SFD News and Information

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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

North Spokane Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013007708
Date of Incident: 02/19/2013
Issuing Officer: C Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 09:15 A.M., 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to an apartment fire at 603 E. Houston Ave. While en-route Fire Dispatch reported that they had received multiple calls reporting fire on the third floor of the apartment building.
Engine 15 was the first company to arrive at the apartment complex. Engine 13’s officer Lt. Reiser, reported that he had a three story wood frame apartment building with grey smoke showing from the rear of the structure, and fire starting to show from a corner unit. Incoming apparatus were immediately tasked with securing a water supply for the hose lines and searching the adjacent units on the upper floor of the building. The quick decisive actions taken by Engine 15’s crew in conjunction with support from the other arriving firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. The apartment unit where the fire originated sustained heavy damage, however, the fire was confined solely to this unit with some damage to the attic above.
Fire investigators were on site most of the afternoon processing the fire scene as the cause appeared suspicious in nature. No injuries were reported at this incident. Only the tenants in the fire unit have been displaced.

Cause:
Still under investigation

Damage:
Unit 306

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 25000

End Of Release
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Sunday, February 17, 2013

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

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013007486
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
On February 17th, 2013 at 4:58pm The Spokane Fire Department responded two dedicated ladders, four engines, one heavy Rescue, and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1712 East Sharp. Upon arrival companies reported smoke under all the soffits. The first arriving Engine company stretched an attack lead to the interior of the home while ladder crews searched for the occupants and prepared the roof for ventilation. Firefighters located the fire in the attic space and quickly opened up the ceiling to expose it. The well coordinated effort extinguished the fire rapidly, minimizing the damage to the structure. Companies remained on scene approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU

Damage:
There is some structural and wiring damage to the attic area.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 3,000

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

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Narrative:
On February 16, 2013 at 12:15 AM six companies of the Spokane Fire Department that consisted of four engines, one senior ladder, and one heavy rescue responded to a reported garage fire at 1518 East Liberty. Ladder and Engine 2 were first to arrive, responding from their Logan Neighborhood fire station Ladder 2 reported a detached garage fully involved with fire. The fire was confined to the garage through quick actions by all companies on scene. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians as a result of this incident.

Cause:
The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:
Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

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

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

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2013007376
Date of Incident: 02/17/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Clive Jones

Cause:
The fire's cause is under investigation by the SFD's SIU

Damage:
Total loss of the garage

# Firefighters Responding: 19

Dollar Loss: $ 20,000.

End Of Release
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Sunday, February 10, 2013

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

Apartment Fire with Rescue

Incident #: 2013006426
Date of Incident: 02/10/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:03 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to an apartment fire at 3724 North Cook Street. While en route to the incident, companies were notified the resident in apartment 248 smelled smoke for the past couple hours and described it as worsening. The fire communication specialists handling the call updated the companies responding and advised the residents to evacuate and pull the fire alarm to alert their neighbors. The first in Chief also modified the response while en route to add an additional ladder company, AMR ambulance and supervisor.

The first fire company arrived within 5-minutes to find a two-story apartment building with approximately eight units, however no smoke was showing from the building initially. Upon their investigation however, they discovered a working fire in a lower unit in the apartment complex. The Engine and Ladder went to work immediately to secure a water supply and stretch a hoseline in attempt to control the fire’s progress toward other living areas in the building. Simultaneously, companies searched the apartment unit under smoke conditions and located an adult male in bed and quickly removed him to safety. All companies assigned on the initial alarm were immediately dedicated to searching the initial and adjacent units while trying to suppress the fire’s progress when they arrived. SFD Paramedics treated the adult male and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital and reportedly in fair condition.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews allowed a successful search of the entire building which resulted in one victim being rescued and confirmation that all other residents accounted for. The fire was declared under control in less than 30-minutes hours and no firefighter injuries were reported.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the SIU.

Damage:
The majority of damage is located in the kitchen area. The family is being assisted by Red Cross as the unit of fire origin is not currently inhabitable.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 12000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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West Central Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013006407
Date of Incident: 02/08/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday February 10, 2013 at 8:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline, responded to a structure fire at 1924 W Augusta in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood. While companies were responding, 911 callers indicated that heavy smoke could be seen from the home and occupants appeared to be evacuating. Station 3 firefighters arrived within 4-minutes to find heavy smoke showing from the east side of the single story, single family home. While en route, the North Battalion Chief requested the incident to be upgraded to a 'working fire' adding an additional Ladder Company, AMR Ambulance and an AMR Supervisor to the scene. The first arriving ladder company immediately laddered the roof from several sides and manually cut ventilation holes above the heaviest area of fire-involvement to allow engine companies to attack the fire on the first floor and basement. At one point in the incident, all firefighters had to abandoned their efforts and withdraw due to untenable fire conditions in the basement below them. Once the fire was attacked from the exterior and progress was made in the fight, the firefighters returned to the interior to resume their aggressive attack. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the home’s basement and first floor, extinguishing the blaze in just over 1 hour. There were no injuries reported from civilians, however two canines perished from the smoke and extreme heat.

Cause:
Members from the SIU have just arrived on the scene and details regarding the investigation will be released when available.

Damage:

Firefighters are still on scene and will be for several additional hours, protecting the occupant’s belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. Though loss from the fire was limited to the basement and areas of the first floor, the need to secure the residence’s utilities render it untenable. The Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross is assisting two adults with interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $ 75000

Other Agencies Responding:
Spokane Police Department,

End Of Release
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Monday, February 4, 2013

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

Downtown Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013005486
Date of Incident: 02/04/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Monday, February 04, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 1 heavy rescue, 7 engines, 3 ladder trucks, and 2 battalion chiefs to a report of smoke in an apartment building at 123 N Bernard. The caller said the alarm was sounding and there was smoke in the hallway on the second floor. Fire Dispatch advised the tenents to evacuate. First arriving companies from the downtown stations entered the building to ensure all tenents were evacuated and to search for the source of the smoke. A fire was found in one of the units on the second floor. In addition to the crews evacuating the second floor tenents, other crews advanced hose lines to the second floor, evacuated the third and fourth floors, and made sure no fire had extendend from the room of origin. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews spent over an hour removing the smoke from the building. The fire was confined to the room of origin. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU investigated and the cause of this fire has been determined to be accidental. The specific cause is energized electrical cords running under area rugs. The area rugs were located in a well traveled walk way inside the unit. Over time the constant stepping on the cords degraded the cord’s outer jacket insulation allowing an arc, spark or resistive heating to take place.

Damage:
Damage was confined to the unit of origin with light smoke damage throughout the second floor. All occupants were able to return to their units with the exception of the fire unit tenent. He will be temporarily house in another unit.

# Firefighters Responding: 35

Dollar Loss: $ 15000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Spokanimal

End Of Release
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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013005292#
Date of Incident: 02/03/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On February 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 am the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, one pumper ladder, three engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1023 West Fairview. Upon arrival companies reported light smoke emitting from the gable roof vents and light smoke on the second floor apartment of a converted multifamily two story home. The first arriving Chief sent companies to locate the fire in the attic along with searching the first and second floor apartment units. All residents were soon accounted for and the firefighters located the fire in the attic above the kitchen on the second floor. The smoldering fire was located utilizing thermal imaging cameras and quickly extinguished. Companies remained on scene for approximately two hours removing smoldering insulation and cleaning up the debris. One resident from the second floor apartment will be displaced until the structural damage and wiring issues can be repaired. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident with lodging. The first floor residents were able to remain in the home. There were no injuries reported from the residents or firefighters on scene.

Cause:
The attic fire appears to have been caused by faulty knob and tube wiring as reported by the Special Investigation Unit Investigator who responded to the scene.

Damage:

There is structural and wiring damage to the second floor apartment unit only.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $ 10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista, Red Cross and the Spokane Police Department.

End Of Release
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Saturday, February 2, 2013

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

South Battalion Motel Fire

Incident #: 2013005239#
Date of Incident: 02/02/2013
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On February 2nd 2013 at 17:03 the Spokane Fire Department responded one dedicated ladder, four engines, one heavy rescue along with two Battalion Chiefs to a report of smoke in a second floor motel room at 2703 West Sunset Boulevard which is the West Winn Motel. When companies arrived they reported nothing showing and went into the investigative mode. They soon reported smoke in a second floor motel unit coming out of the ceiling lights. Companies were assigned to the second floor to attack the fire along with the ladder company assigned to the roof to potentially ventilate the attic. Other firefighters were assigned to search the building and evacuate all the occupants. The Safety Officer from Rescue 9 while doing an investigative walk around the building reported smoke coming from the basement utility room. At this time the fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional ladder company was dispatched. Companies were then sent into the basement and soon reported that the source of the smoke was from a commercial dryer fire. The fire was contained to the dryer and there was no extension to the structure. Companies then focused on removing the smoke and lingering carbon monoxide from the rest of the two story motel. After approximately one hour the residents were allowed back inside the building after their rooms were cleared of the smoke and carbon monoxide. There were no injuries reported from the occupants or fire fighters.

Cause:
Although the fire appears to have started in the natural gas fired commercial dryer the exact cause is still under investigation the Spokane Fire Department investigation Unit.

Damage:
The commercial dryer was destroyed by the fire along with moderate smoke damage to the basement and light smoke damage to the second floor. There was also investigative damage to the ceiling in one room on the second floor.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 8,000.00

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and A.M.R. Ambulance

End Of Release
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Thursday, January 31, 2013

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

Fire In NW Spokane

Incident #: 2013004820
Date of Incident: 01/31/2013
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 31, 2013 at 01:59 A.M. 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters; 4 Engines, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue and two Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported structure fire located at 6018 N. Greenwood Blvd. Firefighters under the direction of Captain Jim McNamee from Station 16 arrived at the fire within 4 minutes of being dispatched. (Station 16 is located at Assembly and Sanson.)

Captain McNamee reported over the radio that they had a single story home with smoke showing from the rear of the home and around the eaves. He stated that smoke conditions indicated that the fire had already extended into the attic. The fire was upgraded to a “working fire” and the next responding engine was directed to secure a water supply from a hydrant. Captain McNamee made immediate contact with the family living in the home and verified that everyone was out of the structure and accounted for. A coordinated effort of firefighters confined the fire to the rear side of the home and attic area along this rear side. These efforts brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for over 2 1/2 hours overhauling the fire damaged areas and assisting the occupants.
Investigators determined that a fish smoker on the back porch started the fire which moved up the outside wall and into the attic. There were no injuries reported, although one of the occupants was treated for smoke inhalation. (This occupant had used a garden hose to extinguish some of the fire on the home’s exterior.) The local Red Cross is assisting this family with their immediate needs.

Cause:
Electical Fish Smoker

Damage:
Kitchen, two bedrooms and rear attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $ 35,000

End Of Release
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Monday, January 28, 2013

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

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2013004344
Date of Incident: 01/27/2013
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/ Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On January 27th at approximately 8:41 PM, Spokane City fire crews were dispatched to 2728 North Smith on a reported structure fire. Fire crews from Station 2 arrived on scene within a matter of minutes and found a 1-story wood framed residential structure with fire on the exterior siding of the homes east side (back) with fire extending into the attic. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire on the exterior of the home however the fire had already entered the attic requiring fire crews to ventilate the roof from above with crews pulling ceiling from the interior to get at the fire in the attic. Fire crews were on scene for 2 hours and there were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters. Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the home occupants which consisted of 4 children and 2 adults who were displaced because of the fire.

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

Damage:
The fire caused damaged to the structures exterior siding and attic with smoke damage within the homes interior.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 15,000

End Of Release
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Friday, January 25, 2013

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

Body of tenant discovered

Incident #:
Date of Incident: 01/25/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
While completing the investigation of yesterday’s fire at 1203 West 8^th Avenue, crews discovered the body of the tenant hidden in a closet. The tenant was a 50-year-old man; his name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The man was found approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, lying on the closet floor concealed by heavy clothing, which had fallen after plastic hangars that held them melted from the intense heat.

Major crimes detectives from the Spokane Police Department responded after the man was discovered, as did the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy will be performed; a cause of death has not yet been determined.

I will be available at the location at 1200 to answer specific media inquiries and discuss the incident in greater detail.

*Media, please call and RSVP (625-7002) as the time available is limited here at the scene.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

End Of Release
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Thursday, January 24, 2013

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

South Hill Apartment Fire

Incident #: 2013003779
Date of Incident: 01/24/2013
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Thursday, January 24, at 4:19 PM, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 2 ladder companies, 5 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1203 W 8th Ave. Rescue 9 arrived first from it's 19th and Bernard station and reported smoke coming from the eaves of a 6 unit, wood constructed, 3 story apartment building. While several crews were initially directed to search the structure to ensure all occupants were out, others were directed to attack the fire, make sure the fire did not extend to other areas, and remove the smoke. Fortunately all occupants exited safely and were sheltered for the duration of the incident in an STA bus. The fire was located in a bedroom on the first floor and was extinguished within 40 minutes. 6 occupants were displaced and the Red Cross was providing assistance to them. SPD provided units for traffic control and AMR kept an ambulance unit on standby. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Damage was confined to 3 apartments.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 20000

Other Agencies Responding:
SPD, Avista, STA

End Of Release
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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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

Ferris High School Incident

Incident #: 2013003567
Date of Incident: 01/23/2013
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department was requested this morning (1/23/2013) at 08:46 AM by a Spokane Public School Resource Officer to assist with the identification of chemicals found in the remnants of an exploded device at Ferris High School (3020 East 37^th Avenue). The device was located in a second floor hallway in the campus’ ‘F’ building. The device was discovered by staff after it had exploded and caused a loud noise and resulting spread of liquid through a 15’ x 15’ area in the hallway. After the device had exploded, Ferris Staff immediately isolated the area, called the Fire Department and began investigating the situation in detail.

Once on scene, the Fire Department began an investigation in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department. Two Spokane Public Schools employees received minor injuries resulting from exposure to the vapors and direct contact from the liquid remaining in the hallway post-blast (one janitor burn on hand and one school resource officer with inhalation injury). The employees were evaluated by Fire Department Paramedics and released in their own care. Evidence was collected by SFD Investigators and sent immediately to SFD HazMat Technicians for analysis. The results of the analysis indicated one of the chemicals used in the device was a strong acid which substantiated the injuries experienced by the two employees.

SFD, SPD and Spokane Public School Officials were still on scene at Ferris High School when another device exploded in the Ferris School “Commons Area” at approximately 1110 AM. Subsequently, school officials and public safety officers immediately responded to isolate the area and protect the students. The students were instantly accounted for; and their safety was ensured using the established procedures in the school’s internal disaster plan. Since a unified command structure was already in-place (Fire, Police and Spokane Public Schools), resources were diverted and reinforced from all agencies to deal with the escalating challenges within the school. A significant response of resources from all of the agencies resulted in a calm and professional mitigation of the incident which included an early release of students; evidence collection and criminal investigation. The entire school and property was thoroughly searched for any evidence of another device and nothing has been found. Through the collaborative efforts of the Spokane Schools Security, Police and Fire Departments and others, a juvenile suspect was quickly identified and has confessed to investigators. Additionally, through information gained from the interviews and the subsequent search of school property, officials feel confident that this was an isolated incident and Ferris will be open for students in the morning as per the normal schedule. The juvenile may face criminal charges as well as financial restitution for the public safety response. Those details will be determined later in the week.

Cause:
N/A

Damage:
N/A

# Firefighters Responding: 14

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

SFD News and Information

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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

Sunday, February 17, 2013

SFD Media 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

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

Sunday, February 10, 2013

SFD Media 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

Monday, February 4, 2013

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

Sunday, February 3, 2013

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

Saturday, February 2, 2013

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

Thursday, January 31, 2013

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

Monday, January 28, 2013

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

Friday, January 25, 2013

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

Thursday, January 24, 2013

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

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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

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