SFD buys used 1992 fire engine

Story here. The KREM site's HTML  does not let me make the video smaller, so that's why the right side is cut off. Apologies.

Fire press release

Vacant structure sustains heavy fire damage.

Incident #: 2012020707
Date of Incident: 5/20/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 3:40 AM, Sunday morning, May 20th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2623 E. Sprague Ave. The first engine company on-scene reported a one-story brick and wood frame house with heavy smoke and flames on the exterior west side and extending into the attic. The incident was upgraded to a working fire, which added a second aerial ladder to the five engines, one ladder truck, one heavy rescue, and two chief officers already enroute or on-scene. Crews quickly forced entry into the structure and advanced multiple hose lines through the smoky conditions to locate and extinguish the rapidly advancing fire. In addition to fire attack and roof ventilation, crews performed a search of the building for any victims. The house, which had multiple additions, was determined to be vacant, and no victims were found. There were no injuries to firefighters at this fire. The Spokane Police Department closed Sprague Avenue and provided traffic control during the 5-hour duration of this incident.

Cause:
Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit completed their on-scene fire cause investigation and preliminarily determined the area of origin to be on the exterior. At this time the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Electricity and gas had been disconnected to the vacant structure.

Damage:
Damage was confined to heavy fire damage to the exterior siding and to the roof. There was also smoke, water and overhaul damage to the interior walls and ceilings.

# Firefighters Responding: 30

Dollar Loss: $40,000

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

Local 29 Firefighters will be serving and protecting the Lilac Parade tonight!

This from the Spokanarama blog. It shows the Aberdeen Bobcats practicing on the South Hill yesterday. Spokane's firefighters will be along the parade route in case things go awry with any marching, twirling or flaming batons.  Not sure which  engine or ladder is in the parade.

Final Bloomsday Tally

37 Bloomies were treated by Local 29 Spokane Fire Department Personnel during Bloomsday. Two of these folks died on the course but were brought back by Local 29 SFD paramedics. Great job!

Fire Press Release

Astor Terrace Apartments

Incident #:  2012019605
Date of Incident:  5/13/2012
Issuing Officer:  Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
Narrative:
Today, May 13, 2012, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 3:16 PM to 406 East Montgomery on a reported structure fire. The first crew to arrive on scene, Engine 2 from the local neighborhood fire station, reported smoke showing from the roof of a 2-story- wood framed apartment building with a fire reported in a 2nd floor apartment. Engine 2 along with assistance from several neighborhood civilians, used ground ladders to rescue 2 trapped occupants from a window on the second floor. Firefighters from Engine 2 with the assistance from additional firefighters from Engine 3 then made entry into the structure and aggressively attacked the fire located in an apartment on the south east corner of the 2nd floor. Additional fire crews completed search and rescue, evacuation, ventilation and salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Nine fire companies with 31 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 3 hours.
Cause:
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage:
Fire and smoke damage was confined to the 2nd floor apartment.
# Firefighters Responding: 34
Dollar Loss: $20000

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

Congrats to graduating recruits!

We'll  see you in the stations. Good luck with the rest of your year's probation - fires, medical emergencies, car wrecks, etc. Plus, lots of physical and skills testing and having to learn every reg and where every street in Spokane is. Congrats Class 2012-1!
 

Congrats to our own Tammy Tibbles - Inducted into the WIAA Hall of Fame!

Great story on a sports legend who is also a Local 29 member!

Local 29 endorses Jay Inslee for Governor!

Jay Inslee stopped by the union hall on Tuesday and we endorsed him. He asked a lot of questions about us and we asked him a lot of questions. He was very knowledgeable regarding what we do, not just as in what we do as a union, but also what we do in our jobs. He says he will stand up for our basic human right of collective bargaining, which is something you probably won't hear from his opponent. Please check out his website.  Beside being a US congressman, he has been a laborer in many industries, so he knows what it means to "work for a living." Please ask your friends and neighbors to support him as well.

Local 29 to endorse Inslee today at union hall

  MEDIA ADVISORY: Spokane Fire Fighters Announce Endorsement of Jay Inslee for Governor

Spokane Fire Fighters Union, Local 29, will be welcoming Democratic candidate for governor, Jay Inslee, to Spokane on Tuesday, May 8 and announcing their endorsement for his campaign.  Leaders of the Spokane Fire Fighters Union will gather for the announcement in front of their 1936 vintage fire truck with remarks from Local 29 President Mark Vietzke and Inslee.

When:             Tuesday, May 8 at 2:15 PM
Where:            Spokane Fire Fighters Union Hall, 911 E. Baldwin, Spokane

For more information, contact Mark Vietzke at 509.484.5598 or Inslee campaign press secretary, Jaime Smith, at 253.334.5670.

Imaginary pension under attack!

As many of you know, those responsible for  the global economic crisis seek to blame the only folks who are organized in opposition to them - us - unions.  Not only do they seek to limit our ability to help average working Americans, they would like us to be forced into dumping money into their war chests via 401Ks, by eliminating our pensions.  


As if this isn't bad enough, recently, the local weekly The Inlander had an editorial which sought to reform our "city pensions." The author, Robert Herold, suggested that our "lavish city pensions" were a cause for the city's financial problems. Well, as you know, we don't receive any city pensions. 


I emailed the author asking for a retraction. Nothing. I went to visit him during his office hours at Gonzaga University where he is an adjunct professor. He was a no show. Finally, he emailed me to tell me that if I didn't like what he had to say, I should just write a letter to the editor. Which I already had completed. Don Waller had also prepared a letter as an official response from the union. They were not published this week, probably because they had two published that said what we were going to say anyway.  


Don and I thought you may want to see what these letters looked like. So here you go. Thanks, John


Local 29's response:

In an article written by Robert Herold, and published by the Inlander on April 18^th 2012, there was misrepresentation about the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters II (LEOFF II) Pension.  Here are the facts. 

LEOFF is not a City pension as was stated.  While most all of the employees in the City are covered by a city pension; Police Officers and Fire Fighters are not.

The Police and Fire Departments make up the largest portion of the General Fund budget, however, pensions are an extremely small portion of each Department’s budget.  

The portion of the budget Police and Fire make up has been reduced over the last few decades as the workforce and emergency services have been reduced.  Money has been shifted to other parts of the City budget and our citizens have seen greatly reduced Police and Fire service delivery levels.  

The minimum retirement age is 53, not 50 as stated.  If a pension is collected before the minimum age of 53, a 3% per year penalty is imposed by the state.

  Under the LEOFF II pension, an employee pays 8.64% of their gross pay into the retirement system, the employer 5.24%. 

Most noteworthy is that the city does NOT contribute to Social Security for firefighters. All employers (government and private) contribute 6.2% to Social Security as required by Federal law.  The employer contributes 1% less for Fire Fighters and Police Officers than all other employers do for their employees.  Therefore, the LEOFF II Pension is saving our very own City several hundred thousand dollars every year.  While the vast majority of Fire Fighters do not qualify for Social Security, those who do, see a SS benefit reduction in direct correlation to their LEOFF II pension benefit.  Some Fire Fighters do not even qualify for Medicare, seemingly a right in this country.

Once a LEOFF II Fire Fighter separates from service, the employer no longer has any liability to that Fire Fighter for any reason, including their pension.  Washington State manages the funds in the LEOFF system where currently it is fully funded and healthy.  The funds that go in, 50% of which are the employees’, are maintaining all benefits and all actuarial reports show that it will sustain itself. The State has threatened to “borrow” money from the LEOFF pension recently like has happened in a few other states, elsewhere this has ended in catastrophe causing many other ramifications to follow.

My response:

As someone who usually enjoys Professor Robert Herold's editorials, I was very curious to read what he had to say about the City of Spokane reforming its pension system for firefighters and police officers. Why the curiosity? Because, interestingly, there is no City of Spokane pension system for firefighters and police officers.

It's a shame Bob wasted all that ink and paper to stridently plea for reform of something that doesn't even exist. At least he didn't waste much of his time preparing this editorial. Obviously, Professor Herold's academic forte is not research. 

I am a firefighter and a member of IAFF Local 29, the city firefighters' union. The majority of my state-administered pension plan's contributions are made by me. The city does contribute some and so does the state. However, Spokane's firefighters and police officers do not contribute to Social Security, nor will they receive it. Correspondingly, the City of Spokane makes no contribution to our Social Security. The taxpayers of Spokane pay one-percent less to a firefighter's or police officer's pension than they would if they were having to, instead, pay into his or her Social Security. That's right. The City of Spokane saves money because firefighters and police officers are on this pension plan and not on Social Security. 

Not satisfied with just attacking something that doesn't even exist, Bob also launches into general falsehoods about police and fire retirements. 

Bob, a  firefighter or police officer has to work until at least age 53 or be penalized up to 9%. Contrary to what you wrote, there is no retirement allowed before age 50. Most will not even retire at age 53 because much of their retirement would go to pay for private medical insurance until Medicare kicks in at age 65. 

Professor Herold worked for 31 years at EWU. He says he didn't have a pension plan - only a 401K. He neglected to disclose that he did have the option of joining a state pension plan, very similar to mine - except he also receives Social Security, but he declined. I suspect he may now be regretting this decision, and this may be the impetus for his editorial. If Professor Herold did as much research into choosing his stock portfolio for his 401K as he did for his article on mythical "police and fire city pensions," his investments surely have not done very well. 

Should there be a conversation about public employee pensions? Absolutely. But, why don't we start with discussing pensions that actually exist - what they cost, who pays for them, etc.? Bob, Like I said, I have enjoyed your editorials in the past. Now I have to wonder if they were all just works of fiction, as well. Do your homework next time. 

John Griffith

Spokane, WA

Press Release - Spokane Fire Fighters to Endorse Jay Inslee for Governor

MEDIA ADVISORY: Spokane Fire Fighters Announce Endorsement of Jay Inslee for Governor

Spokane Fire Fighters Union, Local 29, will be welcoming Democratic candidate for governor, Jay Inslee, to Spokane on Tuesday, May 8 and announcing their endorsement for his campaign.  Leaders of the Spokane Fire Fighters Union will gather for the announcement in front of their 1936 vintage fire truck with remarks from Local 29 President Mark Vietzke and Inslee.

When:             Tuesday, May 8 at 2:15 PM
Where:            Spokane Fire Fighters Union Hall, 911 E. Baldwin, Spokane

For more information, contact Mark Vietzke at 509.484.5598 or Inslee campaign press secretary, Jaime Smith, at 253.334.5670.

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #:  2012017964#
Date of Incident:  5/3/2012
Issuing Officer:  Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative:
On Thursday May 3rd 2012 at 12:47 am, The Spokane Fire Dept responded one ladder, four engines, one heavy rescue and two Battalion Chiefs to a reported fire in a single family dwelling located at 1907 E. North Foothills Drive. The first arriving ladder officer reported smoke and intense heat on the second floor of the single family dwelling. Crews were assigned to attack the fire, search for occupants, and to ventilate the roof of the home. The quick actions of the crews resulted in the fire being confined to the bedroom of the second floor. The four occupants are being housed by the Red Cross until the home can be repaired. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
Cause:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit but appears to have started in the second floor bedroom.
Damage:
Direct fire damage was confined to the second floor bedroom with smoke damage to the entire second floor. The roof also sustained damage from the ladder crew performing the required vertical ventilation.
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $15,000.00

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

Great Website! WORK CONNECTS US ALL!

 Check it out here.

Two deputies saved the life of an 84-year-old man who suffered a heart attack Thursday

Great story in the Spokesman-Review this morning here.

Here's what it said:

"Two deputies saved the life of an 84-year-old man who suffered a heart attack Thursday, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Deputy Ray Miller was patrolling near the area of Thorpe and Assembly roads in southwest Spokane County when he saw the man’s vehicle blocking 37th Street.

As Miller approached, Deputy Matt Gould, who was off duty, stopped at the truck and told Miller he thought the man needed medical attention.

The man was in the driver’s seat and said he’d eaten oatmeal and coffee at a restaurant and didn’t feel well, according to a news release. He couldn’t stop vomiting but refused medical assistance. Miller called medics.

Medics confirmed the man was having heart problems; they later contacted Miller and said the man had just completed open-heart surgery and had been suffering a heart attack when deputies contacted him."

Fire Press Release

Automatic fire sprinklers contain blaze

Incident #: 2012016269
Date of Incident: 4/21/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 1550 hours on Saturday, April 21, 2012, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm activation at St. Margret's Shelter, 101 E. Hartson Ave. The first crew arrived within four minutes and reported smoke showing from second floor windows of the two-story women and children's shelter, and requested a full structure fire response. The first crew immediately initiated a primary search of the structure to confirm reports that all occupants had exited the building. As additional crews arrived on-scene, fire attack hose leads were stretched to the fire area, and ventilation procedures initiated to remove the pent-up smoke. Additionally, crews evaluated all occupants who were evacuated from the building, for any injuries. One adult female was treated for minor smoke inhalation and was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center for further evaluation. The fire was located in a closet in a second floor apartment-style room. Automatic fire sprinklers, activated by the fire, kept it from spreading to the contents of the apartment. Final extinguishment was completed by the fire crews. Although the fire damage was confined to the contents of the closet, there was considerable water damage from the activated sprinkler heads, to the first and second floors of the front end of the building. Due to the water damage, and until the sprinkler and alarm system can be returned to service, all occupants are being relocated to other accommodations, either through Catholic Charities or the Red Cross. Also assisting at this incident were supervisory and ambulance crews from American Medical Response and Spokane Police Department patrol officers.

Cause:
Investigators from the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit determined the cause of the fire to be children playing with a cigarette lighter.

Damage:
There was minor fire and smoke damage to the fire apartment and considerable water damage to the first and second floors of the front end of the building.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $100,000

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

Fire Press Release

2717 N Altamont Structure Fire

Incident #: 2012014841
Date of Incident: 4/11/2012
Issuing Officer: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On, Wednesday April 11, 2012 the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 7:20 PM to 2717 North Altamont on a reported structure fire. The first crew on-scene reported heavy smoke and fire showing at the back of a vacant 1-story, wood-framed single family home. After further investigation the fire crew discovered a fire that had originated at or near the back porch of the residence had extended into the kitchen and attic of the structure. The firefighters aggressively attacked the fire from the interior while additional fire crews completed vertical ventilation, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and there were no reported injuries to any civilians or firefighters. Seven fire companies with 25 firefighters responded to this fire and were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to the back porch, kitchen and attic with minor smoke damage through out the rest of the structure.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $40,000

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

Two Philadephia firefighters killed, another two injured in warehouse blaze

Very sad news here.

From Our 7th District

Fire Press Release

Commercial Garage Fire In City's East End

Incident #: 2012013576
Date of Incident: 4/3/2012
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Tuesday, April 3rd at 2:55 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a commercial garage fire located at 120 N. Ralph in the city's east end. Engine 7 from their neighborhood station at 1st and Magnolia was first to arrive and noticed heavy black smoke coming from the garage. They immediately began an interior offensive attack using hose lines while later arriving crews began to search and ventilate the interior. All occupants made it out of the building safely. After 20 minutes, the fire was reported to be knocked down. Fire crews were able to successfully keep the fire out of the adjacent office areas and confine the fire to the area of origin which was a truck parked inside the garage. A total of six engines, two ladders, and two battalion chiefs responded on this fire. After the fire was out, fire crews assisted in removing water from the floor of the garage. The cause of the fire at this time appears to be caused by a welding operation near the parked truck. There was gasoline involved in this fire which makes for a very fast and hot fire. Through the use of water and foam carried on the fire apparatus, fire crews were able to achieve a quick knockdown and much of the building complex was saved. The Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane Fire Department investigated this fire. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Cause:
Welding operation.

Damage:
Truck was destroyed. Significant fire and smoke damage throughout garage.

# Firefighters Responding: 29

Dollar Loss: $30,000

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

Dearborn Michigan Close Call and Adequate Staffing

Click here to watch this clip.

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Single Family House Fire

Incident #: 2012013309
Date of Incident: 4/1/2012
Issuing Officer: B.C. Mike Thompson

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 3111 East 17th at 10:34 AM on Sunday, April 1, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, Engine 14 from the Southeast neighborhood Fire Station reported fire coming from the roof near the chimney of a single family wood frame structure. Based on the first arriving company's report of fire showing Battalion Chief Thompson upgraded the incident to a Working fire, which added a senior ladder Truck to the incident. Arriving engine companies stretched pre-connected hose lines into the structure to confine the fire's progress while ladder companies went to the roof to provide vertical ventilation and to the interior of the structure for search and rescue. The search confirmed that all occupants were out of the structure. Because the structure had undergone extensive remodeling much of the interior finish had to be stripped to expose the hidden pockets of fire after the main body had been extinguished. The last fire company left the scene approximately four hours after the incident began. There were no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.

Damage:
The house suffered severe damage to the main floor living areas and also to potions of the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $100,000

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

Fire Press Release

Shadle area house fire

Incident #: 2012013038
Date of Incident: 3/30/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo

Narrative:
At 11:36 A.M. on Friday, March 30th, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 4218 N. Ash St. The first crew on-scene reported a one story, wood framed house with heavy smoke and fire showing from a front bedroom window. As the first crew advanced their hose through the front door toward the fire, other crews arrived and began a search of the house for any victims. The house was determined to be vacant and no victims were found. The fire was quickly reached and knocked down, but overhaul efforts to complete extinguishment continued for another hour. Fire damage was confined to one bedroom and the attic/roof area above that bedroom. The remainder of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

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

Damage:
Fire damage was confined to one bedroom and the attic/roof area above that bedroom. The remainder of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage.

# Firefighters Responding: 23

Dollar Loss: $30000

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

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2012012591
Date of Incident: 3/27/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Mike Thompson

Narrative:
The Spokane Fire Department dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 2216 W. Mallon at 07:33 hrs on Tuesday, March 27, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, E3 from the West Central neighborhood Fire Station, reported fire had engulfed the front of the structure. They reported that neighbors identified it to be a vacant house. Later, there were reports that a transients may have been staying in the house. E3 declared a Working fire wich added an additional senior Ladder Truck to the incident. 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 and searched the structure. Fortunately the search found no victims. The very hot and well-advanced fire was brought under control in approximately one hour. Fire damage to the structure was considerable and much of the interior of the building had to be opened by the firefighters to ensure that no fire was concealed in the walls and ceilings. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by members of the Spokane Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit.

Cause:
Under Investigation

Damage:
The vacant house suffered severe fire damage to the first and second floor living areas and also to portions of the roof.

# Firefighters Responding: 25

Dollar Loss: $80,000

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Single Family House Fire

Incident #: 2012012566
Date of Incident: 3/26/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. dispatched fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 5555 S. Cheney Spokane Road at 23:56 hrs. on Monday, March 26th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company, L4 from the Browne's Addition neighborhood Fire Station, reported smoke showing from the roof vents and around the metal chimney of a large wood/frame Ranch style residence. They reported also that the residents of the home had safely evacuated and were located outside of the building. The 4 person crew from that first rig on scene used two members of their crew to enter the dwelling to investigate while the other two members set their aerial ladder to the roof of the house in preparation for possible vertical ventilation of the roof. Reports from the crew inside indicated a fire burning inside the walls and ceiling area above and around the fireplace located in the large, main living area of the home. That crew immediately began opening up the wall area above the fireplace and found fire burning on some of the structural framing of the walls and some of the supporting members of the roof system. As that initial crew was working, additional fire apparatus began arriving on scene. E1 from the Spokane Fire Department's Headquarters Station, located in downtown Spokane, was next to arrive on scene and they provided fire attack hose leads to knock the fire down. As still other fire apparatus began arriving on scene, they were directed to stage their apparatus out on Spokane Cheney Road and walk up the approximately 60 foot long uphill, narrow, and winding driveway to the house because access to this home by any additional large fire apparatus was very restricted. Additional water supply for this remotely located house was a concern and so a Water Tender from Fire District 10 was requested to respond to the incident as well. Very aggressive interior work by the crews on scene got the fire knocked down quickly and limited the fire's ability to spread into other areas of the structure, however collateral damage was done to areas of the home in and around the fireplace as crews widened the search area for hidden fire by further opening up the walls and ceilings. Crews worked on this fire for nearly four hours to insure that all of the hot spots were fully extinguished. There were no reports of any injuries to the firefighters or civilians on the fire ground. The cause of the fire is being investigated by members of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Preliminary investigation is focusing on a possible failure of the metal chimney system located in the interior walls and running up through the large and fairly open attic area and finally out the roof. Two senior ladder trucks, four engines, one heavy rescue rig, one water tender, and two Command Vehicles, delivered 26 fire fighters to the scene of this late night fire.

Cause:
Preliminary investigation is focusing on a failure of the extensive metal chimney system.

Damage:
Fire damage was limited to the structural framing in, around, and above the fireplace located in the main living area of the home.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $20,000

Other Fire Districts Responding: Fire District 10

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

Fire Press Release Two Fer.

North Battalion Garage Fire

Incident #: 2012012253
Date of Incident: 3/25/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Sunday, 03/25/2012, at 01:12 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 1 Ladder, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported structure fire at 1127 W Fairview Ave. First arriving SE3, located in the West Central Neighborhood, arrived in just over 2 minutes and encountered a 2 story, wood constructed garage with fire coming through the roof. SE3, after ensuring there was no one in the garage, advanced a hose off their apparatus and began to attack the fire. As additional companies arrived they began coordinated efforts to open all the doors, keep the fire from spreading, and removal of the smoke. The fire was quickly brought under control and was totally extinguished within 1 hour. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department SIU.

Damage:
Damage was extensive throughout the entire structure with the second floor and roof a total loss.

# Firefighters Responding: 20

Dollar Loss: $20000

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



South Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2012011745
Date of Incident: 3/21/2012
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth

Narrative:
On Wednesday, March 21, at 06:09 PM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 2 Ladders, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 2 Battalion Chiefs to a reported fire in a single family residence located at 1602 E Mallon. The first arriving fire company, SE7, which is located in the Southeast Neighborhood, encountered smoke coming from the front door and eaves of a 600 square foot wood constructed residence. SE7 advanced a hose off of their apparatus to the front door and entered the structure to attack the fire. As other fire companies arrived they began coordinated efforts to search the structure for occupants, keep the fire from spreading, and to remove the smoke. The quick actions of the crews resulted in the fire being confined to the kitchen area with a small amount of extension into the attic. All occupants were accounted for and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The occupants are unable to stay in the home due to the damage and the Red Cross is providing assistance.

Cause:
The Spokane Fire Department SIU has determined that unattended cooking was the cause of this fire.

Damage:
Direct fire damage was confined to the kitchen and attic with smoke damage throughout the rest of the residence.

# Firefighters Responding: 24

Dollar Loss: $20000

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

Local 29 Endorses Measure One

Please Vote YES on Measure One. Click on the picture to learn more.

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Residence Fire

Incident #: 2012011295
Date of Incident: 3/18/2012
Issuing Officer: AC Schaeffer

Narrative:
On Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 5:30 PM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Engines under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Green, responded to a Structure Fire at 2511 North Hamilton in Northeast Spokane. Spokane Firefighters arrived within two minutes from neighborhood Fire Station 2 to find smoke and heavy fire showing from the second floor of a two-story residence. The first arriving Chief upgraded the incident to a working fire and added an additional Senior Ladder to the scene Finding heavy fire in the upstairs living areas and the attic space, firefighters from the first to engine fought heavy fire and heat conditions up the stairwell to attack the fire; while simultaneously the first arriving Ladder from Station 2 vertically ventilated the roof. Additional companies commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarpaulins within the structure on the first floor and basement while making judicious use of firefighting hose streams. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to primarily the structure's second floor and attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2 hours. There were no injuries reported from either tenants or firefighters.

Cause:
The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Fire Department's SIU.

Damage:
Though loss from the fire was limited predominately the second floor and first floor ceiling, the need to secure the building's utilities rendered all areas of the untenable. A total of seven residents were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $50000

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

Fire Press Release

Smoke Detectors Save Family

Incident #: 2012010936
Date of Incident: 3/16/2012
Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief

Narrative:
A family of four was sleeping today in their two story apartment, when they were alerted to a fire downstairs by activated smoke detectors. The noon time fire was rapidly growing, when the two adults and children exited down the stairs, passing the fire on their way out of the apartment. Seven fire companies were initially dispatched to this incident located at 2524 N. Haven St.. Responding apparatus reported a heavy dark column of smoke in the distance, and the responding Battalion Chief requested two additional companies be placed into the call. Fire crews from Station 15 and Station 2 arrived within seconds of each other. Command was established by the company officer from Ladder 2. L2 reported a two story triplex apartment with heavy fire showing on the first and second floors of the middle unit. Crews immediately advanced hose lines to this center unit and a search of the building was started to verify that everyone was out. Arriving fire crews were assigned to back up Engine 15 whose crew was attacking the main body of fire and to provide a water supply to their engine. Additional hoses were brought into play to confine the fire from extending into the adjacent apartments, and protect another large structure that was a potential exposure hazard at the rear of the triplex. Roof ventilation was performed to release heat and control the spread of the fire from moving across the common attic. This fire was brought under control within twenty minutes by aggressive fire fighting by the Spokane Firefighters. The fire was confined to the apartment of origin and the attic space above it. This fire unit sustained heavy loss throughout. Both adjacent apartments sustained smoke damage. There were no injuries at this incident. The family escaped with each other and the belongings they carried out with them. The family is being assisted by the local Red Cross. The Red Cross continues to provide a wonderful service, assisting those who have lost everything in events like this. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The Spokane Fire Department wants to emphasize the importance of properly working smoke detectors. This time of year, we recommend that every family check their smoke detectors and replace the batteries. We encourage them to go through this process again in the fall when we move back out of "daylight savings".

Cause:
Fire cause is still under investigation.

Damage:
See above.

# Firefighters Responding: 28

Dollar Loss: $75,000

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

Fire Press Release

Attic Fire On South Hill

Incident #: 2012010896
Date of Incident: 3/16/2012
Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
On Friday March 16th, 2012 at 12:25 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded companies to an attic fire at 404 W. 25th on the South Hill. Engine 9 from their neighborhood station at 18th and Bernard was the first truck to arrive and found light smoke coming from the eaves on one side of the house. Attack hose lines were advanced to the interior of the house as crews searched for the origin of the smoke. After a search using their Thermal Imaging Camera, crews were able to pinpoint the heat concentration to an area just above the ceiling over the living room of the home. Fire crews then rapidly pulled down the ceiling in this area to expose the hidden fire with the intent to hit the fire with hose streams. They were able to accomplish this in just a few minutes and declare the fire as knocked down. A total of 3 engines, 1 pumper ladder, a ladder truck, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs responded on this fire. The cause at this time appears to be electrical. The Spokane Fire Department Investigation Unit will be continuing their investigation.

Cause:
The cause appears to be electrical in origin. The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit will follow-up.

Damage:
Moderate damage in the attic from the fire. Smoke damage to contents in living area.

# Firefighters Responding: 18

Dollar Loss: $10,000

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

GOOD LUCK!

Good luck to Spokane Firefighters heading over to Seattle right now for the Scott Stairclimb. Raising money to fight leukemia and lymphoma!

Fire Press Release

North Battalion Structure Fire

Incident #: 2012009771#
Date of Incident: 3/8/2012
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative:
On Thursday March 8th 2012 at 01:16 am six companies of Spokane Firefighters, four engines, one senior ladder and one heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chief's Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported structure fire at 5727 North Fotheringham. The first arriving engine company reported heavy fire and smoke showing out of an attached garage of a single family dwelling and quickly attacked the fire. When the Battalion Chief arrived the fire was upgraded to a working fire and called for another senior ladder along with an extra engine company. Crews were assigned to attack the fire, search for occupants, ventilate the roof and protect the home next door from the escalating fire. The occupants of the home had self evacuated and were found safe in a neighbor's home. The displaced family was going to be staying with friends and Red Cross was not notified. The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes and crews remained on scene until 06:30 am overhauling the fire. No injuries to firefighters or residents were reported.

Cause:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit but appears to have started in the attached garage.

Damage:
The involved home sustained fire damage to the garage, roof and first floor with water damage to the basement. There was also radiant heat damage to the homeowner's boat and truck. The next door neighbor's home to the south also sustained siding damage due to the radiant heat.

# Firefighters Responding: 22

Dollar Loss: $100,000.00

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

Fire Press Release

South Battalion Warehouse Fire

Incident #: 2012008970
Date of Incident: 3/2/2012
Issuing Officer: Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting crews and their apparatus to 207 N Crestline at 16:51 hrs on Friday afternoon, March 2nd, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving company Officer reported a large 1 story high metal sided warehouse with smoke showing from all corners and the roof. Additional reports from that Officer stated that the warehouse was heavily loaded with pallets of paper products and that some of those pallets were burning freely and embers spreading inside the structure were igniting more fires in the stored material. As additional resources began arriving on scene they were given assignments that focused directly on getting more hose lines into the building to attempt to halt the spread of the rapidly growing fire that was still being contained in the warehouse. A second alarm was requested to get additional resources to the scene since it was becoming obvious that the fire was not going to be controlled by the initial crews already on the scene. The amount of material stored in the building, the manner in which it was stored, the type of building it was stored in, and the unknown status of the building's structural members were just some of the factors used to make the decision to pull all firefighters out of the structure and shift from an aggressive offensive attack inside the structure to a defensive strategy where the fire would be fought from the exterior. Stored paper goods are notorious for absorbing the water being used to control the flames and becoming dangerously heavy as they absorb that water. As they get heavier they almost always begin to start to collapse triggering a chain reaction that is every bit as dangerous to the fire fighters inside as an actual building collapse. Once the situation began to stabilize inside the structure crews were judiciously used to enter the building and drive the 5 vehicles that were inside to the exterior parking lot. The main body of fire was finally darkened down after about three hours, but flare ups and smoldering fires would continue throughout the night so City Fire crews were to remain on scene until daylight. Members of the Spokane City Fire Dept. Special Investigation Unit were going to begin the task of trying to determine the cause of this fire on Saturday morning. A decision on the removal of the burnt and/or water saturated paper products in the warehouse as well as the status of the building itself will have to be determined by the business owners. A fire fighter was injured slightly at this fire with a twisted ankle, but other than that there were no additional reports of injuries to fire fighters or civilians. Seven Engines, three Senior Ladder Trucks, one Heavy Rescue Truck, and two Command vehicles delivered 37 fire fighters to the scene of this stubborn fire.

Cause:
Currently under investigation.

Damage:
Total loss of the stored contents inside the building. Possible damge to the structural integrity of the warehouse itself from the high temperatures that were reached as the fires burnt freely inside the building.

# Firefighters Responding: 37

Dollar Loss: $50,000.00

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