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South Battalion House Fire

Incident #:  2012037574
Date of Incident:  8/31/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 10:42 A.M. on Friday, August 31st the Spokane Fire Department dispatched six engines, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue truck, and two battalion chiefs to a reported house fire at 1914 E. Hartson Ave. The first engine on scene reported a single family one and one-half story wood frame house with heavy smoke and flames issuing from a side window on the main floor. Flames were also spreading up the exterior siding and extending through soffit vents into the attic. Fire attack was immediately initiated, as was a search of the house for any victims. No human victims were found, however, four dogs and two cats succumbed to the heat and smoke. One dog survived the fire with minor injuries. The occupant of the house arrived shortly after the fire was reported and confirmed to firefighters that there was no one in the house at that time. The fire on the main floor was quickly located in a bathroom and knocked down. The fire in the attic proved much more stubborn due to double thickness tongue and groove ceilings and walls, and extensive insulation, making access difficult. Crews had to use chainsaws to open up the roof and siding, as well as interior walls and ceilings to locate and extinguish the spreading fire. In all, 32 firefighters worked at this fire, with several crews remaining on scene for nearly four hours. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. While operations were in progress at this house fire, other Spokane Fire Department crews were dispatched to a severed natural gas line at 29th and Latawah. These simultaneous incidents stretched fire department resources thin as they continued to respond to the usual volume of medical and other calls.

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

Damage:
Damage to the house and contents was extensive. Fire damaged structural components from the basement, through the main and second floors, to the attic and the roof. The house will be uninhabitable until repairs can be made to the structure and its electrical wiring.

# Firefighters Responding: 32

Dollar Loss: $60,000

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Beacon Hill Brush Fire

Incident #:  2012037269
Date of Incident:  8/29/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Yesterday, August 29, 2012, the Spokane Fire Department responded at 11:55 AM to the north side of Beacon Hill on a reported grass fire. Responding fire crews could see a column of smoke from several blocks away. The first arriving crews reported a ¼ acre fire burning in medium to high grass within the timber on the northwest aspect of the hill. The initial fire attack crew worked on controlling the flanks of the fire until additional fire crews from the City of Spokane and the Department of Natural Resources arrived on scene. The fire had the potential to spread up slope however the lack of wind and the fast initial attack by all crews were able to confine the fire to the ¼ acre. Fire crews were on scene for several hours. There were no injuries to any firefighters.

Cause:
The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. Fire crews did find a camp-site at or near the area of origin

Damage:
Damage was confined to the natural vegetation.

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Other Fire Districts Responding: DNR

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5708 N Maple

Incident #:  2012036647
Date of Incident:  8/25/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At 2:08 PM, this afternoon, August 25th, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded to 5708 North Maple Street on a reported structure fire. Responding fire crews reported a column of smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported fire and smoke showing from 3 windows at the northwest corner of a 1-story, wood framed residence with fire quickly spreading into the attic. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, roof ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and fire crews were on scene for several hours to complete the overhaul process. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Eight fire companies with 22 firefighters and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to this fire. Red Cross responded to assist the family of 2 adults and 5 children with clothing, food and housing. The Spokane Police Department was on scene and assisted with traffic and crowd control as Maple Street north bound was closed for 1.5 hours.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the attic and a bedroom located at the northwest corner of the home with heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

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Shadle Neighborhood Fire

Incident #:  2012036299
Date of Incident:  8/23/2012
Issuing Officer:  C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Thursday, August 23, at 11:02 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Rescue , and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 5304 N. Jefferson St. First arriving Engine 13, from the Shadle neighborhood, arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched. Engine 13's officer reported a fire in a single family home with heavy dark smoke showing from the structure. They also reported seeing vehicles parked at the home possibly indicating people inside. Engine 13 set up and attacked the well involved fire that had already consumed the kitchen portion of the home. Subsequent arriving Companies searched the home, extended additional hoses, acquired a water supply and established a Rapid Intervention Team to stand by for safety. The search crews located the family's dog inside the home and brought it to safety outside the structure. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes of arrival. The fire was confined to the kitchen and dining room with heavy smoke and heat damage on most of the first floor. There were no injuries at this fire and the 4 family pets are reported to be in good condition. The fire is still under investigation at this time.

Cause:
The fire is still under investigation.

Damage:
Kitchen and Dining Rooms

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $35,000

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South Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #:  2012035801
Date of Incident:  8/20/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Monday, August 20, at 2:33 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 Ladders, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 633 South Greene St. First arriving SE14, from the Lincoln Heights neighborhood, reported a single car garage burning behind this address. SE14, after ensuring no one was in the garage, began to attack the fire, which by this time had spread to 2 other garages and 2 fences. Subsequent arriving Companies connected to a hydrant to ensure a water supply, pulled additional hoses to keep the fire from spreading further, and ensured all utilities were disconnected. SPD provided traffic and bystander control. Crews were able to minimize the damage to the 2 exposed garages but the original garage was a total loss. One citizen was treated on-scene for minor smoke inhalation by paramedics but was not transported to the hospital. There were no injuries to firefighters.

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

Damage:
The original fire building is a total loss, 2 fences were destroyed, and 2 additional garages received moderate damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $30000

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South Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012035337
Date of Incident:  8/17/2012
Issuing Officer:  B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On Friday, August 17, 2012 at 5:47 pm, 7 companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 4 Engines, and 1 Heavy Rescue, responded to a Structure Fire at the corner of Pacific street and Government Way . Spokane Firefighters from the Brown's Addition neighborhood Fire Station (Station 4) arrived within 4-minutes to find smoke showing from the second floor of a vacant two story structure. Firefighters completed a quick search of the structure as the first arriving Engine Companies attacked the fire and Ladder Companies prepared the roof for ventilation. The well coordinated effort of firefighters extinguished the fire within 1 hour. No injuries were reported.

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

Damage:
The Fire Damage was limited to the room of origin and smoke damage was throughout the second floor..

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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Fire Marshal issues burn restrictions for City of Spokane

Because of the hot and dry conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires, including campfires, have been restricted in the City of Spokane effective today, Aug. 14, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal.  The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions.

Citizens still may use backyard barbecues, chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, as long as approved fuel is used.  Approved fuel includes seasoned (clean and dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires: 

• • Fires must be in designated areas or on private property with approval from the owner.
• • Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.
• • Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.
• o Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.
• • Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist.
• o For one and two-family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance.  Be safe and use good judgment.
• o For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures.  Be safe and use good judgment.
• • Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.
• • Safe wind conditions (no more than 7 mph) must be present. 
• • A Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency “green light” indication for air quality must be present.  
• • Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

Failure to comply with the burning restrictions could have serious consequences.  A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor.  That person can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Please see the attached notice for additional information

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Government Way Incident

Incident #:  2012034634
Date of Incident:  8/13/2012
Issuing Officer:  Von Steuben, PIO

Narrative:
NEWS FROM THE FIRELINE: The Government Way Fire started around 2:30 P.M. this afternoon. Initially the fire spread rapidly due to erratic winds in the area. 60 residents and staff were evacuated from the Holy Names Academy due to the close proximity of the fire. Of the residents 20 were ambulatory and were transported by the Spokane Transit Authority to the Mission House. 10 non-ambulatory and 6 wheelchair residents were transported by American Medical Response and Spokane Transit Authority to St. Joseph's Family Center. As the incident escalated, Spokane Incident Management Team 'A' was dispatched to assist with the management of the incident in coordination with the SFD. 3 Spokane Fire Department units and 2 Department of Natural Resources units will continue with operations on the fire line overnight. CONTAINMENT: 75% SIZE: 5+ acres LOCATION: South of Holy Names Academy, North of the Spokane River. VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN: Grass and Trees. WEATHER: Mostly sunny/clear into the late afternoon and evening. Continued warm into the late afternoon with a high around 95 and overnight low of 60. Winds are expected at 5 to 8 M.P.H. from the Southwest-West with gusts up to 16, decreasing to 2 to 5 after mid evening. PERSONNEL: 75-100 personnel at the peak of the incident. RESOURCES: Spokane County Incident Management Team, approximately 35-45 units were on scene at the peak of the incident including structural engines, brush engines and a bull dozer. AGENCIES & COOPERATORS INVOLVED: Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokane County Fire Districts 3, 4, 9, 10, Stevens County Fire Department and Spokane County Incident Management Team A.

Cause:
Under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

Damage:
All structures were successfully protected.

# Firefighters Responding: 100

Other Fire Districts Responding: DNR, Fire District 1, Fire District 10, Fire District 3, Fire District 4, Fire District 9

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Beacon Hill Brush Fire

Incident #:  201203452
Date of Incident:  8/13/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Jones

Narrative:
On Sunday August 12, 2012 at 6:14 PM, five brush truck companies of the Spokane Fire Department were dispatched to three brush fires located on Beacon Hill. Firefighters arrived to find three different fires on the South face of Beacon Hill burning in light to medium brush. With the resources, of the Spokane Fire Department and DNR these fires were brought under control with in two hours of the reported fires.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation

Damage:
Undetermined at this time

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Other Fire Districts Responding: DNR

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Technical Rescue

Incident #:  2012033468#
Date of Incident:  8/6/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On August 6th 2012 at14:07 pm the Spokane Fire Dept responded to a technical rescue of a male and female occupant of a truck and camper that had left the roadway at T J Meenach Drive just south of the Spokane River. The truck and camper had left the roadway and rolled down the hill to the Centennial Trail where the truck rested upright. The camper then was torn off the frame and continued to roll down the bank towards the river and stopped against a tree. The male driver of the truck and a small dog were out of the truck and in stable condition. The male driver was transported for minor injuries while the dog was taken by Spokanimal for observation. The female patient was in the camper when it rolled down the hill and was ejected and lying next to the camper upon the Fire Departments arrival. The Fire Departments Technical Rescue Team preformed a low angle rope rescue of the patient. The female patient was considered critical and transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Cause:
The Spokane Police Department was still on the scene investigating the cause along with attempting to remove the heavily damaged camper and truck with the assistance of a Tow Truck.

Damage:
Truck and Camper are a total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

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South Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2012033080
Date of Incident:  8/4/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On Saturday, August 4, at 8:42 AM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 2 Senior Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue, 5 Engines responded to a reported structure fire at the corner of 2nd and Bernard in Downtown Spokane. Firefighters from station one arrived within 3-minutes to find heavy smoke and flames showing from a third floor apartment window. Crews made a quick entry using the fire escape on the backside of the building and found the severely burned occupant still in the involved unit. The victim was rescued to the exterior of the building where he received treatment by 2 Advanced Life Support engine company's and was transported to the hospital by an AMR Ambulance where he was being prepared to be transferred to Harbor View. The remaining crews immediately began to attack the fire. Ladder Companies began by laddering the roof and ventilating the interior while engine companies confined the fire to the room of origin. The well coordinated effort prevented extension of the fire and quickly extinguished the fire in approximately 1 hour. There were no additional injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

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

Damage:
The Damage was limited to the room the fire started in.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $20,000

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House fire on East Diamond Ave.

Incident #:  2012033001
Date of Incident:  8/3/2012
Issuing Officer:  Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This evening, August 3, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 7:19 PM to 2720 E. Diamond Ave on a reported structure fire. Engine 15, stationed at Wellesley and Crestline arrived at the Diamond address within 3 minutes of being dispatched. Engine 15's officer reported smoke showing from a 1 ½ story home. Engine 15's officer gave tactical assignments to other responding fire companies and quickly attacked the fire. The home was searched and it was verified that the home's occupants were safely outside. The fire in this structure was brought under control within 10 minutes. Fire damage was confined to 1 bedroom with smoke damage to the upper floor. The fire cause was determined to be accidental overloading of electrical wiring. Six fire companies responded to this incident. There were no injuries.

Cause:
Electrical

Damage:
Fire Damage: Upstairs bedroom.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $8000

End Of Release
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