SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTRICATES TRAPPED PATIENT

 

 

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SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTRICATES TRAPPED PATIENT

MULTIPLE PATIENTS TRANSPORTED TO LOCAL HOSPITALS

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The Spokane Fire Department extricates a trapped patient after a head-on collision. Multiple patients were transported to local hospitals. 

 

Last night at 10:07 p.m., multiple units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) along with Spokane County Fire District 10 responded to a head-on collision at Spotted Road and U.S. Highway 2 in Airway Heights.

 

First arriving fire crews reported an SUV had collided with a piece of fire apparatus from Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Firefighters immediately began the complex extrication process of rescuing the severely injured patient from inside the SUV and providing aid to multiple other patients. Within one hour, the patient was safely removed from the vehicle and all patients were transported to local hospitals by American Medical Response (AMR).

 

As the summer months begin and more motorists are on the road, area residents and visitors are reminded to use caution when driving. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, pull to the right of the roadway for lights and sirens and allow for extra room when passing crews working at the scene of emergency incidents. 

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING FIREWORKS BAN

 

 

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SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING FIREWORKS BAN

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With extreme fire conditions and the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, the Spokane Fire Department wants to remind residents and visitors the selling and use of all amateur fireworks is illegal in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood and Liberty Lake as well as throughout the unincorporated areas of Spokane County. 

 

Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000 for each violation in addition to fines and court costs. If an individual starts a fire, they are also liable for restitution of damaged property and for the recovery of Fire Department response costs.

 

All fireworks are prohibited including, but not limited to non-detonating military devices such as large flares, certain propellants, specialty fireworks and larger devices used in public displays, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, sparklers, bottle rockets and similar materials that contain any explosive or combustible compound.

 

This year marks the 24th year in which all consumer fireworks are illegal. Based on the number of fireworks-caused fires between 1983 and 1992, the fireworks ban has prevented an estimated 2200 fires. In the ten years prior to the fireworks ordinance in 1993, Spokane firefighters responded to an average of 104 fireworks-caused fires just in the City of Spokane during the 9-day period between June 28 and July 6.  During the past 24 years of the ban, the average number of fireworks-caused fires has dramatically dropped to five. Prior to the ban, there were so many fireworks-caused fires around July 4 that some emergency medical calls to 9-1-1 had to be stacked until first responders could be dispatched.

 

In addition to the number of fires and injuries caused by amateur fireworks each year throughout the United States, there is a very negative impact from fireworks noise on veterans suffering from PTSD, on neighbors, and on pets. 

 

Violations of the fireworks ban can be reported to Crime Check at 456-2233.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish the community a happy Independence Day and encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday safely without using individual fireworks. Remember, everyone is invited to the community celebration on the evening of July 4th at the Riverfront Park with a fireworks display provided by licensed pyrotechnicians.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE OCCUPANTS AFTER VEHICLE COLLISION

 

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FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE OCCUPANTS AFTER VEHICLE COLLISION

TWO OCCUPANTS TRANSPORTED TO LOCAL HOSPITALS WITH NOT LIFE THREATENING INJURIES

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After an extensive extrication that last just under 90 minutes, fire crews rescue two occupants from a vehicle collision. Both occupants suffered not life threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. 

 

Last night just before midnight, multiple units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) were dispatched to a vehicle collision at the intersection of N. Division St. and W. Cleveland Ave. 

Upon arrival, SFD personnel discovered two patients trapped inside a single vehicle.

Due to the precarious and hazardous position of the vehicle in addition to the patient entanglement, additional SFD crews and equipment were dispatched. The extensive extrication lasted just under 90 minutes. Thanks to the diligent work by public safety crews, both of the occupants were transported to local hospitals by American Medical Response (AMR) with not life threatening injuries.

 

The Spokane Police Department is investigating the cause of the collision.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

THE SPOKANE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WANT TO REMIND HOOPFEST FANS TO HAVE FUN AND ALSO STAY SAFE

THE SPOKANE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WANT TO REMIND HOOPFEST FANS TO HAVE FUN AND ALSO STAY SAFE

 

To ensure the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world remains safe and fun, City of Spokane public safety officials are working with area law enforcement agencies and partnering with the Spokane Hoopfest Association. Attendees are encouraged to follow a few safety tips.

 

Spokane police officers will be working with SPD volunteers, Explorer Scouts, Co-Op volunteers and Reserve Officers to provide security and help ensure safety for all Hoopfest fans. In addition, the Spokane Fire Department’s PedMed Program, a special operations program that deploys fire department paramedics in areas that are routinely inaccessible due to large crowds or terrain will be working throughout the event. Additional behind the scenes measures will be implemented as well.

 

“We have an excellent community partnership with the Spokane Hoopfest Association and both of our organizations want attendees to enjoy what our beautiful city has to offer and to have fun at this dynamic downtown event while remaining safe and healthy,” advises Law Enforcement Director Jim McDevitt. 

 

To help ensure the safety of people attending as well as those that are in the area, public safety officials are asking for the community’s help by following a few safety tips:

 

• Choose an alternative route to avoid congestion if you do not need to be downtown.
• Take public transportation if you can.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement officials.
• Never leave children unattended.
• Lock ALL vehicle doors and secure windows. If possible use a vehicle anti-theft device.
• Do not leave any valuables in vehicles.
• Drivers should slow down and be aware of extra pedestrian activity.
• Pedestrians should exercise extra caution and watch for traffic.
• Do not leave purses or bags unattended. 
• Animals are prohibited during special events, so please leave them at home (service animals are permitted).
• Remember open containers are not allowed.

 

Beginning Tuesday, June 21, yellow and/or red bags will be placed on many meters in the downtown area. Vehicles that are already parked in those spots must be moved by 6 p.m. or they could be towed. As a reminder, please do not park at meters that are bagged. Once the meters have been bagged for 12 hours, vehicles will be towed. These areas will be used for Hoopfest equipment, emergency vehicles, event equipment vehicles, and STA buses.

 

“With warmer temperatures expected this weekend, we also want to remind attendees and participants of the importance of preventing heat related illnesses,” advises Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Heat stress increases the risk for illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.”

 

To help prevent heat related illnesses, here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

• Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible.
• If you are active, monitor your physical condition and that of your friends or teammates for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
• Drink plenty of water – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

 

Throughout the year, the safety of our community is of the utmost importance to your Spokane Police and Fire Departments. We are dedicated to making sure our community is safe and secure each day of the year and during all of our special events.

 

A complete list of street obstructions can be found here.

 

For more information about Spokane Hoopfest visit http://www.spokanehoopfest.net/Pages/default.aspx.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

SPOKANE FIRE DEPAREMENT’S CARES TEAM BIDS FAREWELL TO SEVEN REMARKABLE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

 

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SPOKANE FIRE DEPAREMENT'S CARES TEAM BIDS FAREWELL TO SEVEN REMARKABLE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

STUDENTS COLLECTIVELY VOLUNTEERED MORE THAN 900 HOURS ASSISTING SPOKANE'S MOST AT-RISK POPULATIONS

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The Spokane Fire Department congratulates seven graduating CARES Team student volunteers that made a positive impact in the Spokane community by collectively volunteering more 900 hours during their internship (hours are in addition to practicum hours).

 

This Saturday, the Spokane Fire Department's CARES Team will proudly bid farewell to seven dedicated CARES volunteers who will be graduating from Eastern Washington University.

 

"This is a remarkable group of individuals that we will miss deeply, but are very excited to see where their next adventure takes them and the positive difference they will continue to make," advises Jamie Wiggins, Spokane Fire Department's Social Response Manager. "They have collectively volunteered well over 900 hours to our community, were an instrumental part of CARES, contributed in outreach efforts during the windstorm (when many of them did not have power themselves), actively helped in the Neighborhood Clean-up Program, volunteered in Bloomsday and aided in many other programs/events outside of their normal day-to-day work."

 

The graduating CARES volunteers are:

 

·         Megan Dicken, Master of Social Work

·         Erin Flahive, Master of Social Work

·         Callie Hanson, Bachelor of Social Work

·         Jeff King, Master of Social Work

·         Emilee Lohman, Bachelor of Social Work

·         Kayla Nelson, Master of Social Work

·         Virginia Parker, Master of Social Work

 

The CARES Team is a program within the Spokane Fire Department that interacts with individuals who have received a prior response from the fire department and are in need of social or other support services. Generally the individual that needs help is assisted by CARES members through their social service practice and is connected with existing partnerships and resources in the community. 

 

CARES was founded in 2008 by the Spokane Fire Department in conjunction with Eastern Washington University. The team is composed of Eastern Washington University students who are majoring in the Social Work advanced degree programs. These students are selected through a rigorous process and meet their academic practicum requirements by serving the CARES Team as student interns.

 

The CARES program and its interns are overseen by Jamie Wiggins, MSW. In addition, Wiggins leads the Spokane Fire Department's internal efforts to maintain a constant focus throughout the organization with ensuring an ethical framework that acts for the benefit of society at large while protecting our most vulnerable community. Wiggins was recently honored as a Hometown Hero by the Spokane Empire Professional Football Team.   

 

For more information about the CARES Program is helping our community visit www.my.spokanecity.org/fire/operations/cares.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

FIRE CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO RESTAURANT

 

 

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FIRE CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO RESTAURANT
TWO OCCUPANTS RECEIVE MINOR INJURIES

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A brush fire spread quickly to a restaurant on Nevada Street causing extensive damage. Two individuals receive minor injuries and were treated on scene. 

 

Yesterday at 4:08 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a brush fire involving landscaping outside of a restaurant located in the 4800 block of N. Nevada St. Upon arrival, the fire crew advised the fire had spread from the bushes into the restaurant's attic space and immediately upgraded to a full commercial response so additional resources would be sent. 

 

All occupants were outside the building upon the initial crew's arrival. Two of the occupants received minor injuries and were treated on scene by crews from American Medical Response and the Spokane Fire Department. High temperatures combined with intense labor and firefighting protective gear required frequent rotation of crews to avoid firefighter injuries.

 

The fire caused extensive damage to the restaurant’s attic, ceiling and an exterior wall. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit determined the area of origin to be bushes outside the restaurant with the cause undetermined. 

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org