Evening fire causes extensive damage to detached carport

Evening fire causes extensive damage to detached carport

No reported injuries

An early evening fire on the north side of Spokane caused extensive damage to a detached carport. 

 

Last night at 7:21 p.m., the Spokane Fire Department and a crew from Spokane Fire District 9 were dispatched to a reported house fire with adults and 3 children still inside the home. A large column of smoke could be seen by fire crews prior to their arrival. Multiple extra apparatus and personnel were assigned to handle the potential of trapped civilians.

 

Upon arrival, it was quickly determined that all occupants of the structure, including the children, had escaped unharmed. The majority of the fire was found to be in a detached carport at the rear of the home. There was some limited extension of fire into the home, but was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

 

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).

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Media Advisory: Bridging the Gap – Building Trust & Legitimacy

Media Advisory: Bridging the Gap – Building Trust & Legitimacy

 

The Spokane Police Department and Spokane Faith Alliance would like to invite community members and media representatives to attend the next Police & Community Forum. 

 

"We have heard from our community members that the Police & Community Forums have been instrumental in successfully building bridges," says Chief Craig Meidl. "The forums provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a healthy, constructive dialogue and work through issues that can strain relationships between law enforcement and community members."

 

The public forum will include a panel discussion, small-group facilitated discussion, and a question and answer time with the audience.

 

Please see the attached flyer for more information. 

 

What: Police & Community Forum 

 

When: Thursday, February 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.

 

Where: Salvation Army, 222 E. Indiana Ave.

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Working sprinklers make a difference during a fire

Working sprinklers make a difference during a fire

A video captures the start of a commercial fire at downtown Spokane business and highlights the importance of having a working sprinkler system.

 

It is fortunate that a security camera was positioned in such a way to capture the entire life cycle of this fire. It does not happen very often that fire departments get video that shows how a fire might start, how it progresses, and how it can be controlled in a true, unsupervised everyday environment.

 

“This video shows how something that starts out small can quickly escalate without the proper fire suppression systems in place,” says City of Spokane Fire Marshal Michael Miller. “If not for the working sprinkler, this fire could have been much worse. This is another example of why we stress the importance of installing and properly maintaining automatic fire suppression and detection systems.”

 

The video captures a fire that started on January 28, 2016 in the Symons Building (15 S. Howard St.), a four story commercial building. The first indication of a problem can be seen when there is a brief flicker from a light fixture that is located in a main floor storage room. Hot material begins to drip from the fixture to the floor level where it ignited some plastic and consequently moved into the adjacent wood wall. The sprinkler head activated and helped confine the fire to a small area. Fire crews also credit the business for having a clean and orderly storeroom which helped in not providing a lot of fuel to the fire in its earliest stage. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 20 minutes. No injuries were reported.

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Chief Williams Retirement

We hope you will join us to celebrate the career of retiring Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams. Details are attached. Please feel free to share with others outside of SFD and our media partners.

 

Thank you,

Michele

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

 

 

Spokane Fire Department stresses importance of functioning smoke detectors after early morning fire

 

 

Spokane Fire Department stresses importance of functioning smoke detectors after early morning fire

In the early morning hours, crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1600 block E. Nebraska Ave. in the northeast portion of the city. Engine 15, from the Hillyard neighborhood, was the first fire apparatus to arrive on scene and reported significant smoke conditions from the single family home. The two occupants of the home had escaped prior to the engine's arrival and were in the front yard.

 

Engine 15 firefighters, assisted by firefighters from Station 2 and Station 13 in the Hillyard and Shadle neighborhoods, aggressively attacked the fire while simultaneously conducting search and ventilation activities. The fire was declared extinguished within 20 minutes of the arrival of fire department apparatus.

 

The occupants of the home stated that they were alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke.  While the home did have smoke detectors, they were not in an operable condition at the time of the fire. 

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

 

The home sustained significant fire and heat damage to the room of origin as well as smoke damage throughout. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

The Spokane Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of properly functioning and maintained smoke detectors. Along with keeping a supply of fresh batteries on hand for your smoke detectors, the batteries should be changed semiannually at daylight savings time and tested monthly. Were it not for the occupants sleeping in a bedroom with a closed door and awakening to the smell of smoke from the fire, there could have been a much more tragic outcome to this fire.

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Police and Fire Departments urge everyone to slow down and drive cautiously during winter weather conditions

Spokane Police and Fire Departments urge everyone to slow down and drive cautiously during winter weather conditions

 

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments warn that storms expected over the next few days with anticipated snowfall is a reminder that winter weather driving conditions have arrived. To be safe and courteous driver in these conditions will require slower speeds and greater following distances for everyone. 

 

According to public safety officials, motorists need to give themselves plenty of room to stop by allowing at least three times more space than usual between their car and vehicles in front of them, especially during snow and ice conditions on area streets and roads. Slowing down and driving with cautious respect for conditions is a key to maintaining vehicle control and avoiding collisions during winter driving conditions. This also applies to four-wheel drive vehicles. Although four-wheel drive vehicles may have better traction when using the four-wheel drive option, they have no better stopping capabilities than any other vehicle on the road in winter driving conditions.

 

Sergeant John Griffin of the Spokane Police Traffic Unit would like to remind everyone that “posted speed limits are for perfect conditions and that driving behavior must be changed to reflect the current weather and road conditions. We want everyone to have a safe and Merry Christmas with their families.”

 

Other winter driving tips offered by the Spokane Police and Fire Departments include:

• Leave early to allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
• Turn on your headlights to increase visibility to other motorists, and keep the windshield and headlight lenses clean.
• Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter problems in winter driving conditions.
• Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Don’t pass snowplows and sanding trucks. Keep a safe distance behind snowplows, to give yourself plenty of braking space if you need to suddenly stop.
• Always wear seatbelts and make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt and that children are secured in child seat restraints.
• Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition, and maintain adequate levels of window washing fluid for winter conditions.

 

In addition to these tips, Interim Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer adds, “We want to remind motorists to move to the right or pull off the roadway for responding emergency vehicles. It will make our roads safer for all of us.”

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department wants residents to keep warm safely

 

Spokane Fire Department wants residents to keep warm safely

 

With colder temperatures becoming more common, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) wants to help residents greatly reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty by outlining the following safety tips.

 

• Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
• Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon build up. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.
• Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the house. Carbon Monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
• Use appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
• Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes. 
• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel can produce deadly fumes.
• Have a chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used in some time.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper can help rekindle the fire, forcing toxic carbon monoxide into the residence.
• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
• Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

 

“During this time of the year, we see residents searching for alternative sources of heating,” says SFD Fire Marshal Michael Miller. “The Spokane Fire Department wants residents to keep warm safely and maintain a fire-safe home this winter. Many fires during the colder months can be prevented.”

 

For more fire safety tips contact SFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 509-625-7058. A variety of community education resources are also available to help meet the needs of both children and adults. Fire safety presentations can be arranged for neighborhood, business, civic, or education groups.

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department suggests ways to help avoid a holiday tragedy

 

Spokane Fire Department suggests ways to help avoid a holiday tragedy

 

Residents must remember that while candles bring an added element to holiday celebration, the open flame of a candle can easily and quickly ignite any combustible that is close by such as curtains, draperies, bedding and holiday decorations.

 

“The holidays present great potential for candle related home fires,” says Spokane Fire Marshal Michael Miller. “Statistics show the top 4 days for home candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”

 

The Spokane Fire Department suggests the following safety tips to help avoid a candle-related holiday tragedy from occurring:

 

• If possible, avoid using lighted candles.
• Use battery operated flameless candles as an alternative to traditional open flame candles.
• If you must use candles, ensure that they are placed in sturdy holders.
• Use candles in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders that are placed where they won’t tip over easily. Be sure they are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Never use candles on live or artificial Christmas trees.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as holiday decorations, curtains and draperies, bedding, clothing, books, etc.
• Always extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Never leave your home with candles burning, and do not leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch, and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holders. Votive candles and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

 

“The majority of candle fires are preventable, says Miller. “By following a few candle fire safety tips, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.”

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. For more information on holiday fire safety tips contact SFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 509-625-7058. A variety of community education resources are also available to help meet the needs of both children and adults. Fire safety presentations can be arranged for neighborhood, business, civic, or education groups.

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Crews from the Spokane Fire Department respond to back-to-back structure fires

 

 

Crews from the Spokane Fire Department respond to back-to-back structure fires

Around 3:30 a.m., fire crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to back-to-back structure fires. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters at either fire. A family dog was lost in one of the fires.

 

The first structure fire was reported in the 1600 block of E. Ostrander Ave. at 3:20 a.m. The occupant reported all occupants of the home had safely evacuated and smoke was coming from the basement. Firefighters were able to confine the fire to basement and a small portion of the first floor kitchen area. Crews credit operating smoke detectors for providing an early warning signal allowing the residents in the home to safely escape. The American Red Cross responded to assist the family (2 adults and 3 children). The cause of the fire was determined to be related to electrical hazards.

The second structure fire was reported in the 500 block of E. Crown Ave. at 3:31 a.m. An observant neighbor advised of a fire at a single-family home, but was not aware if the home was occupied. When the first company arrived, heavy smoke was visible from street side and the incident was declared as a working fire. Firefighters searched the structure and removed a family pet dog that had succumbed to the fire. The incident was under control within 30-minutes and investigators are still on-scene investigating the cause of the fire. 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department and ALTCEW selected for national training conference

 

 

Spokane Fire Department and ALTCEW selected for national training conference

Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) were awarded a scholarship to attend the 2016 National Fire Protection Association’s Remembering When Conference. The team participated in training to deliver the educational fire and falls prevention program sponsored by the NFPA.

 

The conference, Remembering When: A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults, was held November 14-16, 2016. NFPA selected teams from 30 communities across the United States and Canada to travel to San Antonio for the training. Teams were composed of at least one member of the fire department partnered with an individual from an agency within the community that serves older adults. Jamie Wiggins and Jamie McIntyre from SFD partnered with Mark Haberman from ALTCEW. 

Each scholarship award covered training, materials, and travel expenses, and is valued at more than $4,000.

Following the conference, the team has returned to Spokane and is conducting group presentations and training sessions to prepare additional facilitators. Team members will also bring the program to older adults during home visits where they will tailor the Remembering When messages and help older adults identify changes that will increase home safety. 

“We are excited to provide this important training to help fire departments and local agencies meet their goals related to older adult safety. Many communities are seeing dramatic increases in the numbers of older adult residents and are strengthening resources to meet the needs stemming from this growth. Reducing risks related to injury and death is key and the Remembering When program is a helpful tool in this endeavor.” said Karen Berard-Reed, NFPA senior project manager. “The data provides a crystal clear picture of the fire and falls problem for older adults across North America. Kudos to the professionals who are dedicated to the work of helping older adults live safely.” 

The Remembering When program has been implemented in communities throughout North America since 1999, to help thousands of older adults learn strategies to help them live safely at home for as long as possible. Program materials are available online at no cost.

For more information about Remembering When, visit www.nfpa.org/rememberingwhen.

*Attached photo courtesy of Karen Berard-Reed, NFPA senior project manager.

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department investigating arson fire

 

Spokane Fire Department investigating arson fire

Community urged to call Arson Alarm Hotline if they have information

The Spokane Fire Department is actively investigating the commercial building fire that occurred at 823 W. Riverside Ave. on Saturday, November 26. The cause of the fire has been determined to be arson.

 

Fire investigators are urging community members to please report any information they believe may be related to arson to the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON (27766). A reward may be provided for information resulting in an arson conviction. Persons providing information may remain anonymous.

 

There are a number of preventative measures that can help prevent arson fires, including:

 

·       Securing home, businesses and garage areas by locking doors and windows.

·       Cleaning up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings.

·       Clearing carport areas of anything that could fuel a fire.

·       Locating dumpsters, recycle bins and yard waste containers at least 5 feet away from combustible walls and roof eave lines. If possible, keep them in a secured area. Do not allow them to become overfilled.

·       Trimming shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility.

·       Installing motion-sensor exterior lights or consider leaving lights on during hours of darkness.

 

The Spokane Fire Department also wants to remind residents to: 

 

·       Test all of smoke alarms on the first day of every month to make sure they are still working.

·       Have a fire escape plan for all family members. Be sure it includes knowing all the exits and a designated meeting place.

·       If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located and how to use it.

·       If there is a fire, remember to evacuate first then call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Two families displaced after evening fire

 

 

Two families displaced after evening fire

Two families (3 adults, 2 children and 1 dog) were displaced last night after a fire caused heavy damage to an upper level duplex unit.

 

At 7:13 p.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to structure fire located in the 400 block of E. Augusta Ave. The first arriving crews found significant fire involvement in the upper level of a multi-story duplex.

 

Quick action by fire crews contained the fire to the upper unit. Crews remained on scene to complete overhaul tasks which included checking for any remaining hotspots and removing debris.

The incident caused heavy fire and smoke damage to the upper duplex unit and water damage to the lower duplex unit. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.

 

All occupants inside the apartments were able to safely evacuate and the American Red Cross responded to assist the families. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Spokane Fire Department warns hot oil turkey fryers pose a significant risk

 

Spokane Fire Department warns hot oil turkey fryers pose a significant risk

 

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) wants residents to be aware of the number of safety risks associated with frying their Thanksgiving turkeys and to use extreme caution in order to avoid a holiday tragedy.

 

“Deep-frying turkeys has become increasingly popular,” says SFD’s Community Risk Reduction Manager Jamie McIntyre. “Though we prefer individuals who like deep-fried turkey to get their bird from professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, or restaurants, we want those residents that will still choose to use their own turkey fryer to follow these safety tips.”

 

·       Turkeys should be thoroughly defrosted before cooking. Placing a frozen or partial frozen bird in boiling oil can cause a grease flash over. 

·       Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.

·       Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.

·       Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

·       Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

·       Never allow children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.

·       To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.

·       Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.

·       Make sure to follow the operating and safety instructions that came with fryer. 

 

McIntyre adds that residents need to remember that propane-fired cooking units are designed for outdoor use only. While rain and snow coming in contact with the hot oil can result in splattering, a higher risk occurs when people attempt to move them indoors to escape bad weather, but creates a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. For more information on holiday fire safety tips contact SFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 509-625-7058. A variety of community education resources are also available to help meet the needs of both children and adults. Fire safety presentations can be arranged for neighborhood, business, civic, or education groups.

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

Natural leak prompts evacuation at Safeway on E. Mission

 

 

Natural leak prompts evacuation at Safeway on E. Mission

No injuries reported

At 5:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a natural gas leak at the Safeway Grocery Store located at 933 E. Mission Ave.

 

Employees of the grocery store reported smelling natural gas and immediately called 9-1-1. Upon arrival, fire crews safely evacuated approximately 30 to 40 individuals. Firefighters were able to shut-off the gas supply and begin ventilating the structure.

 

Using gas monitoring equipment, firefighters worked in collaborating with Avista to systematically check the structure to pinpoint the location of the gas source. The investigation found a leaking joint in one of the supply lines to the heating system. The line was isolated and a private contractor will be brought in for repairs. Once fire crews determined there were no longer any readings on the gas monitoring equipment, those evacuated were able to return to the grocery store. 

 

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind everyone that if you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency to immediately evacuate and call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org

 

One person rescued from Spokane River and transport to local hospital

 

One person rescued from Spokane River and transport to local hospital

 

Just before 9:30 a.m., crews from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to the T.J. Meenach Bridge at N. Pettet Drive on a report of a person in the river calling for help.

 

The first arriving crew was able to quickly locate a 27 year old male mid-stream hanging onto a branch in swift current. Firefighters successfully rescued the male who was suffering from hypothermia and was very confused. The patient was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

 

The male initially indicated to public safety officials that he and his wife were involved in a vehicle collision where the vehicle had rolled into the river. He was unable to identify the area where the collision occurred and had limited memory of the event.

 

For several hours firefighters from SFD and SVFD used kayaks and boats to thoroughly search the river with addition companies from SFD searching the trail system and banks on both side of the river. The search has been called off due to river and weather conditions and the lack of confirmed information. 

 

As public safety officials have continued to investigate what had occurred, the accounts from the male have varied. Officials have not been able to confirm that a vehicle collision ever occurred, but were able to determine that both the male and his wife were at a local hospital earlier. 

 

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

cell 509.742.0063 | office 509.622.5868 | mlanderson@spokanecity.org