SFD News and Information: January 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

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

Fire In NW Spokane

Incident #: 2013004820
Date of Incident: 01/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 31, 2013 at 01:59 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 6018 N. Greenwood Blvd. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee from Station 16 arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of being dispatched. (Station 16 is located at Assembly and Sanson.)

Captain McNamee reported over the radio that they had a single story home with smoke showing from the rear of the home and around the eaves. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain McNamee made immediate contact with the family living in the home and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the rear side of the home and attic area along this rear side. These efforts brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 2 1/2 hours overhauling the fire damaged areas and assisting the occupants.
Investigators determined that a fish smoker on the back porch started the fire which moved up the outside wall and into the attic. There were no injuries reported, although one of the occupants was treated for smoke inhalation. (This occupant had used a garden hose to extinguish some of the fire on the home’s exterior.) The local Red Cross is assisting this family with their immediate needs.

Cause:
Electical Fish Smoker

Damage:
Kitchen, two bedrooms and rear attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 35,000

End Of Release
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Monday, January 28, 2013

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

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013004344
Date of Incident: 01/27/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 27th at approximately 8:41 PM, Spokane City fire crews were dispatched to 2728 North Smith on a reported structure fire. Fire crews from Station 2 arrived on scene within a matter of minutes and found a 1-story wood framed residential structure with fire on the exterior siding of the homes east side (back) with fire extending into the attic. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire on the exterior of the home however the fire had already entered the attic requiring fire crews to ventilate the roof from above with crews pulling ceiling from the interior to get at the fire in the attic. Fire crews were on scene for 2 hours and there were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters. Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the home occupants which consisted of 4 children and 2 adults who were displaced because of the fire.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The fire caused damaged to the structures exterior siding and attic with smoke damage within the homes interior.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 15,000

End Of Release
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Friday, January 25, 2013

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

Body of tenant discovered

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 01/25/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
While completing the investigation of yesterday’s fire at 1203 West 8^th Avenue, crews discovered the body of the tenant hidden in a closet. The tenant was a 50-year-old man; his name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The man was found approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, lying on the closet floor concealed by heavy clothing, which had fallen after plastic hangars that held them melted from the intense heat.

Major crimes detectives from the Spokane Police Department responded after the man was discovered, as did the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy will be performed; a cause of death has not yet been determined.

I will be available at the location at 1200 to answer specific media inquiries and discuss the incident in greater detail.

*Media, please call and RSVP (625-7002) as the time available is limited here at the scene.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Thursday, January 24, 2013

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

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013003779
Date of Incident: 01/24/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Thursday, January 24, at 4:19 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 ladder companies, 5 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1203 W 8th Ave. Rescue 9 arrived first from it's 19th and Bernard station and reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 6 unit, wood constructed, 3 story apartment building. While several crews were initially directed to search the structure to ensure all occupants were out, others were directed to attack the fire, make sure the fire did not extend to other areas, and remove the smoke. Fortunately all occupants exited safely and were sheltered for the duration of the incident in an STA bus. The fire was located in a bedroom on the first floor and was extinguished within 40 minutes. 6 occupants were displaced and the Red Cross was providing assistance to them. SPD provided units for traffic control and AMR kept an ambulance unit on standby. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit

Damage:
Damage was confined to 3 apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

End Of Release
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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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

Ferris High School Incident

Incident #: 2013003567
Date of Incident: 01/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department was requested this morning (1/23/2013) at 08:46 AM by a Spokane Public School Resource Officer to assist with the identification of chemicals found in the remnants of an exploded device at Ferris High School (3020 East 37^th Avenue). The device was located in a second floor hallway in the campus’ ‘F’ building. The device was discovered by staff after it had exploded and caused a loud noise and resulting spread of liquid through a 15’ x 15’ area in the hallway. After the device had exploded, Ferris Staff immediately isolated the area, called the Fire Department and began investigating the situation in detail.

Once on scene, the Fire Department began an investigation in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department. Two Spokane Public Schools employees received minor injuries resulting from exposure to the vapors and direct contact from the liquid remaining in the hallway post-blast (one janitor burn on hand and one school resource officer with inhalation injury). The employees were evaluated by Fire Department Paramedics and released in their own care. Evidence was collected by SFD Investigators and sent immediately to SFD HazMat Technicians for analysis. The results of the analysis indicated one of the chemicals used in the device was a strong acid which substantiated the injuries experienced by the two employees.

SFD, SPD and Spokane Public School Officials were still on scene at Ferris High School when another device exploded in the Ferris School “Commons Area” at approximately 1110 AM. Subsequently, school officials and public safety officers immediately responded to isolate the area and protect the students. The students were instantly accounted for; and their safety was ensured using the established procedures in the school’s internal disaster plan. Since a unified command structure was already in-place (Fire, Police and Spokane Public Schools), resources were diverted and reinforced from all agencies to deal with the escalating challenges within the school. A significant response of resources from all of the agencies resulted in a calm and professional mitigation of the incident which included an early release of students; evidence collection and criminal investigation. The entire school and property was thoroughly searched for any evidence of another device and nothing has been found. Through the collaborative efforts of the Spokane Schools Security, Police and Fire Departments and others, a juvenile suspect was quickly identified and has confessed to investigators. Additionally, through information gained from the interviews and the subsequent search of school property, officials feel confident that this was an isolated incident and Ferris will be open for students in the morning as per the normal schedule. The juvenile may face criminal charges as well as financial restitution for the public safety response. Those details will be determined later in the week.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Responding: 14

End Of Release
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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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

Warming Fire Burns Duplex

Incident #: 2013003393
Date of Incident: 01/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 22^nd, 2013 at 4:42 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire inside a duplex at 1540 E. South Riverton. Engine 8, from their neighborhood station at Mission and Rebecca was able to arrive within minutes and found a fire that had been in a fireplace now extending into the flooring and flooring system below. Assignments were quickly made to the other units arriving which included fire attack, ventilation, search, water supply, backup and rapid intervention. It was soon discovered that 4 teenage boys had been inside the structure and were attempting to heat it with wooden pallets that they had cut into pieces. The electrical system had been shut off due to a previous fire on January 16^th, 2013 that was unrelated to this fire. That fire was confined to the attic space. This fire had extended into wooden flooring in front of the fireplace and consequently, had burned downward through the flooring and into the floor joists below. Ladder 2 stationed at North Foothills and Nevada, had cut an area approximately 3 feet by 3 feet to expose this burnt area properly for final extinguishment and to make sure the fire had not extended any further horizontally through the void spaces. All of the boys had made it out of the duplex without injury. The mother of two of these boys was staying at a local motel as a result of the first fire. The Red Cross is currently handling this most recent case and will be making arrangements for the family. The Avista Company arrived and did confirm that the electricity had been shut off. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is handling the final phases of the investigation process. The Spokane Fire Department Prevention Division has also been notified for any necessary follow-up. All occupants have been told to vacate these premises due to the unsafe condition of the flooring until repairs can be made.

Cause:
A warming fire in the firplace that escaped to adjacent wood flooring and sub flooring.

Damage:
Extensive damage to a 3 foot by 3 foot square area of flooring. Minor smoke damage throughout first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000 estimated

End Of Release
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Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

With temperatures now below freezing, pipes and faucets near or in exterior walls may be at
risk of freezing and bursting, resulting in a water problem when warmer temperatures return.
The Spokane Fire Department advises individuals to take the following preventative measures and know how to shut off the water to their home in case of emergency.

• In your home, you may have pipes located in the exterior wall because they serve a
fixture that is placed against that wall. While they may be somewhat insulated, they
can still become cold enough to freeze. In the case of a sink, it may be helpful to
open the cabinet doors under the sink to allow warm interior air to warm the wall.
You can also leave a trickle of water running from the faucet.

• Exposed pipes in the attic, basement, or crawl space can also be at risk of freezing. Leaving a trickle of water running from a faucet farthest away from the water meter can be helpful. You can also wrap insulating material or electrical wire heating wrap around the pipes. This can be purchased at any home improvement store.

• Never use a propane torch or an open flame to thaw a pipe due to the risk of igniting
wood beams, flooring, and other combustible materials around pipes. Hair dryers
should also be avoided due to the risk of electrocution. As water freezes, it expands.
With enough expansion, pipes can develop cracks which are not apparent at first, but
begin to leak as the ice melts. In the case of a broken pipe, shut off the water valve
and contact a professional plumber or fire and water restoration company. These
companies are located in the Yellow Pages, and they have the skills and equipment
to remedy any water damage and get your home quickly back in order

Monday, January 21, 2013

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

MLK Event(s)

Incident #: Date of Incident: 01/21/2013 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer
Narrative: Today, the Spokane Fire Department remembers the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with supreme admiration. Dr. King proved to the world just how much good one human could accomplish in such a short lifetime. Dr. King lived in a world that resisted his demands for equality and social justice. He fought constantly against hatred and intolerance using the tools of education, peace and understanding. In the simplest sense, Dr. King served the citizens of the United States with vision and leadership, which has resulted in freedoms of justice and respect for all—essentially defining the character of our nation. One of the primary purposes of Public Safety is to protect social justice and the guarantee of an equal, just, and safe society. Dr. King’s passion and vision can be found throughout our organization daily in our diverse workforce, the compassionate medical care in the streets and homes of our community and in the heroic actions taken by our members to save lives during the threat from all risks.

The Annual Unity March starts in a few minutes and will begin at the Spokane Convention Center, 334. W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Both the Fire and Police Departments have been planning for several weeks to guarantee the safety of the march and will be present throughout the day. We will be posting on our Twitter Feed @spokanefire throughout the day to distribute messaging if needed regarding any changes. After the parade, from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m., the Community Resource Fair will take place at River Park Square, first and second floors, and Children’s Learning Resource Fair, River Park Square, second and third floors.

All of the events are free and open to the public. Get out, enjoy and experience the Spokane Community at our best.

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

Friday, January 18, 2013

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

North Side Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013002857
Date of Incident: 01/18/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 18, 2013 at 11:41 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 629 E. Gordon Ave. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Ken Miller from Station 2 arrived within 4 minutes. (Station 2 is located at North Foothills Blvd. and Nevada.)

Captain Miller reported that they found a single story duplex with smoke and fire showing in the front unit. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain Miller made immediate contact with the families living in the duplex and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for.

A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the kitchen and the attic area directly over the kitchen. These efforts brought the fire under control within 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 1 ½ hours overhauling the fire damaged area and assisting the occupants. Investigators determined the fire cause to be electrical in nature. There were no injuries at this incident. The families are currently being assisted by the Spokane Red Cross.

Cause:
Electrical

Damage:
Fire in Kitchen area and Attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

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 Side Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013002857
Date of Incident: 01/18/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Cause:
Electrical

Damage:
Fire in Kitchen area and Attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

End Of Release
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Thursday, January 17, 2013

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

Steps to Prevent the Flu

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 01/17/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Every year, an estimated 5% to 20% of the United States populace suffers from seasonal influenza, aka “the flu.” While many consider the flu "just a bad cold," in reality, each year in the U.S., it's estimated that 200,000 or more are hospitalized for flu complications and thousands will die from flu related causes. In light of the announcement that a Spokane resident has died from the flu, it is even more important to remind everyone of the overall impact the flu can have on our community AND how to prevent it.

Many people are classified as high risk for the flu by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These groups include the elderly, young children, caregivers – including our firefighters, and people with chronic illness. Vaccination is valuable for everyone, but it is especially important for those who are considered high risk. In addition, it is recommended that any person in close contact with someone in a high-risk group get vaccinated.

Flu can also burden the health care system, including AMR and Spokane Firefighter/Paramedics, who already treat hundreds of people each day with a multitude of illness and injuries.

That's why the we (and @spokanehealth) are encouraging you to practice six simple habits that can minimize your risk:

Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Speak with your physician today about getting a flu vaccination or using antiviral medication. Getting a vaccination and practicing these Six Simple Habits can be a lifesaver for you and those you love. To learn more, visit: FLU.gov

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013002498
Date of Incident: 01/16/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Wednesday, January 16, at 0146 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 heavy rescue, 1 ladder company, 5 engines, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported fire in a residence with injured occupants. SFD medic units were initially dispatched to a report of an injured person at this address but the incident was upgraded to fire response based on further information. SE7, located in the Southeast neighborhood, arrived first and reported smoke coming from a 1 story residence with three injured occupants outside. AMR Ambulance arrived and began to care for the injured occupants while fire crews prepared to enter the structure to search for further victims. As additional crews arrived they were directed to advance fire attack hoses, assist with searching the structure, and remove smoke. SPD assisted by cordoning off the area and providing crowd control. No other occupants were found during the search and the fire was located in a bedroom at the rear of the structure. The patients were transported to SHMC and their condition is unknown at the time of this release.

Cause:
Under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Investigators

Damage:
Damage was confined to the rear bedroom with heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

End Of Release
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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

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

Basement Fire in Home

Incident #: 2013002293
Date of Incident: 01/14/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Monday, January 14^th at 17:02 hours, the Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched 6 fire apparatus to a reported house fire located at 1639 E. Glass Ave. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Ladder 2, responding from Fire Station 2 located at North Foothills Blvd and Nevada. Ladder 2’s Captain, reported a basement fire with smoke showing from the front door of the home. Station 2’s firefighters verified that all occupants were out of the home, but communicated over the radio that the family was unsure of the location of their dogs.
Command was established, and firefighters went to work. A hose line was advanced into the burning basement by Lt. Todd Chism and Firefighter Steven Harms, both off Engine 2. Other crews were simultaneously assigned to search the home for the missing dogs, secure a hydrant’s water supply and provide additional hose lines to curb the fire's extension while protecting crews working inside the home. Both a Safety Officer and a Rapid Intervention Team were established, and in place if needed.
Within 10 minutes, E2 reported that they had the fire knocked down in the basement. Two of the dogs had been accounted for and one was still missing. The fire was confined to the basement with heavy fire damage on this level of the home. The first floor of the home sustained smoke damage, but very little damage otherwise. Primary and secondary searches were made by fire crews, however, they were unable to account for the one missing dog which may be wandering somewhere in the neighborhood. Spokane’s Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. The Red Cross volunteers do a great job in helping Spokane families in time of need.

Cause:
The cause of this fire has been determined to be one, accidental in nature. Investigators found an electrical space heater that had been left too close to combustibles. The fire department wants to remind everyone the importance of monitoring portable electrical appliances and leaving an adequate clear space around them while they are in use.

Damage:
Extensive fire damage to contents in basement, smoke damage on first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

End Of Release
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Saturday, January 12, 2013

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South Battalion Duplex Fire

Incident #: 2013001969
Date of Incident: 01/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire apparatus and their crews to 1306 E. 29^th Ave. at 15:14 hrs on Saturday, January 12th for a reported structure fire. The first arriving apparatus on scene was Engine 11, located in the upper South East section of the City, and they reported smoke visible in the windows of one of the units of the duplex at that address. The crew from Engine 11 announced that they were going to enter the structure and begin an interior attack on what they believed to be was a kitchen fire in that unit. As additional fire crews began arriving on scene they were given assignments by the Incident Commander that included providing water supply from a fire hydrant, an Incident Safety Officer, search and rescue of the unit on fire and additionally to force open the front door of the neighboring unit in the duplex as neighbors had reported that they thought the tenants might still be inside. Other crews were assigned to ladder the structure and to be in position should vertical ventilation be required on the rooftop, some crews were assigned to enter the fire unit and help with the pulling of ceilings and opening walls to get at any concealed fire in those areas and the deployment of a RIT Team to be in position should the rescue of a lost or injured fire fighter become necessary. Fortunately the search found no victims in the building and the fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes. Fire damage to the kitchen in the unit was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened up by the fire fighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls, ceilings, and attic space. The areas of the unit not damaged by the fire itself were severely damaged by the heavy smoke conditions that were present. The Red Cross is assisting the tenant of the fire unit and her family with temporary lodging and the Spokane City Police provided much needed traffic control on a very congested 29^th Ave. There were no reports of any injuries to fire fighters or to the tenants of the duplex. Four engines, one ladder, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles responded to this incident with 20 fire fighters on scene to get the fire confined and extinguished. The Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit has determined that the cause of the fire was an accidental fire related to the preparation of food in the kitchen.

Cause:
Cooking related fire.

Damage:
Total loss of the kitchen in the fire unit, considerable smoke damage to the rest of the fire unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

End Of Release
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

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Bus Fire In East Central

Incident #: 2013000095
Date of Incident: 01/01/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Tuesday January 1^st, 2013 at 1:07 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2106 E. Broadway. Engine 7 from their station located at 1^st and Magnolia in the East Central Neighborhood was first to arrive and found a fully involved 40 foot bus converted into a living space. Hose lines were stretched rapidly to confine the flames and to develop a water supply off of the nearest fire hydrant. The bus was parked near a travel trailer and a structure used as a shop and office. Flames were now shooting through the roof of the bus so additional attack hose lines were placed to prevent the further spread of fire to these neighboring exposures. Both occupants that lived in the bus narrowly made their way to safety and were not injured. The fire was knocked down after the arrival of the first engine company in 13 minutes. The shop next to the bus and travel trailer were effectively protected and did not sustain any damage. Spokane Fire Department investigators were soon on the scene and began their investigation. Avista’s electrical division was also on the scene and examined the overhead wiring that was partially involved in the fire. A total of 25 firefighters responded on this fire. AMR ambulance stood by the scene in the event there were injuries to civilians or firefighters. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of this fire was due to combustibles placed too close to a wood burning stove. The bus was a total loss.
As fire crews responded to this fire, it was reported that one of the occupants was making repeated attempts to retrieve belongings from inside the bus. The Spokane Fire Department cautions the public in this action and reminds everyone to exit the occupancy as quickly as you can and once out, stay out. The occupants in this fire were very very lucky they were not seriously injured. Many injuries and fatalities have occurred after re-entry of occupants. Please plan and practice an exit drill for your occupancy in case of fire. Make sure everyone understands the plan and knows where to meet once out of the structure so a "head count" can be taken. Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order and test them regularly.

Cause:
Combustibles placed too close to a wood burning stove.

Damage:
The converted bus was a total loss. This includes the bus, contents within the bus, and some wiring insulation overhead.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 40,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista's Electrical Division

End Of Release
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Spokane River Rescue

Incident #: 2013000084
Date of Incident: 01/01/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Tuesday January 1^st, 2013 at 11:45 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department with its Technical Rescue and Water Teams responded on a request from the Spokane Police Department to a person in distress in the Spokane River. Spokane Police had been pursuing suspects in a vehicle in the West Central Neighborhood when one of the suspects fled the stopped vehicle and jumped into the Spokane River near the Monroe Street Bridge. As the suspect struggled in the frigid waters, numerous Spokane Police officers were able to successfully pull him from the water to safety on shore just upriver from the Maple Street Bridge. As they waited for Fire Department arrival, the officers kept the suspect warm and dry with blankets and hot packs to keep him from developing hypothermia. Fire Department paramedics and firefighters continued treatment of the suspect and helped him walk to the top of the embankment where AMR ambulance was waiting for transport to Deaconess Hospital. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Dive Team was also in the response as was the Valley Fire Department Water Team for support. Once it was confirmed the suspect was warm, dry, stable and in custody, the response was canceled and turned over to the Spokane Police Department and Spokane Fire Department paramedics and firefighters.
With winter upon us, the water temperatures in the Spokane River are very cold. Water temperatures near the freezing mark can cause death in as little as 15 minutes. After just a few minutes in this kind of water, mental confusion and lack of muscle control take over and the exposed person is no longer able to swim. Please use caution when near the Spokane River.

Cause:
Suspect, while be pursued on foot, decided to jump into the Spokane River.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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SFD News and Information

Thursday, January 31, 2013

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Monday, January 28, 2013

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Friday, January 25, 2013

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Monday, January 21, 2013

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Friday, January 18, 2013

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

Thursday, January 17, 2013

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

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Saturday, January 12, 2013

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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

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