Media availability this morning - SCBA update

This morning at 11 a.m., Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer will be available for media interviews on the latest laboratory test results related to the air tanks and self-contained breathing apparatus packs. The test results determined that no toxic metals were found in the air tested.  Also joining Chief Schaeffer will be Randy Marler, President of the Spokane Firefighters Union.

 

Details:

Thursday, February 15 at 11 a.m. at Spokane Fire Station #1 (44 W. Riverside Ave.)

 

Thank you,

Michele                   

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Residents treated for minor injuries after house fire

Residents treated for minor injuries after house fire

Dog found deceased inside the home

 

Last night at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was called to the 1600 block of E. Ostrander Ave. for a reported structure fire with possible trapped occupants inside.

 

First arriving units reported heavy smoke from a 1 ½ story residential building in the Hillyard neighborhood. Crews made a rapid entry to search the building and attack the fire. Two of the home's six residents had been present at the onset of the fire, but were able to evacuate the building without fire personnel assistance. One tenant did have to use a first floor window because of heavy smoke conditions. Firefighters did locate a dog inside the structure, however, it was found to be deceased. The fire was brought under control approximately 30 minutes after SFD arrival.

 

Three residents were treated by SFD and AMR personnel and released on scene with minor injuries. One firefighter received a minor injury when he stepped on a nail, but did not receive any treatment at the scene.

 

Fire crews stayed at the residence throughout the night to ensure the fire remained out and to begin an in-depth investigation into the cause of the fire. The home received significant fire damage to the basement and first floor and smoke damage throughout.

 

The American Red Cross responded to the incident to assist the six residents with shelter as the damage to the home was too significant to reoccupy.

 

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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 adults treated for smoke inhalation after kitchen fire

 

 

Two adults treated for smoke inhalation after kitchen fire

 

At 3:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to the 1300 block of W. 8th Ave. for a commercial structure fire in an apartment unit. Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire in the kitchen of a first floor apartment.

 

Two residents were home when the fire started and attempted to extinguish it while calling 9-1-1. The residents were also able to activate a fire pull station/alarm to alert neighbors. Both individuals were treated for smoke inhalation by fire department personnel. No other injuries were reported.

 

The apartment received fire, heat and smoke damage with damage primarily contained to inside the kitchen area.

 

The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical issue with the hot water tank.

 

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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

 

Crews respond to fire at home under construction

 

Crews respond to fire at home under construction

 

Just after 4 a.m., the Spokane fire Department (SFD) responded to the 900 block of S. Azalea Dr. for a structure fire in a house under construction. Neighbors reported seeing flames through a window.

 

The first arriving crew found a fire in the daylight basement portion of the home. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, search the structure and overhaul all involved portions. There were major safety concerns early on as the fire had burned a large hole through the first floor from the basement, but crews were able to work around it without suffering any injuries.

 

No one was inside the residence at the time of the fire.

 

The home received fire, heat and smoke damage through approximately 30 percent of basement and 15 percent of the first floor. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD 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

 

Be Heart Smart

Be Heart Smart

February is American Heart Month and the Spokane Fire Department wants the community to be “heart smart” and know the warning signals for heart attacks and strokes.

 

“Several types of heart disease are risk factors for stroke and stroke is a risk factor for coronary heart disease,” says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Knowing the warning signals can help when every second counts.”

 

The American Heart Association provides the following warning signals of heart attack and stroke:

 

Heart Attack Warning Signs:

 

Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

 

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

 

Shortness of breath: with or without chest discomfort.

 

Other signs: may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

 

Stoke Warning Signs:

 

Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T:

• Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
• Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

 

It is important to remember that not all of these signs are necessary to identify every heart attack or stroke. If any of these signs occur, every second is critical—don’t wait, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

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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