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

Christmas Tree Recycling

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 12/26/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:

In less than 30 seconds a small fire involving your holiday tree can become an inferno. To increase your odds of survival, Get the tree out of your home today!!!

The SFD encourages you to remove and recycle your natural Christmas Tree as soon as possible. In the City of Spokane, residential Christmas tree pickup begins December 26th and ends January 18th. Spokane yard waste crews will pickup trees on the customer's regularly scheduled refuse collection day.

Here are a few specific requirements that our friends at Solid Waste Management want to be sure you know:
 
-Trees need to be out for collection by 7 a.m. at their designated collection area (at least three feet away from the refuse and recycling carts).

-Trees need to be placed on the ground; please do not use your green Food Scraps and Yard Debris carts.
                     
-Fresh-cut trees only (no flocked or artificial); decorations need to be removed.

-Trees will be taken up to six feet in height; trees exceeding six feet need to be cut in half.

-Loose branches may be bundled next to the tree not to exceed six feet in length.

-Apartment complexes can schedule in advance a one-time, one-location pickup of their resident's trees through Solid Waste Management.

More information can be obtained by calling Solid Waste Management at (509) 625-7878
 
 

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

Family Saved by Smoke Detector

Incident #: 2012055719
Date of Incident: 12/24/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
 The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 3218 W. Rosamond Ave. at 03:14 hrs on Monday morning, Dec. 24^th,  to a reported structure fire at that address. As Ladder #4 arrived on scene from their fire station located in Brown’s Addition, they reported by Fire Dept. radio that there was visible fire showing through a bedroom window of the structure, they also reported that all the occupants were safely outside, having been awakened by a working smoke detector. Shortly thereafter Engine #4 arrived at the scene, their response was somewhat delayed since they were away from their station finishing up on an EMS call. Once Engine #4 was on scene they were ordered to advance a lead inside the structure and locate the fire. As additional crews began arriving on scene they were given assignments that included search and rescue, a second fire attack lead, a back-up lead to protect the crews already inside, water supply, roof ventilation, a scene Safety Officer, and a Rapid Intervention Team to be in place should a fire fighter become injured or lost inside the building. The Incident Commander upgraded this fire to a “working fire”; this up-grade would add an additional fire apparatus to the incident. The fire was located in one of the bedrooms and in a very well coordinated effort between the crews on scene the bedroom window was broken from the exterior just as the crews inside made their attack on the fire and the crew on the roof opened up the roof. The result of this well planned attack was a quick knock-down of the fire which kept the fire damage confined to that room of origin. While the fire damage was limited to the one room there was considerable smoke damage throughout the building. There were no reports of injuries to any of the occupants of the house or to fire fighters at the scene. The cause of this fire is currently being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. 5 engines, 2 ladders, 1 heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles delivered 27 fire fighters to this incident.

Cause:
Under Investigation.

Damage:
One bedroom and contents completely destroyed. Smoke damage throughout. A large hole was cut in the roof for ventilation purposes. Electricity and natural gas utilities were shut off.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002

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

2 Habits to Prevent Deaths

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 12/24/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
Do you remember the tragic fire in Stamford, Connecticut last Christmas morning that took five lives? (Link to news video)
 
We are asking homeowners to develop two simple habits that can prevent such senseless deaths: 

LEARN How To Safely Handle Fireplace Ashes:
 
Spokane Firefighters emphasize that fireplace ashes must always be handled with care. After cooling thoroughly in the fireplace, ashes should be placed directly into a metal can and soaked completely with water. No other items should be placed in the can. The metal can must be immediately covered with its own tight-fitting non-combustible lid. The closed container should then be stored at a safe outdoor location away from any structure or combustible items.
 
TEST Your Smoke Alarms at least Once Per Month:
 
The Spokane Fire Department suggests a functional smoke alarm inside each sleeping room and in the hallway adjacent to such rooms. A functional smoke alarm should also be installed at the top of any stairwell leading to sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. To assure the alarms are working, they should be tested at least once each month.  (Spokane residents were saved at 3am this morning by a functioning smoke detector)
 
More than 3,000 Americans die each year from fire - often in preventable blazes like Stamford. Prevent you and your loved ones from becoming a statistic by learning more at: usfa.fema.gov

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002