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

Commercial Business Fire

Incident #:  2012008380
Date of Incident:  2/28/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:36 PM, 7 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder responded to a building fire at 4009 East Mission Avenue (G & W Safety Supplies). The first 911 call came from a Good Samaritan that observed a fire from across the river, but initially was unable to determine the location. The citizen drove to the building and subsequently reported the fire. The first company arrived within 2-minutes and found an intense fire outside the northwest section of the large mixed use brick/masonry building. The incident was upgraded to a working fire early which added the SFD's remaining Ladder Company and additional off-duty resources. Ladder companies had to force entry into multiple sides of the building which allowed engine companies access to the building's interior where they successfully located and extinguished the fire. The Ladder companies also used their aerial ladder to access the roof and vertically ventilated above the fire to assist the fire attack and limit the horizontal spread of damage. Additional arriving companies also performed a quick, well-coordinated search of the premises for any victims in the entire building. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters on this incident.

Cause:
The fire is determined to be incendiary; and the cause is clearly intentional. The SFD's Special Investigation Unit is aggressively investigating this case.

Damage:
The interior of the building affected is primarily office space. The monetary loss to the facility is still being estimated with the assistance from the occupants. The SFD's aggressive efforts prevented the fire from traveling to bulk warehouse areas where a significant amount of ammunition and products were stored.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

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

Update on this morning's residence fire

Incident #:  2012008146
Date of Incident:  2/26/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
This morning's residential fire at 404 East Rockwell has been determined to be accidental and caused by combustibles left near a kitchen stove that was inadvertently turned on.

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

Early Morning Fire

Incident #:  2012008146
Date of Incident:  2/26/2012
Issuing Officer:  Craig Cornelius / BC

Narrative:
On Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 03:30 AM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 4 Engines,1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs to 404 E. Rockwell for a reported kitchen fire. Engine 2, under the direction of Lt. Kurt Cole was first on the scene and reported that he had a one story, residential with heavy smoke and fire coming form the rear of the home. He verified that everyone was safely out of the home and along with firefighter Steven Harms, extended a hose line through the front door and attacked the fire. Simultaneously, Ladder 2 went to the roof and ventilated above the fire. Additional arriving companies provided support with back-up hose lines. Engine's 8s crew located and rescued a dog that was still inside the home. Although the main body of fire was knocked down within 20 minutes, firefighters were on the scene for several hours overhauling the scene to verify the fire was out. There were no injuries at this incident. One tenant and two dogs were displaced. The kitchen and rear portion of the home sustained heavy fire damage. At this time, the fire is still under investigation, but the cause appears to be accidental in nature.

Cause:
Final cause is still under investigation.

Damage:
Entire rear portion of home sustained heavy fire damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

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

Natural Gas Safety--SMELL. GO. LET US KNOW.

 

Natural gas related incidents are a common call for the SFD HazMat team. Natural gas is a fossil fuel found naturally underground and mostly comprised of methane, a colorless and odorless gas. Because it is highly flammable and odorless it posses a major safety concern, so an odorant is added that gives off a foul smell. Natural gas is used in both residential and commercial properties. It is used for heating, water heaters, stoves, clothes dryers, fire places, outdoor lighting, and in industrial processes.

Natural gas does have an excellent safety record, but emergencies do occur. SFD and Avista want citizens to be in the know if you smell gas: 

SMELL. GO. LET US KNOW.

 SMELL – Identify a possible gas leak.
•Unusual odor or scent (rotten egg or sulfur smell)
•Unusual hissing sound
•Blowing dirt
GO•Leave the structure or area
•Don’t start a vehicle in a garage or near any natural gas odor
•Don’t use any electrical or battery-operated device, such as a light switch, phone, appliance or garage door opener
•Don’t smoke or use a match or lighter
•Don’t try to find the leak

LET US KNOWIf you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency and are unsure of the severity or what to do, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. Do not use your telephone. This includes cellular phones and all types of portable communication and electronic devices that have a battery. These can spark and create a source of ignition.

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

South Battalion High Rise Fire

Incident #:  2012007127
Date of Incident:  2/19/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:44 PM, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm sounding at 601 West Main Avenue (Chase/Washington Financial Center). When the companies arrived and made contact with occupants, they were told of smoke on the upper floors of the 15-story building. The company officer upgraded the incident to a working fire which added six additional companies of Spokane Firefighters; including 4 Engines, 2 Senior Ladders and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Fielder. While the full alarm was responding, Firefighters from Engine/Ladder 1 were assembling equipment (high rise hose kits, SCBA bottles and tools) to carry to the fifth floor and prepare for an offensive fire attack. The South Battalion Chief arrived quickly, established command and based on Spokane County's High Rise Guideline, upgraded the incident to a 2nd and subsequent 3rd Alarm to bring the number and types of resources needed to fight the fire safely. Unfortunately, the building was constructed before a fire suppression system (sprinkler system) was required for all floors. The owners had added fire pumps and additional risers over the years with a plan to protect the entire building; however, the sixth floor had not been upgraded. As companies arrived, the incident commander assigned them to support the fire attack on the 6th floor. Early arriving Engine Companies were utilized to support the building's standpipe system to aid the fire attack while Ladder Companies were assigned to search the building's 15 stories to ensure no one was in need of rescuing; as well as tactically ventilating the building. As per policy, Chiefs took control of the building's internal safety, communications and ventilation systems to assist with the fire attack. Firefighters rapidly made their way through the light smoke on the lower floors and up the stairwells to floor 5 where the attack was assembled. A working fire was located by fire attack teams in offices on the 6th floor and was quickly extinguished in just 20 minutes. Several fire companies spent a significant amount of time overhauling and protecting contents with tarps and controlling water runoff from the fire's extinguishment. There were no civilian or firefighters injured as a result of this fire.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Damage:
There was significant content damage to an IT room and adjacent office. The structure's integrity does not appear to be impacted.

# Firefighters Responding: 49

Dollar Loss: $200000.0000

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 1, Fire District 9

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

Broken Water main at Wellesley and Perry

Incident #:  2012006685
Date of Incident:  2/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On February 16th at 17:36 Spokane Engine 15 was dispatched to a report of flooding at the intersection of Wellesley and Perry. When Engine 15 arrived there was extensive water flowing in the intersection from a broken 12 inch water main. Two additional Engine Companies, one Ladder Company and two Chief Officers responded to assist in the mitigation of the incident. One home on Wellesley had water entering the basement and was protected from further damage by fire companies. There was also flooding to the intersection of Morton and Hoffman due to the elevation change. Two homes were threatened on Hoffman by the rising water but were protected by the other fire companies that responded to the incident. The Police Department responded quickly and controlled traffic until the Street Department could put up barricades. Avista was called to the scene to check the affected homes for natural gas or electrical issues due to the flooding. The Water Department did close the valves to the broken Water Main and the water slowly receded. The incident was turned over to the Street and Water Department. Wellesley was closed from Nevada to Pittsburg throughout the night for the repair and is now open for one lane of travel in each direction.

Cause:
Unknown

Damage:
There is damage to the street intersection and water main. There is minor water damage to one of the home's basement.

# Firefighters Responding: 15

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

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  2012006448
Date of Incident:  2/15/2012
Issuing Officer:  AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 02:04 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Haworth, responded to a Structure Fire at 727 West Glass. While enroute to the incident, companies were notified by Fire Dispatch of multiple telephone reports indicating flames showing and that civilians may be trapped in the building. The first company and Battalion Chief arrived within 5-minutes to find a three-story large, wood frame apartment building with heavy fire showing from the address side on the third floor. The first arriving Engine and Ladder companies went to work immediately after arriving and stretched hose lines to the third floor in an attempt to control the fire's progress and limit damage to the unit of origin. Simultaneously, the Ladder Company went to the roof and offensively ventilated directly above the fire. Additional arriving companies secured a protected stairway and accommodated safe egress for residents that were trying to escape through the intense smoke. Early in the incident it was discovered that the closest fire hydrant was several blocks away and would require a personnel-intense operation to stretch several hundred feet of 5" supply line (in 20 degree temperatures, ice and on the Post Street Hill). All companies assigned on the first alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the building while trying to suppress the fire's progress when they arrived; based on the water supply challenge and growing need for resources, the initial alarm was upgraded to a working fire and modified to include an additional Ladder and two Engine Companies. The additional companies teamed up to force entry and search each apartment unit on the third floor conditions for savable civilians. Those companies worked under heavy smoke/fire conditions and were able to evacuate several civilians to safety and eventually to an awaiting, warm STA bus requested by the Incident Commander. Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews which came from neighborhood Fire Stations 13, 2 and 15 allowed a successful search of the entire fire-floor and confined the fire to primarily two units. The fire was declared under control in approximately two hours and one resident from the third floor received minor burns and smoke inhalation. The adult male was treated by Fire Department Paramedics, however he refused transport. One firefighter received an injury, however remained on-duty to complete his shift.

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

Damage:
Damage appears to be limited to two units on the third floor including structural areas in the roof. Aggressive firefighting, leadership and the execution of a structured plan prevented extension of the fire to horizontal areas in the attic as well as to any of the remaining 16 units in the building. Without those actions, and recognizing that this building did not have a fire protection system (sprinklers), this incident would likely have escalated to a multiple alarm incident with severe injuries and likely fatalities. The Inland Northwest Chapter of the Red Cross is assisting the occupants (approximately 40) with temporary shelter and assistance. The building owners have contentedly secured properties in their inventory to relocate displaced residents for the long-term and were on scene this morning to help with the process.

# Firefighters Responding: 32

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

North Battalion House Fire

Incident #:  2012006061
Date of Incident:  2/12/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On February 12, 2012 at 09:49 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Moline, responded to a Structure Fire at 1927 West Augusta Avenue in Northwest Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof and second floor window on the back side of the house. The first arriving Chief declared a working fire and added an additional senior ladder to the incident while firefighters made quick work of the fire which had spread throughout the second floor and the attic. Arriving engine companies stretched pre-connected hose lines into multiple areas of the structure to confine the fire's progress while ladder companies went to the roof to provide vertical ventilation. A search of the structure was completed and it was found to be vacant. The well coordinated effort of firefighters extinguished the fire within 1 hour, salvage and overhaul continued for an additional 2 hours. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters during this incident.

Cause:
The cause was determined to be electrical in nature.

Damage:
The second floor and roof received heavy damage. The electrical service to the structure was disconnected until repairs are made.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $80,000

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

Firefighters in the Community

 

Next time you are out and about don't be surprised if you see your local firefighters grocery shopping or performing fitness activities in public. Since firefighters work from 8 AM to 8 AM the next day, and provide their own meals, they must purchase the necessary supplies to prepare their own food throughout their shift. Preparing and sharing meals together is recommended for all firefighters at SFD. Cooking and eating together reinforces that firefighters are a team that must work together; which we believe helps them do their jobs more safely and effectively.

During their 24 hour shifts firefighters also do physical fitness training at the station; however they also like to explore jogging at a local track, running outdoor stairs, etc. Firefighting is an extremely stressful and physically demanding job and therefore firefighters must continually work to stay fit.

Spokane Fire crews do not have to be located at their station to be dispatched to a call. Whenever companies are away from the station, they are always within their first due districts, have a fire apparatus, a full crew, and are always in contact with the dispatch center by radio, mobile data computer and pager. Emergency response takes precedence over everything else a firefighter does.

So if you see a fire apparatus in a grocery store parking lot or exercising at a local track, know that Spokane Fire Department is always ready to respond at a moment's notice.

Use 911 for EMERGENCIES...

Use 9-1-1 to save a life, report a fire or to stop a crime. 9-1-1 is the right number to call in an emergency when a PROMPT RESPONSE is needed. There could be a fire, fight or an assault occurring right now or a medical problem occurring now which could be life threatening. 

The person who answers your 9-1-1 call is a trained professional. They will ask you questions in order to determine what kind of help you need – Fire/Medical or Police. Be prepared to state the nature of the emergency, and please answer all the questions. Answering questions DOES NOT DELAY the response. As they ask their questions, keep your answers as short and direct as possible. 

Questions could include:

• What number are you calling from?
• What is the location?
• What is the problem?

While on the phone with the call taker, EMERGENCY help is being dispatched. Staying on the line, if asked to do so, will NOT delay help from responding units. Fire Dispatchers are all specially trained to give direct, clear instructions to the caller if indicated to assist them in taking life-saving action prior to the arrival of Fire Department resources.  If it is possible and does not compromise your safety, do not hang up the phone until the dispatcher says it is okay to hang up.

What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?

Please stay on the line if you call 9-1-1 by accident, and tell the dispatcher that everything is OK. If you do not stay on the line, a police officer to your home to make sure there is not a problem.

When should I use Crime Check?

(509) 456-2233 is a ten digit non-emergency number which you can dial 24 hours a day in Spokane County for non-emergency crime reporting. Using Crime Check keeps 9-1-1 available for true EMERGENCIES.

Citizens are reminded that a quick response in an emergency depends upon each of us using the emergency system and the non-emergency number properly.

Take Steps to Prevent a Tragedy with Portable Heaters!

With temperatures diminishing across the Pacific Northwest, many of us are using portable electric heaters.

While they can be an efficient way to warm a room or supplement central heating, portable electric heaters can also be a fire or electric shock hazard if not used properly.

The SFD joins the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) in encouraging the safe use of portable electric heaters:

·         Read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels before using your heater.

·         Never leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug the heater when not in use.

·         Unplug the heater by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Inspect the power cord regularly, and never use a heater with a damaged cord.

·         Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced. Check with a qualified electrician to replace the outlet.

·         Do not use a power strip or extension cord to power your heater. Overheating of the power strip or extension cord could result in a fire.

·         Do not plug any other electrical device into the same outlet as your heater. This could result in overheating.

·         String the included power cord above any rug or carpeting. Anything you place on top of a cord - including furniture, may damage it.

·         Keep combustible materials such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, curtains, paint, gas cans and matches at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear. Do not block the heater's air intake or outlet.

·         Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, do not use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by moisture.

·         Place the heater on a level, flat surface. Only use a heater on tabletops when specified by the manufacturer.

·         Heaters should be kept away from pets and children and never used in a child's room without adult presence.

·         Seniors, the disabled, those living alone or in student housing may be at INCREASED RISK due to careless or improper use of heaters. If you know someone in this risk category, please share this safety list and your concerns.

1980 Zukor Fire Gets a Mention in the Spokesman Review

Thanks to the Spokesman Review for their article this morning mentioning the Zukor Building and resulting fire on March 2, 1980. The news story mentions that "the building was destroyed in a 1980 blaze that also killed a firefighter." But the short mention is only a piece of the story... Robert Hanna (47 y/o) was the firefighter that was killed in the arson fire. He was the Captain on Ladder 7 and... had 22 years with the department. He lived with his wife, Carolyn, and had three sons. The fire remains an open investigation with the SFD.

Captain Hanna was one of 65 firefighters fighting the first four-alarm fire in thirty years in Spokane. The Zukor Building had been "fully involved" with fire when the first companies arrived. The firefight had de-escalated and in overhaul when the accident took place. Firefighter Bob Green and Captain Hanna were in the bucket of Ladder Tower 7 directing a water stream into the smoldering ruins when the front of the building collapsed, hitting them with heavy falling debris from above. Captain Hanna was hit by a piece of the cornice and fatally injured. Firefighter Green was hospitalized with severe back injuries. Captain Hanna was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital accompanied by his son, Firefighter Robert Hanna, where he died from his head injuries. Captain Hanna's son remains on the Department today and serves as a Deputy Chief. Bob Green also remains on the SFD as a Battalion Chief. Both men serve in leadership positions and represent the epitome of professionalism and commitment to the SFD's mission. Spokane lost a true hero on March 2, 1980 - That is the rest of the story.

You can read more on SFD's other Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) at http://www.spokanefire.org/departments/fallen/default.aspx

Happy 90th Birthday Betty White !

Happy 90th Birthday Betty White, and thank you for your continued support of the Fire Service (and our friend Smokey Bear)...

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

Winter Safety Reminder

Incident #:  n/a
Date of Incident:  1/20/2012
Issuing Officer:  Lisa Jones / Fire Marshal

Narrative:
Winter Weather Safety Tips . Shovel snow away from fire hydrants and storm drains. . Park on the side of the street with odd-numbered addressing. . Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. . Always place fireplace embers outside, away from the house, in a metal container with a lid. . Read the back label on your smoke detectors to find their exact date of manufacture. Replace any detector that is more than ten years old. . Install at least one photoelectric smoke detector on each level of the home because it will sound the alarm in a smoldering fire from ten to forty minutes faster than the more common ionization detector. . If the power goes out, use flashlights rather than candles for temporary lighting. . Never bring a barbecue inside a house to warm a room or cook a meal. The resulting carbon monoxide gases can seriously poison or kill everyone in the home. . Never use an oven to heat the house. You risk a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. . Install at least one carbon monoxide detector outside the sleeping areas in your home. Current snow and slush conditions create extra challenges for everyone, including emergency responders. Spokane Fire Department asks residents to help keep their neighborhood fire hydrants clear of snow and ice in order to prevent additional delays in the event of a fire. Narrow streets that are further obstructed by cars and snow berms can prevent fire trucks and ambulances from gaining access. The City's Stage 2 Snow Declaration requires that Citizens park only on the odd side of the street in all residential areas. Keeping snow and slush clear from curb cuts and sidewalks helps with access and flooding problems due to clogged water drains at intersections. Winter conditions can increase the number of fire dangers and the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Using extra vigilance toward home, family and neighborhood safety will help keep Spokane SAFE.

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

North Battalion Apartment Fire

Incident #:  201202022#
Date of Incident:  1/16/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Monday, January 16, 2012 at 02:19, seven Companies of Spokane Firefighters, four Engines, two Senior Ladders, one Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported Apartment Fire at 3004 North Lincoln. The Dispatcher reported that the female resident, who had called 911, was still in the apartment with her dog. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing out of a first floor window of the two story Apartment Building. Crews were quickly assigned to attack the fire, search for possible victims, and ventilate the structure. The Ladder Company completing the search in the involved apartment located the female resident and her dog in the heavy black smoke. They both were rescued from the fire, the female was transported to a local Hospital for smoke inhalation and unfortunately the dog did not survive. The fire was quickly knocked down with crews remaining on scene into the morning overhauling the fire. The five unit Apartment Building has had the utilities shut down until repairs can be completed. The residents are being assisted by Red Cross. No injuries to Fire Fighters or other residents were reported.

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

Damage:
There was extensive fire damage to the first floor apartment along with smoke damage to the first and second floor. There was also water damage to the basement apartment unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $100,000.00

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