SFD News and Information: April 2013

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

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Update

Incident #: 2013016963
Date of Incident: 04/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
** Update Residence Fire at 5414 North Martin **

The cause of the fire has been determined as incendiary and the Spokane Fire Department’s SIU made an arrest early this morning in connection with the fire. Ruth Edmonson (53 y/o) was taken into custody by officers at the scene and booked into Spokane County Jail charged with Arson 1^st Degree. The building at 5414 North Martin is dividing into three separate apartment units of which Edmonson was the tenant in unit 1. Preliminary evidence indicates that Edmonson started multiple fires in unit 1 that ultimately endangered the lives of occupants living in units adjacent to her apartment.

Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Martin Street Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013016963
Date of Incident: 04/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This morning at 2:08 AM Spokane City fire crews were dispatched to 5414 North Martin on a reported structure fire. Engine 15 from the neighborhood fire station arrived on scene first and reported a fully involved apartment on the west end of a single story, Tri-Plex. Engine 15 initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while the first in ladder company crew completed a search and vertical ventilation to remove the smoke and heat from the structure. Additional fire crews on scene assisted with exposure control to make sure the fire did not extend into the adjacent apartments and to a home located to the south of the building of origin. Fire company's responding to this fire consisted of 4-Engines, 2-Ladders, a Rescue truck and 2-Battalions Chiefs for a total of 24 personnel. One civilian was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and there were no reported injuries to firefighters. Avista responded to assist for natural gas and electrical concerns and Red Cross arrived on scene to assist any displaced tenants.

Cause:
At this time members of the Spokane Fire Departments, Special Investigation Unit will be on scene through out the day processing the scene to determine an origin and cause.

Damage:
Fire damage was confine to the apartment of origin with with smoke damage to the adjoining unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 50000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

End Of Release
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Thursday, April 18, 2013

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South Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013016262
Date of Incident: 04/18/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
This morning, April 18, 2013 The Spokane Fire Department responeded at 10:16 AM to 1110 S. Adams on a reported apartment fire. Engine 4 from the Brownes's Edition Neighborhoood Fire Station was the first crew on scene and reported smoke showing from the front door of an apartment in a residence converted to a triplex. They made a quick, aggressive attack on the fire while the Ladder crew ventilated the structure. After a search it was determined no occupants were in the structure. There were no reported injuries.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU is investigating the incident.

Damage:
Damage was limited to one of three apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000

End Of Release
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Monday, April 15, 2013

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Boston Marathon Statement

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 04/15/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Obviously, everyone is likely aware at this point that an attack has been made on the citizens and visitors of Boston. Two loud explosions shattered the excitement of the Boston Marathon finish line this afternoon and the consequences of the blasts have resonated throughout the nation. The Boston Fire Department has reported though the media that two people were killed and that at least 23 were injured from the blasts. The firefighters and staff of the Spokane Fire Department have several coworkers, friends and citizens from Spokane that were participating in the race. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people who have been affected from this attack. We are extraordinarily grateful for the professionalism of Boston Fire and Police Departments and all of the race volunteers that acted as first responders. Additionally, we also want to make sure that our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who may end up be dealing with a very difficult situation over the next several days as the criminal investigation ensues and families are reunited with athletes.

###

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Hillyard Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013015810#
Date of Incident: 04/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday April 15,2013 at 8:12 AM 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to a structure fire at an apartment building at 5717 North Regal. While companies were responding Dispatch reported that a 911 caller had reported flames and smoke visible from a second floor apartment unit. At this time the responding Chief added another Senior Ladder to the call. E-15 from Wellesley and Crestline arrived on scene, advancing a pre connect attack lead to the second floor apartment and achieved a quick knockdown of the fire.Other companies were assigned to ventilate the structure, search for extension of the fire and complete a search of the entire building. Occupants on the first floor were evacuated and the second floor was vacant due to remodeling. After the building was checked for fire extension and ventilated all the occupants were allowed to return to their apartments. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit has determined the fire was caused by combustibles to close to an electric wall heater.

Damage:
There is fire damage to the carpet and one wall along with smoke damage throughout the affected apartment unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 5,000.00

End Of Release
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Sunday, April 14, 2013

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Telecommunicators Week

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 04/14/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
April 14^th through April 20th is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

The Fire Communication Specialists, Supervisors, Operations Manager and Communication Division Chief are all being recognized as Spokane’s heroes this week.

The Combined Communications Center (CCC) is a critical element of the Spokane Fire Department’s first-rate Fire/EMS system. The team of communication professionals protect the public's health and safety by directing 911 callers through life saving procedures; and provide a “zero response time” to care when every second counts. Specialist are able to evaluate patient’s medical signs and symptoms and provide life-saving medical instructions to callers through voice or TTY methods. Additionally, they are trained to rapidly interview callers and provide instruction and advice for innumerable types of incidents such as hazardous material spills, wildland fires and special rescues. Their contribution to medical care and overall life saving efforts provided to our citizens is incredible and occurs over 59,000 times annually.

The CCC is also responsible for maintaining accountability of all fire personnel and equipment/apparatus, and when required, to assign the appropriate resources to incidents for all Fire/Rescue agencies in Spokane County. In addition, the CCC uses computer aided dispatch technology combined with each individual specialist’s experience to relocate physical resources in order to provide adequate protection to all areas of the 1,781 square miles of Spokane County.

The SFD’s Communication Division consists of nineteen personnel: thirteen Fire Communication Specialists, four Fire Communication Supervisors and an Operations Manager. The Division Chief is accountable for the provision of strategic leadership on fire communication efforts in Spokane County and for the administration of the fire communications system. The Division Chief also works with regional partners in Eastern Washington to further collaboration and cooperation on communications interoperability efforts.

###

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Friday, April 12, 2013

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Natural gas leak ignites

Incident #: 2013015378
Date of Incident: 04/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 0804 hrs. this morning, Friday, April 12^th, the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported residential gas line break at 1118 E. Bridgeport Avenue. The first crew arrived on scene within 5 minutes, and reported a broken natural gas line in the back yard of the single family house. The escaping gas had ignited, creating a blowtorch effect, which quickly ignited the house and the backhoe that had been excavating in the back yard.
Fire crews confirmed that the occupants of the house, and the backhoe operator had escaped uninjured, and were accounted for. After addressing the civilian life safety concerns, the strategy to mitigate the incident turned to an aggressive fire attack on the structure and backhoe, without extinguishing the natural gas fire, while awaiting the arrival of Avista crews to stop the flow of gas. Firefighters were concerned that extinguishing the gas fire prior to shutting off the gas flow could lead to the potential for a catastrophic explosion. Strategically placed hose streams protected the house and backhoe from further flame impingement, while allowing the gas to burn off harmlessly until Avista crews were able to expose and clamp the natural gas line a safe distance away.
Meanwhile, additional fire crews attacked the structure fire from inside the house, and were able to confine the fire spread to the wall and roof area closest to the gas leak. Fire Department and Avista crews remained on scene for several hours securing the gas line and overhauling the burned portion of the house, searching for any hidden hot spots. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. The residents were allowed to reoccupy the house after the incident.

Cause:
The incident was caused by a contractor excavating in the back yard of this address, in preparation for replacing a sewer line to the house. During the excavation process the natural gas line was accidentally severed, allowing gas to free-flow. An undetermined ignition source, possibly static electricity, ignited the gas.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to several exterior walls and a section of roof, with minor interior smoke and water damage. Natural gas service to the house was stopped until the gas plumbing within the house could be inspected and any repairs made.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

End Of Release
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House Fire On West End

Incident #: 2013015358
Date of Incident: 04/12/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday April 12^th, 2013 at 1:28 A.M. The Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 524 S. Audubon in the Government Way/Sunset Blvd area of the city. Engine and Ladder 4 from their neighborhood fire station location of Riverside and Maple were the first crews to arrive and found a one and a half story wood frame dwelling that was fully involved with heavy fire. A smaller storage shed converted into a living space was next to the house and was also on fire. A defensive strategy was planned due to the heavy fire involvement and weakening structure. Because of this, crews were limited in their tactics and had to maintain an exterior position and fight the fire from the outside. Hose lines from the ground position staffed with numerous firefighters and an aerial master stream from Ladder 4 were used in the containment of the fire. The storage shed sustained only exterior damage and the entire interior was spared due to the efforts of the exposure crews. It took 1 hour and 25 minutes to knock down the fire mostly due to the large void areas in the walls and roof of the dwelling. Fire crews maintained their defensive position through the night until daylight dealing with flare-ups and spot fires. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department is currently investigating the fire. There were no reported injuries.

Cause:
Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Dwelling was totally destroyed. Storage shed sustained exterior damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 200,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista Company (Electrical and Gas)

End Of Release
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Thursday, April 11, 2013

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Natural Gas Leak In Comstock

Incident #: 2013015273
Date of Incident: 04/11/2013
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Thursday April 11^th, 2013 at 1:48 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to the vicinity of 29^th and Bernard on a natural gas leak coming from a larger natural gas line buried under the street. Fire station 9 members from their neighborhood location of 18^th and Bernard arrived along with the Special Hazardous Materials Team from station 1 in downtown Spokane to find an ongoing gas leak with construction crews nearby. The area involved was soon found out to be from Bernard to Howard along 29th including 28th. An immediate evacuation was ordered for the surrounding homes in the area along with a protection hose line and water supply from the nearest hydrant. Some neighboring homes were evacuated and others were allowed to shelter in place as crews systematically checked for gas that could have migrated with their detection equipment. No explosive limits of gas were detected and after 24 minutes from the time of call, the leak was stopped by the Avista crews shutting down numerous valves. There were a total of 51 homes affected by the shutdown. The cause was reported to be a track hoe operation in the street. Avista and firefighters contacted the evacuated homeowners and allowed them back into their residences. It is unknown at this time what the duration of the gas outage will be. The Avista company will remain at the site until repairs are made.

Cause:
Track hoe operation.

Damage:
Natural gas piping.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ 5,000

Other Agencies Responding:
The Avista Company

End Of Release
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Sunday, April 7, 2013

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Arsonist Arrested

Incident #: 2013014534
Date of Incident: 04/06/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit was actively investigating a series of four intentionally set fires in the Browne’s Addition yesterday during April 6, 2013. The first incident was a dumpster fire at 2^nd Avenue/South Chestnut Street (7:00M and 1:25PM) and was soon followed by trash cans and assorted items at 2100 West 3^rd Avenue (3:44) and South Browne/Pacific Avenue (4:01PM).

The fires, which primarily consisted primarily of rubbish, occurred throughout the day and was at first considered a random spree of arson, but based on eye witness reports, was investigated as work of the same arsonist.

The investigation into these purposely set fires was led by the SFD’s Special Investigation Unit, working closely with officers from the Spokane Police Department's Patrol Division. The subsequent police presence in the neighborhood led to the arrest of Philip B. Lewis, 47 for Second Degree Arson.

Anyone witnessing active fire, fire-setting or imminent danger to life and property is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Cause:
Arson

Damage:
Trash containers.

# Firefighters Responding: 3

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Arsonist Arrested

Incident #: 2013014534
Date of Incident: 04/06/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Cause:
Arson

Damage:
Trash containers.

# Firefighters Responding: 3

End Of Release
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Technical Rescue (Follow-up)

Incident #: 2013014314
Date of Incident: 04/05/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
At 9:24 AM on Friday, April 5, 2013, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a "Technical Rescue" at 901 East Sinto. A routine response was dispatched initially and even more resources were called to the scene when it was confirmed that one male employee was injured 12-15 feet below the surface and in need of help. The incident would require a very technical rescue to be performed by the SFD’s Technical Rescue Team. Once all technical aspects of this emergency operation were addressed and assembled by the nearly 18 personnel on-scene, two Firefighter/Paramedics descended into the area and completely immobilized the victim preparing him for the mechanical accent. The 29 year-old, male employee was found in and out of conscious at the bottom of the foundation with a head injury. He had apparently lost his balance while working above the foundation, resulting in the fall. A male co-worker, his father, was not injured as he attempted to assist in his son’s misfortune. Once rescued, the patient was treated and then transported to a local hospital for definitive care.

While the entire incident took much longer, the "Technical Rescue" was accomplished in just over one hour. There were no other injuries reported.

Cause:
The accident is under investigation by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Damage:
The patient has been released from Sacred Heart Hospital and is resting at home. While his injuries were serious, his family is optimistic that he will return to work and resume his routine.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

End Of Release
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Hillyard Neighborhood Fire

Incident #: 2013014632
Date of Incident: 04/07/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Sunday April 7^th, 2013 at 10:10 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a structure fire at 2204 E. Heroy in Northeast Spokane.

Firefighters from Station 15 arrived in 3 minutes to find a single family dwelling with smoke showing out of both gable vents of the attic. The Responding Chief at this time upgraded the incident to a working fire adding and additional Senior Ladder, AMR Ambulance and an AMR supervisor to the scene. Companies were assigned to attack the fire, secure a water supply, ventilate and provide a search for possible occupants. The home proved to be unoccupied at the time of the incident. The fire was located by a thermal imaging camera in ceiling above the bathroom and was declared knocked down within 20 minutes. Companies remained on scene for approximately 2 hours opening up surrounding walls and ceiling to remove any smoldering insulation. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit has determined that the fire started in the attic above the bathroom and is electrical in nature.

Damage:
The bathroom walls and ceiling along with part of a master bedroom wall and ceiling were either damaged by fire or damaged in the process of checking for extension of the fire and overhauling the smoldering insulation. The occupant’s belongings were covered with salvage covers and were not damaged. The power to the home has been disconnected by Avista. The family of four has been relocated and is staying with other family members until structural and electrical repairs can be made to the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

End Of Release
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SFD News and Information

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

SFD Media 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

Thursday, April 18, 2013

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

Monday, April 15, 2013

SFD Media 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

Sunday, April 14, 2013

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

Friday, April 12, 2013

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

Thursday, April 11, 2013

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

Sunday, April 7, 2013

SFD Media 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

SFD Media 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

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