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

ISSUING OFFICER: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W. Riverside Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Winter months raise the hazard level of carbon monoxide poisoning and Spokane Fire Department has responded to two serious events in the past few days. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea and irregular breathing. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes about 500 deaths, 4,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. each year.
CO poisoning first affects infants and young children as well as elderly persons.
In addition, the long-term effects of CO poisoning include memory loss, lung and heart problems, and impaired motor skills.

Spokane Fire Department recommends that every household equipped with any type of fuel-burning devices (e.g. furnace, water heater, gas stove, or fireplace) install at least one carbon monoxide detector. It is best if the devices have LED windows that show the actual parts per million of carbon monoxide to oxygen when it sounds the alarm.

When the alarm sounds and If anyone is feeling sick, get everyone outside to fresh air before calling 9-1-1.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often referred to as "the silent killer" because carbon monoxide cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. In Congressional testimony on December 17, Cheryl Burt of Rochester MN relayed the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning on her family. Fourteen years ago, two preschoolers died in their sleep as the mother tried to tend to them and a third son, thinking they were suffering from the flu. In fact, a malfunctioning furnace had vented dangerous levels of CO throughout the home for several days. A working carbon monoxide detector would have sounded the alarm early in this process and saved the family. By coincidence, Ms. Burt had debated whether to buy a carbon monoxide detector or another toy for Christmas that year. She said at the hearing that "I opted to buy my son another toy truck instead. Now I have the truck, but I don't have my son."

During this holiday season, we have the opportunity to increase the level of safety for family and friends by installing carbon monoxide detectors.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
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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SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4822 N. Nelson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Just before 11:30 am Friday December 18, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 4822 N. Nelson. Upon arrival of Engine 15 the first apparatus on scene they reported smoke coming from apartment 6 on the second floor. They initiated a fire attack using a 1 ¾" pre connected hose line once a second apparatus was on scene. Additional crews were used for ventilating the smoke out of the apartment, setting a rapid intervention team and checking for extension of the fire beyond the room of origin as well as looking out for the needs of all residents of the apartment building. The additional crews arriving where to include 2 more Engine Companies, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue crew and 2 Battalion Chiefs. The fast attack on the fire kept the damage confined to the contents in the bedroom where the fire originated and kept the fire out of the structure. The apartments on both sides and the apartment above the fire were checked for extension and none was found. The air quality was checked in all of the apartments for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. All air samples were found to be within safe limits. Red Cross was contacted to assist 1 adult and 3 children living in apartment 6. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. One concern which is not determined to be the cause of the fire was clothing and combustibles up against a baseboard heater. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind people during the heating season to be very careful with all heating devices and keep combustibles away from all equipment used for heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to contents of bedroom and smoke throughout the apartment.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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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SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2404 West Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, December 16, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 9:54 AM to 2404 West Longfellow, Glover Jr. High on a reported fire in the building. Fire crews arriving on scene found light smoke showing in one of the hallways and upon further investigation discovered a small fire at an electrical panel at the buildings west wing. The fire was quickly extinguished and the remaining fire crews isolated the hallway from the rest of the school and began a systematic removal of smoke from the structure. Spokane Public School representatives' were on scene to direct all evacuation and student transfers to another location. One firefighter was injured when he slipped on an unsecured cover over an underground vault. There were no reported injuries to any civilians

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire damage was confined to an electrical panel and its associated wiring.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
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: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1640 E. Olympic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Monday December 14th, 2009 at 6:07 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1640 E. Olympic. Engine 15 from their neighborhood fire station located at Wellesley and Crestline was first to arrive and found a house with smoke pouring from the attic and roof areas. A quick stretch of hose lines from the engine companies along with the ladder company quickly accessing the roof and cutting a hole to release the built up heat, resulted in a "knock down" of the fire after approximately 10 minutes. Both adult occupants were able to safely exit their home. At this time, it appears the fire originated near the electrical panel towards the back of the house. The fire spread upwards through the walls and horizontally through the ceiling space eventually consuming a significant portion of the attic. Storage items and personal belongings sustained heat and smoke damage from the blaze. The occupants were assisted by the Red Cross at the home. Fire crews will remain at the incident site throughout most of the morning working on complete extinguishment, overhaul and assisting the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this incident. The occupants did not have any smoke detectors present within the home and as a result were lucky to have escaped on their own because smoke is a silent killer. Every home should have a working smoke detector for each level of the home. Smoke detectors save lives.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Possibly electrical in origin. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy heat and smoke damage to the attic and contents contained within.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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: Dave Leavenworth Deputy Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/9/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1311 S Walnut St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On December 9, 2009 9 units from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire at 1311 S Walnut St. Arriving crews found a small fire started when an unknown subject utilized impovised incendiary devices thrown at the structure. Witnesses at the scene reported an unidentified person running from the scene with their arm involved in fire.
This incident is being investigated by the SFD Special Investigaion Division in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department. The SFD is asking anyone with information to call the SIU at 344-FIRE (3473) to report any knowledge they may have concerning this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor damage to the interior of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0.00
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

Dec. Edition of Second Alarm

Second Alarm is the video newsmagazine about the Spokane Fire Department. It airs locally on City Cable 5 in Spokane.

This month's episode features holiday safety tips.

Promotion: Battalion Chief Haworth

We also are proud to announce that Dave Haworth has been promoted to Battalion Chief. Chief Haworth has worked his way up to the BC position through operations, most notably being assigned as the Station 4 Captain on Ladder 4 in downtown Spokane. Chief Haworth was instrumental in maintaining and leading SFD's Technical Rescue/USAR Team and several other projects in that discipline. Congrats to both Chiefs!

Promotion: Deputy Chief Hanna

We are pleased to announce that Bob Hanna has been selected to be promoted to the new Deputy Chief position. Chief Hanna, who just celebrated his 30th anniversary with the department in October, has risen through the ranks of SFD serving in Operations, Investigations and Training.

The new Deputy Chief’s focus will be primarily on Training, Safety and increased interface with the Operations Division. You can contact Chief Hanna through the directory section of our website at http://www.spokanefire.org/departments/directory/default.aspx

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

ISSUING OFFICER: BC Dave Haworth
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 603 S Ralph St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On December 7, 2009, at 1:09 Pm, 6 companies of the Spokane Fire Dept, 4 engines, 1 heavy rescue, and 1 senior-ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bruce Moline and Bob Green responded to a reported garage fire in the alley behind 603 S Ralph St.
The first arriving company, SE14, reported smoke coming from a detached 2-car garage behind this address. After ensuring everyone was out of the structure, companies began a coordinated attack and quickly controlled the fire.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Fire Dept SIU determined the fire was accidentally caused by an improperly installed wood heating device.
The Fire Dept would like to remind citizens to follow all code requirements when installing home heating devices and to always maintain adequate clearance around them. During periods of extreme cold weather heating devices can be called to operate at a much higher capacity and this can exacerbate any existing problems.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Moderate heat damage to the interior of the structure with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Members of the Spokane Fire Department mourn the tragic deaths on November 29, 2009 of the four Lakewood Police Officers killed in the line of duty.

Members of our organization are humbled by the continuing, unselfish sacrifices of our colleagues in law enforcement and extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the officers, to the men and women of the Lakewood Police Department, and to all those who serve. We stand with and support them during this time of immeasurable loss.

Members from the Spokane Fire Department Honor Guard are attending the memorial, predominantly at their own expense, to honor the fallen.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 6002 North Forest Boulevard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Sunday December 6, 2009 at 4:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bruce Moline and Dan Brown responded to a reported house on fire at 6002 North Forest Boulevard.

The neighborhood fire company arrived within 4-minutes and reported smoke showing from the eaves of the home and flames from the rear of the house. The incident was upgraded to a working fire and an additional engine added to the alarm. Once confirming the family of four was accounted for, engine companies stretched pre-connected attack lines to the main body of the fire while the ladder company set ladders and opened the roof for ventilation.

It took 22 Firefighters just 20 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the home's contents by placing tarps on the majority of the effects and protecting their property while the damaged area was overhauled.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to the rear of the home and moderate smoke damage throughout the structure. SFD is cooperating with Avista, Red Cross and the insurance company to assist the residents in securing temporary accommodations and to make certain the structure is secure and safe.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
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: Larry Mummey/Battalion Chief Mentor
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2803 N Mayfair
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: 12 apparatus and 21 Spokane Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to a reported single family residence structure fire in the north central area of the city at 9:41 am today Friday, December 04, 2009. Vigilant neighbors noticed light smoke coming from the house and called 911. The first crew on scene was Spokane Ladder 2 who reported light smoke coming from the rear of the house. No persons were reported in the structure. The fire response level was not upgraded for additional apparatus. Forced entry into the structure was not necessary. Light smoke conditions and little fire were found inside. After advancing a hose line into the house the fire was quickly extinguished as a result of a coordinated attack on the fire. Damage was contained to the upper floor. Four adults and one child were displaced because of damage to the structure. Red Cross will arrange temporary lodging for the residents. Spokane Fire Department Investigators responded to the scene. No injuries reported.
This is the time of the year where an increase in the number of space heaters contributes to increased fire dangers. Portable heaters should be plugged into properly sized wiring that is designed to handle the load of the heater. Overloaded wiring can heat up and cause fires in the walls.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Upper floor smoke damage
Upper floor west end fire and suppression damage
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
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: Assistant Chief Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/3/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Ten years ago today, our Nation's Fire Service suffered one of the worst loss of firefighters in our history. On Friday night, December 3, 1999 the Worcester, Massachusetts Cold Storage building caught fire when homeless people living in the building knocked over a candle. The fire consumed the vacant building which was solid brick, boarded up without any natural ventilation. The construction combination under fire conditions turned the building into a lethal furnace. Unfortunately, a witness thought people may be trapped in the building and Worcester Firefighters into the building. Six of those Firefighters did not return. The fire burned on for several days and eventually the Firefighters' remains were recovered, and some were in ashes. The building is now leveled and the site memorialized in history.

Senator Kennedy spoke to the families and community during the Memorial and stated, ".In these agonizing days, we draw strength from the message of hope they left behind. On the honor roll of heroes, these six deserve the highest laurels. In our quest to teach our children about character, we can point to each of them -- their self-sacrifice, their commitment, their faith, and their willingness to brave the odds. They will always be an example and a byword - individuals from every part of this community who risked it all to protect the least fortunate among us."

In the course of reviewing the disaster, the Fire Service has made incredible improvements. From this tragic event the Fire Service LEARNED. Specifically, we gained a heightened awareness and understanding of Incident Risk Management, Revised Existing Building/Fire Codes , Firefighter Accountability and Forced Vendors and Trainers to Develop New Training and Technology to Promote Firefighter Safety.

The Fire Service values a traditional phrase, "May They Not Be Forgotten" when we lose brothers or sisters in the Line of Duty. In the case of the Worcester Six, the term resonates each time we think about Risk Management, Rapid Intervention, Building Construction and Decision Making.

Today, the SFD and Nation's Fire Service remembers and reinforces the lessons learned on that day, ten years ago so their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/2/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1120 West Sprague
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: *** Preliminary results from the SFD's investigation of yesterday's fatality fire at 1120 West Sprague, Room 106 ***

Upon forcing entry to Room 106, Ladder 4's company searched the room under fire conditions and located the unit's sole occupant approximately eleven feet from the bedroom's entry door . The seventy year old female was lying unconscious. She was immediately removed to the exterior through the main lobby doors and turned over to a team of SFD Paramedics. Paramedics received the woman not breathing and without a pulse. The victim was treated and transported to Deaconess Hospital where she was pronounced deceased by hospital personnel soon after.

The Spokane County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the same day (12/01/2009) and listed "smoke inhalation" as the cause of death and ruled the death "accidental." Full toxicology results and the autopsy report are pending at the time of this report.

Based upon the information available at the time of this report from the SIU; the fire originated within the bedroom of the ground floor apartment unit 106. The fire's probable ignition source was a burning cigarette which was accidently dropped or discarded. The fire ignited materials at the floor level near and/or under the room's bed. The fire spread to a variety of materials, many of which were stored beneath, including carpet, a gel filled comfort mattress, clothing and bedding. Additionally, oxygen supply tubing was ignited allowing free flowing oxygen to become involved. The "in use" portable oxygen equipment continued to supply the fire with a continuous flow of 100% oxygen that was flowing a reported three liters per minute. This condition continued until the oxygen enriched supply tubing was burned away from the outlet of the oxygen supply apparatus.

The oxygen tube was routed underneath the bed, allowing the oxygen assisted flames to reach the underside of the bed's foam mattress. Flame melted and/or consumed a significant portion of the mattress and bedding materials. Due to the types of materials involved, a large quantity of toxic gasses and sooty black smoke deposits were generated. Moderate heat and smoke collected at the ceiling of the approximately twelve by fourteen foot room and eventually filled the space down to nearly three feet above the floor. The fire was confined to the room's contents and did not involve the concrete structure.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire's cause has been classified as accidental and loss is estimated at $90,000.
DAMAGE EXTENT: I would appreciate time tomorrow to discuss preventative measures for citizens to take to avoid similar tragedies. I will be available tomorrow by phone/email if media have time in their schedules.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
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: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1120 W Sprague Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday December 1, 2009 at 6:46 AM, Spokane Fire Station 4 was dispatched to 1120 W Sprague Avenue on a reported general fire alarm sounding in the apartment building. While enroute, Fire Dispatch received 911 calls from the building reporting smoke present on multiple floors. After taking the citizen's calls, Fire Dispatch upgraded the alarm to include a total of 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Bruce Moline.

When Station 4 arrived they found smoke in the lobby of the 15-story building. Upon further investigation, the companies found heavy smoke emanating from a locked apartment in room 106. Ladder 4 and Engine 4 forced entry into the room, searched and successfully rescued the sole occupant. The victim was located within 6-minutes of dispatch and removed to the exterior of the building where SFD Paramedics treated the victim on-scene and transported the patient to Deaconess Hospital.

Additional tasks were ongoing throughout the rescue including companies successfully confining the fire to the unit of origin, pressurizing the atmosphere to make it safe for occupants, evacuating floors 1 and 2 and sheltering all other occupants from Floor 3 to Floor 15.

It took 28 Firefighters 50-minutes to completely ventilate, extinguish and control the incident.

One fatality occurred as a result of the fire (Ethel Maxfield) a 70 year old female. One adult male from Floor 15 was treated by SFD Paramedics and transported to the hospital. This patient's medical emergency was not related to the fire incident. No Firefighters were injured from the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by SFD's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to room 106 and minor smoke damage throughout the first floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
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