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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/28/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 West Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: ** NOTE THE DATE CHANGE **

On February 20th, David's Pizza and Spokane Firefighters are teaming up to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to fight blood cancers. David's Pizza will be donating portions of sales on that day to the Firefighters participating in the 2010 Scott Firefighter Stairclimb which is one of the largest Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's events of its type in the country. Nearly 30 Spokane Firefighters will be participating in the event which challenges firefighters with 788 feet of vertical elevation at the Columbia Center (formerly Bank of America Tower) in downtown Seattle. The building is the second tallest building west of the Mississippi and it takes 69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps to reach the highly acclaimed observation deck overlooking the city. The City's Firefighters will have to ascend to the top in complete firefighting gear, while "on-air" through their self-contained breathing apparatus-all with the goal of raising money to fight blood cancers.

The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb supports the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising money through sponsorships, individual and department fundraising, and entry fees. In 2009, the event featured over 1,500 firefighters from 244 different departments and brought in a record $640,000 for blood-cancer research and patient services.

Firefighter Jason Keen is the team leader for the SFD Team and is available at 208-640-4240. FF Keen has made a challenge to the local media to participate in a mini-stairclimb with firefighter's gear at the Bank of America Building in the morning of February 20th. If you are interested (KREM, KHQ and KXLY.) he would love to hear from you.

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: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/26/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5112 W. Rosewood
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: Late this evening, January 26, at 2146 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 7 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 5112 W Rosewood Ave.

Engine 16 from Fire Station 16, arrived on the scene 4 minutes after being dispatched. Captain Jim McNamee reported that he had a single story home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and living room area of the home. He and his crew made an immediate attack on the fire located on the front entry portion of the home. Simultaneously, Engine 16s crew worked in an effort to determine if the home was occupied.

Captain McNamee made contact with a woman who was living in the home. She informed him that she was alright, but that she was unsure if her son had arrived home from work. She stated that her son might be in home's basement.

Incoming fire companies extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire while other firefighters searched the home in an effort to locate the son. The fire was knocked down within 5 minutes and it was determined that the son was not home.

The aggressive actions of the first arriving crews confined the fire damage to the front porch and living room. Most of the first floor sustained smoke damage. There were no injuries reported relating to this fire. The fire cause is still being investigated at the time of this media release.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: See narrative
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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: 1/14/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4110 North Cedar
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, January 13, 2010 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:15 PM to 4110 North Cedar. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the front of the 1-1/2-story, wood framed house and they could hear the home's smoke detectors sounding. The fire crews forced the front door and aggressively attacked the fire from the front of the structure while additional fire crews completed search and rescue, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants. One firefighter received a laceration to his hand and was sent to the hospital for treatment. Six fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to state the importance of having properly working smoke detectors through out your home. This fire was detected in its early stage by the next door neighbors who heard the smokes detectors activating within the house and they called 911 to report the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by SFD Special Investigation Unit
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor living area with smoke damage through out the rest of the structure
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
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

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Fire damages apartment building

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/11/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3004 N. Crestline
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Early Monday morning at 12:42 A.M., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment complex located at 3004 N. Crestline. Engine 15 from the neighborhood fire station at Wellesley and Crestline was the first to arrive within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire enveloping the second floor of a two story apartment building. An early call for additional fire companies was made given the large volume of fire and smoke coming from the structure. Within minutes these resources arrived and assisted in the extinguishment of the fire. A rapid thorough search was coordinated on the second level of the building and at the same time, a ventilation crew was vertically venting the flat roof overhead for the fire crews inside involved in the extinguishment and search efforts. Two adult occupants were found to be safe outside of the structure and all the other neighboring occupants were able to safely evacuate. A rapid knockdown of the flames was achieved after 20 minutes. Fire crews were then busy with overhaul work which consists of searching out all areas within the building for hot spots. A top to bottom secondary search of the entire complex was also begun to confirm reports that all occupants were out of the building.

The Red Cross arrived to assist the occupants with shelter and belongings. The Spokane Fire Department assisted in making transportation arrangements for the occupants to stay in a nearby hotel. There were 3 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs on the first alarm. The fire was then upgraded which brought another engine company to the scene. Shortly after this, a second alarm was struck sending an additional engine, pumper ladder and ladder company to the fire. Two apartment units suffered damage in the blaze with most of the damage confined to the apartment where the fire originated. The cause is undetermined at this time; however the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department has been searching for a cause since the early morning hours and will be at the incident site throughout much of the day. One firefighter sustained a shoulder injury while on the roof top engaged in ventilation. He was treated and released from Deaconess Hospital.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time. Currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.
DAMAGE EXTENT: One apartment unit received heavy fire, smoke and structural damage including damage to contents. An adjacent apartment unit sustained minor fire damage and moderate smoke damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 34
MUTUAL AID: None Given

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/ Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1712 W Nora Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 01/09/2010 at 1409 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 3 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 W Nora Ave. First arriving company, SE3, reported heavy smoke coming from a 2 story residential structure. The first arriving ladder company was assigned to search the structure for occupants while other companies began a coordinated attack on the fire, which was located on the first floor and the basement. The basement location presented a challenge due to the fact there was no access for fire attack companies or windows to remove smoke. Companies had to manually create openings to expose and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries to civilians and one firefighter received a minor laceration to his hand.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to the basement and the first floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/9/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2311 N Stevens St
CITY: Spokane
STATE:
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 01/09/2010 at 1110 hours, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 2 ladders, 1 pumper-ladder, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 2311 N Stevens. First arriving SE3 reported smoke coming from the structure. After ensuring all occupants were out, companies began a coordinated attack on the fire which was located in the basement. Basement fires present a unique challenge to firefighters due to the fact they can be very hard to access, difficult to ventilate, and have the potential to extend vertically throughout the structure. Companies had to remove a large portion of the first floor to finally expose and extinguish the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigative Unit determined that the fire was caused by a space heater which was placed in a crawl space under the first floor to keep water pipes from freezing. The heater ignited wood framing under the floor.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat damage was confined to the basement and first floor with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
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

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

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 1/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5611 North Perry
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Friday, January 2, 2010 at 5:18 PM, Spokane Firefighters responded to a reported vehicle on fire in an alley near 5611 North Perry. As per the previous media release, Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke and fire coming from what originally seemed to be a recreational vehicle well-involved in fire. Once a closer survey of the scene was initiated, they found two-critical patients in desperate need of lifesaving medical care. The alarm was upgraded to include another Paramedic Engine Company, Ladder Company, Battalion Chief and two AMR ambulances.

The first company's Firefighter/Paramedics immediately treated both patients who necessitated advanced airway techniques and wound care. The patients were treated and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where they received continuing treatment while awaiting rapid transportation to Harborview Medical Center. At the time of this release, a 44 y/o Female is listed as Critical Condition and 55 y/o male is listed as Serious Condition at Harborview.

The cause, pre-existing situation, and how these individuals were critically injured will be determined by the Spokane Fire Department's SIU. The official cause of the fire will remain part of an active Fire Department investigation.

No other additional information is available.

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: 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