Some gift suggestions for the holiday season.

 

Your Neighborhood Firefighters encourage you to consider these affordable gifts that keep on giving...

·         Smoke Alarm

·         Carbon Monoxide Alarm

·         First Aid Kit

·         Fire Extinguisher (Car and Home)

·         Collapsible Emergency Escape Ladder

·         Sturdy Flashlight and/or Battery Powered Lantern

·         Whistle and Lanyard

·         Emergency Chemical Lightsticks

·         Anti-Scald and Non-Slip Devices for the Bath and Shower

·         Survival Supply Kits (Food, Water, Manual Can Opener)

·         Post-Disaster Living Needs (Tent, Sleeping Bag, Camp Stove or BBQ)

·         New Large Reflective Numerals for a Home Address

·         Small Battery Powered AM/FM Radio for Emergency Information

·         Knapsack or Backpack for Office or Car Emergency Supplies

·         Personal Size Hand Sanitizer

·         Bundle of Batteries in commonly used sizes

·         Gift Certificate for a Home Heating System Professional Inspection

·         Gift Certificate for a Chimneysweep/Fireplace Inspection

·         Donate Blood in Someone's Honor

·         Gift Certificate for First Aid and/or CPR Training

·         Print and Laminate Family Emergency Contact Information

·         Disaster Supplies for Your Pet

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

Update on Recent Incidents

Incident #:  Several
Date of Incident:  11/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Incident Updates 11F/W from 24 Hr period 0800 11/24 - 0800 11/25. 1. (10:44AM) 814 W 17TH AVE Nature: accidental, Cause: Electrical. 2. (12:56PM) 2415 N Monroe Nature: accidental, Cause: portable heater too close to combustibles. 3. (7:30PM) 3420 East Carmella Court (Mutual Aid to Fire District 8) Under Investigation by their agency 4. (3:43AM) 1001 North Elm, Nature: accidental, Cause electrical.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

'C' Shift's Third Working Fire

Incident #:  2011047952
Date of Incident:  11/25/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday November 25, 2011 at 4:43 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Haworth, responded to a Structure Fire at 1001 North Elm in West Central Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 6-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from a second floor of a two-story wood-framed house converted to apartment building. A total of eight occupants were fortunately able to evacuate under the heavy smoke conditions as the first arriving companies were making entry into the building. Due to the structure's construction type and fire behavior, the incident was upgraded to a "working fire" adding an additional Senior Ladder, Engine and AMR ambulance at 4:52AM. Finding fire in the second floor attic, walls and roof, firefighters commenced quick fire attack operations on the second floor in coordination with vertical ventilation on the roof. The well coordinated effort of firefighters stopped the fire's advance and confined it to the attic and roof areas. The fire was extinguished in 90 minutes and overhaul is expected to continue throughout the morning hours today. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause and circumstances are under investigation by the SFD and SPD.

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited to a total of one apartment unit on the second floor, the need to secure the structure's utilities rendered areas of the building untenable. A total of eight residents living in the affected residential apartment units were referred to the Inland NW Region of the Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $30000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

North Battalion Fire in Commercial Building

Incident #:  2011047869
Date of Incident:  11/24/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday November 24th,2011 at 12:56 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Sabo responded to a building fire at 2415 North Monroe. Police were on the scene and reported smoke emitting from a first floor open doorway of the story and a half commercial structure. Police also reported that 2 occupants were safely out of the building. North Battalion Chief Donahoe arrived first on scene and assigned companies to attack the fire, ventilate and search the structure for other possible occupants. Companies successfully located the fire in a room on the first floor and were able to confine it to the area of origin. After the rest of the building was searched it was confirmed only the two occupants had been in the building at the time of the fire. One twenty two year old male occupant did receive 1st degree burns to this forehead attempting to put out the fire with an extinguisher. The patient stated he would seek medical attention by private vehicle to Deaconess Emergency Room. No other injuries to civilians or Fire Fighters were reported. North and south bound traffic on Monroe Street was shut down for approximately one and a half hours until Fire Apparatus could be moved off the street.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department

Damage:
Fire Damage to the first floor room of origin. A second floor exterior Wall was damaged checking for possible extension of the fire. Light smoke damage is also present to the first floor occupancy.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $10,000.00

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

Thanksgiving Day fire damages house

Incident #:  2011047860
Date of Incident:  11/24/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 10:43 A.M. Thursday, November 24th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported fire at 814 W. 17th Avenue, in the City of Spokane. The first fire company arrived on scene within three minutes and reported a two story wood frame house with smoke showing from the eaves and attic vents. The homeowner met the arriving fire crew and reported a fire in the attic. As fire crews advanced hose lines to the attic, others laddered the roof and cut holes to allow the heat and smoke to escape. The fire was located and knocked down within fifteen minutes, but overhaul of the burned and fire damaged areas continued for several hours. Damage to the house was confined to a 12' by 12' area in the attic, the roof above that area, and some contents stored in the attic. In addition, the house sustained minor smoke, and water damage on the second floor. Electrical wiring was also damaged. The two adult occupants will be unable to stay in the house until the wiring can be repaired. An investigator from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit conducted an investigation to determine the fire's cause, but has not yet released his report. In all, twenty-six fire department personnel responded on seven trucks and two command vehicles. There were no injuries to the occupants or any of the firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Damage to the house and contents is estimated to be $10,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $10,000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

South Battalion Fire in Commercial Building

Incident #:  2011047584
Date of Incident:  11/22/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 07:07AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Sabo and Haworth responded to a building fire at 806 W 3rd (Greenboatstuff.com). While opening the business in the morning, workers found the area full of smoke when unlocking the doors and immediately called 911. The business is primarily an internet-driven company that distributes environmentally friendly boat supplies. The first company arrived within 4-minutes and found smoke in the interior of the single story commercial building. Companies entered the building and successfully located the fire in the interior and were able to confine it to the area of origin. It took 25 Firefighters just 10 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one office area and prevent it from spreading into the nearby combustibles and ceiling areas. No civilian injuries or firefighters were reported.

Cause:
The nature is accidental and cause determined to be electrical.

Damage:
Damage is limited primarily to a confined office area.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $2000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

It's Winter in Spokane

 

It's cold in Spokane and we have already had devistating residential fires caused by space heaters and overwhelmed electrical systems from those devices. Right now, make sure your heater has been tested for safety.

1. CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS!

2. Look on the bottom for a label such as ETL, UL or CSA.

3. Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furnit...ure, people, pets and curtains. 

4. There should always be an adult in the room when a space heater is on.

5. Turn OFF the space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep. 

6. Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.  

7. NEVER use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.

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

Civilian Rescues in a North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #:  2011047330
Date of Incident:  11/20/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 9:27AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Brown, responded to a Structure Fire at 1300 East Carlisle Avenue. While enroute to the incident, companies from Station 2 reported heavy smoke showing as they departed the Station and upgraded the incident to a working fire. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story, wood frame residence with heavy smoke and fire showing from both the first and second floors of the house. The first due Engine and Ladder went to work immediately after arriving and secured water supply and stretched hose leads in attempt to contain the fire's progress and protect living areas in the house. Other companies were directed by the Battalion Chief to attend to multiple injured civilians (four in total) suffering from a range of injuries from the fire. Simultaneously the Ladder Company searched under heavy smoke/fire conditions for any other savable civilians and ventilated the fire from the roof. The fire was extinguished within 30-minutes and companies are still on-scene at the time of this release. Traffic in the neighborhood is expected to be impacted through the afternoon as companies overhaul

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
In the early stages of the fire, prior to the Fire Department's arrival, a 25 year old mother and 1 year old child were trapped on the second floor and had self-rescued through a window on the address side of the house. Due to the heavy fire conditions advancing to the second floor, the mother was forced to drop her child from the window to awaiting neighbor in the front yard. After successfully catching the child, the mother also jumped from the second floor and was assisted by neighbors. The third occupant, a grandmother, was trapped on the first floor unable to escape due to the violent atmosphere inside the house. A neighbor successfully broke a first-floor window and pulled out the grandmother as the Fire Department arrived. Damage was limited primarily the interior of the first and second floors; however the overall structural integrity appears to be compromised and will need to be evaluated. The displaced family is receiving assistance from the Inland NW Chapter of the American Red Cross.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $75000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

Multi- family Residence damaged by fire.

Incident #:  2011047242#
Date of Incident:  11/19/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Donahoe

Narrative:
At 16:25 on Saturday November 18th the Spokane Fire Department dispatched four engines, one pumper ladder, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Donahoe to a reported structure fire at 2013 West College. The first arriving engine company reported flames and heavy black smoke showing from windows on the first floor. Companies were assigned to search the two story structure for victims and to locate and extinguish the fire. It was determined the house was divided into separate living areas on each level for a total of six units. All the occupants were confirmed to have either exited the structure or to have not been present at the time of the fire. Unfortunately two cats succumbed to smoke inhalation. The fire was located in the bathroom area of an apartment on the first floor toward the rear of the structure. The fire was knocked down quickly but not before the apartment involved sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. The other units of the structure sustained light smoke damage. The power to the six apartment units was disconnected until a licensed electrician could repair the fire damaged wiring. Eleven adults and six children were displaced from the house and are staying in housing provided by the Red Cross. There were no injuries reported to occupants or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.

Damage:
There was fire and heavy smoke damage to the rear first floor apartment along with smoke damage to the rest of the structure. There also was damage to some of the apartment doors as crews forced their way in to locate potential victims.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #:  2011047015
Date of Incident:  11/18/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Friday, November 18, 2011at 09:07AM six Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 Engines, one Senior Ladder, one Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Sabo responded to a structure fire at 1722 West Bridge. Firefighters arrived within 5-minutes to discover charged smoke showing from the roof of a single family, single story residence. The residents smelled a smoke odor inside the home initially, and after exiting the home looking for the source they saw the charged smoke from the roof and called 911. After arriving, Firefighters from Engines entered the home using pre-connected hose leads to search and extinguish the seat of the fire. Additionally, a Ladder company provided a thorough search of the home for the resident's cats as well as laddering the roof for vertical ventilation. The fire was in the home's attic and had been burning for some time which proved to be difficult to access and extinguish for firefighters. Ultimately, the stubborn fire was extinguished and completely overhauled within an hour and confined primarily to attic area. There were no injuries reported to either civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The nature of this fire is classified as accidental and caused by overheated/malfunctioning wiring.

Damage:
Damage to the attic area and structural members of the roof is significant.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $15000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

Update on Recent Incidents

Incident #:  Multiple Incident Numbers
Date of Incident:  11/18/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Update on Recent Incidents: 11/16/2011 at 454 West 28th Avenue. The nature of this fire is classified as accidental and caused by overheated/malfunctioning wiring. 11/16/2011 at 722 South Jefferson Street. The nature of this fire is classified as accidental and caused by overheated/malfunctioning wiring. 11/16/2011 at 2002 South Inland Empire Way. The nature of this fire is classified as accidental and caused by smoking materials. This incident resulted in two fatalities; Ralph Skjothaug 72 years old and Sharon Fischer 70 years old. 11/18/2011 at 1722 West Bridge Avenue. The nature of this fire is classified as accidental and caused by overheated/malfunctioning wiring.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

Marine Rescue

Incident #:  2011046686
Date of Incident:  11/16/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 15, 2011 at 10:16 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Marine Companies, 3 Engines, 1 Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Donahoe, responded to a possible water rescue at the Monroe Street Bridge. While enroute, companies were updated that SPD was on-scene of a possible suicidal female on the bridge's edge. Minutes later, companies were notified that the female had jumped from the bridge and was seen in the water being carried downstream. The alarm was upgraded to a modified marine response which added the Spokane Valley Fire Department's Water Rescue Team as well as two AMR Ambulances and the AMR Supervisor. The first arriving Chief established command and instituted an incident action plan which allowed for the safe rescue, medical treatment and extraction of the patient from the Spokane River. The SFD Marine Rescue Team was able to enter the River on Water 2 (Boat) and with the shore crews successfully rescue the victim near the area below the Maple Street Bridge. The victim was a 41 year old female that suffered from severe hypothermia and multi-systems trauma and was transported to a Trauma Center. There were no other injuries to responders or civilians reported.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Responding: 32

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

South Battalion Single Family Residence Fire

Incident #:  2011046654
Date of Incident:  11/16/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 04:25 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 3 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of BC Moline and BC Green responded to a residential structure fire at 454 West 28th Avenue on Spokane's South Hill. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes to find smoke showing from the rear of the single story house. The first arriving Chief confirmed that the residents were accounted for and subsequently upgraded the incident to include an additional engine for assistance during the extreme low temperatures. Engine companies immediately went to work to locate, confine and extinguish the fire; while truck companies laddered the roof and ventilated to provide a safer atmosphere for the personnel on the interior. The coordinated fire attack successfully extinguished the fire within 1-hour; however due to the fire's deep seated damage in the attic it required personnel to work for nearly three additional hours on overhaul. Despite the extreme temperatures and ice covered equipment, there were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The home received moderate damage in the roof and attic areas. Residents are not able to immediately occupy due to the damage and structural concerns on from the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $30000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

South Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2011046661
Date of Incident:  11/16/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 15, 2011 at 06:21 AM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of AC Schaeffer and BC Green responded to a Structure Fire reported near the intersection of 8th and South Jefferson on Spokane's South Hill. Spokane Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof of a two-story home converted into a 3-unit apartment. The first arriving Chief upgraded the incident to include the addition of two Engines, AMR Ambulance and AMR Supervisor. Finding fire in two units and the attic space, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarps within the structure and making judicious use of firefighting hose streams on the upper floor and ceilings. Ladder 4 immediately laddered the roof and vertically ventilated the structure above the fire allowing companies inside to stretch hose leads and extinguish the deep seated fire. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the attic and northwest corner of the second floor extinguishing the blaze in just 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit .

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited to two apartment units and some exterior area, the need to secure the building's utilities rendered areas of the home untenable. A total of three families living in the affected residential apartments were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $70000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

South Battalion Civilian Fatality Structure Fire

Incident #:  2011046656
Date of Incident:  11/16/2011
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, November 16 at 04:44 AM , five companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines and one senior ladder under the direction of Battalion Chief Green responded to a double Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 2002 South Inland Empire Way (Iron Wheel Mobile Home Park) in Spokane's Southeast Side. Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from the front of the manufactured home. Firefighters forced entry into the residence, entered the structure and quickly started an offensive attack on the fire while simultaneously providing ventilation of heat and smoke to assist with the search for reported persons missing within the confines of the trailer. The heat and smoke had spread thoroughly throughout the entire structure, however the companies were able to extinguish the main body of fire in just 10 minutes. During the initial phase of fire extinguishment, Firefighters searching the residence discovered two victims. One victim was removed and resuscitative measures started, however they proved unsuccessful. The second victim was not viable. Both victims were declared deceased on-scene and removed by the Medical Examiner. During fireground operations, additional Fire and EMS resources were ordered due to the need for supplementary resources to assist in the treatment of victims and management of the incident. Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. 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 and warning role has not yet been determined.

Cause:
The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit in collaboration with Spokane Police Department's Major Crimes Division. The presence of smoke alarms was confirmed, however possible functional status and warning role has not yet been determined.

Damage:
Two occupants were killed in the fire; a 72 year old male and 65 year old female. The interior of the home suffered intense heat and smoke damage. Structural stability has yet to be determined. Reoccupation of the home is not likely.

# Firefighters Responding: 17

Dollar Loss: $40000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

22 Degrees This Morning!

With the rapid change in the Inland Northwest's weather, we all resort to different methods to warm ourselves and our homes. The SFD asks you to please exercise extreme caution and a little common sense when doing so.

As we promote the annual "Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries" Campaign, it also offers a great opportunity to remind you all, of the inherent dangers associated with fire that may result from improperly functioning alarms in your homes.

When you change your clock, you should change your smoke alarm batteries as well as the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

On another note of preparedness, the SFD strongly encourages everyone to develop and practice a home safety plan. Following, are some helpful Fire Safety Tips to aid in your efforts:

Fire Safety Tips:

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!  Escape first, then call for help from outside. Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Talking about fire prevention and survival with your family, and practicing your home escape plan is something that may not be able to wait for tomorrow.  Do not wait, do it today.

• Install smoke alarms in every room of a property. Consider networked smoke alarms that are linked together so that when one alarm sounds, all of the alarms sound. This immediate response can provide early warning no matter where the fire starts, giving more time to escape.
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas. 
• DO NOT use grills, hibachis or portable gas camp stoves indoors, as a means to warm your homes. All are sources of poisonous carbon monoxide gases.
• Use extreme caution when using portable generators, another source of carbon monoxide.
• Test smoke alarms and CO detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Never disable alarms by removing the batteries or by covering them.
• Know two ways out of every building--your residence hall, apartment, nightclub, restaurant or movie theater. A fire escape ladder can provide an alternate exit from second- or third-floor rooms.
• Properly dispose of smoking materials. Never place smoldering cigarettes in planters or containers not meant as ash trays. 
• Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it BEFORE a fire breaks out.
• Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable items. Be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed.

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

Change Clocks Change Batteries

Incident #:  N/A
Date of Incident:  11/3/2011
Issuing Officer:  Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
When you change your clocks back to Standard Time for November 6, please remember to also check the condition of your smoke detectors. Two out of three persons who die in residential properties in the U.S. each year were living in homes without working smoke detectors. A significant percentage of these victims were elderly who couldn't maintain their detectors or small children who were unable to protect themselves. This weekend, please help your family and neighbors prepare for a fire-safe winter by doing the following: . Read the label on the back of the detectors. If the date of manufacture is before 2001, replace the entire detector. Smoke detectors are not reliable for more than 10 years. This is true of detectors hardwired into the electricity as well as detectors that are simply screwed into the ceiling. They all have a limited lifespan. . Check the label to determine whether you have ionization, photoelectric or photo-ion (dual sensor) smoke detectors. Make sure you have at least one PHOTOELECTRIC or photo-ion smoke detector on each level of your home because, in a slow-burning, smoldering type of fire the photoelectric will sound an alarm as much as 40 minutes faster than an ionization detector. Most fire fatalities are caused by smoke rather than flame. . Replace 9-volt batteries as needed. Lithium batteries last up to ten years. Alkaline batteries must be replaced at least once a year. Make sure that all batteries are securely attached by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm. . Determine how many smoke detectors you need for the size and shape of your home. You must have at least one detector on every level (including the basement) and outside every sleeping area. It is wise to also install detectors in each bedroom since a faster alarm reduces injury and property loss. . Consider giving PHOTOELECTRIC smoke detectors as holiday gifts to family, neighbors and friends. They cost about $15 and they are truly life savers.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

Marine Rescue, South Battalion

Incident #:  2011044496#
Date of Incident:  11/1/2011
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Donahoe

Narrative:
On Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 01:50 the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 Battalion Chiefs, 2 Senior Ladders, 3 Engine Companies 2 Heavy Rescues and both marine companies (Water 2 and Water 16) to a reported man in the river under the Trent Street Bridge at Erie Street. Police were on scene and reported the male had gone under the bridge and was last seen next to a bridge piling. A Fire Fighter on the bridge noticed the male patients hand hanging on to a bridge piling and the Fire Departments Marine Company was quickly directed to the male patient standing in the chest deep water. He was successfully rescued and then placed in the awaiting Ambulance. The 25-year old male was treated for hypothermia by the Fire Department and A.M.R. Paramedics and transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for continued treatment.

Cause:
The incident is under investigation by SPD

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Responding: 24

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002