluate health care system emergency response plans. This important training will test current procedures and help identify operational strengths and weaknesses in multiple counties, and between Washington State and Idaho. The exercise will be coordinated from the Spokane Fire Department's Training Center which also serves as the County Emergency Coordination Center from 9 a.m. until noon. Media and official guests are welcome to attend all or part of the exercise to observe the functionality of systems and management of the emergency. Participants include local, regional and state first responders from law enforcement, fire/emergency medical services, hospitals and emergency management. Thursday's functional exercise will utilize a simulation cell and artificially produce a mass casualty incident, specifically, an accident involving multiple vehicles along two state highways, one in Whitman County and one in Spokane County. Role-playing response activities will be tracked as "patients" are moved through the health care system in the best manner possible. Responders will be guided by the Disaster Medical Hospital Control plan. The exercise is sponsored by Washington State Region 9 Health Care Coalition, which the Spokane Fire Department is a integral part of. The Coalition works to strengthen the emergency preparedness and response planning for all aspects of health care. The Region 9 Health Care Coalition includes the 10 counties and three tribal nations in eastern Washington. It is a group of 250+ committed responders who work in health care across the region. The coalition works with local and regional partners across Washington state and Idaho, and with the Washington state Department of Health.

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Spokane Fire Department to teach Hands Only CPR at Bloomsday Tradeshow this Friday and Saturday

Spokane Fire Department to teach Hands Only CPR at Bloomsday Tradeshow this Friday and Saturday

Incident #:  None
Date of Incident:  4/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  Brian Schaeffer
The Spokane Fire Department is encouraging all Bloomsday race participants to learn the basics of Hands Only CPR. It's easy, takes just a few minutes to learn and could help save the life of a fellow Bloomie. Each year, nearly 300,000 people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the United States and Canada. Survival rates from these events tend to be very low. CPR performed by a bystander can DOUBLE - EVEN TRIPLE - survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Unfortunately, few people attempt resuscitation-with CPR started only 25 to 30 percent of the time in those cases. To help increase the cardiac arrest survival rate in Spokane, The Spokane Fire Department has produced a short training video available on YouTube that teaches the basics of Hands Only CPR. The SFD will also have an interactive booth at the Bloomsday Trade Show this Friday and Saturday where race participants can practice Hands Only CPR on mannequins with our Firefighters. Each year the SFD strategically places medical teams on bicycles and on foot (PedMeds) in areas all along the Bloomsday course. The teams respond to everything from minor cuts and scrapes to life threatening cardiac arrests. In fact, during last year's race, a Bloomsday participant suffered a cardiac arrest near the Finish line. Teams responded immediately and successfully resuscitate the patient with CPR, defibrillation and emergency cardiac medications. In October 2010, The American Heart Association, changed its CPR standards and formally endorsed "Hands-Only" or "compression only CPR." Hands-only CPR is much simpler for the public to learn and perform. The public no longer has to coordinate rescue breaths and chest compressions. You just push hard and fast in the center until help arrives. To view the video "Hands only CPR - Saving Lives in Spokane" follow the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=912qx-MMwsI The Bloomsday Trade Show hours are Friday, April 29, 11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. The Spokane Fire Department is in booth 914 on the south end of the Convention Center.
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Chief Brown reaches 45 Years of Service

Battalion Chief Dan Brown receives his 45 Years of Service Pin from Chief Williams at the final day of the State of Department presentations and inspection week. Congratulations Chief Brown!

Hands Only CPR - Saving Lives in Spokane

FD Inspection

On April 18th, all Spokane Fire Department fire stations and equipment underwent our semi-annual Chief’s Inspection. Each year, the Executive Chiefs partner with Battalion Chiefs to conduct a comprehensive inspection of each of the 19 facilities, including the grounds, apparatus, and firefighting, medical, and other specialized equipment. All items are checked for condition, functionality, and cleanliness. The annual inspection process was established in the SFD’s infancy to ensure a state of emergency readiness, provide a clean and safe workplace, and promote professionalism in SFD’s workplace.

The Spokane Fire Department staff highly values this tradition and the station personnel take great pride in preparing for the Chief’s inspection. Before the Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs arrive, each station goes through a rigorous cleaning from top to bottom. All ceilings, walls, floors and apparatus are washed and waxed to perfection. All tools are taken off the apparatus, cleaned, checked for operation, remarked, inventoried, and placed back in perfect order for the inspection. The Battalion Chiefs inspect each tool for proper operation, cleanliness, and correct markings. No area is overlooked!

Each and every day, SFD’s members work to guarantee that all apparatus and equipment are prepared to a high degree, functional, and ready for deployment. When you call 9-1-1, SFD responds with companies that are exceptionally trained, equipped, and prepared to handle any emergency. The Chief’s Inspections allow stations to demonstrate their preparedness.

Pink Helmet Award!

Station 18's FEO/PM/RN Bridget Luby is awarded a pink helmet from Chief Williams for her leadership and commitment to the SFD’s fight against Cancer. Bridget led all of the SFD’s efforts last year as it related to Cancer Awareness and Public Events where we attended as a Department to bring Cancer to the forefront.

Entry Firefighter Exam

Firefighter Open Entry $36,616 annual salary, payable bi-weekly, to a maximum of $75,714 Opening Date: Monday, April 18, 2011 Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, April 29, 2011. Applicants who have filed a basic application will have until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, to return the Training and Experience Evaluation Form. Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday, except holidays. DUTIES: Performs general duty firefighting work in the preventing, combating, and extinguishing of fires and emergency medical functions. Responds to fire incidents with a company; lays hose; holds and directs nozzle and water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses standard firefighting equipment; removes persons from danger; administers emergency medical treatment; performs salvage and cleanup operations. Drives and operates automotive, mechanical, and auxiliary fire apparatus. Responds to medical emergencies and operates oxygen delivery equipment; uses blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to take vital signs; performs CPR; utilizes splinting devices and other medical equipment. Work is heavy in nature, often performed under hazardous conditions, and requires above normal attention to prevent injury. Employee has regular contact with the public, works other than a normal work week and is subject to recall during emergencies. OPEN REQUIREMENTS: (All requirements must be met at the time of application.) Requires high school diploma or equivalent. No previous experience necessary. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. NOTE: Applicants must have successfully completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training and be eligible for Washington State EMT certification at the time of interview. Applicants are not required to have EMT training or possess EMT certification at the time of application or examination. NOTE: Minimum medical and health standards for this classification are established by state laws. All successful candidates who have been offered a position will be required to pass the necessary examinations prior to appointment. FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC) APPLICANTS – In addition to the above requirements, paramedic applicants must currently possess the National Registry Paramedic credential or Washington State Paramedic license at the time of interview. EXAMINATION: Upon request, at time of application, the City will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. The examination will consist of a written test and a pass/fail physical performance test. The initial written test will be conducted at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the Spokane Convention Center, East Entrance, Exhibit Hall “C”, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA. Additional test sessions will be scheduled as needed. Applicants will be notified when to appear for their examination. Approximate duration of the test is 2 hours. Applicants will be notified when and where to appear for the physical performance test. Weights will be assigned as follows: Written Test 100%, Physical Performance Pass/Fail. The written test may include such subjects as: Reading Comprehension; Interpreting Tables; Situational Judgment; Logical Reasoning; Reading Gauges; Applying Basic Math Rules; Mechanical Aptitude; Spatial Sense; Map Reading; Vocabulary. NOTE: Under continuous testing policy, additional examinations may be scheduled with results merged into one eligibility list according to final ratings. TO APPLY: To apply online or download and print an application, go to www.spokanecity.org. To request an application packet be mailed to you, call the Civil Service office at (509) 625-6160. If mailing your application, submit to Civil Service Commission, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201-3315. Apply Online or Download the Civil Service Job Application and mail it in. Download the Training and Experience Evaluation Form FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

April 2011 Second Alarm -Full Episode

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/13/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 7004 N Dakota
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Wednesday, April 13, at 04:02 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported garage fire at 7004 N Dakota. First arriving SE18, which is based in the Nevada/Lidgerwood neighborhood, reported they had a double car, unattached garage that had fire on both the exterior and interior. After determining that the nearby homes were not threatened SE18 advanced a preconnected hose and attacked the fire. As additional companies arrived they attached a water supply hose to a nearby hydrant and forced open the large overhead door to access the interior of the garage. The quick initial attack diminished the fire immediately and it was totally extinguished a short time later.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage was confined the the garage which suffered extensive structural damage.
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

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ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/12/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 7606 N. Old Fort Dr.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Monday, April 11, 2011 at 20:55 PM the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 7606 N. Old Fort Dr. Eight fire apparatus under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Cornelius responded to this location. This response included 3 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, 2 ladder trucks, and 2 chief vehicles. Engine 16 was first on scene and reported a single-family structure with light smoke showing from the home. They also reported the residents of the structure were accounted for and located on the driveway in front of the home. Fire crews from Engine 16 and Pumper Ladder Truck 13, responding from their neighborhood stations, quickly located the fire in the attic and extingshed it. Other apparatus on scene were assigned to various duties; Ladder 4 to ventilate the roof, Engine 18 to a backup hose line, Engine 17 to water supply, Rescue 1 to Scene Safety. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters on this response.

Cause of this fire was electrical wiring.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cause of this fire was electrical wiring.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Attic, roof, upstairs bedroom
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
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

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ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/11/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: North Washington and West Maxwell
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On Monday, April 11, 2011 at 1:28 PM, 4 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 2 ALS Engines, AMR unit and AMR Supervisor responded to a vehicle collision with extrication at the intersection of North Washington and West Maxwell. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find a high speed two vehicle collision with the passenger of one vehicle trapped due to the impact. SFD Paramedics entered the vehicle and provided ALS care to the patient while other members of the arriving truck companies mechanically extricated the passenger with hydraulic rescue tools. The most serious patient was removed from the vehicle, treated by awaiting Paramedics and transported within 10 minutes of the SFD's arrival.

While it is not routine to assign two senior ladder companies to a vehicle extrication, the ladders were two of the only remaining companies in the City at the time due to a simultaneous first alarm fire in a middle school in the North Battalion and a hazardous materials incident in the South Battalion.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 15
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/11/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: HazMat
INCIDENT ADDRESS: On the Railroad Tracks behind Felts Field
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99212

NARRATIVE: On Monday, April 11, 2011 at 12:14 PM, 3 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Heavy Rescue with Hazardous Materials Team members and 1 Engine under the direction of Battalion Chief Cornelius responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation on the railroad tracks behind the Felts Field Airport.

The first company arrived within 6-minutes and met with a reporting party that described a large amount of white powder on the railroad tracks from an unknown source. SFD HazMat Specialists approached the product upwind in their protective equipment to examine the spill and obtain samples to identify the product.

A Command Post and perimeter were established per the SFD protocol and BNSF/Union Pacific was notified to halt train traffic during the investigation. A comprehensive examination using sophisticated sensing devices yielded a product that was most likely carried via railcar and had been inadvertently leaked during transit by a faulty container. Due to the high winds and need to open the railway up for service, SFD HazMat Specialists were able to remove and contain the product rendering the area safe.

At the conclusion of the SFD's operations, railway traffic was allowed to resume and pursuant to protocol; the Department of Ecology and Spokane County Department of Emergency Management were notified.

No illness or injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 7
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 Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/11/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1118 East 33rd Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99203

NARRATIVE: At 12:45 am on Monday April 11th the City of Spokane Fire Department responded 7 fire apparatus and 2 command personnel to 1118 East 33rd Ave to a working structure fire.
Station 11 located at 31st and Perry reported on the scene in less than 3 minutes from the time the alarm was called in.
They reported that a single story residence was fully involved in flame at the front of the house.
It was confirmed that all of the residents were out of the house. Fire attack was initiated and the main body of the fire was knocked down. Crews advanced attack leads into the interior and extinguished the fire that made its way into the living room.
The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. Overhaul will take two hours to make sure that the fire is out.
Red Cross was called to assist the 4 adults and 1 child that were driven from their home due to the fire.
The house suffered extensive damage due to the fire and smoke.
No injuries were reported.
This fire is under investigation

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage to the fornt of the house exterior . damage to the interior and smoke through out.
DOLLAR LOSS: 35,000.00
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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Cloths Dryer Safety

Washing and drying laundry may very likely be a part of your everyday routine. A familiar fixture in the laundry room could be a real fire hazard, even if you’re using it properly. Clothes dryer fires are one of the most common causes of house fires. According to Consumer Reports, each year over 15,000 fires start in the laundry room when lint from clothes dryers build up and catch fire.

A few simple safety tips you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Do not restrict the air exhaust vent pipe and make sure that the outdoor vent flap is opening when the dryer is operating.
• Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!

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ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/1/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2834 W Hartson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99206

NARRATIVE: This afternoon, April 1, 2011 at 02:10 pm the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 10 apparatus to a reported fire in a house located at 2834 W Hartson

Spokane engine 3 under the direction of Lt. Borg arrived at the fire scene first. Lt. Borg reported that he had a single family residential home with smoke showing at the front door. He verified with the occupant that all occupants were out of the building and started assigning incoming fire crews.

Hose lines were brought into the structure through the front door to the fire area located in the kitchen. The fire was quickly extinguished and reported that the fire had not entered into any other areas of the structure. There were no injuries to civilians or to fire fighters at this fire scene.

The cause of the fire was determined to be over heated wax on a cooking stove.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Over heated wax on a cooking stove.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to the kitchen, smoke damage throughout the house.
DOLLAR LOSS: 4,000
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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