Hazardous materials release prompts evacuation of nursing facility

 

Hazardous materials release prompts evacuation of nursing facility

Last night at approximately 7:30 p.m., two companies from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to an activated fire alarm at a nursing care facility located in the 1800 block of E. Upriver Dr. 

 

Upon arrival crews discovered there was a leak from a hazardous gas container. Immediately, the incident commander upgraded the call to a hazardous materials response in order to have additional resources respond.  

 

Four firefighters and two facility staff were exposed to the gas and were transported to a local hospital due to medical symptoms resulting from the exposure.

 

A portion of the facility was evacuated while another area of the facility was cordoned off to allow residents to safely stay. Approximately 75 residents in total were evacuated. SFD along with American Medical Response (AMR) worked with staff to ensure all evacuees were stable and did not need medical attention. 

 

SFD’s Hazardous Materials Response Team was able to make entry to determine the gas leak had stopped, monitor the area, and determine the gas had been cleared, so residents could safely return to using the entire facility. No residents were injured or exposed to the gas. An additional facility staff member was injured during the evacuation process.

 

At the time of this release, the four firefighters that were exposed were released from the hospital are expected to make a full and quick recovery. There is no information available regarding the medical condition of the two facility staff members.

 

 

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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 City Fire Marshal issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

Spokane City Fire Marshal issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

​Due to the hot, dry conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires (in ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits) are prohibited in the City of Spokane effective today, July 7, 2017, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal.  The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions. 

 

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

 

Other requirements for outdoor fires:

 

·     Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.

·     Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

·     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.

o  Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

·     Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet in general).

o  For one and two-family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer's instructions for clearance.  Be safe and use good judgment.

o  For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures.  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.

·     A Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency "green light" indication for air quality must be present: https://spokanecleanair.org/current-air-quality.

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

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