SPOKANE FIRE DEPAREMENT’S CARES TEAM BIDS FAREWELL TO SEVEN REMARKABLE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

 

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SPOKANE FIRE DEPAREMENT'S CARES TEAM BIDS FAREWELL TO SEVEN REMARKABLE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

STUDENTS COLLECTIVELY VOLUNTEERED MORE THAN 900 HOURS ASSISTING SPOKANE'S MOST AT-RISK POPULATIONS

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The Spokane Fire Department congratulates seven graduating CARES Team student volunteers that made a positive impact in the Spokane community by collectively volunteering more 900 hours during their internship (hours are in addition to practicum hours).

 

This Saturday, the Spokane Fire Department's CARES Team will proudly bid farewell to seven dedicated CARES volunteers who will be graduating from Eastern Washington University.

 

"This is a remarkable group of individuals that we will miss deeply, but are very excited to see where their next adventure takes them and the positive difference they will continue to make," advises Jamie Wiggins, Spokane Fire Department's Social Response Manager. "They have collectively volunteered well over 900 hours to our community, were an instrumental part of CARES, contributed in outreach efforts during the windstorm (when many of them did not have power themselves), actively helped in the Neighborhood Clean-up Program, volunteered in Bloomsday and aided in many other programs/events outside of their normal day-to-day work."

 

The graduating CARES volunteers are:

 

·         Megan Dicken, Master of Social Work

·         Erin Flahive, Master of Social Work

·         Callie Hanson, Bachelor of Social Work

·         Jeff King, Master of Social Work

·         Emilee Lohman, Bachelor of Social Work

·         Kayla Nelson, Master of Social Work

·         Virginia Parker, Master of Social Work

 

The CARES Team is a program within the Spokane Fire Department that interacts with individuals who have received a prior response from the fire department and are in need of social or other support services. Generally the individual that needs help is assisted by CARES members through their social service practice and is connected with existing partnerships and resources in the community. 

 

CARES was founded in 2008 by the Spokane Fire Department in conjunction with Eastern Washington University. The team is composed of Eastern Washington University students who are majoring in the Social Work advanced degree programs. These students are selected through a rigorous process and meet their academic practicum requirements by serving the CARES Team as student interns.

 

The CARES program and its interns are overseen by Jamie Wiggins, MSW. In addition, Wiggins leads the Spokane Fire Department's internal efforts to maintain a constant focus throughout the organization with ensuring an ethical framework that acts for the benefit of society at large while protecting our most vulnerable community. Wiggins was recently honored as a Hometown Hero by the Spokane Empire Professional Football Team.   

 

For more information about the CARES Program is helping our community visit www.my.spokanecity.org/fire/operations/cares.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

FIRE CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO RESTAURANT

 

 

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FIRE CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO RESTAURANT
TWO OCCUPANTS RECEIVE MINOR INJURIES

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A brush fire spread quickly to a restaurant on Nevada Street causing extensive damage. Two individuals receive minor injuries and were treated on scene. 

 

Yesterday at 4:08 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a brush fire involving landscaping outside of a restaurant located in the 4800 block of N. Nevada St. Upon arrival, the fire crew advised the fire had spread from the bushes into the restaurant's attic space and immediately upgraded to a full commercial response so additional resources would be sent. 

 

All occupants were outside the building upon the initial crew's arrival. Two of the occupants received minor injuries and were treated on scene by crews from American Medical Response and the Spokane Fire Department. High temperatures combined with intense labor and firefighting protective gear required frequent rotation of crews to avoid firefighter injuries.

 

The fire caused extensive damage to the restaurant’s attic, ceiling and an exterior wall. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit determined the area of origin to be bushes outside the restaurant with the cause undetermined. 

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS SAFETY TIPS AHEAD OF MEMORIAL WEEKEND

 

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SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS SAFETY TIPS AHEAD OF MEMORIAL WEEKEND
HELP TO AVOID A HOLIDAY TRAGEDY

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The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) wants to stress the importance of safety so residents can avoid a holiday weekend tragedy.

 

“Memorial Weekend is often the unofficial start of summer for many families and community members,” Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Whether traveling, grilling, or enjoying our beautiful area, we want people to have a great holiday weekend, but we want to also stress following a few safety precautions to help avoid a holiday tragedy.”

 

Water safety precautions: 

 

The Spokane River along with many area creeks and streams have faster currents, higher water levels, and extremely cold water temperatures. Visitors must be cautious as an outing can easily turn deadly.

 

·         The safest decision may be to not enter the water. Think about the risks when swimming, boating, inner tubing or rafting due to dangers from currents, logs, log jams and cold temperatures.

·         Avoid prolonged exposure to cold water which can lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia can incapacitate anyone, overcoming their swimming skills and ultimately lead to drowning. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature is dramatically lowered. Among other results, there is a loss of strength and muscular coordination as well as mental confusion and often erratic behavior.

·         Make sure children are under constant supervision regardless of a child’s swimming skill level or depth of water. If near a river or a lake make sure to keep them away from the banks where they can easily fall in, or where erosion can result in the bank collapsing. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental/caregiver supervision

·         If you see someone fall into the river or drowning, immediately call 9-1-1. DO NOT attempt a rescue by entering the water. A rope or flotation device such as an inflated toy or sports ball, or even a Styrofoam ice chest can be thrown to the victim to assist them.

·         All swimmers, boaters, rafters, and kayakers should wear approved personal floatation devices and necessary safety protection (e.g. helmets, shoes, thermal protection). 

·         Never use alcohol or other impairing drugs during water and boating activities or while supervising children around the water.

 

Grilling safety tips:

 

·         Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

·         Place grills well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

·         Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

·         A gas or charcoal grill should not be used on any porch or balcony.

·         Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

·         Never leave your grill unattended.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL EMS WEEK WITH A SPECIAL MEETING

 

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SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL EMS WEEK WITH A SPECIAL MEETING

TWO SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTERS MEET RECOVERING PATIENT AND HIS FAMILY

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This year to help recognize National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, Fire Chief Bobby Williams and Mike Lopez (Integrated Medical Services Manager) helped to arrange a special meeting for two Spokane Fire Department firefighters—Nate Denison (Firefighter/Paramedic) and Andrew Polomis (Firefighter).

 

The meeting allowed Denison and Polomis to reconnect with a recovering patient they had helped during the Bloomsday Race.

 

“As frontline emergency medical responders, we do not often have the opportunity to see the people we help as they are recovering,” advises Chief Willliams. “This is why I felt it was important that we facilitated this special reunion. The exceptional collaboration by the entire medical team for this emergency should be commended.”

 

The goal of the Spokane Fire Department is to provide patients with care that is as close as possible to the care a patient would receive in an emergency room.

 

During the visit, the patient’s family (who wish to remain anonymous for privacy reasons) said the following:

 

“Our families are enormously grateful to the Spokane EMS community for saving our son after he collapsed at the Bloomsday Race finish line earlier this month. The EMS team noticed that our son was struggling as he crossed the line, guided him into a wheelchair, and rolled him to the medical tent. The team resuscitated him and packed him off to Sacred Heart Hospital, where he has made a strong recovery.”

 

Family members also said that in light of National EMS Week, they would like to pass on a couple of suggestions that reflect what they learned from this experience:

·         Have your family learn CPR. My wife took our family to a course a few years ago. The American Red Cross and other organization offer the course. Now I would like my family to take a refresher course. I would love to pay this forward.

·         Enable the Medical Identification (ID) on your smartphone. On the iPhone, this ID contains key medical information and can be accessed from the locked screen (https://support.apple.com/en-us/). Android offers a similar Medical ID app.

·         Hug your local EMS members during EMS week. They all deserve it.

 

Denison and Polomis were part of a highly effective team of medical professionals assigned to the Finish Line Aid Station at the Bloomsday Race. They were a dedicated resource if resuscitation was needed.

 

“While every EMS incident in Spokane involves a team of dedicated prehospital health professionals, special events like Bloomsday require additional team members from the local healthcare system. In this case, in addition to the key role played by Paramedic Denison and EMT Polomis, others from American Medical Response and the Providence Health System worked together to provide life-saving care. We want to recognize the efforts of everyone involved in this case. It truly demonstrates the importance, and benefit, of collaboration between the various health care teams in the community,” says Lopez.

 

In 2015, the Spokane Fire Department responded to 33,881 emergency calls, representing 86 percent of all the incidents the department responds to. For more information about the Department’s Emergency Medical Services visit https://my.spokanecity.org/fire/operations/ems/.

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

CITY OF SPOKANE FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC HONORED AT LILAC LUNCHEON

 

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CITY OF SPOKANE FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC HONORED AT LILAC LUNCHEON

JESSE AYOTTE NAMED FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

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Today at the 78^th annual All Civic Military Luncheon, City of Spokane Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Ayotte was named Firefighter of the Year by the Spokane Lilac Association. Ayotte has spent his 15 year career in some of Spokane’s busiest fire stations.

 

“Jesse is an aggressive firefighter, excellent clinician and has committed himself to always improving, advises Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “We are truly honored to have Jesse as an integral part of our Fire Department.”

 

Ayotte is an avid cyclist and a pivotal member of the Spokane Fire Department’s PedMed Program, a special operations program that deploys fire department paramedics in areas that are routinely inaccessible due to large crowds or terrain. Members of PedMed are commonly seen on bicycles, on foot, and even on off-road vehicles. Since Ayotte took over the logistics of the program, he has replaced all of the bicycles, the medical equipment and many of the safety devices for the team. 

 

“He purchases and maintains everything, all year and works in the background to make sure that we can save lives when someone has a bad day during any of Spokane’s wildly popular events,” added Chief Schaeffer. “Jesse is the epitome of the expectations of a Spokane firefighter and absolutely deserves to be recognized for his dedication to serving our community.”

 

Proudly serving the City of Spokane, the Spokane Fire Department is an innovative organization dedicated to public service by providing emergency response, prevention and training.

 

 

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(from left to right)

*Photo 1: SPD Assistant Chief Meidl, SFD Chief Williams, Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Ayotte, Officer Craig Hamilton, Mayor Condon, Director McDevitt

*Photo 2: SFD Chief Williams, Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Ayotte, SFD Assistant Chief Schaeffer

*Photo 3: Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Ayotte and son

 

 

Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

DAMAGE FROM AN EVENING RESIDENTIAL FIRE LIMITED TO THE ROOM OF ORIGIN

 

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DAMAGE FROM AN EVENING RESIDENTIAL FIRE LIMITED TO THE ROOM OF ORIGIN

SMOKE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT, CAUSE UNDER INVESTIGATION

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An evening fire on the north side caused extensive damage to a single-family home. The fire damage was contained to the room where the fire originated.

 

Yesterday at 7:45 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department and crews from Spokane County Fire District 9 were dispatched to a structure fire at a residence in the 7900 block of N. Graycoat Court. First arriving crews reported smoke from the front of the structure with flames visible on the lower back level of the home.

 

Upon making entry into the residence, fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and limit the fire damage to the room where the fire originated. The fire did cause extensive smoke damage throughout the structure. The total property damage is estimated to be $30,000.

 

A quick search of the home was conducted with all residents out of the home. One resident was evaluated on scene by fire crews but the individual refused care.

 

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

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

UNATTENDED COOKING MATERIALS CAUSE RESIDENTIAL FIRE

 

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UNATTENDED COOKING MATERIALS CAUSE RESIDENTIAL FIRE
NO REPORTED INJURIES, EXTENSIVE SMOKE AND FIRE DAMAGE

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Yesterday’s residential fire in the 1500 block of  E. Houghton Court serves as an important reminder to not leave cooking materials unattended. No injuries were reported and damage to the north Spokane home was estimated at $150,000.

 

At 11:39 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department along with units from Fire District 9, were dispatched to a structure fire. The first arriving fire crews reported near total fire involvement of a two-story, single-family home. The neighboring home to the east was in close proximity and was beginning to show signs of imminent ignition. Crews from both the City of Spokane and Fire District 9 were able to protect the home next door, search for any possible victims, and extinguish the fire within 30 minutes.

 

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to escape without injury. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.

 

The house suffered extensive fire and smoke damage to all floors. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of the fire to be accidental in nature due to unattended cooking materials being left on the covered rear deck.

 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration cooking is the leading cause of residential building fires.

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

FIREFIGHTERS CREDIT SISTER MADONNA BUDER IN HELPING SLEEPING NEIGHBOR ESCAPE FIRE

 

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FIREFIGHTERS CREDIT SISTER MADONNA BUDER IN HELPING SLEEPING NEIGHBOR ESCAPE FIRE

NO INJURIES REPORTED, FIRE WAS ACCIDENTIAL AND RELATED TO SMOKING MATERIALS

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A man was able to safely escape a fire at his mobile home on Monday morning thanks to an alert neighbor. Fire and smoke damaged the home, but no injuries were reported.

 

Yesterday just before 6 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to report of a residential fire in the San Souci Mobile Home Park at 3231 W. Boone Ave. The first-arriving engine reported fire coming from the back deck area and extending into the home.

An alert neighbor who noticed the smoke knocked on the door of the home and was able to successfully wake up the sleeping resident.

“Sister Madonna Buder helped save a life on Monday, advised Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Her quick thinking and immediate action in waking up this gentleman helped to ensure he was able to safely evacuate without any injuries.”

Fire crews were able to knockdown the fire within 14 minutes and conducted several searches of the residence to make sure no one else was inside. Crews remained on scene through the morning checking that all hot spots were extinguished and to assist with making arrangements for the occupant.

 

The mobile home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. The total property damage is estimated to be $60,000. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to smoking materials.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone to have working smoke detectors in the home and to develop and practice an escape plan.

 

 

 

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Michele Anderson | Public Safety Communications Manager
Spokane Police Department | Spokane Fire Department

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 |mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Cause of north side home suspicious

 

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CAUSE OF NORTH SIDE HOME FIRE SUSPICIOUS

NO ONE HOME WHEN FIRE REPORTED

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The Spokane Fire Department is investigating a suspicious fire that damaged a home in north Spokane. No one was home, but the damage was extensive.

 

A caller reported seeing smoke and flames in a home at 4017 N Martin about 5:30 pm on Saturday. The first-arriving engine reported fire coming from all of the doors and windows of the approximately 500-square-foot house.

 

Firefighters searched the home and determined the occupants were not home at the time of the fire. Other crews quickly brought it under control.

 

The department’s Special Investigations Unit considers the cause of the fire to be suspicious. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

 

 

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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

      

 

FW: MEDIA ADVISORY - Mock crash set for Tuesday at L.C. High School

Correction on the contact phone number – it should be (509) 435-7048. The change is reflected below.

 

From: Hatcher, Pradeep
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 9:39 AM
To: Hatcher, Pradeep
Subject: MEDIA ADVISORY - Mock crash set for Tuesday at L.C. High School

 

 

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CREWS TO RESPOND TO MOCK CRASH TUESDAY

LEWIS & CLARK HIGH SCHOOL IS SETTING FOR EVENT

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​The Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, and other agencies will participate in a mock crash Tuesday, April 19 at Lewis & Clark High School.

 

The mock crash is meant to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving. The event will involve multiple vehicles, and students will play the role of the victims.

 

Fire Department crews will begin setting up for the mock crash around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, with the 'crash' portion and student involvement beginning around 9 a.m.

 

A similar event is planned at North Central High School on Wednesday, April 20.

 

For questions, please contact BC David Heizer at (509) 435-7048

 

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MEDIA ADVISORY - Mock crash set for Tuesday at L.C. High School

 

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CREWS TO RESPOND TO MOCK CRASH TUESDAY

LEWIS & CLARK HIGH SCHOOL IS SETTING FOR EVENT

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​The Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, and other agencies will participate in a mock crash Tuesday, April 19 at Lewis & Clark High School.

 

The mock crash is meant to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving. The event will involve multiple vehicles, and students will play the role of the victims.

 

Fire Department crews will begin setting up for the mock crash around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, with the 'crash' portion and student involvement beginning around 9 a.m.

 

A similar event is planned at North Central High School on Wednesday, April 20.

 

For questions, please contact BC David Heizer at (509) 435-7948

 

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Courageous Kids Climbing group event filling up

 

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COURAGEOUS KIDS CLIMBING GROUP EVENT FILLING UP

EVENT TO BE HELD AT WILD WALLS ON APRIL 23

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The Spokane Fire Department and the Courageous Kids Climbing group announced today that reserved spots in the Saturday, April 23 free climbing event for children with special needs are starting to fill up. Twenty children will be invited to participate in the event which runs from 10 am until noon at Wild Walls, 202 W Second Ave. in Spokane.

Courageous Kids Climbing is a non-profit organization that provides free opportunities for children with special needs, both physical and intellectual, to experience the various forms of rock climbing. They also sponsor a Courageous Kids Scholarship Fund at the University of Idaho for students with special needs.

 

For children with intellectual challenges, climbing can be an excellent opportunity for a variety of reasons. It has been shown that climbing can increase spatial perception, hand-eye coordination and balance. It also teaches children about advance planning, problem-solving and goal-setting skills that are useful not only in school, but in life.

 

For children with physical challenges, the organization has a variety of harnesses that allow these courageous climbers to experience climbing on a wall first-hand. The Spokane Fire Department technical rescue team will be at the event to serve as mentors for the kids and assist with the technical and safety aspects of the climbing equipment.

 

Reservations are accepted on a first come – first served basis and can be made by sending an e-mail to the event coordinator at jeffriechman@cs.com. For more information: Jeff Riechmann, 300 Mountain Cove Court, McCall, ID. 83638-4501.

 

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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

      

 

Stain-soaked rags, paper towels cuase fire

 

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STAIN-SOAKED RAGS, PAPER TOWELS CAUSE FIRE

RECYCLING BIN, GARAGE DAMAGED BY ACCIDENTAL IGNITION

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Oil-based-stain-saturated paper towels and rags disposed of in a large recycling bin accidentally caused a fire that spread onto the siding and roof of a garage. No injuries were reported and damage to the north Spokane home was estimated at $5,000.

 

Multiple evening commuters reported a column of smoke Friday evening in the 4900 block of N. Whitehouse. Firefighters found a large recycling bin fully involved with fire and the flames were spreading onto the siding and up into the roof of a detached garage. 

 

Fire investigators determined the fire was accidentally started by paper towels and rags saturated with oil-based stain that the homeowner had applied to a fence earlier in the day. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone to read the label of any product you intend to apply to your fence or deck.

 

Many oil-based stain and waterproofing products present a fire danger. Tests have shown that heat produced in crumpled up rags is sufficient to start a fire in less than 15 minutes. For home and small commercial shops, the easiest way to prevent a fire is to spread the rags in a single layer so the heat can dissipate while the material on the rags is allowed to cure. Then, depending on local regulations, the materials can be safely disposed of, either in hazardous waste collection sites, or in the general landfill.

 

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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

      

 

MEDIA RELEASE - Fire Damages North Side Apartment Building

 

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FIRE DAMAGES NORTH SIDE APARTMENT BUILDING

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​An afternoon fire Tuesday on the north side of Spokane caused extensive damage to an apartment building. 

 

At 3:54 p.m. on April 5, the Fire Dispatch center received a 911 call for a fire at the Cedar Spring Estate IV apartments, 7808 N. Morton St. The first arriving apparatus reported a large amount of fire on a second floor exterior balcony with fire extending into the apartment.

 

The crews started with an exterior attack on the fire and then made entry for fire extinguishment.  Crews were able to contain damage to the one apartment. A search was made of the involved apartment and adjoining apartments with no occupants at home.

 

There were no injuries reported to civilian or fire personnel. The fire caused extensive damage to the apartment unit and roof; losses are estimated at $100,000.

 

A total of 52 fire personnel responded to the incident including automatic aid assistance from Fire District 9. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department SUI has determined the cause to be improperly discarded smoking material.

 

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Firefighters pull man from burning home

 

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FIREFIGHTERS PULL MAN FROM BURNING HOME

MAN TREATED, RELEASED AT SCENE

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A man escaped a fire in his north side home Saturday afternoon when firefighters enlarged a basement window and pulled him from the house. Fire damaged the home, but the man was treated at the scene and released.

 

A heavy column of smoke was visible to firefighters as they responded at 12:07 pm to the fire at 115 W Heroy. Initial reports from callers indicated there were people trapped in the basement.  

 

Firefighters found an adult male in the basement on the west side of the home. The man’s hands and face were visible to firefighters, but he was unable to escape the fire through the small window. Crews worked quickly to enlarge the window and used a ladder to help the man safely outside the home.  

 

The fire was brought under control in 25 minutes. The man was treated on-scene, but declined transportation to a hospital. He indicated that he had worked the night before and sleeps during the day. The noise of the fire coming through the ceiling above woke him.  His bedroom door was closed and gave him extra time to escape while crews fought to reach him.  

 

Cause of the fire is under investigation. Four remaining family members were at the neighbor's home during the fire. They are being assisted by Red Cross.

 

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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