Fire crews to remain at High Drive brush fire today

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

July 29, 2014

 

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

CREWS TO REMAIN ON SCENE OF HIGH DRIVE BRUSH FIRE

FIREFIGHTERS WILL MONITOR HILLSIDE FOR FLARE-UPS TUESDAY

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

The Spokane Fire Department has six crews along High Drive today to monitor a brush fire that threatened about a dozen homes Monday evening.

 

Fire Chief Bobby Williams said a line has been established all the way around the fire, which grew to approximately seven acres. According to fire crews, the brush fire started mid-way up the hill below High Drive shortly before 4 p.m. Monday. Flames moved up the hillside to within 100 feet of about a dozen homes. A cause has yet to be determined and no one was injured.

 

Crews from the Department of Natural Resources and Fire District 8 assisted SFD. A total of 80-100 personnel were called to the scene among all three agencies. Air support was also used to battle the fire.

 

Williams said the lack of wind Monday helped crews contain the fire. Voluntary evacuations were issued, but no mandatory evacuations were called for, he added.

 

Fire crews plan to remain on scene throughout the day today and longer if needed. Officials said smoke may be visible in the area for the rest of the day and possibly longer. High Drive between Grand Blvd. and Manito is closed Tuesday. Only local traffic is allowed.

 

SFD recommends that homeowners keep at least 30 ft. of 'green space' around homes to keep them safer in the event of brush fires. Green spaces should be free of combustible material such as trees and shrubs. A lack of green space makes homes vulnerable.

 

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 follow us @spokanecity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

 

-30-

 

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

Fire heavily damages The American Linen Company

Incident #: 2014037864
Date of Incident: 07/27/2014

More than four dozen firefighters extinguished a fire at a commercial building Sunday morning, and investigators are still working to determine the cause. Firefighters from Fire Districts 1 and 9 assisted, and no one was injured.  

Narrative:
Sunday morning at 5:04 am two Spokane Fire Department (SFD) Engines were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm sounding at 1923 N Waterworks, The American Linen Company.  The first SFD Company arrived within 2 minutes and immediately identified a working fire and upgraded the incident to a commercial response.   
 
Heavy, black acrid smoke could be seen miles away as companies responding from all areas of the City of Spokane were called as the incident escalated to an eventual third alarm.  Ultimately, the incident required all of the City's three ladder companies, heavy rescue, both Quint apparatus and more than 50 firefighters to control the blaze.
 
The fire was declared extinguished at 7:14 am, more than two hours after being discovered. The 56,000-square-foot commercial building sustained heavy damage to the exterior, address side of the building as well as numerous areas in the roof/ceiling throughout the industrial sections of the building. Sound tactics and capable resources were able to stop the travel of fire to office areas and other critically functional sections of the building.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's Investigation Unit.  Through interviews and examination of the fire damage, preliminary information indicates that the fire started on the exterior of the building in large bins of textile materials likely laden with oil residue.  A fire sprinkler system was activated, however the fire load present overwhelmed the system's capacity and the fire grew rapidly into the vertical space above. A more precise cause and origin explanation is being developed and will likely be released this afternoon/evening.

Damage:
No injuries are reported.  Monetary damage is being calculated by the SIU in coordination with insurance and company representatives, and will likely not be available for several days.

# Firefighters Responding: 54

Other Agencies 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

Fire damages northwest Spokane home

Incident #: 2014037201#
Date of Incident: 07/24/2014

A fire early this morning at a northwest Spokane home sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries and displaced four adults.

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department responded at 3:58 a.m. this morning to a reported structure fire with a possible trapped occupant in the basement of a single family residence at 5033 N. Greenwood Blvd. The first responding chief found the home emitting heavy dark smoke from the open garage door of the residence. An additional dedicated ladder company and engine were added to the response at this time. Companies attempted to access the basement to complete a search and extinguish the fire. Due to extreme heat, smoke and imminent flashover of the fire in the basement, companies retreated to the exterior of the structure. At this time it was confirmed that the male occupant had made it out the basement and was receiving treatment for smoke inhalation by S.F.D. and A.M.R. medics. The other three family members were uninjured and accounted for at a neighbor's home. Companies at this time were assigned to knock down the fire from the exterior daylight basement windows and vertically ventilate the roof. After the fire conditions stabilized, companies moved inside to complete extinguishment, check for extension and overhaul the basement and first floor. Companies also searched the basement and first floor to confirm that all four occupants had been evacuated.  Companies will remain on scene for fire watch, overhauling the fire scene well into the morning. The Red Cross is assisting four displaced adults, with the one occupant being treated at Holy Family for smoke inhalation. Avista has disconnected gas and power  to the residence.

Cause:
The Special Investigation Unit is actively investigating the fire scene and a cause has not been determined at this time.

Damage:
 
There is extensive fire damage to the basement along with portions of the first floor. Heavy smoke damage occurred throughout the home along with damage to the roof from ventilation.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $ 75,000

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

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

 

July 23 Storm

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 07/23/2014

A storm that moved suddenly through the area on Wednesday prompted hundreds of calls to area fire agencies and is believed to have sparked a fire at a home in northwest Spokane.

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department and its Combined Communication Center (CCC) were heavily impacted by Wednesday's storm.

The CCC, which dispatches for the Spokane Fire Department and 14 other fire agencies in Spokane County, received more than 250 calls for service beginning about 3:30 pm Wednesday when the storm first hit the area. Many of the incidents involved power lines and trees down from the high winds.  Between 9-1-1 and the CCC, more than 200 calls were received for downed power lines and another 40-50 for fallen trees.

Spokane Fire responded to more than 60 calls beginning at 3:30 pm, including a structure fire at 3424 W. Lyons. Members of the SFD Special Investigations Unit are investigating the fire, which appears to have started as a result of the storm.  The fire in the single family residence did extensive damage to the attic area that has rendered the home uninhabitable.

Damage from the storm has left many trees in unstable conditions and power lines down. SFD wants to remind the public to stay clear of both of these hazards to avoid accident or injury until the hazardous situations are resolved.

Cause:
Storm

Damage:
Varing degrees of damage occurred throughout the Spokane area as a result of the storm.

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

Fire Marshal issues restrictions on outdoor recreational fires for the City of Spokane

 

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

FIRE MARSHAL ISSUES RESTRICTIONS ON OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FIRES FOR THE CITY OF SPOKANE

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

 

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 17, 2014, by order of the Spokane City Fire Marshal.  The restriction will continue until further notice; such restrictions are subject to change depending on conditions.  Also click on the SFD website for info. 

 

Citizens may still use backyard barbecues, 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, briquettes, propane, or natural gas.

 

Here are 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.

 

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

 

 

 

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

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

      

 

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

Brush Fire

The Spokane Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources quickly contained a small brush fire on Beacon Hill on Thursday evening. No structures were damaged and the cause is under investigation.

The City of Spokane Fire Department responded to Beacon Hill in the northeast section of the city on a reported brush fire at about 4:45 pm. The first fire crew arriving on scene consisted of a firefighting brush truck from Fire Station 8 and Engine 2. They reported a fire burning in light ground fuels with ignition of some standing trees in an area that was 20 feet by 80 feet. Fire crews from Station 15 also responded to the fire. City crews were on scene for an hour and a half and were assisted by crews from our local Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Cause:
The fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Departments Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Fire Damage was confined to the area of origin which consisted of ground fuels and several standing pine trees.

# Firefighters Responding: 10

Dollar Loss: $ 0

Other Agencies Responding:
Department of Natural Resources

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

Structure Fire

The Spokane Fire Department is investigating the cause of house fire in northeast Spokane. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured.

City fire crews responded to 2304 East Bruce Road at approximately 12:06 pm Thursday on a reported structure fire. The first arriving crew, Engine 18 reported heavy fire showing at the rear and in the attic of a single-story, split-entry home. Engine 18 entered the home and quickly attacked the fire from the interior, while back-up crews extinguished the fire located on the exterior of the structure on the east and south sides.  Additional arriving fire crews completed vertical ventilation, salvage and overhaul. The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes and crews remained on scene for approximately 2 hours. There were no reported injuries to any firefighters or civilians and the occupants of the home, 2 adults and 2 children are being assisted by our local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Cause:

 The cause of this fire is under investigation by the fire department's Special Investigation Unit.
 

Damage:
 Fire damaged was confined to the exterior siding and soffit on the east and south sides of the home as well as significant fire damage to the attic and roof  with smoke damage throughout the involved structure.  

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $ 75,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista and Red Cross

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

 

Natural Gas Leak on South Hill

Incident #: 2014033528
Date of Incident: 07/06/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Sunday, July 6^th at 12:23 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a natural gas leak in the 800 block of E. Thurston. First in crews from Station 11 located at 32^nd and Perry and Station 9 located at 18^th and Bernard found a severed pipe below the meter that had been damaged by a vehicle. Firefighters immediately searched and evacuated occupants from neighboring homes including making sure the home adjacent to the leak was cleared. While crews were completing these tasks, the air was monitored for signs of gas that could be migrating away from the area and toward other homes. The Avista Company responded very quickly and was able to assist firefighters in stopping the escaping gas by placing an insert into the pipe. The gas leak was declared controlled after 32 minutes from time of dispatch. Once the gas leak was stopped, a final check of homes and the general area was done to make sure the escaping gas was properly ventilated. The incident scene was turned over to the Avista company for final repairs.

Cause:
A vehicle contacted the natural gas meter in a private driveway.

Damage:
The natural gas meter was destroyed.

# Firefighters Responding: 16

Dollar Loss: $ 1,000

Other Agencies Responding:
Avista Company

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

 

Structure Fire

Incident #: 2014033254
Date of Incident: 07/04/2014
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On July 4^th 2014 at approximately 11:50 PM fire crews from your local City Fire Department responded to 329 East Wabash on a reported structure fire. The first arriving crew, Engine 13 reported fire showing from the south side of a single-story brick duplex in the vegetation on the outside of the structure with the fire spreading to the roof and into the attic. Engine 13 quickly attacked the fire on the exterior and then entered the apartment and attacked the fire in the attic. Additional arriving fire crews completed search and rescue, vertical ventilation and exposure protection. The fire was extinguished in 30 minutes and crews remained on scene for 2 hours completing salvage and overhaul and working with the displaced occupants in collecting their personal belongings. There were no reported injuries to any firefighters or civilians and the occupants of the apartment, 2 adults and 5 children are being assisted by our local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Cause:
The cause of this fire is under investigation by the fire department's Special Investigation Unit; however initial investigation has identified the possibility of a fireworks related cause.

Damage:
Fire damaged was confined to the exterior soffit and trim and the attic of the unit of origin with light smoke damage throughout the involved apartment.   

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 25,000

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

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

 

Fireworks Press Briefing

Incident #: 
Date of Incident: 06/27/2014
Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:
 
Spokane Fire Department will host a press briefing at 10 AM on Tuesday, July 1 2014 outside the Fire Training Center at 1618 N. Rebecca St. regarding the 22^nd  year of the fireworks ban in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County.
 
Fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane decreased from an annual average of 104 during the 10-year period prior to the 1993 ban to 5 in the 21 years since the complete ban. This translates to 2,079 fewer fires just in the city limits of Spokane. In a similar manner, local hospitals and urgent care centers show a decrease in fireworks-caused injuries from an annual average of 29 to 5. This translates to 504 fewer fireworks-caused injuries treated at local hospitals since the ban began in 1993.
 
Fines for the illegal use of fireworks range from $513 to $1,000.  Persons who cause fireworks fires are also liable for property damage and recovery of firefighting costs. For violations of the ban, citizens can call CRIME CHECK at 456-2233.
 
For additional information regarding the press briefing, call 509.625.7040.

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

Lower South Side House Fire

Incident #: 2014029858
Date of Incident: 06/17/2014
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched firefighting crews and their apparatus to 2321 E. 6^th Ave. at 00:02 hrs on Tuesday morning, June 17th, for a reported structure fire at that address.  Engine #7, from the near-by Lower South Side Neighborhood fire station, arrived on scene and reported by radio that there was heavy fire blowing out of several windows of the single story wood/frame dwelling and they reported further that they were going to attempt to enter the structure with a pre-connected hose lead and locate the seat of the fire. The fire was quickly up-graded to a working fire which added additional fire apparatus to the incident. As additional resources were arriving on scene they were given assignments that included roof ventilation, search and rescue, a back-up hose lead to protect the crew from Engine #7, who were now inside and fighting the rapidly spreading fire in the structure. A second fire attack lead was ordered to assist in the fire fight, a water supply was established, a Safety Officer was assigned, and exposure protection assignments were made.  Additionally a Rapid Intervention Team was assigned in case any fire fighters became lost or injured inside the structure. The fire was knocked down after twenty minutes of aggressively attacking the fire but not before the fire had severely damaged the interior of the structure and destroyed most of the contents inside. The tenants of the home were not present at the time of the fire; where they were was not known. A fire watch was set up to maintain a Fire Dept presence at the scene throughout the night and to watch for any stubborn hot spots. The fire damage to the interior of the structure was extensive, and the decision on the building’s future will have to be decided by the owners. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Spokane City Fire Dept.’s Special Investigation Unit. In all, five engines, two senior ladders, one heavy rescue truck, and two Command Vehicles were used at this very hot fire and 28 fire fighters worked to successfully mitigate the incident.
 
 
 
 
 

Cause:
Under investigation by the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Extensive fire damage to the interior of the building. Most of the contents inside the structure were destroyed.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $ 80,000

Other Agencies Responding:
AMR

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

House Fire In East Central

Incident #: 2014029329
Date of Incident: 06/14/2014
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
Early Saturday morning at 3:21 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 2500 block of E. 3^rd in the East Central Neighborhood. Engine 7 from their neighborhood station location of 1^st and Magnolia was first to arrive. Crews found an upper level bedroom involved in fire. After stretching their hose lines, crews knocked down the fire in short order. All occupants escaped and the fire was confined to a mattress, box spring , furniture and contents. Fire crews spent the next two hours finishing extinguishment and removing water and debris from the home. The Special Investigation Unit from the Spokane Fire Department was called into the scene. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown however, the scene of the fire is still being processed. A total of 18 firefighters responded on this fire. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
Under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
Mattress and box spring were totally destroyed along with some furniture, a fan and bedroom contents.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $ 5,000

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