Sunday, July 29, 2018

Fire heavily damages three garages and contents inside

 

Fire heavily damages three garages and contents inside
No reported injuries

 

Just before 4:30 p.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 2300 block of E. 6th Ave. following the report of an explosion and multiple detached garages burning in the alleyway. 

 

First arriving crews advised that they had a large volume of fire involving three separate garages. Given the dry vegetation and debris in the alley, the fire had quickly spread to a nearby electrical pole and caused the electrical wiring to fall to the ground. Confronted by fire in multiple buildings and the additional hazard of a downed electrical wire, the fire was immediately upgraded to add additional resources to the incident.  

 

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire caused heavy damage to three separate detached garages and contents contained within them. Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause.

 

Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to fire investigators.

 

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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 at downtown apartment under investigation

 

Fire at downtown apartment under investigation
One treated for smoke inhalation

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged a downtown apartment building early Saturday morning.

 

Just after 1:00 a.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 300 block of W. 2nd Ave. on a reported commercial building fire.

 

Upon arrival, crews advised they had a reported fire inside a second floor apartment and smoke spreading throughout the upper floors of the four-story apartment building. The sprinkler system had activated and the fire was located and extinguished inside the apartment. Crews immediately began evacuating residents and found that the majority of the residents had failed to leave the building when the alarm sounded.   

 

The fire was confined to the interior of original apartment. Crews worked to quickly to extinguish the fire, search the structure, and perform salvage and overhaul operations. Several apartments on the first floor received minor water damage from the fire sprinkler activation.

 

The American Red Cross responded to assist displaced occupants.

 

One occupant was treated at the scene for slight smoke inhalation. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public that alarm systems exist to warn occupants of impending danger. Please do the appropriate thing when a fire alarm sounds and evacuate to a safe location outside the building.

 

Fire Department Investigators and Spokane Police have questioned a person of interest. Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to investigators.

 

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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 South Hill house fire under investigation

                                                                                  

Cause of South Hill house fire under investigation
No injuries were reported

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged a South Hill home on Saturday.

 

Last night just before 8:00 p.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 responded to the 1300 block of E. 40th Ave. on a reported house fire.

 

Upon arrival, crews advised fire on the outside of the home and spreading to the single story residence. The fire was immediately upgrading to add additional resources to the incident.  

 

The fire spread to the interior of two bedrooms and the attic area. Crews worked to quickly to extinguish the fire, search the structure, and perform salvage and overhaul operations.

 

The occupants of the residence were not home at the time of the fire. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

Anyone with information about the fire can call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forwarded to fire investigators.

 

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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

 

Friday, July 27, 2018

City of Spokane Fire Department Surplus Auction

Tomorrow, the City of Spokane Fire Department will be auctioning surplus apparatus. The auction will be held at the Spokane Fire Department’s Maintenance Facility (1610 N. Rebecca St.) with a preview beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the auction starting at 9:00 a.m. Details on the auction process and bidding procedures can be found at www.reinlandauctions.net.

 

Vehicles in the auction include:

 

·        1993 Simmon Duplex Ladder Truck, LTI 110’ Aerial Unit, Series 60 Detroit, Allison HT 741 Trans., Waterous 1500 GPM Water Pump, 500 Gallon Tank

·        1992 Central States Pumper Truck, Series 60 Detroit, Allison HT 741 Trans., Hale 1500 GPM Pump, 750 Gallon Tank

·        1992 Pierce Ladder Truck, Smeal 75’ Ladder, 8V92 Detroit Motor, Allison HT 741 Trans., Waterous 1500 GPM Pump, 500 Gallon Tank

·        1990 Simmon Duplex 75’ Ladder Truck, 8V92 Detroit Motor, Allison Auto Trans., Godiva 1250 GPM Pump, 300 Gallon Tank

·        1977 VanPelt 85’ LTI Aerial Ladder, Detroit 8V92 Motor, Allison HT 740 Trans.

·        1983 Gillig Transit Bus, Detroit 6V92 Motor, Allison Auto, NO SEATS

 

Please note that not all of these vehicles are in running condition and no other equipment other than these six vehicles will be auctioned at this time.

 

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
Inspection: Morning of Sale
Location: 1610 N. Rebecca St., Spokane, WA  99217

 

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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

 

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Youth playing with lighter determined to be cause of brush fire

 

Youth playing with lighter determined to be cause of brush fire

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s (SFD) Special Investigation Unit have determined last week’s brush fire near the intersection of Francis and Sutherlin was caused by a youth playing with a lighter.

 

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, crews from SFD and Spokane County Fire District 9 (SCFD9) responded to a report of a brush fire threatening multiple homes and outbuildings. The fire was located in a backyard area common to three homes.

 

Prior to fire department arrival, homeowners were attempting to keep the fire controlled with garden hoses and buckets of water.

 

Quick action by first arriving firefighters limited the fire damage to a small outbuilding, approximately 30 feet of cedar fencing and the vinyl siding of one home.

 

Spokane Fire Department provides a free program to support families and youth who have experiences with fire. If you have a child in your life who you believe would benefit from this educational program, regardless of the perceived level of risk, please contact SFD’s Community Risk Reduction Manager, Jamie McIntyre for assistance. McIntyre administers the Youth Firesetter Prevention educational program and can be reached at 509-625-7058.

 

Each year youth set fires cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and destroy millions of dollars worth of property. All children are at risk for using fire unsafely. Below are a few important safety tips:

 

  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves.
  • It is natural for young children to be curious and ask questions about fire, play with fire trucks, or pretend to cook. Use these opportunities to teach them about fire safety.
  • Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
  • Teach young children to never touch matches or lighters. They must go tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.
  • Establish clear rules and consequences about unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire.
  • Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.
  • Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What are they seeing online in video games, on TV, in movies, and on social media? Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.
  • Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire.

 

 

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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 Sunday’s brush fire undetermined

 

Cause of Sunday's brush fire undetermined

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's (SFD) Special Investigation Unit are unable to determine the cause of a brush fire that started in the 2900 block W. Broad Ave.

 

The fire started just after 2 p.m. on Sunday in a wooded back lot near several homes. Fire crews were able to quickly contain the fire before damage was caused to any nearby structures. No injuries were reported.

 

With the warm, dry weather conditions it is always a good reminder to follow a few wildfire safety tips as seen in this video and listed below:

 

  • Clear away pine needles, leaves and anything that can burn from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines so falling embers have nothing to burn. 

 

  • Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.

 

  • Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

 

  • Remove flammable materials or anything that can act as a large fuel source within 30 feet of your home's foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds.

 

  • Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

 

  • Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

 

  • Don't let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

 

  • Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.

 

  • Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.

 

  • Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

 

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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

 

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Vacant house fire under investigation

 

Vacant house fire under investigation

Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s (SFD) Special Investigation Unit are investigating a house fire that occurred yesterday in the 1100 block of E. Glass Ave.

 

At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1100 block of East Glass Ave. Reports to 9-1-1 indicated smoke and flames with possible explosion to a rear of a residence.

 

First arriving fire crews confirmed heavy fire from the rear of the structure. The fire was quickly located and extinguished in approximately 20 minutes, however, high outside temperatures slowed efforts to eliminate small fires in crawl spaces. Extra crews had to stay on scene to allow for rotations into the fire/work area to prevent dehydration and overheating. The last remaining crews left the scene approximately 5:30 p.m.

 

The house was vacant and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

 

The fire caused severe damage to the rear of the residence with smoke damage throughout.

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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 crews quickly contain vegetation fire

 

Fire crews quickly contain vegetation fire

 

Yesterday, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane County Fire District 8, Spokane County Fire District 3 and the Department of Natural Resources responded to a brush fire next to State Highway 195 just north of Hatch Rd. Early reports indicated a misfired model rocket had started the fire.

 

First arriving crews found a moderately moving fire in level terrain with no immediately threatened structures. The fire was contained in approximately 30 minutes and limited to approximately one to two acres. Crews stayed on scene for an hour digging a fire line and wetting hot spots to prevent further fire starts.

 

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries and no property damage other than vegetation.

 

A follow up investigation is being performed by the Department of Natural Resources.

 

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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, July 24, 2018

Joint statement from Spokane Fire Department and International Association of Firefighters Local 29

Joint statement from Spokane Fire Department and International Association of Firefighters Local 29:

 

“The City of Spokane and International Association of Firefighters Local 29 are jointly committed to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind. We firmly believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, and professionalism. In response to a recent complaint of workplace harassment and bullying, the City promptly conducted an investigation, the results of which have led to corrective action. While the investigation findings remain disputed, Local 29 has decided to forego a grievance or other challenge to those findings so that the City and Local 29 can work together to improve overall workplace culture within the Fire Department. Through this partnership, Local 29 will help lead the discussion on appropriate workplace behavior. 

 

The City and Local 29 take allegations of workplace misconduct very seriously. As a City, we have taken steps to make sure people have multiple ways to report concerns about workplace behavior and are comfortable coming forward with those concerns. As Chief, I will ensure the department is always working hard to improve by engaging with our community, building an inclusive culture, advancing new knowledge, and leading the way in seeking creative solutions to ever-changing challenges. These responsibilities are also delegated to every employee of the Spokane Fire Department. I have made it clear to the organization that any level of bullying, harassment, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.”

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

House fire displaces five residents

 

 

 

House fire displaces five residents
No injuries were reported

 

An early morning house fire in northwest Spokane has displaced five residents.

 

At approximately 12:30 a.m., residents of a home in 5800 block of N. Driscoll Blvd. were alerted to a fire after hearing a noise and finding the bathroom on fire. The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire and contacted 9-1-1. 

 

All the residents evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department. Crews advised the fire was in a hallway and bathroom and also found it had spread to the attic. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire preventing it from causing further damage.  

 

The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the family.

 

There were no injuries reported. 

 

The fire caused damage to the living area and moderate damage to the attic area. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Investigative 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 selects new Deputy Chief

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Deputy Chief

 

After an extensive recruitment process, the Spokane Fire Department announces Rex Strickland III has been selected as the department’s new Deputy Fire Chief. Chief Strickland will be the Training Chief, overseeing both recruit and incumbent training, health & safety, and recruitment. He will begin on Monday, July 30.

 

Chief Strickland is a 29-year veteran of the fire service. Starting as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16, he said he quickly understood that the fire service was the only career option for him. He was hired by Fairfax County (VA) Fire & Rescue Department in 1992. Fairfax County Fire & Rescue deploys 38 stations with 1,500 members within a population of 1.1 million inside of 400 square miles and almost 80,000 calls for service.

 

Chief Strickland specialized in Technical Rescue where he served as Technician, Master Technician, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was an Operations Chief for the International Urban, Search, & Rescue (US&R) program. He has deployed to numerous domestic and international disasters to include acts of terror at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi Kenya and The Pentagon; earthquakes twice in Turkey, Taiwan, Haiti, and Japan; and numerous hurricanes to include Katrina and Sandy. In addition to the Special Operations programs, he has held positions in Communications and Training. Chief Strickland has been awarded two silver medals of valor, numerous unit citations and team performance awards, and a career achievement award. He retired after 26-years as a Battalion Fire Chief in Operations.

 

Chief Strickland teaches internationally to include South Africa, UAE, and across the nation on a variety of topics. He has presented lectures and hands-on training at Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Rescue International (FRI). He also serves on national committees to include National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and on a UL Advisory Board. While in Fairfax, he served as Chair on the region’s operating manuals Technical Writing Group and the Command Operations committee among others.

 

Chief Strickland is excited to bring his wife and three kids to Spokane.

 

Please note: Next week, we will be scheduling media interviews with Chief Strickland once he begins his employment with the Spokane Fire Department. If you are interested in scheduling, please let me know. 

 

 

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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

 

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

RE: Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

Sorry. Attached is Chief Phillips photo.

 

From: Anderson, Michele L.
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 8:45 AM
To: Anderson, Michele L. <mlanderson@spokanecity.org>
Subject: Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

The Spokane Fire Department announces the appointment of Megan Phillips as the new City of Spokane Fire Marshal. Prior to her selection, Phillips served as the Assistant Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal position became vacant after the retirement of Fire Marshal Michael Miller in June.

 

Phillips now leads the Prevention Division which includes code enforcement, plans review and community risk reduction. While her primary goal is the extremely important duty of public safety, she also prides herself in supporting Operations by being responsive to their needs and the needs of the citizens.

 

“Chief Phillips is incredibly resourceful and educated when it comes to understanding the fire code and all of its intricacies,” says Assistant Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. “As our new Fire Marshal, she will be a great asset to the Fire Department and the City. Her experience as Assistant Fire Marshal has prepared her for the hard work and dedication that is required to keep our city, residents and visitors safe.”

 

Phillips is a 20-year veteran with the Spokane Fire Department. She began her career as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the City of Millwood, WA in 1997. The Spokane Fire Department hired Phillips in 1998 as a Firefighter and she promoted to Fire Equipment Operator in 2001. Phillips accepted the position of Deputy Fire Marshal in 2005, then in 2015 promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal where she had the chance to supervise a highly motivated and professional team of fire inspectors and public educators.

 

Phillips has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, and a Fire Science Degree from the Community Colleges of Spokane. Phillips resides in Spokane with her husband Chris. Their two sons are both proudly serving in the United States Air Force.

 

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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 new Fire Marshal

 

Spokane Fire Department selects new Fire Marshal

 

The Spokane Fire Department announces the appointment of Megan Phillips as the new City of Spokane Fire Marshal. Prior to her selection, Phillips served as the Assistant Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal position became vacant after the retirement of Fire Marshal Michael Miller in June.

 

Phillips now leads the Prevention Division which includes code enforcement, plans review and community risk reduction. While her primary goal is the extremely important duty of public safety, she also prides herself in supporting Operations by being responsive to their needs and the needs of the citizens.

 

“Chief Phillips is incredibly resourceful and educated when it comes to understanding the fire code and all of its intricacies,” says Assistant Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. “As our new Fire Marshal, she will be a great asset to the Fire Department and the City. Her experience as Assistant Fire Marshal has prepared her for the hard work and dedication that is required to keep our city, residents and visitors safe.”

 

Phillips is a 20-year veteran with the Spokane Fire Department. She began her career as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the City of Millwood, WA in 1997. The Spokane Fire Department hired Phillips in 1998 as a Firefighter and she promoted to Fire Equipment Operator in 2001. Phillips accepted the position of Deputy Fire Marshal in 2005, then in 2015 promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal where she had the chance to supervise a highly motivated and professional team of fire inspectors and public educators.

 

Phillips has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, and a Fire Science Degree from the Community Colleges of Spokane. Phillips resides in Spokane with her husband Chris. Their two sons are both proudly serving in the United States Air Force.

 

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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, July 17, 2018

Providing the right care in the right setting

 

Providing the right care in the right setting

 

With the ultimate goal of providing the right care in the right setting for people experiencing behavior health issues, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) has partnered with Frontier Behavioral Health to staff a Behavioral Response Unit. The program is funded through a grant from Providence Medical Group.

 

The program will help divert people experiencing less acute behavioral issues from the Emergency Department so they can be connected to more appropriate community resources. In turn, this will allow more time for the Emergency Department staff to provide the highest level of care to the most acute medical and behavioral health patients.

 

SFD has seen an increasing number of responses for behavioral-related issues since 2014, which mirrors national trends and creates significant demand on community emergency care resources. Currently, SFD averages more than nine behavioral related responses each day. Through the first half of this year, the department saw even greater growth in these responses with nearly a 20% increase compared to the first half of 2017.

 

“These trends require us to look at how we respond to these events differently,” says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Prior to this new program starting, all patients were transported by ambulance to local hospital emergency departments. Pairing a fire department paramedic with a mental health counselor to assist with people who are not acutely ill only makes sense. We have the opportunity to connect these individuals with the resources that are best suited to help them and provide better, more efficient care. This collaborative approach to helping people experiencing behavioral issues in our community is innovative and not seen in other parts of the State.”

 

The Program started on June 11 and during the first month of operation, the team responded to 36 requests for help. Nineteen of the people the team encountered were referred to more appropriate behavioral health services and avoided being transported in an ambulance to a local hospital emergency department.

 

“While the program is still in its early stages, we anticipate that we will continue to see improved access to services and care for people experiencing behavioral issues,” adds Schaeffer.

 

One program goal is to achieve a 50% hospital diversion rate in behavioral health patients that the new team encounters. Frontier Behavioral Health and SFD are also tracking additional metrics to see what other impacts this program has on both program and calls for each agency.

 

The Behavioral Response Unit will be assigned to behavioral health calls as an additional resource to other SFD response units during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Upon arrival on scene, the initial responding paramedic and the Behavioral Response Unit paramedic will collaborate to determine if there is a medical cause for behavioral symptoms that may still require transport to the hospital. If both medics agree that there is not an emergent medical cause that needs to be addressed, both medics will collaborate with the mental health clinician to determine whether or not the patient is an appropriate candidate for diversion. If it is decided that the patient is a good candidate for diversion, the Behavioral Response Unit will release the other fire department resources to return back in service (allowing them to be available for other calls for service). The Behavioral Response Unit Team will further assess the individual and identify the most appropriate resource for diversion at that time.

 

A video, including interviews, about the Behavior Response Unit can be found here.

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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

 

Monday, July 16, 2018

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 16, 2018, 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 three feet in diameter by two 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.
    • 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).
    • For one and two family dwellings, follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. Be safe and use good judgment.
    • For multifamily dwellings, maintain 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 seven mph) must be present.
  • 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 flyer for additional information.

 

 

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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

 

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Fire crews contain rapid moving brush fire

 

Fire crews contain rapid moving brush fire
No injuries reported

 

Last night just before 5:00 p.m., members of the Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 9 responded to the 1800 block of W. Liberty Ave. for a reported brush fire near Drumheller Springs Park. Follow up reports into 9-1-1 by citizens on scene indicated homes might be endangered and equipment was called to respond to handle both brush and structural fires.

 

First arriving crews found a rapidly moving brush fire threatening a residence. Crews were able to slow the progress of the fire at the edge of the residence limiting damage to the siding and shrubbery. The wind continued to push the fire and within a few minutes a second home was threatened. Crews were again able to block the path of the fire and kept the second residence from sustaining any significant damage.

 

In total approximately two acres were involved in the fire and one home received mild damage to the exterior. Crews were on scene approximately three hours for containment and mop up of the fire.

 

No civilians, firefighters or pets were injured in the incident.

 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public fire conditions in the area are reaching extreme conditions. Continuing hot weather with limited precipitation and higher than normal winds are creating the potential for rapidly escalating fires. Please be extremely cautious when handling any materials that have the ability to start a fire. In the event of a fire, please utilize 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

 

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Eleven people displaced after early morning fire near Gonzaga

Eleven people displaced after early morning fire near Gonzaga
No injuries were reported

 

Eleven people were displaced after an early morning fire broke out at a home near Gonzaga.  

 

At approximately 3:00 a.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a fire at a residence in the 100 block of E. Sinto Ave. Neighbors had reported seeing smoke coming from the single family residence. Spokane Police officers arrived on scene and confirmed that there was fire coming from the second floor of the home. 

 

Initial reports were that all occupants were out of the structure, but firefighters were assigned to confirm. The fire heavily damage the second floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.

 

The American Red Cross was requested to assist the 11 occupants who were displaced and SCRAPS responded to assist with numerous pets.

                                                                                                         

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Investigative Unit and Spokane Police Department.

 

** Pictures provide by SPD’s Cpl. Teresa Fuller. More photos can be found on SFD’s Facebook page.**

 

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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

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