Gas generator in basement sickens three

 

**********************************************

GAS GENERATOR IN BASEMENT SICKENS THREE

TRIO HAD SEVERE EXPOSURE TO CARBON MONOXIDE

**********************************************

A gas-powered generator operating in the basement of home that had lost power sickened three Shadle area adults late Wednesday and sent them to a hospital for treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

The Spokane Fire Department urges people who are relying on portable generators for power following the massive wind storm to operate them outside of structures. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide that builds up inside homes and other indoor spaces.

 

Exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, oil, kerosene, propane and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and snow blowers all produce carbon monoxide.

In one year alone the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 90 generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning deaths. The majority of these deaths were known to have occurred during power outages due to severe weather.

The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very similar to the flu, but without the fever. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately. Leave the home and call your fire department to report your symptoms from a neighbor's home. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in your home.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

 

·         Operate appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered appliance in an enclosed space such as a garage

·         Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or close dryers to heat your home
Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping
Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside your home or garage unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space

 

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed inside your home. Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide are reached. Consumers should follow the manufactures instructions on placement and operation of these detectors.

 

-30-

 

 

 

Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Overheated equipment causes scare

 

**********************************************

OVERHEATED EQUIPMENT CAUSES SCARE

FAST FOOD RESTAURANT EVACUATED BRIEFLY

**********************************************

An overheating electrical motor that services the fountain drink dispenser at a fast food restaurant on Monroe Street caused a scare for employees and customers late Thursday, although all escaped uninjured.

 

The Spokane Fire Department responded to the report of smoke filling the McDonald’s on Monroe Street at 10:32 pm. Crews arrived to find that employees had reacted quickly to smoke pouring from the fountain drink dispenser.

 

While employees utilized a dry chemical fire extinguisher to quickly address the issue with the machinery, others did a great job evacuating the store of employees and customers, according to firefighters on scene.

Once firefighters confirmed that the electricity had been controlled and the area around the motor was safe they vented smoke and extinguishing products from the interior air. Due to quick action by employees there was little damage and the issue will be easily mitigated by clean-up efforts, according to firefighters.

 

The cause was determined to be the result of the overheating motor contacting nearby combustibles and plastic. Damage was estimated at $200.

 

-30-

 

 

 

Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Fire at vacant home under investigation

 

**********************************************

FIRE AT VACANT HOME UNDER INVESTIGATION

POLICE FORCE ENTRY TO ENSURE HOME UNOCCUPIED

**********************************************

The cause of a fire that burned in the kitchen of an unoccupied west central home early today is under investigation.

 

Fire crews were called to the home in the 1600 block of north Wall Street at 4:06 am. Spokane police officers were already on scene when firefighters arrived and had forced entry through the front door to ensure there were no occupants inside the home.

 

Flames were showing from the boarded up windows on the south side of the home. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames and spent another hour and a half at the home to ensure the fire had been completely extinguished.

 

Fire and smoke damage was estimated at $15,000. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Spokane Fire Department investigators.

 

-30-

 

 

 

Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

Browne's Addition apartment fire displaces two

 

**********************************************

BROWNE’S ADDITION APARTMENT FIRE DISPLACES TWO

SLEEPING OCCUPANTS ESCAPE UNINJURED

**********************************************

An apartment fire chased two sleeping people uninjured from a Browne’s Addition apartment early this morning and heavily damaged the unit. Neighbors in the 10-unit building also safely evacuated.

 

The apartment was well involved with fire when the Spokane Fire Department arrived at 2023 W. 3rd Ave. about 3:40 am. Firefighters quickly searched the unit and protected the other nine units. Neighboring occupants safely evacuated.

 

Heavy fire and smoke damage was reported to the unit and its contents. Damage was estimated at $20,000. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is investigating the cause. The Red Cross is assisting the two occupants.   

 

-30-

 

 

 

Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org