Spokane Fire Department investigating arson fire

 

Spokane Fire Department investigating arson fire

Community urged to call Arson Alarm Hotline if they have information

The Spokane Fire Department is actively investigating the commercial building fire that occurred at 823 W. Riverside Ave. on Saturday, November 26. The cause of the fire has been determined to be arson.

 

Fire investigators are urging community members to please report any information they believe may be related to arson to the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON (27766). A reward may be provided for information resulting in an arson conviction. Persons providing information may remain anonymous.

 

There are a number of preventative measures that can help prevent arson fires, including:

 

·       Securing home, businesses and garage areas by locking doors and windows.

·       Cleaning up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings.

·       Clearing carport areas of anything that could fuel a fire.

·       Locating dumpsters, recycle bins and yard waste containers at least 5 feet away from combustible walls and roof eave lines. If possible, keep them in a secured area. Do not allow them to become overfilled.

·       Trimming shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility.

·       Installing motion-sensor exterior lights or consider leaving lights on during hours of darkness.

 

The Spokane Fire Department also wants to remind residents to: 

 

·       Test all of smoke alarms on the first day of every month to make sure they are still working.

·       Have a fire escape plan for all family members. Be sure it includes knowing all the exits and a designated meeting place.

·       If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located and how to use it.

·       If there is a fire, remember to evacuate first then call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

 

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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

 

Two families displaced after evening fire

 

 

Two families displaced after evening fire

Two families (3 adults, 2 children and 1 dog) were displaced last night after a fire caused heavy damage to an upper level duplex unit.

 

At 7:13 p.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to structure fire located in the 400 block of E. Augusta Ave. The first arriving crews found significant fire involvement in the upper level of a multi-story duplex.

 

Quick action by fire crews contained the fire to the upper unit. Crews remained on scene to complete overhaul tasks which included checking for any remaining hotspots and removing debris.

The incident caused heavy fire and smoke damage to the upper duplex unit and water damage to the lower duplex unit. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

All occupants inside the apartments were able to safely evacuate and the American Red Cross responded to assist the families. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

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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 warns hot oil turkey fryers pose a significant risk

 

Spokane Fire Department warns hot oil turkey fryers pose a significant risk

 

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) wants residents to be aware of the number of safety risks associated with frying their Thanksgiving turkeys and to use extreme caution in order to avoid a holiday tragedy.

 

“Deep-frying turkeys has become increasingly popular,” says SFD’s Community Risk Reduction Manager Jamie McIntyre. “Though we prefer individuals who like deep-fried turkey to get their bird from professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, or restaurants, we want those residents that will still choose to use their own turkey fryer to follow these safety tips.”

 

·       Turkeys should be thoroughly defrosted before cooking. Placing a frozen or partial frozen bird in boiling oil can cause a grease flash over. 

·       Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.

·       Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.

·       Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

·       Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

·       Never allow children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.

·       To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.

·       Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.

·       Make sure to follow the operating and safety instructions that came with fryer. 

 

McIntyre adds that residents need to remember that propane-fired cooking units are designed for outdoor use only. While rain and snow coming in contact with the hot oil can result in splattering, a higher risk occurs when people attempt to move them indoors to escape bad weather, but creates a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. For more information on holiday fire safety tips contact SFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 509-625-7058. A variety of community education resources are also available to help meet the needs of both children and adults. Fire safety presentations can be arranged for neighborhood, business, civic, or education groups.

 

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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

 

Natural leak prompts evacuation at Safeway on E. Mission

 

 

Natural leak prompts evacuation at Safeway on E. Mission

No injuries reported

At 5:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a natural gas leak at the Safeway Grocery Store located at 933 E. Mission Ave.

 

Employees of the grocery store reported smelling natural gas and immediately called 9-1-1. Upon arrival, fire crews safely evacuated approximately 30 to 40 individuals. Firefighters were able to shut-off the gas supply and begin ventilating the structure.

 

Using gas monitoring equipment, firefighters worked in collaborating with Avista to systematically check the structure to pinpoint the location of the gas source. The investigation found a leaking joint in one of the supply lines to the heating system. The line was isolated and a private contractor will be brought in for repairs. Once fire crews determined there were no longer any readings on the gas monitoring equipment, those evacuated were able to return to the grocery store. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that if you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency to immediately evacuate and call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

 

 

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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

 

One person rescued from Spokane River and transport to local hospital

 

One person rescued from Spokane River and transport to local hospital

 

Just before 9:30 a.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to the T.J. Meenach Bridge at N. Pettet Drive on a report of a person in the river calling for help.

 

The first arriving crew was able to quickly locate a 27 year old male mid-stream hanging onto a branch in swift current. Firefighters successfully rescued the male who was suffering from hypothermia and was very confused. The patient was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

 

The male initially indicated to public safety officials that he and his wife were involved in a vehicle collision where the vehicle had rolled into the river. He was unable to identify the area where the collision occurred and had limited memory of the event.

 

For several hours firefighters from SFD and SVFD used kayaks and boats to thoroughly search the river with addition companies from SFD searching the trail system and banks on both side of the river. The search has been called off due to river and weather conditions and the lack of confirmed information. 

 

As public safety officials have continued to investigate what had occurred, the accounts from the male have varied. Officials have not been able to confirm that a vehicle collision ever occurred, but were able to determine that both the male and his wife were at a local hospital earlier. 

 

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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

 

Firefighter from Spokane Fire Department receives national recognition

 

Firefighter from Spokane Fire Department receives national recognition

 

During the 2016 International Technical Rescue Symposium, Spokane Fire Department (SFD) firefighter Mike Forbes received the prestigious award “Best New Research of the Year” for his research that focused on the effects on escape systems from extreme fire behavior.

 

“The recognition of Fire Engine Operator Mike Forbes by his peers at the International Technical Rescue Symposium could not be more deserved,” said SFD Battalion Chief Reding. “Mike is tireless in his efforts towards improving firefighter safety as well as advancing and applying cutting edge technical rescue techniques. His worth ethic, enthusiasm and knowledge in all aspects of his profession are second to none. Mike wholly embodies what the Spokane Fire Department strives to provide to its citizens everyday – Service and Protection through Excellence.”

 

Forbes was hired by SFD in 1999 and assigned to Station 4 in the Browne’s Addition neighborhood in 2001. He was promoted to fire equipment operator in 2004 and has be assigned to Ladder 4 ever since. Forbes been with the Technical Rescue Team since his initial assignment in 2001.

 

SFD’s Technical Rescue Team responds to rescue situations beyond the capabilities of the standard fire company. These extreme rescue situations include building collapse, confined-space rescue, trench/excavation emergencies, machinery rescue as well as high and low angle rope rescue operations. The team is made up of 40 personnel with highly specialized rescue training and equipment responding from Station 15 in Hillyard and Station 4 in Browne’s Addition. The team responds to all technical rescues within the City of Spokane and throughout the county upon request. The team has been in existence for more than 20 years and in that time has responded to many high-profile and challenging rescue incidents.

 

The International Technical Rescue Symposium is the leading authority of professionals discussing up-to-date, state-of-the-art, technical rescue information. The Symposium gathers rescuers representing the areas of mountain, cave, fire, industrial, and swift water to discuss ways to improve safety and performance.

 

 

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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

 

More than three dozne at House of Charity showing signs of viral infection

 

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MORE THAN THREE DOZEN AT HOUSE OF CHARITY SHOWING SIGNS OF VIRAL INFECTION

VOLUNTARY ISOLATION ORDER ISSUED FOR HOUSE OF CHARITY

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More than three dozen overnight guests and staff at the House of Charity showed symptoms of a viral infection, and the Spokane Regional Health District and other local authorities urged them to return to rest and recover.

 

About 40 people at the House of Charity have shown symptoms consistent with norovirus and tests are being run to confirm a diagnosis. Norovirus is a common, non-life-threatening virus best prevented by thorough and regular hand washing. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever, headache and body aches.

 

“If people are sick they need to stay away from the rest of the population and get plenty of rest,” said Dr. Sam Artzis, Spokane Regional Health District interim Health Officer. “We are urging those who visited the House of Charity within the past two days and are showing symptoms to return to rest.”

 

A professional cleaning service has been called in to clean the House of Charity, which opened earlier this month as a temporary overnight shelter regardless of temperature. The Spokane County Health District has responded to about two dozen viral outbreaks, like norovirus, annually.

 

Spokane Fire Department personnel are stationed at the House of Charity and are also evaluating guests who are showing similar symptoms at the Union Gospel Mission. Arrangements are being made to accommodate well overnight guests tonight and keep them separated from sick guests. Approximately 220 guests slept at the House of Charity last night.

 

People experiencing homelessness and showing symptoms are encouraged to go to the House of Charity as a place to get out of the weather and rest.

 

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days. Norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.

 

Prevention includes carefully and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and before eating, preparing and handling food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used in addition to hand washing. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly.

 

 

Fire at North Central High School ruled accidental

 

 

Fire at North Central High School ruled accidental

Three treated for smoke inhalation

Just before 10 a.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from the roof of North Central High School located at 1600 N. Howard St. Firefighters arrived within minutes and were able to quickly contain the fire.

 

The fire started on the west side of the school in a portion of the building that is under construction. Due to the quick attack by crews the fire was confined to a small area of the structure.

 

Three workers were treated on the scene by fire department emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for smoke inhalation. One of those workers was subsequently transported to a local hospital and the other two were taken by private vehicle. There were no reported injuries to students, school staff or firefighters.

 

“The students and staff of North Central High School did an excellent job of calmly evacuating and meeting at their respective pre-planned locations,” advised Spokane Fire Chief Williams. “This allowed for everyone to evacuate safely and our crews to quickly and effectively manage the incident.”

 

The Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, a result of a torch being used and igniting nearby insulation.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that school fire drills and school evacuation plans can be a great model for residents to use at their own homes. It is important for everyone to have a home evacuation plan that includes at least two routes of escape in the event of a fire. Properly functioning smoke detectors and a well-rehearsed escape plan are the keys to preventing tragedy in structure fires.

 

For information about fire safety, contact the Spokane Fire Prevention Bureau at 509.625.7058. A variety of community education resources are also available to help meet the needs of both children and adults. Fire safety presentations can be arranged for neighborhood, business, civic, or education groups.

 

 

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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

 

Williams to retire as Spokane Fire Chief

 

Williams to retire as Spokane Fire Chief

 

Bobby Williams, the longest serving Fire Chief in Spokane’s history, announced today that he will retire next year after more than 28 years with the department.  Williams plans to retire on January 22^nd.

 

“Chief Williams has spent the better part of his professional career making sure that the Spokane Fire Department answered the call when members of our community needed it most,” Spokane Mayor David Condon said. “He has advanced our ability to meet the unique needs of the people who require assistance, introduced greater efficiencies into the system, and improved the safety of our firefighters.”

 

Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer, who has been with the department for 10 years, will assume the role of interim chief while a national search is conducted.

 

“I’m honored to have served alongside the incredible men and women who are always there when someone calls for help,” Chief Williams said. “I am proud of the many accomplishments that have been achieved by our department in advancing outstanding service to Spokane and am so appreciative of the wonderful support we have received from the community during my watch. The fire department is in very good hands.”

 

Chief Williams has been involved with numerous high-impact community incidents during his time as chief, including Ice Storm, Fire Storm and Windstorm. He has been an integral part of the significant advancements in the regionalized approach by Spokane fire service agencies over the last two and a half decades. He served on the 2013 Fire Service Task Team that recommended more than two dozen improvements to fire and emergency medical service and has guided the implementation of most recommendations.

 

During Chief Williams’ career, calls for service have more than doubled, with this year’s incident totals expected to eclipse 40,000 calls. About 87 percent of responses are requests for medical assistance, with non-life-threatening calls being the fastest growing segment. The Alternative Response Unit pilot program that dispatches sport utility vehicles to non-life-threatening calls, while leaving resources available for emergencies, was initiated during Chief Williams’ tenure, and because of its positive results, it has drawn attention from emergency services agencies across the country.

 

Chief Williams helped educate the community on numerous successful ballot measures during his time as fire chief.  He steered the modernization of the City’s fire department and fire facilities, with the support of funding from citizen approved fire bond Issues. He coordinated the improvement and innovation of the department’s EMS system, with the support of five successful renewals of the City’s EMS levy. He played a key role in the passage of the 0.1 percent sales tax that funded the recent completion of the new Public Safety Communications system that serves all of Spokane County’s public safety agencies.

 

In laying the foundation for the future and with support of the mayor and City Council, Williams and his team have established a capital replacement plan to update aging fire apparatus and equipment that is affordable to citizens. They sought personnel and a facility to open a temporary fire station in southwest Spokane, adding new 24-hour coverage in that area, and have purchased land for a new permanent fire station that will be in service before 2020.  Just recently, the City received a federal grant that will provide for the hiring of 48 additional firefighters to restore department staffing to 2004 levels.

 

In December, Chief Williams will celebrate 50 years of commitment to the fire service and the communities that he has served. In addition to his role as fire chief, Williams has served as President of the Western Fire Chiefs Association, Chairman of the Board of the International Fire Code Institute, a member of the State Building Code Council and in leadership positions on numerous local boards.

 

“Anyone who has interacted with Chief Williams during his time with the Spokane Fire Department knows him as a kind, humble and dedicated public servant,” Condon said. “We will miss Chief Williams’ leadership and positive influence on the department and the Spokane Community.”

 

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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

 

Media Advisory: Spokane Fire Department conducting high-rise operations for training (photo opportunity)

 

 

Media Advisory: Spokane Fire Department conducting high-rise operations for training (photo opportunity)

 

On Saturday, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) will be conducting high-rise operations/demonstrations for training purposes. Members of the media are invited to attend (this is not open to the public).

 

Fires in high-rise buildings are generally the most difficult and complicated incidents for fire departments due to the significant challenges that can be present. These challenges include access to floor levels, evacuations/rescues of a large number of occupants, building construction, ventilation capabilities, communication difficulties and availability of resources such as water supply.

 

To ensure the Spokane Fire Department and its neighboring fire agencies are well-prepared, the Spokane Fire Department will be filming Saturday’s operations for an upcoming training.

 

What: SFD conducting high-rise operations/demonstrations for training

When: Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m.

Where: The Chase Building at 601 W. Main Ave.

Important: Deputy Chief Robert Ladd will be on site and available for interviews. Media is asked to check-in with him when they arrive. If needed, DC Ladd can be reached on his cell at 509.435.7095.

 

 

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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

 

Don’t forget to change batteries in smoke alarms!

Don't forget to change batteries in smoke alarms!

 

With the upcoming time change, the Spokane Fire Department says it's a good easy reminder when changing clocks to replace the batteries in smoke alarms.

 

In a fire, working smoke alarms in a home can mean the difference between life and death. "Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained provide an early warning signal which could allow everyone in the home to safely escape," advised City of Spokane Fire Marshal Miller. While current code requires a smoke alarm in every sleeping area, Miller points out that the minimum protection required for homes is one smoke alarm outside in the proximity of each sleeping room, one inside each sleeping room and at least one on each level of the home including the basement.

 

Residents should use batteries recommended by the manufacturer and make sure they are firmly connected to the smoke alarm contacts. Remember if a smoke alarm starts making "chirping" noise, it's a signal battery levels are low and need to be replaced. Dusting smoke detector surfaces and vacuuming the air vents regularly will keep dust and spider webs from fouling detection elements or causing false alarms. All smoke alarms, including those with 10 year lithium batteries, should be tested monthly. Smoke alarms that use ordinary batteries should have new batteries installed at least once a year.

 

Miller would like to remind Spokane residents that the Spokane Fire Department has a limited amount of free residential smoke alarms, including ADA hearing impaired smoke alarms for qualified applicants. Members of the Spokane Fire Department will install these detectors free of charge.

 

The Spokane Fire Department is dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education. For information and how to apply for a free smoke alarm, contact the Spokane Fire Prevention Bureau at 509.625.7058. A variety of community education resources are also available to help meet the needs of both children and adults. Fire safety presentations can be arranged for neighborhood, business, civic, or education groups.

 

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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

 

Unattended cooking materials cause house fire

 

 

Unattended cooking materials cause house fire

 No injuries reported

 

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit say yesterday’s house fire in the 600 block of S. Ralph St. was the result of unattended cooking materials left on the stove.

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. In addition, the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind community members to never leave cooking materials on a stove unattended and to always follow the below tips to help prevent cooking fires.

 

Fire crews were dispatched at 2:39 p.m. to a report of an appliance fire. The first arriving crew found an active kitchen fire that had extended into a wall. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire within 15 minutes and limit the fire from spreading further. Crews remained on scene to complete overhaul tasks which included checking for any remaining hotspots with thermal cameras and reducing water and smoke damage.

 

The two occupants of the home were able to make their way to safety after attempting to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters.

 

Safety Tips:

 

What you should know:

 

·       Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

·       Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.

·       If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

·       Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

 

If you have a cooking fire:

 

·       Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

·       Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave

·       If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.

·       Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

·       For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 

 

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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