Saturday, March 22, 2014

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

Media Release

Attic Fire Displaces Three

Incident #: 2014014288
Date of Incident: 03/22/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Saturday, March 22nd, 2014 at 1:05 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 2307 E. Sanson. First arriving crews found an attic that was charged with smoke and once inside, confirmed a fire involving walls, the attic space, wiring and insulation. Three occupants made their way safely out of the building. Fire resources were stretched thin as there was a structure fire on the far north end of town in the Shiloh Hills neighborhood that was ongoing. Engine 17, who was filling in at Station 15 located at Wellesley and Crestline, was first on the scene and began to set the scene up for fire attack, search, and ventilation tasks. They were assisted by Engines 8, 6, 14 and Ladders 1 and 4. Crews confined the fire to the attic and prevented it from spreading to the roof above. In their search of the smoky fire, crews used their thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the source of heat.  The fire was successfully knocked down in short order. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The electrical system in the home was compromised because of the fire and the Red Cross was summoned to take care of the occupants. Avista assisted with the electrical issues and natural gas in the area. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

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

Damage:
Fire, Smoke and Water damage throughout the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $ 30,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista Company, American Red Cross.

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

Media Release

DC10 lands safely at SIA

Incident #: 2014014191
Date of Incident: 03/21/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday, March 21st, 2014 at 7:55 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane International Airport firefighters, and Fire District 10 responded to a reported plane that had an on board fire in a cargo hold area. The plane returned to Spokane International Airport shortly after takeoff and after discovering an alarm that had activated plus what appeared to be smoke in the aircraft. Numerous fire companies and rescue units responded along with AMR ambulance. Once on scene, plans were made to attack the fire, and rescue and treat those on board the aircraft. The plane landed safely and crews made sure the 3 occupants on board were safe and at the same time checked for any signs of heat using thermal imaging cameras and FLIR (forward looking infrared cameras). Crews entered the craft with a water charged hose line and confirmed that there were no obvious signs of heat. The plane was then moved to it’s ramp location at the airport, and the occupants then exited safely from the flight deck. Fire crews thoroughly examined all areas of the interior of the plane for signs of fire and did not find any. The alarm activation was thought to be caused by a problem in the auxiliary power unit on board the aircraft. The scene was turned over to the Spokane International Airport and the investigation will continue.

Cause:
Possibly due to a faulty APU on the aircraft.

Damage:
Damage total appears to be minimal at this time.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 10, Spokane International Airport, AMR ambulance, Airport Police, Airport Operations, TSA.

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

Monday, March 17, 2014

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

Media Release

West Central Explosion

Incident #: 2014013337
Date of Incident: 03/16/2014
Issuing Officer: BC Green

Narrative:
On Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 9:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Quint, 1 Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue Unit under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder, responded to a reported structure fire at 1519 West Gardner Avenue in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood.

While the companies were responding, information was relayed from Fire Communication Specialists that callers were reporting an explosion and at least one person was confirmed injured. Hearing the update, the Battalion Chief reinforced the response with two AMR ambulances and an AMR Supervisor in anticipation of inured civilians. Ladder 4 arrived quickly and reported light smoke showing from the 1 ½ story home and immediately entered the structure to search for victims. Upon entering the residence they encountered a critically injured victim and interior conditions that were described with moderate amount of smoke and extensive damage from a blast. Fearing a potential for a second device or possibility for a natural gas explosion, fire companies removed the victim and quickly completed a primary search for survivors on all floors.  There was no sustained fire as a result of the explosion and one confirmed injury.
 
SFD Paramedics treated the adult male victim and he was subsequently transported to Sacred Heart via AMR urgently for burns and blast type injuries as a result of the explosion. His current condition is not known by the SFD.  

Cause:
The cause is currently under investigation jointly with the SPD and Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Despite blast damage that was contained within the area of the suspected device, there did not appear to be any structural damage to the residence. As a result of the explosion and a need to secure utilities, re-occupation of the home was delayed until the Fire Investigators and Explosion Disposal Unit could systematically search the residence and ensure the occupant’s safety and complete the investigation.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department, SPD EDU

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

Thursday, March 6, 2014

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

Media Release

Change Clock / Change Battery

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 03/06/2014
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AND CHECK YOUR DETECTORS!
 
When you move your clocks ahead one hour to begin Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, March 9, please remember to also check on the condition of your smoke detectors.  Two out of three home fire deaths happen in households without working smoke detectors.  
 
This weekend, please:  
Look at the label on the back of your smoke detectors to determine how old they are. The label should have the exact date of manufacture. If it doesn’t show the date, the detector is likely more than 10 years old. Smoke detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years. This applies to hard-wired smoke detectors as well as the ones you screw into the ceiling or wall.

  • Also locate the word ionization or photoelectric on the back labels.  Make sure you have at least one photoelectric detector on each level of your home.  In a smoldering fire, such as the type that can be caused by electrical problems or smoking materials, the photoelectric detector can sound an alarm up to 40 minutes faster than an ionization detector.
  • Push the test button on your detectors to determine whether the units are correctly connected to power.
  • Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries on your smoke detectors. Alkaline 9-volt batteries should last 1 year.
  • Know whether you have alkaline or lithium batteries. Lithium batteries can last up to 10 years. Once they are finished, the detector itself needs replacement.  Many detectors  on the market now  use different types of batteries: 9-volt, AA, etc
  • If you have problems with “nuisance alarms” when you cook or when someone takes a shower, replace ionization detectors within 20 feet of the kitchen or bathroom with photoelectric units. Photoelectric detectors seldom give a nuisance alarm.
  • Help your neighbors check the condition of their detectors if they are not able to safely reach them to replace batteries or detectors.
  • If you have questions on smoke detectors, please call Spokane Fire Department at 625-7058 or contact Jan Doherty at jdoherty@spokanefire.org.
 

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

Saturday, March 1, 2014

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

Media Release

West Central Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2014010512
Date of Incident: 02/28/2014
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 1024 W. Boone at 22:41 hrs on Friday night, February 28th for  a reported structure fire at that address.  Engine #3, from the near-by West Central Neighborhood fire station, as they arrived on scene reported by radio that there was visible fire showing from a second floor window at the rear of the 2 story wood/framed apartment building and that they were going to advance a pre-connected lead inside the building in an attempt to get at the fire that was rapidly starting to grow in a second floor apartment. The fire was quickly up-graded to a working fire which added an additional Laddder Company to the incident. As additional resources were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included roof ventilation, search and rescue, a back-up hose lead to protect the crew from Engine #3 who were now inside and fighting their way through the stubborn fire that was being pushed by the extreme winds that were developing outside. A second fire attack lead was ordered to assist in the fire fight, a water supply was established, a Safety Officer was assigned, exposure protection assignments were made, and a Medical Division was established as there were reports of a tenant who may have jumped from a second floor window. Additionally a Rapid Intervention Team was assigned in case any fire fighters became lost or injured inside the structure. The Incident Commander requested a second alarm to get more fire fighters to the scene because the intensity of this now wind driven fire was continuing to escalate and the severe cold temperature was creating problems not only in the self contained breathing apparatus, which are the life line for the fire fighters, but also taking a toll on the fire fighters themselves. The ground around the structure and the street out front were covered in ice making the entire area hazardous for the fire fighters so a truck from the Street Dept., loaded with sand , was requested to help with fire fighter footing, an STA bus was requested so the displaced tenants could get out of the freezing weather, and the Red Cross was requested to assist the tenants with temporary lodging. After a couple of hours of persistent and aggressive fire fighting in terrible weather conditions the fire fighters were able to get the fire knocked down and to a point in the incident where some of the resources could be released to return to their Stations. A fire watch was set up to maintain a Fire Dept presence at the scene throughout the night. There were reports of possible injuries to one or two of the tenants and one fire fighter was slightly injured when he slipped and fell on the ice covered ground.  The fire damage to the second floor and the roof of the building is severe and the decision on the building’s future will have to be decided by the owners. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. Eight engines, three senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 40 fire fighters to this incident.
 
 
 
 

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

Damage:
Severe fire damage to the second floor and the roof structure. Smoke and water damage to the basement and first floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 40

Dollar Loss: $ 100,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Fire District 1, Spokane Police Department, Spokane City Street Dept., AMR Ambulance, STA, Red Cross

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

Spokane Fire Department

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