Media Invite: Now is your chance to become a junior firefighter by competing in the challenge

 

Media Invite: Now is your chance to become a junior firefighter by competing in the challenge

 

The Spokane Fire Department is inviting members of the media to visit Spokane Fire Station 1 (44 W. Riverside Ave.) on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. to participate in the junior firefighter’s combat challenge.

 

The challenge will be a fun way to help highlight the upcoming Kids Junior Fire Academy occurring on Saturday, September 8 at River Park Square. Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer will also be available for interviews.

 

More about the Kids Junior Fire Academy:

 

The Spokane Fire Department, SAFE Kids, Mobius Children's Museum, the Downtown Spokane Partnership and River Park Square are partnering for the second annual Kids Junior Fire Academy. This free, family event will be held at River Park Square, Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

 

The Kids Junior Fire Academy is open to “kids” of all ages, and will provide an opportunity for attendees to tour and see demonstrations from a ladder truck and fire engine, practice hands-only CPR with firefighters, make a craft with Mobius Children's Museum, operate a charged fire hose, learn about child passenger safety from SAFE Kids Spokane and so much more! Kids can collect stamps at each activity and receive a Jr. Firefighter certificate and enter to win fun prizes. 

 

Here are two videos about the Kids Junior Fire Academy: https://vimeo.com/286245513 and https://vimeo.com/286092728 .

 

 

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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

 

Firefighter transported to local hospital after early morning house fire

 

Firefighter transported to local hospital after early morning house fire
Cause under investigation

 

A Spokane Fire Department firefighter was transported to a local hospital and treated/released for possible heat exhaustion after an early morning house fire.

 

At approximately 3 a.m. the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 800 block of E. Bridgeport Ave. Initial reports were smoke was filling the structure.

 

First arriving crews indicated light smoke from the eaves of the house with follow up reports of an attic fire. Crews were able to search the building for occupants and extinguish the fire in the attic within minutes of arrival. The occupants had evacuated prior to arrival and there were no civilian or pet injuries as a result of this incident.

 

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

 

House fire remains under investigation

 

House fire remains under investigation
No reported injuries

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are continuing to investigate a house fire that broke out on Friday evening.

 

At approximately 11 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported building fire in the 400 block of E. Carlisle Ave. First arriving crews noted fire on the side of a residence that appeared to be moving into the attic. Crews were able to knock down the fire and perform a search of the building within five minutes of arrival. The residence was not occupied at the time of the event. Crews remained on scene throughout the night to perform a thorough investigation and ensure the fire remained out.

 

No civilians, pets or fire personnel were injured.

 

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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

 

Second house fire in week caused by unattended cooking

 

 

Second house fire in week caused by unattended cooking

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit say unattended cooking caused this morning’s house fire in the 2200 block of E. Pacific Ave. This is the second house fire caused by unattended cooking in a week within the city.

 

At approximately 3:20 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a house. Fire companies arrived to find a one-and-a-half story house well-involved, but were able to rapidly suppress the fire and prevent any threat to adjacent structures. The fire caused significant damage throughout the home.

 

Two occupants and one dog exited the structure safely and without injury. The American Red Cross responded to assist them.

 

The Spokane Fire Department wants to remind residents of the importance of following these safety tips when cooking:

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop

 

If you have a cooking fire:

• Get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 after you leave.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 

 

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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

 

Improper cigarette disposal caused mobile home fire

 

Improper cigarette disposal caused mobile home fire

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit say Sunday’s mobile home fire was determined to be accidental and was caused by a cigarette disposed of in a plastic container containing potting soil.

 

Just after 3 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in a gated retirement community located in the 2300 block of W. 16 Ave. Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the structure of origin. There were no injuries reported. Damages from the fire resulted in the total loss of the home.

 

Important smoking safety messages:

 

• Smoke outside. Many items in a home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes.
• Put cigarettes out all the way. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are completely extinguished before putting them in the trash.
• Use a deep, sturdy non-combustible ashtray or container. Place it away from anything that can burn.
• Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or other things that could ignite easily.
• Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
• Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired.
• Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.
• Never smoke in bed.

 

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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

 

Unattended cooking cause of house fire

 

Unattended cooking cause of house fire

 

Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit say unattended cooking caused a house fire in the 200 block of E. Longfellow Ave. yesterday.

 

At approximately 6:11 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a house. All occupants were reported to be out of the home before fire department crews arrived on scene. Multiple pets including two dogs, five cats and two lizards were still inside the residence, but firefighters were able to removal all of the pets from the residence unharmed.

 

Eight residents were displaced as the fire caused extensive damage to the living area and attic. The American Red Cross assisted the residents with housing. 

 

Important safety tips to follow when cooking:

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop

If you have a cooking fire:

• Get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 after you leave.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 

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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

 

Eight residents displaced after house fire

 

 

 

Eight residents displaced after house fire

At approximately 6:11 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to a house on fire in the 200 block of E. Longfellow Ave. All occupants were reported to be out of the home before fire department crews arrived on scene.  Multiple pets including two dogs, five cats and two lizards were still inside the residence. 

 

First arriving crews found smoke coming from the front and rear of the residence with heavy fire involvement in the kitchen and extension into the attic. Firefighters were able to get a quick knockdown of the fire. SFD crews were able to remove all of the pets from the residence unharmed.

 

The fire caused extensive damage to the living area and attic. The home will not be able to be occupied and the American Red Cross is assisting the eight residents with housing. 

 

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 fire destroys mobile home

 

 

Early morning fire destroys mobile home
No reported injuries

 

Just after 3 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in a gated retirement community located in the 2300 block of W. 16 Ave. Initial reports advised of a possible exterior fire, but upon arrival crews found fire throughout the structure and venting into the sky. 

 

Large diameter attack lines were used to extinguish the main fire, while other crews protected the adjacent residential homes that were only a few feet away. Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the structure of origin. Crews remained on scene until late morning ensuring complete extinguishment.

 

There were no injuries reported.

 

Damages from the fire resulted in the total loss of the home. Fire investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit are working to determine the cause.

 

 

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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

 

Natural gas leak causes evacuations

 

Natural gas leak causes evacuations
No injuries reported

 

Yesterday just before 8:30 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to northwest Spokane for a hazardous materials incident involving a natural gas leak. Initial reports advised that a homeowner was attempting to remove a dead tree from his rear yard. It turned out the tree roots had become entangled in the gas service line that feed his home. The gas line was severed when the tree was pulled from the ground.

 

Upon arrival, crews found significant gas odor and leakage from the broken service line. They evacuated nearby homes and continued to monitor the structures to ensure they were safe from explosion. Firefighters established a safe evacuation zone and stood by with a charged protection lead while awaiting the arrival of Avista. A multifaceted command structure resulted in the quick mitigation of this incident.

 

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department and Avista utilities would like to remind the public that they are required to call 8-1-1 so that underground utilities can be appropriately marked before undertaking any digging or excavation work. Fines and penalties can be assessed if damage occurs to utility lines that were not properly located before beginning work on your projects. 

 

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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

 

Brush fire threatens home near Sunset Highway

 

 

Brush fire threatens home near Sunset Highway

No injuries reported

 

Yesterday around 10:00 a.m., units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to the report of a brush fire in the vicinity of Sunset Highway and Audubon St. 

 

First arriving fire crews discovered approximately ½ acre of thick brush and timber on fire. The fire was located alongside Sunset Highway and was rapidly moving uphill towards a structure and parked recreational vehicle.

Wind conditions were very light and the fire was reported quickly by road repair crews working in the area. The fire was contained within 30 minutes of fire department arrival. Damage was limited to brush and timber.

 

It is believed that the fire started next to the road. Fire crews remained on scene to investigate the cause and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

 

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

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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

 

Triplex fire on lower South Hill

 

Triplex fire on lower South Hill
Pets remain unaccounted for

 

Just after 5:30 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire involving multiple apartment units. Initial reports advised of heavy fire with possible residents and animals trapped.

 

Upon arrival, crews found significant fire on the second floor. Firefighters worked to attack the fire, perform ventilation procedures and initiate a search of the structure. Other crews were used for a second fire attack team, additional search units, safety, standby and overhaul.  A multifaceted attack resulted in the quick extinguishment of the fire.

 

Due to the extreme heat, multiple units had to be called to the scene so appropriate crew rotation and rehabilitation could be accomplished.

 

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. 

 

At the time of this release some pets were not accounted for and the cause of the fire was 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

 

Brush and timber fire adjacent to Dwight Merkel Field quickly contained

 

Brush and timber fire adjacent to Dwight Merkel Field quickly contained

Around 4 p.m., units from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Spokane County Fire District 9 (SCFD9) responded to a report of a brush fire directly to the west of Dwight Merkel Field. 

 

First arriving fire department crews discovered approximately ½ acre of thick brush and timber on fire. The fire posed initial challenges for crews due to access difficulties. Luckily, wind conditions were very light and the fire was expanding at a relatively slow rate. Firefighters were able to deploy hoses from several 4x4 trucks specifically designed for brush fires. The fire was contained within 30 minutes of fire department arrival. 

 

Twenty two firefighters from the SFD and SCFD9 responded to the incident along with crews from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR remained on scene for several hours to investigate the cause and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

 

 

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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