Are you prepared for winter weather?

With a significant winter storm headed for the Spokane area this weekend, The Spokane Fire Department encourages you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a winter storm. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips.

SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A WINTER STORM

Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards.
Damaged or downed utility lines can present a fire and life safety hazard.
Water damaged appliances and utilities can be electrically charged.
Frozen water pipes can burst and cause safety hazards.
Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GAS SAFETY

Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

AND REMEMBER...

Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children.
Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.
If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department.

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5231 W Navaho
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 6, 2008 at 3:22 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Fielder and Kirsch responded to a reported residence fire at 5231 W Navaho. Residents reported a fire present in the interior wall of their home to SFD Dispatchers on 911. They stated that their smoke detectors were activating and they had discharged a fire extinguisher towards the fire, however it did not appear to affect the rapidly growing fire. The resident's neighborhood fire company (Engine 17) was on scene within 5-minutes and reported a fire in the interior of the home with high suspicion that the fire had spread to the attic. Additional engine companies laid a supply line from a nearby hydrant and assisted Engine 17 in gaining access to the fire and extinguishing it. Ladder companies provided ventilation, overhaul and salvage in coordination with the engine's efforts.

The well-coordinated efforts of the Spokane Firefighters resulted in the fire being extinguished within 45 minutes and damage being limited to specific areas of the home. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters and the residents are temporarily staying with family.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Investigators are on scene currently.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Damage varies in different areas of the residence. There appears to be moderate structural damage with variying levels of smoke damage throughout the home. The family of seven (two adults and five children ranging in ages from 6 years old to 16 years old.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 26
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Mike Inman
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2309 E. Euclid Apt. 7
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 9999207

NARRATIVE: At just before 10:30 pm December 5, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department received 3 calls for an apartment fire at 2309 E. Euclid. It was reported that one fire victim was down outside apartment 7 and a baby was trapped inside the apartment. The first crew on scene, Engine 15, found two adults and the baby had escaped the fire with smoke inhalation on burns to the male adult. Medical attention on scene and rapid transport was given to the 3 occupants of the apartment. Engine 15 and Ladder 2 initiated an aggressive interior attack on the fire along with a search of the apartment. This resulted in a quick knockdown of the fire and a report of no victims found inside the apartment. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. In all 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue unit, 4 Chief Officers and 2 ambulances were sent to the incident with a total of 23 fire personnel. The Red Cross was requested to assist the citizens who were displaced as a result of the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat and smoke damage to the bedrooms on the 2nd floor of the apartment
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3137 E. 34TH
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 11/28/08 at approximately 1554 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3137 E. 34th upon report of a structure fire. First arriving units on the scene found a one and one half story, wood-frame, single family residence with heavy smoke coming from the roof area. The occupant of the residence had noticed an electrical problem with a light on the first floor, and then while investigating that problem found the fire on the second floor. Fire crews advanced pre-connected hose-lines to the second floor of the house, while other crews ventilated the roof, and conducted search and rescue operations. The fire was controlled within approximately 30 minutes. The main body of fire was found in a void space, on the second floor, behind the interior walls. This area was used primarily as a play area for the occupant's children. Only one person was home at the time of the fire and he was able to exit the home safely.

A total of 10 apparatus with 27 firefighters fought this blaze. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

PROBABLE CAUSE: It appears the fire may have been started by a wiring problem within the knee-wall area on the second floor. At this time fire investigators are still completing their investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: The greatest damage to the structure was on the second floor of the residence. Firefighters found significant fire behind the knee-wall on the north-east side of the structure. All areas of the second floor also had significant smoke damage. Minor smoke damage was evident to the first floor.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Turkey Fryers Come With Safety Concerns

Video courtesy of Underwriters Laboratories

In recent years deep-frying turkeys has become increasingly popular, however this new tradition is a recipe for a holiday tragedy!

The use of turkey fryers are considered a serious injury and fire risk because:

• As the turkey is placed in the hot oil, oil may spill from the fryer onto the burner causing a fire.
• Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling the hot oil onto anyone nearby.
• Most turkey fryers do not have an automatic thermostat control. With no temperature control the oil could overheat to the point of combustion and cause a fire.
• The turkey fryers, including the lid and handles get extreme hot and may cause burns.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has decided not to safety certify any turkey fryers due to the increasing number of fires and burn injuries related to their use.

For More information visit http://www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/19/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3122 E Gordon
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 11/19/08 at approximately 0650 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire Department responded to 3122 E Gordon upon report of a structure fire. The first arriving apparatus on scene found smoke coming from the south-east portion of an approximately 60'X90', one story, wood-frame, commercial structure. The commercial structure was divided into approximately 8 separate units, each being used for a different purpose. The unit in which the fire occurred was used mostly for wood-working and wood floor installation. Fire crews forced open doors on both the north and south sides of the building and then advanced pre-connected hose-lines into those areas to extinguish the fire. While the hose-lines were being positioned, other crews accessed the roof for ventilation purposes and still other crews searched the building for any possible life hazards that might still in the structure. Search and Rescue crews continued the search as news that a civilian may be living in the building was reported. The search for the civilian was hampered by the conditions encountered by firefighters. The search area was accessed by breaching finished walls of two adjacent units. The search area was full of boxes and other ordinary items stacked from floor to near ceiling levels. The boxes numbered in the hundreds or possibly thousands, with various small living areas being found among the boxes. Fire-fighters found pathways under the boxes which led to and from the living areas. The civilian was found in an upper area of the boxes, obscured from view. Fire Department Para-medics attempted to revive the male victim but were unsuccessful.

A total of 28 firefighters on 11 apparatus fought this blaze. The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes of fire-fighters arrival on scene. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately another 2 hrs before turning the scene over to fire investigators. No injuries were reported to firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The main body of fire was confined to a small room in the wood-floor installation unit. The fire appears to have originated in this room, in an area near the wood-stove. Less fire damage was evident in other areas of this unit. Smoke damage was evident throughout the wood floor installation unit, and to some extent, to almost all the units of the commercial structure. Investigation of the incident is being conducted by the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total dollar loss is approximately $30,000.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Update on Rogers High School Fire

**UPDATED** The fire's classification of cause is listed as ACCIDENTAL. The fire originated in, and/or directly adjacent to, the portable classroom's electric furnace.

SIU Investigators have listed two possible scenarios in which ignition occurred. One possible scenario is insufficient clearance of combustible materials where the heat duct passes through wood siding. A second scenario involves an unknown electrical failure within the furnace.

DAMAGE:

The 2000 square foot portable class room sustained damage from fire to the furnace and attic spaces of the structure. Class room contents were essentially unharmed. Teachers and students who were assigned to the two class room portable have been relocated to another area of the school.

DAMAGE EXTENT: One classroom of the two classroom "portable" structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/13/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1622 E Wellesley
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Department dispatched two fire crews and their apparatus to 1622 E Wellesley, Rogers High School, at 8:12 in the evening on Thursday, November 13th, for a routine fire alarm system call. The first arriving fire crew was met at the school by school officials who happened to be there. The fire alarm system was sounding and the firefighters and the officials went to the alarm panel to determine where in the building the problem may be located. The enunciator information provided at the alarm panel led the firefighters to a part of the new building where it was obvious that no problem existed. Since the alarm system was not allowing itself to be re-set the fire crews continued to investigate the building for the cause of the alarm. Moving their investigation outside the main building, one of the firefighters picked up the familiar smell of burning wood in the area and followed that odor to one of the "portable" buildings just to the east of the main school building. By now the smoke was showing itself and beginning to spread, it was at this time that the Incident Commander requested a full alarm response to the school. At 8:51 the full alarm was sounded and additional resources were on their way. While the additional crews were responding the initial crews began to stretch hose lines to the building and started to make entry into the structure that was now starting to show visible fire in the attic area. As the additional crews were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included pulling down the ceilings in the portable classroom and cutting a trench in the roof. The combined efforts of the firefighting crews resulted in a rapid extinguishment of the fire that was located in the attic space and that was quickly beginning to spread through the light-weight structural members located in that small attic space. Damage was confined to one classroom of the two classroom "portable" building; the damage was mainly in the attic and on the west facing wall where the heating unit for the classroom is located. The amount of damage to the unit will make it unusable until repairs can be made. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters at the scene or to any civilians. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit with the focus of their investigation, at this time, to be the wall mounted heating unit of the structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Currently under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One classroom of the two classroom "portable" structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

New Episode of Second Alarm Available

The latest edition of The Spokane Fire Department's 2nd Alarm video news magazine is now online. This month's episode focuses on the department's USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Team and the Hazmat Team. We'll honor our Fire Chief for his twenty years of service to the City. We'll also learn the basics of fire extinguisher safety.

2nd Alarm is produced by the Spokane Fire Department's Media Services Department and airs locally on City Cable 5 on Comcast Cable in Spokane. Back episodes of 2nd Alarm are available on our website at http://www.spokanefire.org/

U.S. Fire Administration Blog: Miracle Mineral Threatens Firefighters

No fire is routine for a firefighter. Each blaze carries multiple hazards and requires a level of high alertness necessary to avoid those hazards, which include much more than just heat, flames, and precarious climbs on tall ladders. As a matter of fact, one of the most serious hazards confronting today’s firefighters is the presence of asbestos in buildings constructed prior to 1980. Once known as a miracle mineral because of its strength and incredible heat and fire resistance, asbestos enjoyed widespread use throughout the construction industry for decades and is found in insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, drywall, and many other building products. While asbestos is usually considered safe if it is intact and in good condition, asbestos damaged by fire can be lethal and may eventually cause a form of asbestos cancer known as mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can develop when a firefighter inhales tiny, sharp asbestos fibers, which can lodge in the lungs, first causing inflammation and later developing into cancerous tumors. Asbestos cancer is aggressive and kills quickly and mesothelioma treatment options have traditionally offered little hope for the sufferer. And because mesothelioma has a long latency period, firefighters who’ve been exposed to asbestos often do not know they have the disease until 20-50 years after exposure and therefore are sometimes lax about taking the proper steps to avoid exposure.

The use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is essential when a firefighter is exposed to environmentally hazardous conditions, especially when older structures are involved. SCBA should be worn by all firefighters during fire suppression and overhaul activities. The SCBA will provide clean, breathable air, free of asbestos particles, and it should continue to be worn even after the fire is extinguished to avoid inhalation from dust remaining in rubble and debris. The device should always be cleaned after use to avoid transfer of asbestos particles and all additional protective gear should be removed at the scene as well so as to prevent spreading of the fibers to other locations. Cases of secondhand exposure and the development of mesothelioma in co-workers and/or family members could result if the dangerous dust spreads.

Firefighters involved in follow-up activities, such as investigation work, should wear appropriate respiratory protection as well. Airborne asbestos particles could be present in heavily damaged structures for long periods of time so anyone involved in an arson/cause and origin investigation, clean up, or evidence recovery should wear respiratory protection if asbestos is known or suspected to be present. An SCBA might not be necessary in these follow-up activities but an APR (air purifying respirator) would still be warranted.

For more information on asbestos and mesothelioma, please visit these Web sites:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Asbestos
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (includes respirator recommendations)
NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory - Respirators
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
National Cancer Institute

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3121 N. Ash
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At just after 8 o'clock pm Engine 3 of the Spokane Fire Department was sent on a report of an illegal burn in the yard of 3121 N. Ash. Upon arrival E3 found the house had smoke coming from a side window and the front window they approached was hot to the touch. A full alarm of two additional Engines, a Ladder Company, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue Unit and two Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Two members of Engine 3 began an aggressive interior attack on the fire and ventilation of the structure with two Firefighters assisting from the outside. Additional ventilation along with search for victims was accomplished by other responding crews. Nobody was found inside the vacant house. In all 23 members of the Fire Department responded and there were no reports of any injuries. Due to the rapid attack by Engine 3, damage was kept to a minimum and the fire was controlled prior to the arrival of all of the additional crews. The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department and appears to have started in the vicinity of an in - wall heating /cooling unit similar to those found in hotels and motels.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Confined to the heating cooling unit in the wall and soot damage throughout the house
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Stovetop Safety during the holidays

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/11/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Yesterday (11/10/2008), Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) arrested Daniel J. Lambrix for Arson 1st Degree. On 10/06/2008, Mr. Lambrix started a fire in the upstairs unit of a duplex at 2307 W. Dean Avenue. The fire self extinguished, but did cause fire damage to the kitchen flooring and a nearby stove. The fire also caused moderate smoke damage throughout the upstairs unit. Mr. Lambrix was a tenant of the upstairs unit and was in the process of moving out. At the time of the fire there were three citizens present that were not participants in the crime (one adult and one child in the downstairs unit and one adult in the upstairs unit). Mr. Lambrix admitted his involvement in the setting of the fire. He has been booked into the Spokane County Jail on the charge of Arson in the 1st Degree (RCW 9A.48.020b; Knowingly and Maliciously Causing a Fire in an Occupied Dwelling).

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: 0
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 0
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/8/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2617 W. Fairview
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At 4:32 am the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 2617 W. Fairview. The first Engine Company, Engine 3, on scene reported flames and smoke showing out of the front of the residence. That Engine Company began an aggressive fire attack as well as a search of the structure for victims. Ladder 4 also began searching for victims as well as began ventilating the heat and smoke out of the structure. Additional apparatus as they arrived helped with roof ventilation, fire attack, and patient care. In all there were 3 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and a Fire Investigator that responded. Due to an aggressive interior attack and search for victims the fire was confined to the living room and the one person, an adult male, still in the house was rescued and transported with minor injuries. Fire damage to the attic, roof and exterior was a result of fire ventilating out of a small window on the side of the house. No other injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Investigation unit. The first crew inside had to force the door to make entry and said they did not hear any smoke detectors activated. We cannot stress the importance of working smoke detectors in protecting you from early notification of smoke the leading killer in fires.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive fire damage in the living room along with the exterior of the house along the roof line on one side of the house. Heavy smoke damage throughout the rest of the interior and heat damage in places inside the home.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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Beans Roasting in old Spokane Fire Station

From the Landmarks column in the Spokesman Review

Stefanie Pettit
Spokesman Review


The narrow building at 418 W. First Ave. in downtown Spokane appears rather unassuming considering its role in the city's history.
It is the still-standing symbol of the city's rebirth after the great fire that destroyed 32 buildings and 27 blocks of downtown Spokane in the summer of 1889.
It is the original Fire Station No. 1.
Two things were learned after the fire: downtown buildings should be built of brick, and a volunteer fire department was no longer sufficient for a growing city.
Fire Station No. 1, a two-story Italianate brick structure, was built right away and dedicated on Jan. 1, 1890, a ceremony which also included the swearing in of E.P. Gillette as the Spokane Fire Department's first paid chief.
The building's use as headquarters for the city's professional firefighting operation and, indeed, as an operating fire station, has long since passed into history. But back in 1890, the red-brick building proudly housed the new Silsby steam fire engine and the team of horses that pulled it. The building's story is chronicled in "A History of the Spokane Fire Department," a 1991 publication by Stephen Emerson of Archaeological and Historical Services at Eastern Washington University.
Emerson's account describes handsome decorations, molded tin ceilings and a wonderful polished brass pole for firefighters to slide down to reach the main floor. But, apparently, the building was more attractive than practical, with early complaints on record from firefighters of the day.
The building is relatively small - 32x76 feet - and turned out not to have sufficient space to house the horses comfortably (it was the first station to switch to automobiles in 1911), and its doors were too small to accommodate newer firefighting equipment. The 1,800-pound fire bell had to be removed from the bell tower before long, as it was discovered to be crushing the tower's structure.
And it was expensive. Emerson's research shows it cost $12,826 to build, but Fire Station No. 3, a wooden structure outside the downtown area, was built in the same year at a cost of $784.
During the Great Depression, four fire stations in the city were closed, including Fire Station No. 1 - on Jan. 1, 1933, exactly 43 years after it was dedicated.
It was then used as a boys club for several years and next as the home of the Riley Candy Co. (1943-'65), during which time an elevator was installed and the building modified in a number of ways. The red brick exterior has been painted, as has the Fire Station No. 1 sign that identified the building for so many years.
It was largely vacant until 1972 when it became headquarters for Bank and Office Supply Co. It later housed a greeting card store, a custom sewing business and other ventures.
About three years ago, Gemelli Coffee Roastery moved in. Paul and Scott Jacobs, Gemelli's owners, have operated Jacobs Java's drive-through coffee businesses for 16 years and supplied coffee to many other restaurants and coffee shops in Spokane, but the brothers needed a location downtown when they wanted to expand their enterprise to include roasting coffee.
"I was on my way to meet our roaster when I drove by the building and saw the 'for rent' sign," Paul Jacobs said. "It was the right place and the right time, and the fact that it's an historic building certainly added to the appeal."
Gemelli's tasting room and offices now occupy the second floor of old Fire Station No. 1. But, alas, the brass pole is no longer in place to provide a swift descent to the main floor where coffee bean roasting is done three times a week. Paul and Scott Jacobs have to take the stairs.
But one symbol of the building's civic role remains: the American flag still flies on a flagpole on the roof.