Inner tubing incident strands father, daughter near Devil's Toenail

 

Inner tubing incident strands father, daughter near Devil's Toenail 

 

​A father and daughter became stranded on the rocks in the Devil's Toenail area of the Spokane River this afternoon after the inner tubes they were riding on tipped over in the rapids. Neither was injured and rescuers used kayaks to ferry the two to the shore. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department's water rescue team responded about 2 pm to an area approximately a half-mile south of the Rifle Club entrance to Aubrey L. White Pkwy. Teams reached the father and daughter with kayaks and moved them from the rocks in the river to the shore. Both were cold from prolonged exposure to the cold water and warmed by medical personnel on scene, but neither had to be transported to the hospital.

 

Approximately 30 members of the Spokane Fire Department and the Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to the call.

 

The Spokane River continues to be dangerous even in the lower water flows of late August. The water is cold and can create situations where hypothermia may set in if you are immersed for too long. The Spokane Fire Department recommends caution when in the river or near the water's edge and advocates the continued use of approved life vests.

 

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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

      

 

Commercial building fire under investigation

 

Commercial building fire under investigation

One firefighter injured

 

Last night just after 10 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to S. Grand Blvd. and 32^nd Ave on a report of a commercial building on fire.

First arriving crews advised of heavy fire to the rear of Beacon Cleaners and Laundry located at 3112 S. Grand Blvd. Immediately, firefighters began aggressively attacking the fire. The fire started on the exterior of the building, extended to the attic, and into the structure. Crews were able to contain the fire, limiting damage to the corner of the business. Two U.S. Postal Service vehicles parked adjacent to the building were also damaged.  

One firefighter, a 27 year veteran, suffered significant injuries during firefighting operations after falling off a ladder. The firefighter was transported to a local hospital. As of this morning, the firefighter has been released from the hospital, but the length of time away from work is undetermined.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Investigators have requested the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) due to the damage of the two U.S. Postal Service vehicles.

 

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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

 

Four adults displaced after apartment fire

 

Four adults displaced after apartment fire

No reported injuries

At 11:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1900 block of W. Pacific Ave.

 

First arriving crews found significant smoke and fire coming from the third floor of a 16-unit apartment complex and immediately upgraded the fire to a second alarm in order to have additional resources respond. Quick action by firefighters aided in containing the fire to the attic and the third floor of the building.

 

The fire caused heavy fire and smoke damage to three apartments. Those three apartments have been deemed uninhabitable. The American Red Cross will be assisting the four adults who have been displaced.

 

All occupants inside the apartments were able to safely evacuate prior to fire crews arriving. There were no injuries reported to civilians or fire department personnel. 

 

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

 

 

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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