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North Jefferson house fire

Incident #:  2012031922
Date of Incident:  7/28/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalon Chief Jones

Narrative:
On, Friday July 27, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 9:20 PM to 5218 North Jefferson on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported light smoke showing from the roof line of a 1-story, wood-framed single family home. After further investigation the fire crew discovered a fire that had original in a wall near a light switch on the North side of the structure. The firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior while additional fire crews completed vertical ventilation, search and recue, salvage and overhaul. The fire extinguished within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to any civilians or firefighters. Six fire companies with 22 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene fore approximately 2.5 hours.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the North wall of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $25,00

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Natural Gas Leak

Incident #:  20122031376
Date of Incident:  7/24/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joe Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Today July 24, 2012 at approximately 6:06 PM the Spokane Fire Department responded to 8320 North Colton on a report of a natural gas leak. First crews on the scene reported that they could detect an odor of natural gas in the front yard of the residence. The home owner had been installing a fence post and while digging a hole in the front yard he accidently cut the residential gas line. The Spokane City Fire Department Hazardous Material Response Team responded and worked with other fire crews on scene safety, evacuation and atmospheric monitoring to determine the extent of the gas leak. Avista's quick response by their natural gas team had the gas leak stopped in approximately 15 minutes. Four Engines and 2 Ladder companies consisting of 20 firefighters responded to this incident and were on scene for approximately 45 minutes. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The gas line broke when the home owner was using post-hole diggers to install a fence post and accidentally cut the residential gas line located in the front yard of the home. We would like to take this opportunity to request that citizens contact Avista natural gas before you dig to have them locate the gas line.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the natural gas line located in the front yard of the residence.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

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Brush fire burns garage

Incident #:  2012031044
Date of Incident:  7/22/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 7:00 PM this evening, Sunday, July 22, 2012, Spokane Fire Department's Engine 2 was dispatched from their Logan Neighborhood station to a reported brush fire at 50 E. Euclid. As they approached the area a large column of smoke was visible as well as a large volume of fire involving brush and trees on a steep hillside behind the address. As Engine 2 arrived on scene they reported the fire also involved a detached garage and wood fence and was threatening several houses. The incident was upgraded to a working fire, adding three engines, two ladder trucks, one pumper/ladder, one heavy rescue truck and two battalion chiefs. While the additional resources were enroute, Engine 2's crew advanced hoses to protect the exposed houses. As the additional crews arrived on scene they were deployed to extinguish the garage fire and the fire on the hillside, as well as numerous burning objects such as the fence and a hot tub. The fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes, and final extinguishment was completed two hours later. Crews will return to the area throughout the night to check for any hotspots on the hillside. In all, twenty-eight firefighters responded to this incident, as well as multiple units from the Spokane Police Department. AMR dedicated one ambulance to the incident, but thankfully, there were no injuries to any civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The fire was investigated by Captain Kevin Smathers of the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit. He determined the cause to be children playing with a lighter, which ignited vegitation on the hillside. The ensuing brush fire raced up the steep hill, igniting the garage and other improvements.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the detached garage and its contents, a fifty foot section of wood fencing, a hot tub, and approximately one quarter acre of brush and small trees.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $20,000

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Rafter On Spokane River Trapped Underwater

Incident #:  2012030817
Date of Incident:  7/21/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief/Bruce Moline

Narrative:
At 12:56 P.M. on Saturday, July 21st, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department, Valley Fire Department along with the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sherrif Dive Team and AMR Ambulance responded to a person trapped underwater below the Sandifur Bridge near People's Park. Apparently, two recreational rafters, one on an inner tube and the other in a raft, were approaching the center bridge support when the adult male in the raft entered the water. It was reported that this male was soon in distress and attempted to hang on to a nearby submerged log. Witnesses then described this male as being no longer visible above water. Spokane Fire Department Station 4 was the first to arrive from their station location at Riverside and Maple and confirmed that there was a patient submerged approximately 2 feet under water. The Spokane Fire Department Boat was launched at the "TJ Meenach" site and was soon on the scene supported by the other half of the Spokane Fire Department Water Team with kayaks from Station 16. Spokane Fire Department crews and Valley Fire crews both on the water, immediately began to attempt the retrieval of the patient but were met with challenges as the patient was pinned by a portion of the submerged log. Working from the boat, the Water Team Specialists used a chain saw and halligan bar to cut away the log that was preventing the patient from becoming free. This was a long process as this maneuver required extensive cuts on the log. Crews were above the operation on the bridge supporting the scene with ropes used to transfer this equipment to the Water Team below. As soon as enough log was cut away, the patient was freed and immediately transported to the nearby shore on the Fire Department boat. CPR was in progress as the patient was then transferred to the AMR ambulance crew who transported the patient to Deaconess Hospital. The other male individual was reported to be safe. The Spokane Police Department assisted the operation in the retrieval of some of the watercraft used between the two individuals and also controlled further movement of people floating on the river through this area while the operation was ongoing. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind all river recreationists that the river is often an unforgiving force. There are hidden dangers below the surface that can trap you such as brush, limbs and logs. River current can be very tricky. At the very least, please wear an approved personal flotation device.

Cause:
Unknown at this time. The incident is under investigation by the Spokane Police Department.

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $0

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1

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Water Main Break

Incident #:  2012029930
Date of Incident:  7/17/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Today July 16, 2012 at approximately 1:39 PM the Spokane Fire Department responded to the intersection of Houston and Belt on a report of a water main break. First crews on the scene reported that water was flowing from the street in front of 2211 West Houston from a large water main break and that they could detect an odor of natural gas as well. It was determined that when the water main broke it had also broke a ¾ inch natural gas line that was located above the water main. The Spokane City Fire Department Hazardous Material Response Team responded and worked with other fire crews on scene safety, evacuation and atmospheric monitoring to determine the extent of the gas leak. The city water department was on scene within a few minutes to shut the water off to the broken main and Avista's quick response by their natural gas team had the gas leak stopped in approximately 15 minutes. Spokane police Department was scene and provided traffic control and assisted with scene safety. Four Engines and 2 Ladder companies consisting of 20 firefighters responded to this incident and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The gas line broke when debris from a water main break damaged the gas line located above the main.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the water main, the city street and the natural gas line located within close proximity to the main. Several houses down stream of the water main received water damage as several thousand's of water flowed from the broken main.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

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Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012029992
Date of Incident:  7/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
This afternoon, July 16, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 5:47 PM to 523 East Bridgeport on a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported smoke showing from several blocks away. The first crew on-scene reported a garage at this location was fully involved with fire and fire spreading to a nearby duplex. Fire fighters aggressively attacked the fire within the duplex from the interior of the structure pulling the ceiling to gain access to the fire in the attic while the ladder crews completed search and rescue and vertical ventilation of the structure. Additional fire crews on scene extinguished the remaining fire in the garage. During the initial search of the structure fire crews found one occupant still inside the burning structure and he was safely removed. There were no reported injuries to civilians. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released for heat exhaustion. Nine fire companies with 23 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the first floor and attic area with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $50000

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South Battalion House Fire

Incident #:  2012028830
Date of Incident:  7/10/2012
Issuing Officer:  Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 4204 E 3rd Ave. at 22:11 hrs on Tuesday evening, July 10th, to a reported structure fire at that address. As the fire crews were in route to this incident they reported by radio that they could see heavy smoke and an orange glow in the night- time sky so they requested an upgrade to a "working fire". This up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. Once fire crews arrived on scene they reported that the fire was in the attached garage and moving quickly into the 2 story wood/frame house. Reports from neighbors indicated that the house was not occupied and the decision to make a defensive attack on the fire was made. Shortly after the Fire Dept.'s arrival the entire garage was consumed and heavy fire was moving into the building and destroying critical structural support members in the structure making it too dangerous to put fire crews inside. Multiple hose lines began applying large amounts of water on and into the building from the exterior resulting in a very effective knock down of the flames. There were no reports of injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene. The building sustained heavy fire damage on the first and second floors, the lack of sheetrock on most of the interior walls of the building left the structural framing exposed to the rapidly growing fire inside. The Fire Dept. had a fire crew remain at the scene throughout the night hitting hot spots and cooling smoldering embers. The cause of this fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit. 5 engines, 1 senior ladder, 1 heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 24 fire fighters to this incident.

Cause:
Under investigation.

Damage:
Garage portion of the structure was totally consumed. Very heavy fire damage to the first and second floors. Building may be too severly damaged to be salvaged.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $75,000

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North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2012028613
Date of Incident:  7/9/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday July 9th, 2012 at 6:19 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bill Donahoe and Bruce Moline, responded to a Structure Fire at 1423 W. Mission. Upon arrival the first arriving Engine Company reported light smoke coming out of the roof and heavy smoke coming out of a second floor window. The Incident was upgraded to a working fire by the Battalion Chief who requested an additional Senior Ladder along with another Engine Company. Crews were assigned to fight the fire, ventilate the roof and search for occupants. The Fire was declared under control within 30 minutes with crews remaining on scene for another hour conducting overhaul and salvaging resident's belongings. All occupants made it out safely and there were no injuries to residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Departments SIU.

Damage:
There is damage from the smoke and fire in the second floor apartment along with damage to the roof. The electrical wiring was affected by the fire and has been shut off by Avista. Seven adults and one child are displaced by the fire in this apartment building with two units. The Occupants are being housed by the Red Cross until repairs can be made and the utilities restored.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $15,000.00

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Indian Trail Neighborhood Residence Fire

Incident #:  2012028335
Date of Incident:  7/8/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday July 8, 2012 at 05:58 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Haworth, responded to a Structure Fire at 10310 North Woodridge Drive in Spokane's Indian Trail neighborhood. Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy fire showing through the roof of a single family home which was built on a hillside and surrounded by a heavy wildland interface area. The incident was immediately upgraded to a working fire adding a second Senior Ladder Company and AMR Ambulance. Finding heavy fire in the home's ceilings and roof; and endangering the close wildland interface, initial arriving companies were forced to fight the fire from the exterior with large hose streams until additional personnel arrived and the fire was knocked down to allow entry to the residence's interior. Despite the intense flames reaching skyward and threatening adjacent large trees, firefighters worked skillfully to confine the blaze to the structure of fire origin, preventing it from consuming any more than one-third of the structure and limited wildland area. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2 hours. There were no injuries reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
The residence was not occupied and listed for sale. Damage to the structure is significant and loss is currently being estimated and was not available at the time of this release.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

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Attempted Technical Rescue from Crushing Injury

Incident #:  2012027402
Date of Incident:  7/3/2012
Issuing Officer:  BC Cornelius

Narrative:
Yesterday on July 2, 2012 at 11:27AM the Spokane Fire Department received a 911 request to assist a man at the intersection of Nettleton and Dean for an unknown situation. The closest neighborhood fire company was dispatched from Indiana and Ash to the intersection to investigate. While the company was en-route additional information was received from a caller that a man was trapped or pinned under a passenger vehicle. Subsequently, a full extrication response was started by dispatch which included an additional paramedic engine, the nearest ladder and heavy rescue company. All SFD senior ladders and the heavy rescue company carry specialized equipment for lifting vehicles and removing people that have been entrapped in/under vehicles, buildings and other confined spaces as well as a multitude of other special operations missions. The rescue teams and paramedics were able to successfully remove the vehicle from the injured man within just minutes after arriving. Unfortunately, resuscitation efforts were ceased as paramedics determined that he was clinically deceased.

Cause:
Spokane Police Department is handling the investigation.

Damage:
N/A

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North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012027181
Date of Incident:  7/1/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 7:33 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Haworth and Moline, responded to a Structure Fire at 810 East Cascade Place in Northeast Spokane. Spokane Firefighters from the neighborhood Fire Station (Station 18) arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the second floor of a single family residence. The incident was upgraded to a "working fire" nearly immediately which added an additional Ladder Company and AMR Ambulance to the incident. Finding two occupants and one dog that had successfully escaped, firefighters immediately began to attack the fire. Ladder Companies began by laddering the roof to ventilate the fire while engine companies fought the fire from the home's interior. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home's second floor and extinguished the fire in just 1 hour. One female resident was treated by FD Paramedics and transported for smoke inhalation complications. There were no additional injuries reported from either residents or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
The second floor and ceiling sustained significant damage which eliminates continued occupancy by the family. There was not a working smoke detector in the home and this family was incredibly fortunate to survive this experience. The SFD recommends that everyone check their smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries twice every year. Please, do not take the chance-be proactive and give your family every chance for survival from residential fires.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

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Fireworks Ban in Spokane

Incident #:  n/a
Date of Incident:  6/29/2012
Issuing Officer:  Lisa Jones / Fire Marshal

Narrative:
As we approach the July 4th holiday, Spokane Fire Department wants to thank the community for complying with the fireworks ban that was enacted 20 years ago for the City of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated parts of Spokane County. Last year, City of Spokane Fire responded to 5 fireworks-caused fires and local hospitals treated 5 persons for injuries that occurred outside of Spokane County. Compare that with State of Washington data showing a total of 264 fireworks-caused fires and 212 injuries. With fireworks stands now operating in various parts of WA and ID, Spokane Fire Department has some reminders for the community. . Bottle rockets, missiles and fire crackers are illegal in every part of Washington State with the exception of some tribal land where fireworks may be allowed in designated areas. . Fines begin at $513 for individuals lighting any type of firework in the City of Spokane. Fines in Spokane County begin at $1,000. . Fireworks cannot be lit on any forested land or in any park area. . In addition to fines and court costs, persons who start fires with fireworks are liable for restitution of damaged property and recovery of Fire Department (or Department of Natural Resources) response costs. . To report violations of the fireworks ban, call CRIME CHECK at 456-2233. Please enjoy the large scale Fireworks display in Riverfront Park that is provided annually for the entire community at 10 PM on July 4.

Cause:
n/a

Damage:
n/a

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corrected phone Fireworks

Incident #:  n/a
Date of Incident:  6/27/2012
Issuing Officer:  Jan Doherty / Public Education Officer

Narrative:
CORRECTED contact phone number: should read 435-7058 Spokane Fire Department will host a press briefing at 9:00 AM on Thursday, June 28, 2012 outside the Fire Training Center at 1618 N. Rebecca St. This briefing will provide information regarding the 20th anniversary of the fireworks ban in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County. Based on the reduction in fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane when comparing the 10-year period prior to the ban with the 19 years of data since the complete ban, we have had 1,881 fewer fires just in the city limits. In a similar manner, our region shows 450 fewer fireworks-caused injuries treated at local hospitals. Fines for the illegal use of fireworks range from $513 to $1,000. Persons who cause fireworks fires are also liable for property damage and recovery of firefighting costs. For violations of the ban, citizens can call CRIME CHECK at 456-2233. For additional information regarding the press briefing, call (509) 435-7058.

Cause:
n/a

Damage:
n/a

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Press Briefing on Fireworks Ban

Incident #:  n/a
Date of Incident:  6/27/2012
Issuing Officer:  Lisa Jones / Fire Marshal

Narrative:
Spokane Fire Department will host a press briefing at 9:00 AM on Thursday, June 28, 2012 outside the Fire Training Center located at 1618 N. Rebecca St. This briefing will provide information regarding the 20th anniversary of the fireworks ban in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County. Based on the reduction in fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane when comparing the 10-year period prior to the ban with the 19 years of data since the complete ban, we have had 1,881 fewer fires just in the city limits. In a similar manner, our region shows 450 fewer fireworks-caused injuries treated at local hospitals. Rather than risk the dangers associated with the individual use of common fireworks, citizens are encouraged to attend the community fireworks displays at Riverfront Park, Liberty Lake and other regional venues. Fines for the illegal use of fireworks range from $513 to $1,000. Persons who cause fireworks fires are also liable for property damage and recovery of firefighting costs. For violations of the ban, citizens can call CRIME CHECK at 456-2233. For additional information regarding the press briefing, call (509) 453-7058.

Cause:
n/a

Damage:
n/a

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The Fireworks Ban in Spokane is Working!

This July marks the twentieth anniversary of a complete fireworks ban in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated parts of Spokane County..

Because of the ban on individual consumer fireworks, fireworks-related fires in the City of Spokane between June 28 and July 6 dropped from an average of 104 in the ten years prior to the ban to an average of 5 in past nineteen years. Another way to say this: we have NOT had an average of 99 fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane the past 19 years. This adds up to 1,881 fires that did not impact people and property!  Most residents obviously understand and appreciate the ban.  

Common fireworks are NOT “Safe-and-Sane”!  There are still more than 8,000 fireworks-related injuries serious enough to require emergency room care or hospitalization each year in the U.S. during the July 4^th period.  Nationally, most fireworks injuries involve devices that are legal under current federal law.    Children under age 15 suffer the highest rate of injuries from fireworks.  Sparklers account for a significant percentage of burn injuries. Sparkler bombs have become an additional concern. Partners who strongly support consumer fireworks bans throughout the U.S. indicate the type of damage often associated with common fireworks : The American Academy of Pediatrics,  American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Hand Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Center for Injury Research & Policy, Emergency Nurses Association, Fire Department Safety Officers Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, International Fire Marshals Association, National Fire Protection Association and Prevent Blindness America.

Individual fireworks are NOT cheap entertainment! Millions of dollars in direct property damage occur each year in less than a 2-week period as Americans celebrate their July 4^th Independence. In recent years, the Colville Tribe lost $15 million in timber from a bottle rocket launched from a boat on Lake Roosevelt and taxpayers lost over $8 million in damage to schools in Washington State. The “big 3” of firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles have been illegal throughout the State of Washington for more than 60 years. Fines for using fireworks in Spokane start at $513.  Violations of the Spokane ban on consumer fireworks can be reported to Crime Check at 456-2233

 Spokane Fire Department encourages the community to celebrate the Fourth of July by enjoying the annual public fireworks display in Riverfront Park.