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Shadle area house fire

Incident #:  2012013038
Date of Incident:  3/30/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 11:36 A.M. on Friday, March 30th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 4218 N. Ash St. The first crew on-scene reported a one story, wood framed house with heavy smoke and fire showing from a front bedroom window. As the first crew advanced their hose through the front door toward the fire, other crews arrived and began a search of the house for any victims. The house was determined to be vacant and no victims were found. The fire was quickly reached and knocked down, but overhaul efforts to complete extinguishment continued for another hour. Fire damage was confined to one bedroom and the attic/roof area above that bedroom. The remainder of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to one bedroom and the attic/roof area above that bedroom. The remainder of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $30000

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North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012012591
Date of Incident:  3/27/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Mike Thompson

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2216 W. Mallon at 07:33 hrs on Tuesday, March 27, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, E3 from the West Central neighborhood Fire Station, reported fire had engulfed the front of the structure. They reported that neighbors identified it to be a vacant house. Later, there were reports that a transients may have been staying in the house. E3 declared a Working fire wich added an additional senior Ladder Truck to the incident. Arriving engine companies stretched pre-connected hose lines into multiple areas of the structure to confine the fire's progress while ladder companies went to the roof to provide vertical ventilation and searched the structure. Fortunately the search found no victims. The very hot and well-advanced fire was brought under control in approximately one hour. Fire damage to the structure was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened by the firefighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls and ceilings. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
The vacant house suffered severe fire damage to the first and second floor living areas and also to portions of the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $80,000

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South Battalion Single Family House Fire

Incident #:  2012012566
Date of Incident:  3/26/2012
Issuing Officer:  Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 5555 S. Cheney Spokane Road at 23:56 hrs. on Monday, March 26th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, L4 from the Browne's Addition neighborhood Fire Station, reported smoke showing from the roof vents and around the metal chimney of a large wood/frame Ranch style residence. They reported also that the residents of the home had safely evacuated and were located outside of the building. The 4 person crew from that first rig on scene used two members of their crew to enter the dwelling to investigate while the other two members set their aerial ladder to the roof of the house in preparation for possible vertical ventilation of the roof. Reports from the crew inside indicated a fire burning inside the walls and ceiling area above and around the fireplace located in the large, main living area of the home. That crew immediately began opening up the wall area above the fireplace and found fire burning on some of the structural framing of the walls and some of the supporting members of the roof system. As that initial crew was working, additional fire apparatus began arriving on scene. E1 from the Spokane Fire Department's Headquarters Station, located in downtown Spokane, was next to arrive on scene and they provided fire attack hose leads to knock the fire down. As still other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, they were directed to stage their apparatus out on Spokane Cheney Road and walk up the approximately 60 foot long uphill, narrow, and winding driveway to the house because access to this home by any additional large fire apparatus was very restricted. Additional water supply for this remotely located house was a concern and so a Water Tender from Fire District 10 was requested to respond to the incident as well. Very aggressive interior work by the crews on scene got the fire knocked down quickly and limited the fire's ability to spread into other areas of the structure, however collateral damage was done to areas of the home in and around the fireplace as crews widened the search area for hidden fire by further opening up the walls and ceilings. Crews worked on this fire for nearly four hours to insure that all of the hot spots were fully extinguished. There were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or civilians on the fire ground. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Preliminary investigation is focusing on a possible failure of the metal chimney system located in the interior walls and running up through the large and fairly open attic area and finally out the roof. Two senior ladder trucks, four engines, one heavy rescue rig, one water tender, and two Command Vehicles, delivered 26 fire fighters to the scene of this late night fire.

Cause:
Preliminary investigation is focusing on a failure of the extensive metal chimney system.

Damage:
Fire damage was limited to the structural framing in, around, and above the fireplace located in the main living area of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $20,000

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 10

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Update, 3/25 North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #:  2012012253
Date of Incident:  3/25/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The nature of this morning's incident has been determined to be classified as accidental. Cardboard was being used as the stove's fuel which led to increased heat production and failure of the wood stove ventilation pipe. The loss from the fire has been updated to $45,000; however the Fire Department's efforts saved many hundreds of thousands of dollars by protecting the nearby home(s) and contents.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #:  2012012253
Date of Incident:  3/25/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Sunday, 03/25/2012, at 01:12 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1127 W Fairview Ave. First arriving SE3, located in the West Central Neighborhood, arrived in just over 2 minutes and encountered a 2 story, wood constructed garage with fire coming through the roof. SE3, after ensuring there was no one in the garage, advanced a hose off their apparatus and began to attack the fire. As additional companies arrived they began coordinated efforts to open all the doors, keep the fire from spreading, and removal of the smoke. The fire was quickly brought under control and was totally extinguished within 1 hour. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Damage was extensive throughout the entire structure with the second floor and roof a total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $20000

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South Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012011745
Date of Incident:  3/21/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Wednesday, March 21, at 06:09 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 Ladders, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported fire in a single family residence located at 1602 E Mallon. The first arriving fire company, SE7, which is located in the Southeast Neighborhood, encountered smoke coming from the front door and eaves of a 600 square foot wood constructed residence. SE7 advanced a hose off of their apparatus to the front door and entered the structure to attack the fire. As other fire companies arrived they began coordinated efforts to search the structure for occupants, keep the fire from spreading, and to remove the smoke. The quick actions of the crews resulted in the fire being confined to the kitchen area with a small amount of extension into the attic. All occupants were accounted for and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The occupants are unable to stay in the home due to the damage and the Red Cross is providing assistance.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU has determined that unattended cooking was the cause of this fire.

Damage:
Direct fire damage was confined to the kitchen and attic with smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $20000

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North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #:  2012011295
Date of Incident:  3/18/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer
Narrative:
On Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 5:30 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Green, responded to a Structure Fire at 2511 North Hamilton in Northeast Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived within two minutes from neighborhood Fire Station 2 to find smoke and heavy fire showing from the second floor of a two-story residence. The first arriving Chief upgraded the incident to a working fire and added an additional Senior Ladder to the scene Finding heavy fire in the upstairs living areas and the attic space, firefighters from the first to engine fought heavy fire and heat conditions up the stairwell to attack the fire; while simultaneously the first arriving Ladder from Station 2 vertically ventilated the roof. Additional companies commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarpaulins within the structure on the first floor and basement while making judicious use of firefighting hose streams. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to primarily the structure's second floor and attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2 hours. There were no injuries reported from either tenants or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.
    
Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited predominately the second floor and first floor ceiling, the need to secure the building's utilities rendered all areas of the untenable. A total of seven residents were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.
   
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $50000

       

 

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Update on 3/16 Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2012010936
Date of Incident:  3/18/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The nature of the structure fire at 2524 North Haven on 03/16/2012 was ruled accidental and the cause determined to be combustible items placed too close to a working fireplace (used as the tenants sole source of heat). A children's cloth covered "la-z-boy" style chair was placed within 2 feet of the fire place and a plastic child's table also placed within 2 feet-far too close.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

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Smoke Detectors Save Family

Incident #:  2012010936
Date of Incident:  3/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
A family of four was sleeping today in their two story apartment, when they were alerted to a fire downstairs by activated smoke detectors. The noon time fire was rapidly growing, when the two adults and children exited down the stairs, passing the fire on their way out of the apartment. Seven fire companies were initially dispatched to this incident located at 2524 N. Haven St.. Responding apparatus reported a heavy dark column of smoke in the distance, and the responding Battalion Chief requested two additional companies be placed into the call. Fire crews from Station 15 and Station 2 arrived within seconds of each other. Command was established by the company officer from Ladder 2. L2 reported a two story triplex apartment with heavy fire showing on the first and second floors of the middle unit. Crews immediately advanced hose lines to this center unit and a search of the building was started to verify that everyone was out. Arriving fire crews were assigned to back up Engine 15 whose crew was attacking the main body of fire and to provide a water supply to their engine. Additional hoses were brought into play to confine the fire from extending into the adjacent apartments, and protect another large structure that was a potential exposure hazard at the rear of the triplex. Roof ventilation was performed to release heat and control the spread of the fire from moving across the common attic. This fire was brought under control within twenty minutes by aggressive fire fighting by the Spokane Firefighters. The fire was confined to the apartment of origin and the attic space above it. This fire unit sustained heavy loss throughout. Both adjacent apartments sustained smoke damage. There were no injuries at this incident. The family escaped with each other and the belongings they carried out with them. The family is being assisted by the local Red Cross. The Red Cross continues to provide a wonderful service, assisting those who have lost everything in events like this. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The Spokane Fire Department wants to emphasize the importance of properly working smoke detectors. This time of year, we recommend that every family check their smoke detectors and replace the batteries. We encourage them to go through this process again in the fall when we move back out of "daylight savings".

Cause:
Fire cause is still under investigation.

Damage:
See above.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $75,000

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North Side Flooding of Streets and Apartment Units

Incident #:  2012010857#
Date of Incident:  3/15/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On March 15th from approximately 18:00 till 20:00 the Spokane Fire Dept responded on three separate incidents on the north side of Spokane due to flooding issues from the heavy rain. The first incident occurred at the intersection of Monroe and Dalton where there was a foot of water on the arterial. A Zips restaurant and a private residence were threatened from the rising water along with a safety concern from the vehicles losing control in the deep water. Two engine companies blocked Monroe until the Street Department could put up barricades. The engine companies also kept the storm drain covers clear of debris which protected the occupancies until the waste water crews arrived on scene. Monroe was reopened to all traffic by 7:30 pm. At the same time another engine company was assisting occupants with two flooded apartments in the north east section of the city. Two families were displaced by the water damage. The last storm related incident that the Spokane Fire Dept responded on was a threatened home at Wellesley and Lincoln at 7:11 pm. Crews protected the affected home by keeping the storm drains clear and blocking west bound traffic. Wellesley was reopened to all traffic at 8:00 pm.

Cause:
Heavy Rain

Damage:
Two apartments had water damage to the carpet, flooring and personal contents.

# Firefighters Responding: 10

Dollar Loss: $8,000.00

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Attic Fire On South Hill

Incident #:  2012010896
Date of Incident:  3/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday March 16th, 2012 at 12:25 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded companies to an attic fire at 404 W. 25th on the South Hill. Engine 9 from their neighborhood station at 18th and Bernard was the first truck to arrive and found light smoke coming from the eaves on one side of the house. Attack hose lines were advanced to the interior of the house as crews searched for the origin of the smoke. After a search using their Thermal Imaging Camera, crews were able to pinpoint the heat concentration to an area just above the ceiling over the living room of the home. Fire crews then rapidly pulled down the ceiling in this area to expose the hidden fire with the intent to hit the fire with hose streams. They were able to accomplish this in just a few minutes and declare the fire as knocked down. A total of 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, a ladder truck, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this fire. The cause at this time appears to be electrical. The Spokane Fire Department Investigation Unit will be continuing their investigation.

Cause:
The cause appears to be electrical in origin. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit will follow-up.

Damage:
Moderate damage in the attic from the fire. Smoke damage to contents in living area.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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Gender Diversity In the SFD...

 

 

So what of gender diversity in today's SFD?

The Spokane Fire Department hired our first woman firefighter on September 18, 1989.

Today there are 13 WOMEN Firefighters filling responsibilities as Operational Firefighters, Paramedics, Fire Equipment O...perators, Lieutenants and Division Chiefs.

Still more women hold key positions in SFD’s Divisions that oversee our Administration, Fire Prevention, Training and Support Services.

...and what of the SFD’s future?

You can help us share word of our need to hire, retain and empower a truly capable and dynamic workforce. Detailed information about the demands and rewards of a career with SFD - and how any motivated man or woman can start the process, are available year-round by calling 509-625-6160 or visiting the SFD website at http://www.spokanecity.org/jobs/

2012 Stairclimb for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

Congratulations to the 25 SFD members (listed below) who participated in and finished the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb that occurred yesterday (3/11) in Seattle. They were outstanding representatives of SFD and their efforts raised at least... $12,895 landing them in the top 10 fund raising teams who participated in the event. Overall the event raised over $950,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Thanks to all of you for your time, dedication and commitment to prepare for and to complete this great event as well as for your super representation of SFD!

SFD Members:
Jesse Ayotte, Brandon Bacon, Ty Bruner, Scott Butler, Kurt Cole, Mark Donais, Ted Eagle, Steven Harms, Michael Johnson, Adam Knapp, Logan William, Chris Long, Emmett McNamee, Dale Michael, Patrick Moore, Jeremy Mulvey, Darin Neiwert, Tom Oliver, Scott Semprimoznik, Shane Skipworth, Kelly Smith, Kevin Smith, Mark Tellez, Brian Turpen, Jeffrey Webb.

 

For more details go to:  http://www.llswa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FF_Results

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Change your clock / Check your detectors

Incident #:  n/a
Date of Incident:  3/10/2012
Issuing Officer:  Jan Doherty / Public Education Officer

Narrative:
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AND CHECK YOUR DETECTORS! When you move your clocks ahead one hour to begin Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, March 11, please remember to also check on the condition of your smoke detectors. Two out of three home fire deaths happen in households without working smoke detectors. Or put another way, 1860 of the 2800 persons who died in their homes from smoke and fire last year would likely still be alive today if there had only been a fresh battery in their smoke detector. This weekend, please: . Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries on your smoke detectors. Keep a supply of batteries on hand in case your detector ever begins to "chirp" in the middle of the night. . Alkaline 9-volt batteries should last 1 year. Lithium 9-volt batteries can last up to 10 years. If your detector begins chirping and it has a lithium battery, it is telling you that the whole detector needs to be replaced. . Read the information on the back of your smoke detector to determine two important facts: age and type of detector. If the manufacture date is before 3-11-02, replace the detector immediately. Smoke detectors are not reliable for more than 10 years of service, even if the horn still makes a beeping sound. If you just have ionization detectors in your home, add at least one photoelectric detector on each level of the house this weekend. While ionization detectors alert to fast burning fires up to 55 seconds faster than photoelectric, photoelectric detectors alert to slow-burning, smoldering fires up to 40 MINUTES faster than ionization models. . If you have problems with "nuisance alarms" when you cook or when someone takes a shower, replace ionization detectors within 20 feet of the kitchen or bathroom with photoelectric units. Photoelectric detectors seldom give a nuisance alarm. . Help your neighbors check the condition of their detectors if they are not able to safely reach them to replace batteries or detectors. . If you have questions on smoke detectors, please call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058 or contact Jan Doherty at jdoherty@spokanefire.org.

Cause:
n/a

Damage:
n/a

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North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012009771#
Date of Incident:  3/8/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday March 8th 2012 at 01:16 am six companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported structure fire at 5727 North Fotheringham. The first arriving engine company reported heavy fire and smoke showing out of an attached garage of a single family dwelling and quickly attacked the fire. When the Battalion Chief arrived the fire was upgraded to a working fire and called for another senior ladder along with an extra engine company. Crews were assigned to attack the fire, search for occupants, ventilate the roof and protect the home next door from the escalating fire. The occupants of the home had self evacuated and were found safe in a neighbor's home. The displaced family was going to be staying with friends and Red Cross was not notified. The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes and crews remained on scene until 06:30 am overhauling the fire. No injuries to firefighters or residents were reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit but appears to have started in the attached garage.

Damage:
The involved home sustained fire damage to the garage, roof and first floor with water damage to the basement. There was also radiant heat damage to the homeowner's boat and truck. The next door neighbor's home to the south also sustained siding damage due to the radiant heat.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $100,000.00

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South Battalion Warehouse Fire

Incident #:  2012008970
Date of Incident:  3/2/2012
Issuing Officer:  Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 207 N Crestline at 16:51 hrs on Friday afternoon, March 2nd, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving company Officer reported a large 1 story high metal sided warehouse with smoke showing from all corners and the roof. Additional reports from that Officer stated that the warehouse was heavily loaded with pallets of paper products and that some of those pallets were burning freely and embers spreading inside the structure were igniting more fires in the stored material. As additional resources began arriving on scene they were given assignments that focused directly on getting more hose lines into the building to attempt to halt the spread of the rapidly growing fire that was still being contained in the warehouse. A second alarm was requested to get additional resources to the scene since it was becoming obvious that the fire was not going to be controlled by the initial crews already on the scene. The amount of material stored in the building, the manner in which it was stored, the type of building it was stored in, and the unknown status of the building's structural members were just some of the factors used to make the decision to pull all firefighters out of the structure and shift from an aggressive offensive attack inside the structure to a defensive strategy where the fire would be fought from the exterior. Stored paper goods are notorious for absorbing the water being used to control the flames and becoming dangerously heavy as they absorb that water. As they get heavier they almost always begin to start to collapse triggering a chain reaction that is every bit as dangerous to the fire fighters inside as an actual building collapse. Once the situation began to stabilize inside the structure crews were judiciously used to enter the building and drive the 5 vehicles that were inside to the exterior parking lot. The main body of fire was finally darkened down after about three hours, but flare ups and smoldering fires would continue throughout the night so City Fire crews were to remain on scene until daylight. Members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit were going to begin the task of trying to determine the cause of this fire on Saturday morning. A decision on the removal of the burnt and/or water saturated paper products in the warehouse as well as the status of the building itself will have to be determined by the business owners. A fire fighter was injured slightly at this fire with a twisted ankle, but other than that there were no additional reports of injuries to fire fighters or civilians. Seven Engines, three Senior Ladder Trucks, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles delivered 37 fire fighters to the scene of this stubborn fire.

Cause:
Currently under investigation.

Damage:
Total loss of the stored contents inside the building. Possible damge to the structural integrity of the warehouse itself from the high temperatures that were reached as the fires burnt freely inside the building.

# Firefighters Responding: 37

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

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