SFD News and Information: July 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

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

West Plains 3rd Alarm

Incident #: 2013033997 Date of Incident: 07/29/2013 Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday July 29, 2013 at 4:25 AM, 5 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Moline and Donahoe responded to a reported residential apartment fire at 7723 West State Route 2.

The first fire company arrived within just minutes of being dispatched, due to the proximity of the Station 6 to the apartment units located in the newly annexed area on the West Plains. As Engine 6 arrived they reported a large amount of fire and heavy smoke showing from the two-story apartment building complex and almost immediately requested the incident to be upgraded to a working fire. The initial companies were faced with a rapidly escalating fire that had begun to spread to other areas of the building and had already vented through the roof. Without knowing the status of residents and fearing for multiple rescues from occupied adjacent units, a second alarm was requested at 4:33 AM with a special request for two ambulances with an AMR Supervisor. The sheer numbers of firefighters needed to force entry, search, ventilate and suppress the fire from the second floor eventually led to a third alarm being requested at 5:11 AM. The incident commander's tactics combined with aggressive firefighting were successful in containing the fire to the primary area of origin while simultaneously protecting the safe egress for occupants.

Fifteen citizens occupied the wing of the apartment building affected by the fire and were all accounted for and escaped safely (some with firefighter assistance). Five occupants lived in the unit of origin (2 adults and 3 children): Three of those were evaluated by Paramedics for injuries but none were transported by ambulance. It took just over an hour for the 45+ firefighters to confine and extinguished the blaze and limit loss for the occupants.

Cause: The cause is under investigation by the SFD’s SIU and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

Damage: The majority of the 16-unit apartment complex was saved and damage was limited primarily to two units. Firefighters are expected to remain on-scene all morning protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations.

# Firefighters Responding: 45

Other Agencies Responding:Fire District 10, Airway Heights FD, Fairchild AFB, Washington State Patrol

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

Friday, July 26, 2013

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2125 W Sinto Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013033580
Date of Incident: 07/26/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Spokane City Fire Department was dispatched today at 5:50 PM to a reported structure fire at 2125 W. Sinto. First arriving fire crew was Engine 3 from their neighborhood fire station at Indiana and Ash and they reported a 1.5 story wood frame residential structure with smoke showing from the south side of the home. Upon further investigation they found a fire at the back of the home that was extending up the siding and into the interior of the home. They initiated fire attack from the exterior and prevented the fire from spreading to the homes attic while other fire crews attacked the fire from the interior preventing the fire from extending into the main floor and the 2^nd floor.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the rear of the house, the back porch and the attic on the southeast corner of the home with smoke damage throughout the second floor. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista

End Of Release
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Monday, July 22, 2013

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

Outdoor Fire Restrictions

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 07/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Lisa Jones/Division Chief

Narrative:
*************************************************************************************************************************
FIRE MARSHAL ISSUES RESTRICTIONS ON OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FIRES FOR THE CITY OF SPOKANE

Due to the hot, dry conditions, specific outdoor recreational fires (campfires, fire pits, fire bowls, etc) are prohibited in the City of Spokane effective today, July 22, 2013, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal. The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions. Also click on the SFD website for info. This information is consistent with the unincorporated areas of Spokane County, the Cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Millwood.

At this time, Citizens may still use portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, provided the appliance has a spark arresting device and a chimney, approved fuel is used and weather conditions support safe recreational fires. Approved fuels include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.

Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

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.

Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A-rated portable fire extinguisher.

Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet in general).

For one and two-family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. Be safe and use good judgment.
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: https://spokanecleanair.org/current-air-quality

Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

Unsafe or otherwise restricted fires will be required to be extinguished. 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. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Spokane safe!

Cause:
Fire hazardous conditions in the local area.

End Of Release
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South Battalion Fatality Fire

Incident #: 2013032624
Date of Incident: 07/22/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 12:13 A.M. on Monday, July 22, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported mobile home fire at 2311 W. 16^th Ave. Callers reported that there may be victims trapped inside the structure. Responding crews observed a glow in the area as they approached. Engine and Ladder 4 arrived on scene in 7 minutes and reported a mobile home well involved in fire. They immediately began a coordinated search and fire attack in the structure. Search crews located two deceased victims in the main fire building. A secondary search confirmed that there were no other victims in the structure. Fire crews arriving subsequently provided structure protection to the mobile homes on either side of the fire building. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. A limited overhaul of the fire building was conducted, while final overhaul and extinguishment is pending investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and the Spokane Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. At the time of this media release the cause of this fire is undetermined and still under investigation. The identities and information about the victims is being withheld at this time until the investigation is completed and any relatives notified.

Cause:
Currently under investigation.

Damage:
The main fire building is a total loss. The mobile homes on either side of the main fire building sustained minor heat damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista, AMR

End Of Release
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Friday, July 19, 2013

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

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013032112
Date of Incident: 07/19/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Today at approximately 8:20 AM fire crews from the Spokane City Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 3418 E. Marietta. Responding crews reported heavy smoke visible from several blocks away and had dispatch upgrade the incident to a working structure fire to add an additional ladder company to the overall response. Engine 8 from the neighboring fire station arrived on scene first and reported intense fire showing from the front window of the home and fire coming out the front door and extending to a second home to the west. They also reported that one and possibly two victims were inside the home and aggressively initiated fire attack from the front of the structure. Ladder 2 arrived on scene and was assigned to search/rescue and entered the structure from the back door starting their primary search. The lone victim of the fire was found in the front room of the home by search crews and died from his injuries received from the fire. All other responding fire crews assisted with vertical ventilation, water supply and overhaul. There were no other injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department, Special Investigation Unit and they have not determined a cause at the time of this media release.

Damage:
Fire Damage was confined to the front living room, kitchen and attic of the home with smoke and heat damage throughout. The house to the west of the home of origin received heat damage to its vinyl siding and windows.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 70,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

End Of Release
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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

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

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013031398
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 35 E 28^th Ave. at 17:09 hrs on Monday afternoon, July 15^th, for a reported structure fire at that address. Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported by radio that there was light smoke coming from the roof area of the house and that they were going to force entry into the structure. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to check for fire, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to be in position should roof ventilation be required, other crews were assigned to begin pulling ceilings in the main floor and to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene Safety Officer was assigned, and the mandated RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter. Fortunately the sole occupant of the house was not at home at the time of the call. Fire crews found some defective or damaged wiring in the ceiling and walls that had been producing enough heat, especially in the attic space, to actually have nearly burnt through some of the roof system's structural members. Avista was requested to respond and their crew disconnected the electrical power to the structure. The home owner arrived on scene after getting off work and mentioned that he had experienced some electrical problems in the home lately. Since electrical service to the home had been disconnected, Red Cross was requested to assist the homeowner with temporary lodging until the house could be repaired. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained damage on the main floor. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, one senior ladder, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 20 fire fighters to this incident. Some of the initial arriving crews were returned in service after being on scene for only a few minutes as the calls for service in other parts of the City were rather high on this particular afternoon.

Cause:
Currently under investigation by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Ceilings in the living room and kitchen were pulled and some walls were opened to find the smoldering fire. Some structural framing in the roof system was damaged by long term exposure to heat producing wiring.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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South Regal grass fire

Incident #: 2013031382
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At approximately 3:30 PM Spokane City Fire crews were dispatched to the Palouse Highway and South Regal Street on a reported grass fire. Fire crews arriving on scene reported heavy smoke in the area with fire slowly moving through a vacant lot east of Regal Street. Station 11 crew initiated a direct fire attack at the head of the fire while crews from Fire District 8 assisted with water supply and indirect attack. Several workers from a nearby construction site were also on scene prior to our arrival using shovels to dig a fire line around the fire. Crews were on scene for several hours for mop-up and the size of the fire was determined to be 1/3 acre. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the vegetation in the vacant lot.

# Firefighters Responding: 17

Dollar Loss: $ ##

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 8,

End Of Release
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2627 N Howard Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013031440
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
At approximately 9:00 PM on July 15, 2013 Spokane City Fire crews were dispatched to 2627 North Howard on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this location reported smoke and fire showing from several blocks away. The first crew on scene reported a 2-car brick garage in the alley was fully involved in fire with fire extending to a second garage to the north. A quick initial fire attack using 2 attack lines for the fully involved garage and a 3^rd hose line for the garage to the north resulted in a fast knock down of the fire. A female occupant of the home who had been working in the garage where the fire first started reportedly had burns to her legs and feet and was transported to a local hospital prior to our arrival. There were no injuries to firefighters. Crews remained on scene for 2 hours completing overhaul and assisting in the investigation process. Avista gas and electric crews arrived on scene and removed hazards as needed and Spokane Police assisted with traffic control.

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

Damage:
The 2-car garage was a total loss with fire damage to the garage to the north.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 30000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, Avista

End Of Release
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Monday, July 15, 2013

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

South Battalion House Fire

Incident #: 2013031270
Date of Incident: 07/15/2013
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 410 W 31^st Ave. at 00:09 hrs on Monday morning, July 15^th, for a reported structure fire at that address. Rescue 9, from the neighborhood fire station located at 18^th and Bernard, was the first apparatus to arrive on scene. The officer on that apparatus reported by radio that the rear of the house was fully involved by fire and that the fire was threatening a camp trailer and a boat that were stored in the back yard. That first arriving Officer radioed the Fire Dispatch Center and requested that the fire call be up-graded to a “working fire”. This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. As fire crews began arriving on scene they were assigned to various tasks which included initial fire attack, a back-up hose line to protect the crew already going inside to attack the fire, a secondary fire attack lead, water supply, a ladder crew to go to the roof to open up the roof to remove the heat and pent-up toxins that were developing in the attic space, another ladder crew to enter the structure to begin pulling down the ceilings in the main floor and to do a thorough search of the home for any potential victims, a Scene Safety Officer was assigned, another attack lead was stretched to the rear of the structure where the fire was burning freely and that had already consumed the rear deck and much of the back of the home, and the mandated RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) was established for any needed rescue of a lost or down fire fighter. Fortunately all the people who had been in the home had safely exited the building and were located outside. The coordinated work done by the fire crews on scene resulted in a knock-down of the fire which had spread very rapidly throughout the main floor and the basement of this split-entry wood/frame family home. Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours overhauling the scene and searching for any signs of hidden fire. A fire crew remained on scene through the night to locate and extinguish any stubborn fire that was still burning. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained very severe fire damage on all floors and part of the roof was burned away, most of the contents were damaged by either the fire or the heavy black smoke that was present in all rooms of the structure. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Four engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident. City Police were on scene to provide traffic control.

Cause:
Under investigation by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Very severe fire damage on all floors, part of the roof was burned away, many structural members of the building's framing were seriously damaged, a majority of the contents of the home were burned or suffered smoke damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, AMR Ambulance crew

End Of Release
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Brush Fire/ South Hill

Incident #: 2013031212
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 4:00 PM, three Type 6 Brush Engines and two Structural Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Clive Jones responded to a brush fire on the hillside above 2113 East 7th Avenue.

Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 1/4 acres of medium to heavy brush burning along the Ben Burr Trail System’s steep hills just below 8^th Avenue.

First arriving Chiefs quickly assessed the need for structure protection, as ground crews hiked in to reach the bulk of the flames in the steep terrain. As more companies were called into action, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance towards the homes. In one case, the fire was stopped just 15 feet from reaching a residence on 8^th Avenue.

With relatively slow wind speeds being 8 mph, a relative humidity of 30%, and the temperature at 82 degrees, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 2 hours. Due to the strong efforts of the firefighters, this wildland fire was completely extinguished with no injuries.

Cause:
The fire was purposefully caused and the Fire Department's investigators are searching for suspects. Information regarding this incident can be shared confidentially with investigators via the SFD's Tip Line at 344-FIRE (3473).

Damage:
Damage is limited to wildland (brush, grass and the trail system). All of the structures were effectively protected.

# Firefighters Responding: 15

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Sunday, July 14, 2013

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

South Hill Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013031086
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:

On Saturday July 13, 2013 at 8:06 PM during the 2^nd alarm fire on Atlantic, remaining SFD companies were dispatched to a house fire at 2108 East 7th Avenue. A total of 4 engines from the remaining in-service companies with Chiefs Williams and Schaeffer responded.

The first company arrived within 6-minutes and reported a one-story, single family home with smoke showing from the address side of the structure. Engine 7 and Engine 14 stretched hoselines and secured water supply while firefighters prepared to make entry. It took 8 Firefighters just 10 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to contain the damage to the kitchen and immediate area and prevent it from spreading into the adjoining ceiling and attic areas. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident. Fire companies from District 1, District 9, AMR and District 8 were utilized to cover the City during the multiple simultaneous incidents. Off-duty firefighters were also called back to staff two reserve apparatus so that the mutual aid companies could return.

Cause:
The nature of the fire was accidental and caused by cooking.

Damage:
Damage was limited to the kitchen area and firefighters prevented extension to the ceiling/attic areas.

# Firefighters Responding: 14

Dollar Loss: $ 2000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Fire District 8, Fire District 9, American Medical Response, Avista

End Of Release
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2nd Alarm-Commercial

Incident #: 2013031082
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Saturday, June 13, 2013 at 7:55 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Cornelius and Sabo responded to a commercial building fire at 1004 North Atlantic Street (Benthin & Associates).

While responding, firefighters were notified that 911 callers were reporting smoke emanating from the rear of a building near Division and Cataldo. The first company arrived within 3-minutes and confirmed heavy, pressurized smoke from the rear of the 50’ x 70’ building located on Atlantic. The incident was upgraded to a working fire by the first arriving chief officer, which added an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and AMR Supervisor.

Ladder companies had to force entry into multiple sides of the building which allowed engine companies access into the interior areas where they successfully located a well involved, intense fire. Later arriving ladder companies opened large areas in the roof with chain saws and axes to assist crews working on the building's interior by releasing heat and improving visibility. While attacking the fire, engines companies also performed a rapid, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims and found nothing. The fire was extinguished in approximately 90 minutes and the last fire companies left the scene after overhaul work approximately 2:00 AM. There were no injuries to civilians during this incident, and one firefighters was treated and released from heat exhaustion.

Cause:
The cause of the fire appears accidental and resulted from a cooking fire that was built in a concealed area near the rear of the building.

Damage:
The structural damage to the building is primarily located in the rear of the structure, near the fire's origin. There is smoke damage throughout, however the overwhelming majority of the structure was saved.

# Firefighters Responding: 32

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department, American Medical Response, Avista

End Of Release
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Fire damages several buildings

Incident #: 2013031038
Date of Incident: 07/13/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 2:30 in the afternoon of July 13, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported detached garage fire at 3132 S. Manito Blvd, in Spokane’s Manito Neighborhood. The first units on scene reported a two-car detached garage fully involved with a car inside. Neighbors stated that there may have been a victim inside the garage, so crews began advancing hose leads with the intent of attempting to locate and remove the possible victim. Fortunately, the homeowner, who was thought to be the victim, was identified outside the structure. He did suffer first and second degree burns to his hands, and was treated by Spokane Fire Department paramedics at the scene. Crews then directed their efforts to confine the rapidly spreading fire. In addition to the primary garage fire, a storage building, a neighbor’s house and garage, and the house associated with the primary garage were burning or beginning to burn. Because of the large volume of fire, the number and type of structures exposed to the fire and the burn victim, a second alarm was called. In all, 43 firefighters on 9 engines, 2 pumper ladders, 2 ladder trucks, 1 heavy rescue truck and 2 battalion chiefs responded to this incident. The main body of fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. Crews worked aggressively to cut off and extinguish fire in the exposed structures. All fire was extinguished within one hour, but crews remained on scene for 3 more hours completing overhaul and final extinguishment. One firefighter suffered a hand laceration and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. He was later released from the hospital but was not allowed to return to work until further follow-up by a physician.

Cause:
The cause of this fire was investigated by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit and determined to be accidental.

Damage:
The primary fire garage was a total loss, with the exposed buildings receiving varying levels of damage. The house at this address sustained damage to the siding and roof, as well as smoke and water damage throughout the interior. It will not be habitable until repairs can be made. One vehicle was destroyed and one was heavily damaged. Damage to the multiple structures and vehicles is estimated at $100,000.

# Firefighters Responding: 43

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, American Medical Response for medical transport.

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

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

All Fireworks Are Illegal in Spokane

This July marks the 21st anniversary of a complete fireworks ban in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated parts of Spokane County..

Because of the ban on individual consumer fireworks, fireworks-related fires in the City of Spokane between June 28 and July 6 dropped from an average of 104 in the ten years prior to the ban to an average of 5 in past nineteen years. Another way to say this: we have NOT had an average of 99 fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane the past 19 years. This adds up to 1,881 fires that did not impact people and property! Most residents obviously understand and appreciate the ban.

Common fireworks are NOT “Safe-and-Sane”! There are still more than 8,0

00 fireworks-related injuries serious enough to require emergency room care or hospitalization each year in the U.S. during the July 4^th period. Nationally, most fireworks injuries involve devices that are legal under current federal law. Children under age 15 suffer the highest rate of injuries from fireworks. Sparklers account for a significant percentage of burn injuries. Sparkler bombs have become an additional concern. Partners who strongly support consumer fireworks bans throughout the U.S. indicate the type of damage often associated with common fireworks : The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Hand Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Center for Injury Research & Policy, Emergency Nurses Association, Fire Department Safety Officers Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, International Fire Marshals Association, National Fire Protection Association and Prevent Blindness America.

Individual fireworks are NOT cheap entertainment! Millions of dollars in direct property damage occur each year in less than a 2-week period as Americans celebrate their July 4^th Independence. In recent years, the Colville Tribe lost $15 million in timber from a bottle rocket launched from a boat on Lake Roosevelt and taxpayers lost over $8 million in damage to schools in Washington State. The “big 3” of firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles have been illegal throughout the State of Washington for more than 60 years. Fines for using fireworks in Spokane start at $513. Violations of the Spokane ban on consumer fireworks can be reported to Crime Check at 456-2233

Spokane Fire Department encourages the community to celebrate the Fourth of July by enjoying the annual public fireworks display in Riverfront Park.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

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

July 1 Basement Fire

Incident #: 2013028871
Date of Incident: 07/01/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Batt. Chief

Narrative:
A working smoke detector alerted a north side family to a fire in their basement tonight. Family members were alerted around 21:04 hours and found a well developed fire in the family room of their basement. 911 was called and the Spokane Fire Department dispatched six fire apparatus and 20 firefighters to the incident.
Crews from Logan neighborhood’s fire station 2, (Hamilton and North Foothills Blvd.) were the first to arrive. Captain Ken Miller reported a home fully charged with dark smoke and visible fire showing from basement windows on the southeast side of the home. His crew was immediately split to provide a search of the home verifying occupant safety while setting up for an interior attack on the basement fire. Incoming units were assigned to secure a hydrant water supply and provide for ventilation and additional back up hose lines. Engine 2’s crew fought their way down the interior stairs, and extinguished the fire. The quick response and decisive actions by the arriving firefighters brought this hot basement fire under control within 10 minutes.
There were no injuries at this incident and the local Red Cross is assisting the 3 adults and 3 children that have been impacted by this fire. Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and fire investigators will follow up with determining the cause on Tuesday.

Cause:
Still under investigation.

Damage:
Structual damage from fire in basement. Smoke damage throughout home.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 25,000

End Of Release
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2013 Spokane Fireworks Ban

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 07/01/2013
Issuing Officer: Lisa Jones, Fire Marshal

Narrative:
Hi there!

It’s time to talk to the Community about the 21^st year of the Fireworks Ban in Spokane and the impact fireworks use has on us all. We have last year’s press conference on YouTube, and it’s been viewed several times, so I take that as a good sign!  I appreciate your representation in years past helping to spread the word.

The press conference is brief and is a great opportunity to share the different perspectives with the community.
Here’s a link to last year’s event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHBoR_YJfG8

Who:                     You or your organization’s representative and anyone else you can think of who is affected
What:                   Fireworks Ban Press conference
Where:                SFD Training Center, east of SCC, Field house – same as last year
When:                  Tuesday, July 2, 2013, 10:30 am

I am happy to shorten my part of the spiel to have you or your representative/s speak! Please let me know if that can happen. Thank you!

Lisa Jones, Fire Marshal
Spokane Fire Department
(509)625-7040 office
(509)435-7050 mobile

Partner in Safety

Spokane Fireworks Ban

Fireworks are dangerous! Most unsuspecting people don’t realize that even sparklers are dangerous causing the majority of burns and injuries to children, because they burn at approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit¹ and they are often considered safe for children and incorrectly downplayed as a hazard. Preventable fires and painful burn injuries result every year from consumer use of fireworks. Public safety officials urge residents to celebrate safely and legally this Independence Day. This is the 21^st year of the fireworks ban in the unincorporated areas of Spokane County, the Cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake and Millwood. Spokane Fire officials thank community members who obey the fireworks ban.

Many people don’t realize that the following items are considered illegal explosive devices and are illegal anywhere in the State of Washington: Firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, M-80's or larger, cherry bombs, any improvised device such as tennis ball and sparkler bombs. Felony charges can be brought against people found guilty of possessing or discharging illegal explosives. “Safe” use of fireworks is misleading, as fireworks are inherently dangerous causing painful preventable injuries, deaths and fires.

Although July 4^th is still marred by the sight and sound of illegal consumer fireworks in and around Spokane, the holiday period is dramatically safer in our community since the ordinance. In the 10 years prior to the ban, there was an average of 104 fireworks-caused fires just in the Spokane city limits during the 9-day period of June 28 through July 6. In the past 20 years, that average has held at an average of 5 fire incidents.

On an operational level for Spokane Fire Department, that means we no longer have to “stack” 9-1-1 calls because every crew is out fighting fireworks-caused fires and there is no one to quickly respond to a medical emergency created such as a heart attack, stroke, or auto-collision. For emergency room personnel in Spokane-area hospitals, it means an 83% reduction in the number of injuries caused by exploding fireworks. (Last year, none of the six persons treated locally were injured in the Cities of Spokane or Spokane Valley.) For homeowners, the dramatic reduction in fireworks-caused fires has encouraged families to vacation away from their home because they no longer feel the need to stay in town watering down the roof in fear of stray bottle-rockets or worrying about terrified pets.

Unfortunately, there are still people throughout the community who believe they have the right to celebrate their independence by defying the ordinance and disrupting the peace and safety of the neighborhood. Violators not only annoy neighbors and terrify pets, they also create a very disturbing environment for returning veterans who suffer from the effects of PTSD and unexpected noise or explosions. Report fireworks violations to Crime Check at 509.456.2233. The penalty fine for Spokane City begins at $513 per incident. The Fire Department encourages the public to enjoy outdoor fireworks displays put on by the professionals.

Notes: 1. “CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington,” Press Release, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), June 28, 2000.

Directions to Spokane Fire Department Field House

• Exit freeway at Freya Thor exit

• Go north across freeway, THOR becomes S FREYA ST, continue across Sprague Ave., and Broadway, over the bridge that crosses the RR tracks

• Stay straight to go onto N FREYA WAY. 0.34 miles

• Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto N GREENE ST. 0.06 miles

• Turn RIGHT onto E MISSION AVE. 0.45 miles

• Turn LEFT onto N REBECCA ST.

• Turn right at Fire Station 8 (first driveway)

• The Field House is now in front of you. (Parking to your left or immediately in front of Field House.)

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Monday, July 29, 2013

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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

All Fireworks Are Illegal in Spokane

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

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Monday, July 1, 2013

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