Fire causes significant damage to South Hill home

Fire causes significant damage to South Hills home

 

Last evening at 11 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 200 block of W. 14^th Ave. on a report of a residence on fire.

 

Upon arrival, the first company found heavy fire on multiple sides of the exterior of a two story home. Fire was also present on the first and second floors and in the attic. The first arriving crews immediately assigned resources, upgraded the fire in order to receive additional assistance and initiated an aggressive attack on the fire. The quick work of crews kept further damage from occurring. Firefighters were able to determine the house was vacant. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours after the fire was extinguished to conduct overhaul and prevent re-ignition. Additionally, crews conducted salvage operations to reduce loss caused by the fire.

 

The fire caused structural damage throughout the residence along with heavy smoke and water damage. There were no injuries reported to civilians or firefighters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit.

 

Arson investigation underway after second commercial fire

Arson investigation underway after second commercial fire

 

This morning at 5:47 a.m. the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to Beacon Cleaners and Laundry, located at 3112 S. Grand Blvd., on a report of a commercial building fire.

 

Fire crews arrived within minutes and advised fire was burning to the rear of the building and was rapidly encroaching towards the business. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire and prevent it from entering the interior structure causing further damage.

 

The business was in the process of recovering from a prior fire on August 11 where an arsonist had attempted to destroy the building in a similar fashion. During the August 11 incident, two U.S. Postal Service vehicles were also damaged.

 

“This is a serious crime that places the public and our firefighters at risk and we will expend all resources available to investigate and charge the person(s) responsible and hold them accountable,” says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “We urge anyone with any information to contact the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit at 509-625-7000.”

###

No reported injuries after morning house fire

No reported injuries after morning house fire

No injuries reported

 

This morning just before 8:30 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Wellesley Ave. on a report of a house fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from the first floor at the front of the home. Within five minutes of arrival and after a thorough search, crews determined the residence was clear of any occupants. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevented it from spreading. The fire caused damage to the first floor bedroom and smoke damage throughout the home. There were no reported injuries.

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

###

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Learn about fire safety and become a junior firefighter

Learn about fire safety and become a junior firefighter

 

The Spokane Fire Department, Safe Kids, Mobius Children's Museum, the Downtown Spokane Partnership and River Park Square are partnering for the inaugural Kids Junior Fire Academy. This free, family event will be held at River Park Square, Saturday, September 9 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

 

“We are excited to be partnering for the first Kids Junior Fire Academy,” says Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “It is an excellent opportunity for kids and families to experience what it is like to be a firefighter, while learning important safety information.”

 

The Kids Junior Fire Academy is open to “kids” of all ages, and will provide an opportunity for attendees to tour and see demonstrations from a ladder truck and fire engine, learn hands-only CPR, make a craft with Mobius Children's Museum, operate a charged fire hose, learn about child passenger safety from SAFE Kids Spokane and so much more! Kids can collect stamps at each activity and receive a Jr. Firefighter certificate.

 

We hope to see you there!

What: Kids Junior Fire Academy 

When: Saturday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: River Park Square at 808 W. Main Ave.

 

###

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

House fire remains under investigation

House fire remains under investigation

No injuries reported

 

A fire remains under investigation after damaging a home in west central Spokane.

 

The fire started just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at a single family residence in the 1800 block of W. Shannon Ave.

 

First arriving crews noted heavy fire involvement from the second story front of the house. Initial reports indicated there were potential victims inside. Fire crews entered the structure to locate and extinguish the fire while performing a search of the building for trapped occupants. Within 10 minutes of arrival, the house was determined to be clear of any occupants. Firefighters were able to effectively bring the fire under control within 20 minutes. The house sustained heavy damage to the second story and attic space and smoke damage throughout. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

 

Anyone with information about the fire should call 509-625-7000 so the information can be forward to the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit.

###

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Inner tubing incident strands father, daughter near Devil's Toenail

 

Inner tubing incident strands father, daughter near Devil's Toenail 

 

​A father and daughter became stranded on the rocks in the Devil's Toenail area of the Spokane River this afternoon after the inner tubes they were riding on tipped over in the rapids. Neither was injured and rescuers used kayaks to ferry the two to the shore. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department's water rescue team responded about 2 pm to an area approximately a half-mile south of the Rifle Club entrance to Aubrey L. White Pkwy. Teams reached the father and daughter with kayaks and moved them from the rocks in the river to the shore. Both were cold from prolonged exposure to the cold water and warmed by medical personnel on scene, but neither had to be transported to the hospital.

 

Approximately 30 members of the Spokane Fire Department and the Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to the call.

 

The Spokane River continues to be dangerous even in the lower water flows of late August. The water is cold and can create situations where hypothermia may set in if you are immersed for too long. The Spokane Fire Department recommends caution when in the river or near the water's edge and advocates the continued use of approved life vests.

 

-30-

 

 

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

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

      

 

Commercial building fire under investigation

 

Commercial building fire under investigation

One firefighter injured

 

Last night just after 10 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to S. Grand Blvd. and 32^nd Ave on a report of a commercial building on fire.

First arriving crews advised of heavy fire to the rear of Beacon Cleaners and Laundry located at 3112 S. Grand Blvd. Immediately, firefighters began aggressively attacking the fire. The fire started on the exterior of the building, extended to the attic, and into the structure. Crews were able to contain the fire, limiting damage to the corner of the business. Two U.S. Postal Service vehicles parked adjacent to the building were also damaged.  

One firefighter, a 27 year veteran, suffered significant injuries during firefighting operations after falling off a ladder. The firefighter was transported to a local hospital. As of this morning, the firefighter has been released from the hospital, but the length of time away from work is undetermined.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Investigators have requested the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) due to the damage of the two U.S. Postal Service vehicles.

 

###

 

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Four adults displaced after apartment fire

 

Four adults displaced after apartment fire

No reported injuries

At 11:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1900 block of W. Pacific Ave.

 

First arriving crews found significant smoke and fire coming from the third floor of a 16-unit apartment complex and immediately upgraded the fire to a second alarm in order to have additional resources respond. Quick action by firefighters aided in containing the fire to the attic and the third floor of the building.

 

The fire caused heavy fire and smoke damage to three apartments. Those three apartments have been deemed uninhabitable. The American Red Cross will be assisting the four adults who have been displaced.

 

All occupants inside the apartments were able to safely evacuate prior to fire crews arriving. There were no injuries reported to civilians or fire department personnel. 

 

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

 

 

###

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Hazardous materials release prompts evacuation of nursing facility

 

Hazardous materials release prompts evacuation of nursing facility

Last night at approximately 7:30 p.m., two companies from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to an activated fire alarm at a nursing care facility located in the 1800 block of E. Upriver Dr. 

 

Upon arrival crews discovered there was a leak from a hazardous gas container. Immediately, the incident commander upgraded the call to a hazardous materials response in order to have additional resources respond.  

 

Four firefighters and two facility staff were exposed to the gas and were transported to a local hospital due to medical symptoms resulting from the exposure.

 

A portion of the facility was evacuated while another area of the facility was cordoned off to allow residents to safely stay. Approximately 75 residents in total were evacuated. SFD along with American Medical Response (AMR) worked with staff to ensure all evacuees were stable and did not need medical attention. 

 

SFD’s Hazardous Materials Response Team was able to make entry to determine the gas leak had stopped, monitor the area, and determine the gas had been cleared, so residents could safely return to using the entire facility. No residents were injured or exposed to the gas. An additional facility staff member was injured during the evacuation process.

 

At the time of this release, the four firefighters that were exposed were released from the hospital are expected to make a full and quick recovery. There is no information available regarding the medical condition of the two facility staff members.

 

 

###

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane City Fire Marshal issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

Spokane City Fire Marshal issues outdoor recreational fire restrictions

 

​Due to the hot, dry conditions, specified outdoor recreational fires (in ground campfires, fire bowls and fire pits) are prohibited in the City of Spokane effective today, July 7, 2017, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal.  The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions. 

 

Citizens may still use backyard barbecues, manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, provided the appliance has a spark arrester and a chimney, approved fuel is used and weather conditions support safe recreational fires.  Approved fuels include seasoned (clean/dry) firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas.

 

Other requirements for outdoor fires:

 

·     Recreational fires may be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.

·     Keep it small - Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

·     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.

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

·     Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist (25 feet in general).

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

o  For multi-family dwellings, use at least a 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 mph) must be present.

·     A Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency "green light" indication for air quality must be present: https://spokanecleanair.org/current-air-quality.

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

 

Unsafe or otherwise restricted fires will be required to be extinguished. Failure to comply with the burning restrictions could have serious consequences.  A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor. That person can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

 

Please see the attached for additional information.

 

-30-

 

 

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

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

      

 

Man injured by Browne's Addition apartment fire

Man injured by Browne’s Addition apartment fire

 

A man was treated by paramedics and transported to the hospital today with non-life-threatening injuries sustained from a fire in his Browne’s Addition apartment, which Spokane firefighters quickly confined to his unit.

 

Firefighters were called to the fire at 2321 W. Second Avenue at 8:05 am and discovered a heavily involved unit on the second floor. Heavy smoke was coming from unit 203, and another resident had helped the primary occupant evacuate his apartment.

 

Crews worked quickly to contain the fire to the individual unit and evacuate the rest of the building. The victim was treated on scene for smoke inhalation before he was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover fully.

 

The Spokane Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.

 

###

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

      

 

Weekend river rescue reminder to use personal floatation devices

Weekend river rescue reminder to use personal floatation devices

 

Spokane Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team members pulled four victims who were clinging to a tree to safety after the swift-moving Spokane River overwhelmed the inner tubes they were using. A fifth person in the group managed to make it to shore before rescuers arrived.

 

No one was injured during the Saturday afternoon incident near People’s Park, but the Spokane Fire Department strongly encouraged people on the river to use personal flotation devices and proper floatation equipment. River flows continue to be dangerous.

 

Rescue teams received a call about 1:20 pm of four people trapped in the river. Crews found the victims clinging to a tree approximately 50 feet from the shore. A fifth person had made his own way to shore.

 

Rescuers provided personal floatation devices and helmets to each of the victims and used a kayak to move them to shore one at a time. The response included 35 rescuers from the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, AMR and Life Flight.

 

###

 

 

 

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

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

      

 

City hosting public safety forum tomorrow

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

May 1, 2017

 

Contact:        Brian Coddington

Communications and Marketing Director

(509) 625-6740

 

**********************************************

CITY HOSTING PUBLIC SAFETY FORUM TOMORROW

 EVENING WILL INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS IN SMALLER GROUPS

**********************************************

 

The City of Spokane is hosting a public safety forum tomorrow at the Shadle Public Library branch to discuss neighborhood safety and answer questions people have about their neighborhoods. Discussion begins at 5:30 pm.

The forum will begin with brief presentations from representatives of the Spokane Police Department, Spokane Fire Department and Spokane C.O.P.S. Small group discussions with each of the representatives will follow.

“Improving public safety is a community effort,” Spokane Mayor David Condon said. “This forum is a great opportunity to empower citizens to take an active part in preventing crime and increasing fire safety in their own neighborhood.”

WHEN:          Tuesday, May 2

 

TIME: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Shadle Public Library, 2111 W Wellesley Avenue

 

 

About the City of Spokane

The City of Spokane, home to more than 210,000 people, is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest.  Our 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. For more information, visit spokanecity.org and follows us @spokanecity on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  

 

 

 

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

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

      

 

No one injured in West Central fire

No one injured in West Central fire

 

An unattended candle likely caused a fire that damaged a West Central home and chased an occupant from the house uninjured.

 

Firefighters were called to the house in the 3600 block of W. Princeton about 8 pm on Friday and quickly contained the fire. Fire damage was reported to the kitchen, dining and laundry areas with smoke damage throughout the house.

 

One occupant and pets had evacuated the home prior to the arrival of firefighters. Damage was estimated at $15,000.

 

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

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

      

 

Cutting torch appears to be cause of boat trailer fire

Cutting torch appears to be cause of boat trailer fire

 

A cutting torch appears to have caused a fire that damaged a boat trailer plant in north Spokane. No one was injured and the Friday morning fire was contained to a wall adjacent to where the torch was being used.

 

The Spokane Fire Department called to the EZ Loader facility, 717 N. Hamilton, found the fire burning plywood and insulation inside the wall near the machinery. Firefighter quickly extinguished the fire and employees, who were evacuated, were allowed to return. The fire was reported at 8:24 am.

 

The fire remains under investigation by the fire department’s Special Investigation Unit, but appears to have been started by the cutting torch operation. Damage was estimated at $20,000.

 

###

 

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

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