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

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/1/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Injured Civillian
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5611 North Perry
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, January 01, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 5:18 PM to 5611 North Perry on a reported motor home on fire. The first crew on-scene reported fire showing from the back of a motor home located at the back yard of this address. As the fire crews advanced a hose line to the back they discovered 2 adult, burn victims in the alley near the motor home. Additional fire crews were called to the scene to assist in patient care and aid in transport to a local hospital. The current condition of the burn victims is not known at this time. There were no injuries to any firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the motor home which was a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 14
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 Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/31/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Rescue
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 29th Avenue and High Drive
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223

NARRATIVE: At 5:16 PM on Thursday, December 31st the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 29th Avenue and High Drive for a reported vehicle over the embankment. Multiple calls were received at Fire Dispatch concerning this incident. Initial information was that there were two victims that had been ejected and two other victims still trapped in the vehicle. Due to the nature and location of the incident, multiple SFD resources responded, including 4 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue and two Battalion Chiefs. Three AMR ambulances were dispatched. Among those responding were SFD technical rescue and vehicle extrication specialists.

First arriving SFD resources reported a vehicle had gone over the embankment and firefighters were attempting to get down the hillside to locate any victims and determine the extent of their injuries. The fire crews, working in the wet, slippery, and dangerous conditions on this very steep area of High Drive, carefully made their way down to the vehicle. While working their way down the embankment, crews located two victims who apparently climbed out of the vehicle after it came to a stop, and were working their way up the slope to summon help. These victims; a 16 year old female and a 17 year old male received minor injuries and were treated by paramedics at the scene before being transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center by private vehicle.

While the first two victims were being assisted, other fire crews made their way down to the vehicle; a mid-size SUV that had come to rest on its passenger side, approximately 1200 feet down the embankment. Two adult victims; a male and a female, were found trapped in the heavily damaged vehicle. The female was removed through a window of the SUV and treated by paramedics for non-life threatening injuries. Extrication was required to remove the male from the vehicle, and he too was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Both adult victims were carried on litters up the steep, slippery embankment by firefighters and transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center. Their condition is unknown at the time of this release.

This was an extremely difficult and treacherous rescue. Nearly one half of the on-duty Spokane Fire Department crews operated at this incident for over three hours. One firefighter was injured during the rescue, suffering a back injury after slipping on the compacted snow on the way back up the hillside. He was released from duty after return to the station.

The initial cause of the crash is under investigation by the Spokane Police Department. Road conditions were slick at the time of the incident and may have contributed to the crash.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Vehicle totalled.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
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

Two Days Left to Make Your 2009 Tax-Deductible Gift

Our non-profit 501(c)(3) Foundation provides the avenue for businesses and citizens to donate money or other items to assist the Spokane Fire Department in meeting or exceeding their goal of "Service and Protection through Excellence” for the community of Spokane. The dollars donated go directly to purchase equipment and supplies that, due to budgetary constraints, are not otherwise able to be purchased. Fire Department Programs such as Public Education, CARES, Free Smoke Detectors, Free Helmets for Children and others are funded directly from the SFD Foundation.

Make your tax deductible contribution today so we can continue to build upon the success of 2009 and make even greater strides in 2010. You can donate online at http://www.sfdfoundation.org/

Brian Schaeffer

Director and CEO, SFD Foundation

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Early this morning, December 27, 2009, at 0351 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 8 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 4111 E. 8th Ave.

Engine 14 responding from Fire Station 14, located at 17th and Ray, was the first apparatus to arrive. Lieutenant Jeff Martin reported that he had a large home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and the west side of the home. After confirming that all occupants were out of the burning home, he quickly made assignments for the other responding fire companies while he and his crew made an immediate attack on the upper floor fire.

Incoming fire companies established a water supply and extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire. Roof ventilation was performed to assist firefighters working inside the burning structure. The main body of fire was knocked down in a short time. Initial crews were on the scene a total of 3 hours making sure the fire was out. Three fresh companies from the oncoming shift worked an additional 3 hours removing debris during overhaul operations.

Cold winter weather combined with difficult access created a challenge for on scene Firefighters. One Firefighter sustained minor injuries after falling on ice.
Approximately a third of the home sustained significant fire and smoke damage. 4 vehicles that were parked in the driveway were also damaged by the intense radiant heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Although the cause of the fire has not been determined as this time, wood stove ashes placed to close to combustibles is one potential cause that still is being looked at.

DAMAGE EXTENT: see narrative above
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
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: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 4:04 am Dec. 27, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department in Spokane, WA responded to a report of a front porch on fire at 4111 E. 8th Ave on the south hill. Prior to the Fire Departments arrival a Spokane Police Officer reported the house fully involved. The first crews on scene found significant fire in the front of the house and in the living room area. Because the front porch had been severely damaged attack lines had to be pulled to the rear of the house to begin an interior fire attack using 1 ¾" hose lines. The first crews reported that everyone was out of the house. The fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional Engine and Ladder above the working fire response were requested. A total of 7 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue Unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded with total of 38 Firefighters leaving only 6 fire apparatus to cover the City. A knock down of the main fire occurred rather quickly but the fire had gotten into the structure and attic so a total extinguishment will be slow and tedious as hidden fire is searched out and extinguished. There were no injuries reported of civilians or Firefighters. The house has significant damage and is under investigation by a Fire Investigator from the Departments Special Investigation Unit. Red Cross is assisting the residents and Spokanimal was called for to assist their dog living in the backyard. AVISTA responded to cut electrical power to the structure and to lock off the gas meter which had been turned off.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the front of the house and living room area of the main floor. Also fire damage to the attic with heat and smoke damage throughout the main floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
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 Dan Bown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5919 North Atlantic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On the morning of 12/21/09 the Spokane City Fire Department responded 2 Engine companies 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 heavy Rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs to 5919 North Atlantic. PL 13 arrived on scene and reported that smoke was showing from under the eves of a 1 story 1200 square foot house. E3 was assigned to interior fire attack while the crew on Pl 13 was split into two teams. Team A was assigned to search the interior and team B was sent to the roof to provide ventilation to release the hot smoke and gases .Other companies were assigned to the incident as they arrived.
Quick action by arriving companies resulted in a fast extinguishment of the fire. The fire was confined to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout. The fire was declared out in about 20 minutes. There were no reported injuries and no one was found during the search. The house was vacant and the cause if this fire is under investigation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This is under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The interior of the house had extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000,00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
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: Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4th and Myrtle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Friday December 18, 2009 at 2340 hours, Engine 14 was dispatched to the area of 4th Ave. and Myrtle to investigate "smoke in the area". Engine 14 under the direction of Lieutenant Terry Smith located a home that was heavily charged with smoke and flames.

Lieutenant Smith requested a regular fire response from Fire Dispatch while he and his crew went to work. Two additional Engines, a Ladder, Pumper Ladder, Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Upon their arrival, the additional crews searched, ventilated and manned additional hose lines.

This structure was not occupied and has been vacant for some time. The fire was extinguished in a relatively short period of time. However, fire crews were on the scene performing overhaul for several hours. Final extinguishment was difficult due to several layers of roofing and a remodel that had taken place over the years.

There were no injuries at this fire and the cause is still under investigation

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cause Still Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total Loss
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
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: 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

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: 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

END OF RELEASE

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