Fire damages commercial business, cause of fire undetermined

 

Fire damages commercial business, cause of fire undetermined
No injuries were reported

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit say the cause of yesterday’s fire at Tormino’s Sash and Glass St. is undetermined.

 

Just before noon on Wednesday, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 100 block of N. Helena St. on a report of a structure fire involving a commercial building. Responding crews reported a large column of black smoke many blocks away and immediately upgraded it to a working structure fire, ensuring additional were dispatched to the incident. Upon arrival, crews reported heavy fire conditions through the roof with pressurized black smoke emitting from the buildings on all sides.

 

The building’s owner was on scene and advised no one was in the building.

 

Heavy fire conditions along with a partial roof collapse prevented firefighters from attempting an interior attack.

 

Based on observations and fire conditions, firefighters upgraded the incident to a second alarm in order for additional resources to respond. Crews defensively attacked the fire containing it to the one building and limiting it from escaping to adjacent structures. The aggressive nature of the fire combined with fire venting through the arch shaped roof made it extremely difficult for firefighters to get to the seat of the fire.

 

Helena St. and Riverside Ave. remained closed for more than four hours as fire crews battled the blaze.

 

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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 and explosion cause extensive damage to home

 

 

Fire and explosion cause extensive damage to home

 

A fire and explosion were reported shortly after midnight causing extensive damage to a single family home in the 3800 block of E. Bridgeport Ave.

 

At 12:39 a.m., Spokane Fire Department crews were called to the residence after neighbors reporting the sound of an explosion and fire coming from the home. The first arriving crews found the basement and first floor of the house already heavily involved in fire. The foundation of the home had extensive damage making entry unsafe. 

 

Fire crews were able to knock down the majority of the fire from the outside the structure. After being able to review the structural stability, firefighters performed a quick search of the home confirming there was nobody inside. One adult male with minor burns was later reported to have been transported to a local hospital by private vehicle prior to the fire department's arrival. No other injuries were reported. 

 

The cause of the fire is 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

 

Spokane Fire Department warns about significant hazards when using hot oil turkey fryers

 

Spokane Fire Department warns about significant hazards when using hot oil turkey fryers

 

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.

 

“If you are frying a turkey, a few safety tips should be followed as you prepare your meal,” says Spokane Fire Marshal Michael Miller. “It’s also important to remember propane-fired units are designed for outdoor use only.”

 

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 let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. 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. 

 

 

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.

 

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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 Chief selected into 2018 Fire Service Executive Development Institute

 

 

Spokane Fire Chief selected into 2018 Fire Service Executive Development Institute

 

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced that Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer has been accepted into the prestigious Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). 

Schaeffer competed with new fire chiefs and chief officers from across the country to become a member of the 2018 cohort program. Along with being accepted into the program, Schaeffer has been awarded a scholarship to cover the expenses for attending the program.

 

“I am honored to have been selected for this opportunity,” say Schaeffer. “I am trying to build an organization where its members are committed to ongoing learning at all levels, including the Chief.”

 

A complete list of those accepted into the program can be found here.

 

FSEDI is a yearlong leadership-development program created and implemented by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures. The members of the cohort will meet in December 2017 for their first six-day session in addition to two other sessions in 2018. The group will communicate between sessions using an online community. During the course, participants will learn from experts in the fire service a variety of ways to effectively lead in today’s modern fire departments and keep communities safe.

 

For six years the Motorola Solutions Foundation has provided the IAFC with a grant to fund the program. “Motorola Solutions Foundation recognizes the how these challenging times require a new breed of leader to head our local fire departments and national fire service”, said Matt Blakely, Executive Director of Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We’re proud to help support the education of these leaders to ensure they have the skills necessary to meet these complex and emerging issues confronting our communities.”

 

About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC):

The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide.  IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, and public safety legislation.  Since 1973, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.

 

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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

 

Cause of house fire undetermined

 

Cause of house fire undetermined
No injuries were reported

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit say Monday evening’s house fire on N. Wall St. started on the front porch of the home, but the cause of the fire is undetermined.

 

The residential fire was reported just after 7:00 p.m. in the 2600 block of N. Wall St. The residents discovered the fire in the front of their house, but were able to safely evacuate through a rear entrance.

 

Upon arrival, crews advised of a heavy amount of fire on the front side of the one story structure. Firefighters made an aggressive fire attack limiting damage and preventing the fire from spreading to other neighboring structures. The fire caused heavy damage to the front porch, attic and front rooms of the house.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained help save lives.

 

Important checklist for smoke alarms:

 

• Have at least one alarm on every level of your home.
• Have an alarm outside every sleeping area and inside every bedroom.
• Check the back label on each alarm to know the date of manufacture. Make sure no alarm in your home is more than 10 years old.
• Look for “ionization” or “photoelectric” or “photo-ion” on the back label of each alarm. Make sure you know the type of alarm you have.
• Have at least one photoelectric alarm on each level of the home.
• Check if your alarms have “hush buttons” so you don’t ever have to remove a battery to silence a nuisance alarm.
• Check if your alarms have lithium batteries so you don’t have to replace the 9-volt batteries every year. Lithium batteries may last the life of the smoke alarm.
• Test all of your alarms on the first day of every month to make sure they are still working.

 

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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 about fire safety this Thanksgiving

 

Don't forget about fire safety this Thanksgiving

The Spokane Fire Department wants residents to keep fire safety at the top of their mind this Thanksgiving.

 

"Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires," says Spokane Fire Marshal Michael Miller. "In fact, the number of home fires doubles on Thanksgiving. By following a few simple safety tips these fires can be prevented."

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2015, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 1,760 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.

 

Important safety tips to keep in mind:

 

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

 

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.

 

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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 selects Assistant Fire Chief

 

Spokane Fire Department selects Assistant Fire Chief

 

Trisha Wolford has been selected as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Spokane Fire Department (SFD). The Assistant Chief serves as a key leader in the department assisting the Fire Chief in planning, coordinating and administering the activities of the organization. She will begin on December 27.

 

“After an extensive recruitment process and receiving positive feedback from the interview committees—which included community members, City of Spokane executives, SFD leadership and representation from IAFF Local 29—Trisha became the clear choice,” says Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Her fire service, emergency medical service and investigative background combined with her strategic planning skills will be an enormous asset to our department and community.”

 

"Spokane is a beautiful and diverse city that boasts a Fire Department with a long history of serving the citizens and visitors in the community,” says Wolford. “I can't think of a better place to support the efforts of our firefighters, leaders and city officials. I look forward to being a part of this vibrant community and working alongside the men and women of the Spokane Fire Department."

 

Wolford joins SFD from the Bozeman Fire Department where she held the position of Deputy Fire Chief since December 2015. She was responsible for the operations and activities of the Fire Investigation Division, Community Risk Reduction Division, Emergency Medical Services and Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program. The Bozeman Fire Department serves more than 46,000 residents and 16,440 Montana State University students from three fire stations.

 

Prior to her work at the Bozeman Fire Department, Wolford worked for the Anne Arundel County Maryland Fire Department as firefighter/paramedic prior to promoting to a lieutenant. After completing extensive training at the Anne Arundel County Police Academy she was assigned to the Arson and Explosives Unit of the Fire Marshal Division. With an annual call volume of approximately 76,000 incidents, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department serves 560,133 residents from 31 fire stations.

 

Wolford received her Bachelor’s Degree from Shepherd University and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership. This week, she will complete the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. She holds numerous licenses and certifications including Chief Fire Officer, Fire Marshal, and Paramedic. Wolford is currently a cohort member in the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Fire Service Executive Development Institute. She is a member of the IAFC Professional Development Committee and IAFC Human Relations Committee. In October, Wolford was appointed Director-at-Large for the Western Division of the IAFC Executive Fire Officers Section.

 

Please note: We will be scheduling media interviews with Chief Wolford once she begins her employment with the Spokane Fire Department. Arrangements and details will follow in the coming weeks.

 

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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

 

Multiple tenants impacted by last night’s apartment fire

 

Multiple tenants impacted by last night's apartment fire
No injuries were reported

Last night at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1200 block of W. 6^th Ave. on a report of an apartment on fire.

Heavy fire was showing from a ground floor apartment unit when fire crews arrived. The fire was threatening the upper living spaces in the old South Hill home that had been converted into apartments.

Firefighters were able to immediately advance a hose line to the unit in order to control the rapidly spreading fire while other crews evacuated and searched the structure for trapped occupants. All occupants of the structure were able to safely evacuate and no injuries were reported.

Crews quickly controlled the fire containing it to the one apartment unit, the structure's front exterior and the entry areas. The fire caused significant heat and smoke damage to one apartment unit and smoke damage throughout the rest of the building. Firefighters remained on scene working for several hours.  

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's 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

 

Fire spreads from vehicle to nearby vacant home

 

Fire spreads from vehicle to nearby vacant home
No injuries were reported

 

At approximately 3:30 pm, the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 1700 block of W. Gardner Ave. on a report of a vehicle on fire.

 

The first arriving engine advised there was an SUV on fire with the fire impinging on a nearby residence. The crew immediately upgraded the incident in order to receive additional resources, including assistance from Spokane Fire District 9.

 

Firefighters quickly extinguished the vehicle fire while simultaneously other crews conducted a rapid search of the structure to ensure there were not any occupants inside. 

 

The fire caused moderate damage to the exterior of the residence as well as smoke damage to the interior. The house was vacant at the time of the fire. The involved SUV was a complete loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's 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

 

Early morning duplex fire displaces family

 

Early morning duplex fire displaces family

At approximately 4:30 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at a duplex in the 2300 block of E. 4^th Ave.

 

Arriving crews advised of smoke coming from the rear of the structure with fire in the attic.  Firefighters conducted a rapid search of the residence with no victims found. 

 

Crews quickly extinguished the fire confining it to the the rear unit of the duplex. The fire caused damage to the attic and living space.

 

The American Red Cross responded to the incident to assist a family displaced by the fire.

 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s 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

 

Tuesday morning fire burns abandoned commercial building in Hillyard

 

Tuesday morning fire burns abandoned commercial building in Hillyard

 

Just before 6:00 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 3000 block of E. Wellesley Ave. on a report of a structure fire at an abandoned commercial building.

 

Arriving crews advised of heavy smoke coming from the building and quickly upgraded the fire in order to receive additional resources to help battle the blaze, including assistance from Spokane Fire District 9 and the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

 

“One man escaped from the building and advised us that there might be another person inside,” says Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Heavy fire conditions and the potential for a collapse has hindered firefighters from being able to conduct a search of the building. Thermal imaging equipment was used to check for additional people, but so far nobody has been located.”

 

The building has been vacant for a quite some time, but there have been reports of homeless individuals taking shelter inside.

 

Crews defensively attacked the fire in order to contain it to the one building and limit it from escaping to adjacent structures. The fire department’s drone was used to determine the progress and severity of the fire once initial action had been taken. The aggressive fire combined with construction characteristics of the building have made it extremely difficult for firefighters to get to the seat of the fire.

 

The incident has caused the closure of E. Wellesley Ave. from N. Market St. to N. Haven St. while firefighters worked to contain the fire. The street closure is anticipated to be in place for several hours.

 

Firefighters will remain on scene for several more hours.

 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s 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

 

Spokane Fire Department: When changing your clocks, check your smoke alarms and change batteries

 

Spokane Fire Department: When changing your clocks, check your smoke alarms and change batteries

With the upcoming time change, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) says it's a good, easy reminder when changing clocks to check your smoke alarms and change batteries.

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," advises SFD Fire Marshal Mike Miller. "When we fall back one hour, it is a good time to also check the age and condition of your smoke alarms."

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 is 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 should be tested monthly and new batteries should be installed at least once a year.

Checklist for your smoke alarm:

·       Have at least one alarm on every level of your home.

·       Have an alarm outside every sleeping area and inside every bedroom.

·       Check the back label on each alarm to know the date of manufacture. Make sure no alarm in your home is more than 10 years old.

·       Look for "ionization" or "photoelectric" or "photo-ion" on the back label of each alarm. Make sure you know the type of alarm you have!

·       Have at least one photoelectric alarm on each level of the home.

·       Check if your alarms have "hush buttons" so you don't ever have to remove a battery to silence a nuisance alarm.

·       Check if your alarms have lithium batteries so you don't have to replace the 9-volt batteries every year. Lithium batteries may last the life of the smoke alarm.

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

Residents wanting more information on smoke alarms or fire safety can contact the 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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Washington State Fire Commissioners Management of Excellence Award

Hello,

Spokane County Fire District 8 has received the 1^st place award from the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. The award is for excellence in "Leadership and Management". Please see the attached press release.

 

 

Greg Godfrey, Assistant Chief  ● Spokane Fire District 8

12100 E. Palouse Highway ● Valleyford, Wa. 99036 ● 509-926-0852 ext. 802 ● 509-370-9802, Cell

ggodfrey@scfd8.org

ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

"Risk a little to save a little, Risk a lot to save a lot, Risk nothing to save what is already lost"