Working smoke detector alerts homeowner to fire

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WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR ALERTS HOMEOWNER TO FIRE

REMINDER TO CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES THIS WEEKEND WITH YOUR CLOCKS

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Firefighters contained a fire started by food left cooking unattended to the kitchen of a northeast Spokane home Friday night. The home's lone occupant escaped without injury.

The fire started about 7:30 pm when the homeowner left the kitchen to take a phone call and was extinguished about 10 minutes after firefighter arrived. Smoke damaged additional rooms throughout the home in the 2500 block of N. Upriver Ct. A working smoke detector alerted the homeowner to the fire and prevented her from potential injury, according to firefighters. Damage was estimated at $20,000.

The Spokane Fire Department reminds people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors this weekend when they change their clocks.

Faulty chimney sparks house fire

 

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FAULTY CHIMNEY SPARKS HOUSE FIRE

NO ONE INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING BLAZE

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No one was injured Tuesday evening by a fire caused by the faulty chimney of a wood burning stove in northwest Spokane.

Fire spread into an exterior wall during the 6 pm blaze at 2827 W. Wellesley. The home's occupants were out of the house when firefighters arrived. Wellesley was shut down for approximately two hours by the fire.

​Damage, which was estimated at $7,000, was limited to the exterior wall and ceiling surrounding the chimney. The rest of the home suffered light smoke damage.

Attic fire damages east Spokane home

 

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ATTIC FIRE DAMAGES EAST SPOKANE HOME

INVESTIGATORS FOCUSING ON WIRING AS POSSIBLE CAUSE

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Older-style wiring may have caused an attic fire that damaged an east Spokane home early Saturday, according to Spokane Fire Department investigators. Three people escaped the home uninjured.

 

Firefighters quickly knocked down the 12:30 am fire in the 3600 block of East Pacific. Smoke and fire damaged the attic and wall extending to the kitchen.

The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is focusing on wiring in the attic as a possible cause. The family of three will be temporarily displaced while repairs to the structure are made. Damage was estimated at $20,000.

Fire damages vacant west central house

Fire damages vacant west central house

A fire that damaged a vacant west central Spokane house tonight is being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

No one was injured in the fire at 1804 W. Spofford, which was reported at 7:37 pm.  Light smoke was coming from the two-story home when firefighters arrived. The fire was quickly extinguished and damage was contained to the covered porch and second floor exterior wall.  Damage was estimated at $10,000.

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Kitchen fire fatal to three pets

Kitchen fire fatal to three pets

A plastic garbage contain left on top of a burner that was accidentally turned on sparked a house fire in north Spokane Sunday evening that killed three dogs.

Smoke was coming from the back of the house in the 4900 block of N. Crestline when the Spokane Fire Department arrived about 4:41 pm. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and removed three dogs from the house. The occupant of the home, who was not at home at the time of the fire, had left a plastic garbage container on the stove. One of the burner controls was accidentally turned on and the garbage container melted, catching a nearby pantry on fire.

No one was injured, but all three dogs perished in the blaze. The Red Cross is assisting the occupant with temporary living arrangements.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the public to keep combustibles away from heat sources. Burners can easily be turned on by accident. Don't take chances, keep potentially hot surfaces clear.

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Change your batteries with your clock

Change batteries with your clock

When you change your clocks back to Standard Time this weekend, Spokane Fire Department asks you to also check the condition of your smoke detectors.

In the past, the slogan was "Change Your Clock / Change Your Battery!"  Now we recognize the importance of knowing the type of battery in the detector and the age of the detector itself.

• Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries at least once a year or whenever they begin to chirp.
• When long-life lithium batteries chirp, it means the detector itself needs to be replaced.  Lithium batteries should last 10 years and smoke detectors must be replaced every 10 years.
• To determine the age of smoke detectors, look for the date of manufacture on the back label of the detector itself.
• When replacing smoke detectors, choose the PHOTOELECTRIC or dual-sensor PHOTO-ION type because they are more effective at detecting smoldering fires than the common ionization smoke alarm.

When you turn your clock back one hour this weekend, please make time to also check on the condition of the smoke detectors in your home.  You need at least one working smoke detector on each level of the house, one outside each sleeping area and one in each bedroom.
 
About 2,800 persons died in home fires in the U.S. last year.  Two of every three fatalities happened in homes that were not protected by a working smoke alarm.

 

For more information on smoke alarms, please call Spokane Fire Department at 509.625.7058.

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Fire damages three North Side garages

Fire damages three North Side garages

The Spokane Fire Department is investigating a North Side fire early today that destroyed one garage and damaged two others nearby.

Firefighters responded to 1217 W. Chelan at 3:47 am for a reported garage fire, and discovered that the fire had spread to two other garages. Crews quickly extinguished all three fires. A cause has not been determined and is under investigation.  

Total damage was estimated at $35,000. One garage was a total loss. A second suffered extensive damage to approximately 25 percent of the structure. Damage to the third was light.

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Burn restrictions lifted

 

Burn restrictions implemented on July 17 were lifted today, the Spokane Fire Department announced. Outdoor recreational fires, including campfires, are allowed in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Millwood and throughout all unincorporated areas of Spokane County.

 

Citizens may also use backyard barbecues, chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, as long as approved fuel is used and other requirements are satisfied.  Approved fuel includes seasoned (clean and dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

 

Other requirements for outdoor fires include:

 

·         Fires must be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.

 

·         Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.

 

·         Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.

 

Ø  Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

 

·         Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist.

 

Ø  A minimum 25' clearance to combustibles is required for campfires and fire pits.

 

Ø  For one and two-family dwellings, follow the portable device manufacturer's instructions for clearance.  Be safe and use good judgment.

 

Ø  For multi-family dwellings, provide a minimum of 15-foot clearance from combustibles and structures.  Be safe and use good judgment.

 

·         Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.

 

·         Safe wind conditions (no more than 7-10 mph [DNR Guideline]) must be present.

 

·         A Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency "green light" indication for air quality must be present. 

 

·         Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

 

Fires not meeting the above listed requirements that are unsafe or otherwise restricted will be required to be extinguished.  As always, bonfires or pig roast type fires must receive an inspection, pre-approval, and a permit from the Spokane Fire Department.  Outdoor burning for disposal purposes are illegal in the City of Spokane at all times.  Failure to comply with the recreational fire regulations are subject to a class 1 civil infraction, which carries a $513 fine in addition to other serious consequences.  A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is subject to a misdemeanor charge. That person can face an additional fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

SFD, Red Cross to conduct smoke detector canvass

 

The Spokane Fire Department is partnering with the American Red Cross and Gonzaga University to canvass the Logan neighborhood and ensure homes in this area have working smoke detectors. In addition to handing out fire safety and emergency preparedness information,  SFD will be installing and scheduling the installation of free smoke detectors for households in need.

 

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 11, 2014, from 12:30 to 5:00 pm, the Spokane Fire Department, the American Red Cross and Gonzaga University will be handing out fire safety information, installing smoke detectors for residents who are home, and scheduling future smoke detector installation opportunities in the Logan neighborhood.   The Logan neighborhood has been nationally identified as one of the highest risk areas for fires in Eastern Washington (see attached flyer for additional information).  

 

This fire prevention effort is the final event scheduled in recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, which launched on October 5^th. Other activities during this week have included fire safety presentations to grade school children at Lincoln Heights and St. Aloysius elementary schools.

 

The goal of National Fire Prevention Week is to help bring awareness to the importance of fire safety and education and to remind citizens that working smoke detectors save lives. Last year, more than 2,700 people throughout the nation died in residential fires. Two-thirds of those who died had been living in a home that did not have a working smoke detector. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind citizens to take just 5 minutes this weekend to check your smoke detectors!  Click here to learn more about how working smoke detectors can help to keep you and your family safe. For questions about fire prevention and community education, contact Jan Doherty at 509.625.7058 or JDoherty@spokanecity.org.

 

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Brian Coddington | City of Spokane | Director of Communications and Marketing

509.625.6740 | fax 509.625.6563 |bcoddington@spokanecity.org| spokanecity.org

      

 

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

Check your smoke detectors for National Fire Prevention Week

Date: 10/03/2014

Smoke detectors save lives. That is the message the Spokane Fire Department is delivering as National Fire Prevention Week begins Sunday.

Every home needs one detector on each floor level, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom.  Two out of three deaths in residential fires occur in homes without working smoke detectors. The fire department invites citizens to participate in National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11 by testing the readiness of smoke detectors in your home. 

This year's National Fire Protection Association theme, "Working smoke alarms save lives. Test yours every month!" is based on an increase in civilian fire deaths in 2013 when 2,785 civilians died in residential fires. Two-thirds of those who died had been living in a home that was not protected with working smoke detectors. Either the detector or battery was missing or the detector was too old to be able to respond.

The Spokane Fire Department asks every household to do three things this coming week.

1. Press the test button on each detector to make sure the batteries are still working.  Common 9-volt batteries should be replaced each year or whenever they chirp. Long-life lithium batteries should last 10 years, the same lifespan as the smoke alarm itself.
2. Determine the age of the smoke detectors in your home by checking the back label. If the date of manufacture was more than 10 years ago, replace the alarm as soon as possible.
3. Locate the words "ionization," "photoelectric," or "photo-ion" on the back label to determine the type of detectors you have. The Spokane Fire Department recommends having at least one photoelectric or photo-ion detector on each level of the home. They provide greater protection in a smoldering kind of fire and will sound an alarm up to 40 minutes faster than ionization models.

In the event of a home fire, you have less than three minutes to get everyone safely outside. Take five minutes this Fire Prevention Week to check out how well your smoke detectors could work for your family in a fire emergency!

 

For more information on smoke alarms, please call Spokane Fire Department at 509.625.7058.

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Firefighters quickly extinguish downtown kitchen fire

Incident #: 2014048720
Date of Incident: 09/21/2014

Firefighters quickly knocked down a fire in a downtown restaurant this morning and confined the damage to the kitchen.

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department responded at 8:52 a.m. to an alarm at 827 W. First in downtown Spokane. Crews located a fire burning in a restaurant kitchen, which was part of a four-story complex of businesses. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire with a dry chemical extinguisher. No structural damage was sustained; however, a waste container was totally destroyed and nearby appliances were scorched. The business, which was not occupied at the time of the alarm, sustained some smoke damage throughout. The cause is under investigation.

Cause:
Under investigation by the Special Investigative Unit of the Spokane Fire Department.

Damage:
Some kitchen appliances were scorched and a waste container was destroyed. Smoke damage throughout business.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $ 2,000

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N. E. house fire dispaces four

Incident #: 2014048727#
Date of Incident: 09/21/2014

Fire heavily damaged a northeast Spokane house this morning and displaced a family of four. No one was injured and the cause is under investigation.  

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2119 East Everett at 9:38 am. The home and a detached garage were both burning heavily when firefighters arrived. Witnesses reported that one occupant was still in a bedroom inside the home. Crews attempted to get inside, but due to the intense fire were forced to initially fight the fire from the exterior. Eventually, all occupants were determined to have made it out of the home. The Red Cross assisted the family of four with their clothing and shelter needs. No injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is actively being investigated by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit and has not been determined at this time.

Damage:
 
There is extensive fire and smoke damage to the involved home along with moderate fire damage to the detached garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 32

Dollar Loss: $ 70,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
A.M.R. Ambulance, Avista and the Red Cross.

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Fire damages two garages, power lines

Incident #: 2014048687#
Date of Incident: 09/21/2014

Fire in northwest Spokane destroyed a detached garage, damaged a neighboring garage and knocked down power lines in the alley behind the house early today. No one was injured, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a detached garage fire at 1309 West Shannon at 1:26 am. Firefighters found a detached garage fully involved with fire, which had extended to a neighboring garage to the west of this address. Power lines in the alley also were damaged and fell to the ground. Firefighters remained on scene for two hours to make sure the fire was completely extinguished. No one was injured.

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

Damage:
The involved garage along with contents was a total loss. The exposed garage suffered damage to the exposed exterior wall and the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 12,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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Northwest Spokane Kitchen fire

Incident #: 2014048623#
Date of Incident: 09/20/2014

A kitchen fire that started on the stove was quickly extinguished Saturday night, but not before it displaced one person from a north Spokane home. No one was injured.  

Narrative:
On Sept 20 at 6:08 pm, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire at 3907 West Wellesley. Smoke was coming from the open front door of a single-family home when firefighters arrived. They quickly extinguished the stove top fire, which had extended into the cabinets and wall. No one was injured, and the Red Cross helped one adult occupant find a place to stay.

Cause:
The cause of the fire was unattended cooking.

Damage:
There was fire damage to the kitchen stove top, cabinets and wall along with smoke damage throughout the single-family home.

# Firefighters Responding: 21

Dollar Loss: $ $5000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Dept for traffic control and the Red Cross for shelter needs.

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Electrical fire evacuates north Spokane restaurant

Incident #: 2014045636
Date of Incident: 09/04/2014

A fire in an electrical vault damaged a north Spokane restaurant last night and forced the evacuation of its occupants. Firefighters used extinguishers to contain the fire to the electrical vault until Avista could shut off power to the Tomato Street Restaurant. No one was injured.

Narrative:
 
Last night, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 9:10 pm to 6220 North Division on a reported structure fire. Restaurant occupants were evacuating the building and smoke was showing from the northeast corner of the Tomato Street when firefighters arrived. Further investigation found fire coming from an electrical vault located outside the structure on the northeast corner. Firefighters used several dry powder extinguishers to prevent the fire from spreading to the building or to a near-by natural gas line and meter. Avista shut down the power to the building at the power pole, helping firefighters to keep the fire from extending into the restaurant.  

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the electrical vault and its associated wiring.  

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ unknown

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista

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