Afternoon Fire Displaces Occupants and Their Dogs

 

 

Afternoon Fire Displaces Occupants and Their Dogs

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

 

This afternoon, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1000 block of S. Pepper Tree Lane. A large column of smoke could be seen from nearby neighborhoods.

 

Arriving crews discovered a fire that had started in the area of an attached garage and was quickly spreading to the main house. Firefighters worked quickly to confine and extinguish the fire. Crews will continue to check the structure for hotspots throughout evening.

 

All occupants including 2 dogs were able to safely evacuate. Injuries were reported to one fire fighter.

 

The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents (4) and their 2 dogs who were displaced because of the fire. Officials with Avista were also on scene to assist with utilities.

 

The fire caused heavy damage to the garage and the home sustained smoke damage. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is investigating the cause. 

 

 

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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

 

ATF, US Marshals and Spokane Fire Department Collaborate to Arrest Fugitive

 

 

ATF, US Marshals and Spokane Fire Department Collaborate to Arrest Fugitive 

Florida Fugitive Responsible for Throwing Molotov Cocktails at Occupied Residence in Spokane’s East Side 

 

 

On July 21, 2016, at approximately 5:33 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a reported hazardous materials incident at a residence in the 2200 block of E. First Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters notified the SFD’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) after discovering an incendiary device was used.

 

One of the device had made it into the residence and started a fire in an occupied bedroom. Thanks to the quick actions of a nearby Spokane Police officer, who arrived first on scene, the fire was extinguished. SIU investigators discovered approximately six Molotov cocktails were thrown towards the home which was occupied by two adults and four children.

 

Due to the complexity and potential for federal charges, SFD Investigators contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for assistance. ATF agents immediately responded, identified many intricacies of this case and were able to connect and identify a Florida fugitive as the primary suspect. The multi-agency collaboration allowed investigators to involve US Marshals and a plan was developed to immediately locate and arrest fugitive Cameron Butler (36 year old male). 

 

Butler was arrested safely by US Marshals in Moses Lake, Washington just hours after the request for assistance was made. Butler currently remains in custody. 

 

Any additional information concerning this case should be directed to the ATF.

 

 

 

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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 MARSHAL ISSUES RESTRICTIONS ON OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FIRES FOR THE CITY OF SPOKANE

 

 

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

 

 

Due to the adverse weather conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires (in ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits) are prohibited in the City of Spokane effective tomorrow, July 29, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal. The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions. 

 

Residents may still use backyard barbecues, portable outdoor fireplaces (provided the appliance has a spark arrester and a chimney) or other patio/deck warmers. Remember, approved fuel must be used and weather conditions must support safe recreational fires. Approved fuels include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, briquettes, propane or natural gas.

 

Other requirements for AUTHORIZED recreational outdoor fires include:

 

• 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 (15 feet for authorized portable appliances with spark arresters and chimneys).
  • For one and two-family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. 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.
• 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.

 

Please see the attached for additional information.

 

 

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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

 

Prolific Arsonist Arrested by Spokane Fire and Police Departments Yesterday

 

Prolific Arsonist Arrested by Spokane Fire and Police Departments Yesterday

Responsible for Arson Fire at Redemption Church and Molly’s Restaurant Downtown

 

 

Spokane Fire Investigators had been tracking minor fire activity since July 17^th in the area of 2^nd/Division

 

Yesterday at 9 a.m., Spokane Fire Department Investigators were following up on a recent dumpster fire at 224 South Lincoln that occurred over the weekend. As a result of the investigation, surveillance video was captured that identified a suspect in the fire.

 

Investigators then contacted Spokane Police Department (SPD) Detective Elise Robertson at the Downtown Precinct who contributed incredibly towards efforts in identifying the suspect that eventually led to the arrest.  An SPD Neighborhood Resource Officer located the suspect at 168 S. Division St. and SPD Officers safely took the suspect into custody.

 

The suspect’s name is Donald Hayward (56 year old male). Mr. Hayward has an extensive criminal arson history from Washington State and Florida. He is currently booked in Spokane County Jail and has his first appearance at 11 a.m. this morning.

 

 

 

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Attached Media Release

 

YESTERDAY’S APARTMENT FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION

 

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YESTERDAY'S APARTMENT FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION

NO INJURIES REPORTED

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Yesterday morning just before 7 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to an apartment fire located in the 1100 block of N. Walnut St. The first arriving crew from the neighborhood fire station reported extensive fire in the basement of the structure with flames extending to the vinyl siding and roof.

 

Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and prevented it from causing further damage. After full extinguishment, fire crews remained on scene throughout the morning completing overhaul tasks which included searching for hotspots and removing debris. The American Red Cross responded to the incident to assist residents. Officials with Avista were also on scene to control the electrical circuits.

 

All occupants inside the apartments were able to safely evacuate and there were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire caused major damage to the flooring, wiring, windows, exterior siding and a portion of the roof. At this time, the cause of the fire appears to be electrical in origin and remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

 

 

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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