Local 29

Fire Press Release Redux

2009-12-28T07:28:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th Ave
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Early this morning, December 27, 2009, at 0351 hours, the Spokane Fire Department dispatched a total of 8 fire apparatus and 2 chief officers to a reported structure fire located at 4111 E. 8th Ave.

Engine 14 responding from Fire Station 14, located at 17th and Ray, was the first apparatus to arrive. Lieutenant Jeff Martin reported that he had a large home with heavy fire involvement across the front porch and the west side of the home. After confirming that all occupants were out of the burning home, he quickly made assignments for the other responding fire companies while he and his crew made an immediate attack on the upper floor fire.

Incoming fire companies established a water supply and extended additional hose lines into the home to extinguish the fire. Roof ventilation was performed to assist firefighters working inside the burning structure. The main body of fire was knocked down in a short time. Initial crews were on the scene a total of 3 hours making sure the fire was out. Three fresh companies from the oncoming shift worked an additional 3 hours removing debris during overhaul operations.

Cold winter weather combined with difficult access created a challenge for on scene Firefighters. One Firefighter sustained minor injuries after falling on ice.
Approximately a third of the home sustained significant fire and smoke damage. 4 vehicles that were parked in the driveway were also damaged by the intense radiant heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Although the cause of the fire has not been determined as this time, wood stove ashes placed to close to combustibles is one potential cause that still is being looked at.

DAMAGE EXTENT: see narrative above
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 30
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-27T09:24:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/27/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4111 E. 8th
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: At 4:04 am Dec. 27, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department in Spokane, WA responded to a report of a front porch on fire at 4111 E. 8th Ave on the south hill. Prior to the Fire Departments arrival a Spokane Police Officer reported the house fully involved. The first crews on scene found significant fire in the front of the house and in the living room area. Because the front porch had been severely damaged attack lines had to be pulled to the rear of the house to begin an interior fire attack using 1 ¾" hose lines. The first crews reported that everyone was out of the house. The fire was upgraded to a working fire and an additional Engine and Ladder above the working fire response were requested. A total of 7 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Rescue Unit, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an investigator responded with total of 38 Firefighters leaving only 6 fire apparatus to cover the City. A knock down of the main fire occurred rather quickly but the fire had gotten into the structure and attic so a total extinguishment will be slow and tedious as hidden fire is searched out and extinguished. There were no injuries reported of civilians or Firefighters. The house has significant damage and is under investigation by a Fire Investigator from the Departments Special Investigation Unit. Red Cross is assisting the residents and Spokanimal was called for to assist their dog living in the backyard. AVISTA responded to cut electrical power to the structure and to lock off the gas meter which had been turned off.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to the front of the house and living room area of the main floor. Also fire damage to the attic with heat and smoke damage throughout the main floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 38
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Christmas message from exiting Bill Jackman...

2009-12-27T08:41:00.001-08:00

"Being this is my last day on the SFD, I thought I would spread a little Christmas to some of our less fortunate folks. This family stated 'This is the best thing we ever got for Christmas.'"

Fire Press Release

2009-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Bown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/21/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5919 North Atlantic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On the morning of 12/21/09 the Spokane City Fire Department responded 2 Engine companies 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder, 1 heavy Rescue truck and 2 Battalion Chiefs to 5919 North Atlantic. PL 13 arrived on scene and reported that smoke was showing from under the eves of a 1 story 1200 square foot house. E3 was assigned to interior fire attack while the crew on Pl 13 was split into two teams. Team A was assigned to search the interior and team B was sent to the roof to provide ventilation to release the hot smoke and gases .Other companies were assigned to the incident as they arrived.
Quick action by arriving companies resulted in a fast extinguishment of the fire. The fire was confined to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout. The fire was declared out in about 20 minutes. There were no reported injuries and no one was found during the search. The house was vacant and the cause if this fire is under investigation.

PROBABLE CAUSE: This is under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The interior of the house had extensive damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000,00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 18
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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LEOFF Trustee election

2009-12-22T12:04:00.001-08:00

There is an election for Trustee for the LEOFF Trust Board going on right now. The election is being done by Wintson and Cashett and if you are on the Trust you should have recieved a ballot from them a few weeks ago. Please return your ballot immediately, and if by mistake you threw it away,you can contact Janelle or Cindy at 838-6131 to find out about casting your vote. Thank you
P.S. The Local has endorsed Greg Haff.

Fire Press Release

2009-12-19T12:04:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4th and Myrtle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Friday December 18, 2009 at 2340 hours, Engine 14 was dispatched to the area of 4th Ave. and Myrtle to investigate "smoke in the area". Engine 14 under the direction of Lieutenant Terry Smith located a home that was heavily charged with smoke and flames.

Lieutenant Smith requested a regular fire response from Fire Dispatch while he and his crew went to work. Two additional Engines, a Ladder, Pumper Ladder, Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Upon their arrival, the additional crews searched, ventilated and manned additional hose lines.

This structure was not occupied and has been vacant for some time. The fire was extinguished in a relatively short period of time. However, fire crews were on the scene performing overhaul for several hours. Final extinguishment was difficult due to several layers of roofing and a remodel that had taken place over the years.

There were no injuries at this fire and the cause is still under investigation

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cause Still Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total Loss
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-18T16:15:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4822 N. Nelson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Just before 11:30 am Friday December 18, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 4822 N. Nelson. Upon arrival of Engine 15 the first apparatus on scene they reported smoke coming from apartment 6 on the second floor. They initiated a fire attack using a 1 ¾" pre connected hose line once a second apparatus was on scene. Additional crews were used for ventilating the smoke out of the apartment, setting a rapid intervention team and checking for extension of the fire beyond the room of origin as well as looking out for the needs of all residents of the apartment building. The additional crews arriving where to include 2 more Engine Companies, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue crew and 2 Battalion Chiefs. The fast attack on the fire kept the damage confined to the contents in the bedroom where the fire originated and kept the fire out of the structure. The apartments on both sides and the apartment above the fire were checked for extension and none was found. The air quality was checked in all of the apartments for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. All air samples were found to be within safe limits. Red Cross was contacted to assist 1 adult and 3 children living in apartment 6. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. One concern which is not determined to be the cause of the fire was clothing and combustibles up against a baseboard heater. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind people during the heating season to be very careful with all heating devices and keep combustibles away from all equipment used for heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to contents of bedroom and smoke throughout the apartment.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-17T11:52:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2404 West Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, December 16, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 9:54 AM to 2404 West Longfellow, Glover Jr. High on a reported fire in the building. Fire crews arriving on scene found light smoke showing in one of the hallways and upon further investigation discovered a small fire at an electrical panel at the buildings west wing. The fire was quickly extinguished and the remaining fire crews isolated the hallway from the rest of the school and began a systematic removal of smoke from the structure. Spokane Public School representatives' were on scene to direct all evacuation and student transfers to another location. One firefighter was injured when he slipped on an unsecured cover over an underground vault. There were no reported injuries to any civilians

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire damage was confined to an electrical panel and its associated wiring.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-14T12:57:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1640 E. Olympic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Monday December 14th, 2009 at 6:07 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1640 E. Olympic. Engine 15 from their neighborhood fire station located at Wellesley and Crestline was first to arrive and found a house with smoke pouring from the attic and roof areas. A quick stretch of hose lines from the engine companies along with the ladder company quickly accessing the roof and cutting a hole to release the built up heat, resulted in a "knock down" of the fire after approximately 10 minutes. Both adult occupants were able to safely exit their home. At this time, it appears the fire originated near the electrical panel towards the back of the house. The fire spread upwards through the walls and horizontally through the ceiling space eventually consuming a significant portion of the attic. Storage items and personal belongings sustained heat and smoke damage from the blaze. The occupants were assisted by the Red Cross at the home. Fire crews will remain at the incident site throughout most of the morning working on complete extinguishment, overhaul and assisting the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this incident. The occupants did not have any smoke detectors present within the home and as a result were lucky to have escaped on their own because smoke is a silent killer. Every home should have a working smoke detector for each level of the home. Smoke detectors save lives.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Possibly electrical in origin. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy heat and smoke damage to the attic and contents contained within.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-10T16:21:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Leavenworth Deputy Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/9/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1311 S Walnut St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On December 9, 2009 9 units from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire at 1311 S Walnut St. Arriving crews found a small fire started when an unknown subject utilized impovised incendiary devices thrown at the structure. Witnesses at the scene reported an unidentified person running from the scene with their arm involved in fire.
This incident is being investigated by the SFD Special Investigaion Division in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department. The SFD is asking anyone with information to call the SIU at 344-FIRE (3473) to report any knowledge they may have concerning this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor damage to the interior of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-08T14:24:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: BC Dave Haworth
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 603 S Ralph St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On December 7, 2009, at 1:09 Pm, 6 companies of the Spokane Fire Dept, 4 engines, 1 heavy rescue, and 1 senior-ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bruce Moline and Bob Green responded to a reported garage fire in the alley behind 603 S Ralph St.
The first arriving company, SE14, reported smoke coming from a detached 2-car garage behind this address. After ensuring everyone was out of the structure, companies began a coordinated attack and quickly controlled the fire.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Fire Dept SIU determined the fire was accidentally caused by an improperly installed wood heating device.
The Fire Dept would like to remind citizens to follow all code requirements when installing home heating devices and to always maintain adequate clearance around them. During periods of extreme cold weather heating devices can be called to operate at a much higher capacity and this can exacerbate any existing problems.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Moderate heat damage to the interior of the structure with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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Vice-President Nominees

2009-12-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

The Executive Board of Local 29 will be accepting candidates for appointment, to fill the position of Vice-President. The duration of this term will be for one year and then will be filled by the standard election process. The names must be emailed to Greg Haff at ghaff@spokane fire.org no later than 1700 hours Wednesday December 16th 2009.

Election Results

2009-12-07T12:58:00.001-08:00

The election results for Local 29 are as follows;

President:
Mark Vietzke 160
Shane Skipworth 52

Executive Board:
John Goodman 137 Frank Wood 51
John Griffith 111 Brian Chavez 46
Dan Stroebeck 75 Mike Miller 40
Dan Awbery 69 Rick Barron 20
Dean Carr 59 Brad Cassell 13

The Executive Board Positions will be filled by the three candidates with the most votes.
John Goodman
John Griffith
Dan Stroebeck

Fire Press Release

2009-12-06T15:46:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 6002 North Forest Boulevard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Sunday December 6, 2009 at 4:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bruce Moline and Dan Brown responded to a reported house on fire at 6002 North Forest Boulevard.

The neighborhood fire company arrived within 4-minutes and reported smoke showing from the eaves of the home and flames from the rear of the house. The incident was upgraded to a working fire and an additional engine added to the alarm. Once confirming the family of four was accounted for, engine companies stretched pre-connected attack lines to the main body of the fire while the ladder company set ladders and opened the roof for ventilation.

It took 22 Firefighters just 20 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the home's contents by placing tarps on the majority of the effects and protecting their property while the damaged area was overhauled.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to the rear of the home and moderate smoke damage throughout the structure. SFD is cooperating with Avista, Red Cross and the insurance company to assist the residents in securing temporary accommodations and to make certain the structure is secure and safe.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

fire press release

2009-12-06T15:45:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Larry Mummey/Battalion Chief Mentor
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2803 N Mayfair
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: 12 apparatus and 21 Spokane Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to a reported single family residence structure fire in the north central area of the city at 9:41 am today Friday, December 04, 2009. Vigilant neighbors noticed light smoke coming from the house and called 911. The first crew on scene was Spokane Ladder 2 who reported light smoke coming from the rear of the house. No persons were reported in the structure. The fire response level was not upgraded for additional apparatus. Forced entry into the structure was not necessary. Light smoke conditions and little fire were found inside. After advancing a hose line into the house the fire was quickly extinguished as a result of a coordinated attack on the fire. Damage was contained to the upper floor. Four adults and one child were displaced because of damage to the structure. Red Cross will arrange temporary lodging for the residents. Spokane Fire Department Investigators responded to the scene. No injuries reported.
This is the time of the year where an increase in the number of space heaters contributes to increased fire dangers. Portable heaters should be plugged into properly sized wiring that is designed to handle the load of the heater. Overloaded wiring can heat up and cause fires in the walls.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Upper floor smoke damage
Upper floor west end fire and suppression damage
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

2009-12-02T10:07:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1120 W Sprague Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday December 1, 2009 at 6:46 AM, Spokane Fire Station 4 was dispatched to 1120 W Sprague Avenue on a reported general fire alarm sounding in the apartment building. While enroute, Fire Dispatch received 911 calls from the building reporting smoke present on multiple floors. After taking the citizen's calls, Fire Dispatch upgraded the alarm to include a total of 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Bruce Moline.

When Station 4 arrived they found smoke in the lobby of the 15-story building. Upon further investigation, the companies found heavy smoke emanating from a locked apartment in room 106. Ladder 4 and Engine 4 forced entry into the room, searched and successfully rescued the sole occupant. The victim was located within 6-minutes of dispatch and removed to the exterior of the building where SFD Paramedics treated the victim on-scene and transported the patient to Deaconess Hospital.

Additional tasks were ongoing throughout the rescue including companies successfully confining the fire to the unit of origin, pressurizing the atmosphere to make it safe for occupants, evacuating floors 1 and 2 and sheltering all other occupants from Floor 3 to Floor 15.

It took 28 Firefighters 50-minutes to completely ventilate, extinguish and control the incident.

One fatality occurred as a result of the fire (Ethel Maxfield) a 70 year old female. One adult male from Floor 15 was treated by SFD Paramedics and transported to the hospital. This patient's medical emergency was not related to the fire incident. No Firefighters were injured from the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by SFD's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to room 106 and minor smoke damage throughout the first floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

fire press release

2009-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman, Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1218 E. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 7 minutes after midnight on Wednesday November 25, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire at 1218 E. Queen. 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue Unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded with 21 Firefighters. Upon arrival by the first unit, Engine 15, it was reported that light smoke could be seen coming from the structure. The crew prepared to make an interior attack and did so after Ladder 2 arrived on scene. Additional crews took care of securing a water supply, searching the structure for occupants, ventilating smoke and setting up a rapid intervention crew if needed. Crews also overhauled the structure and looked for possible extension of the fire. The Incident Commander talked with the residents and was told that they had been cooking when the pan caught on fire. They tried to extinguish the fire with a blanket but spread the fire instead and they evacuated the duplex. No smoke alarms were heard sounding anywhere within the structure. A fast interior attack using a 1 ¾ inch fire hose confined the fire damage to the kitchen area. There was significant heat and smoke damage in the downstairs unit's kitchen with smoke damage throughout both duplex units. The fire was determined to be accidental and nobody was injured. Red Cross was called as the fire displaced a total of 5 adults, 1 child and 1 cat. The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of being careful and vigilant when cooking. If a pan does catch on fire, use an oven mitt to put a lid on the pan to try and smother the fire. Evacuate the building and call 911 for assistance to make sure the fire has not spread. Especially with grease fires do not use water or try to smother a fire with anything that will burn. Lastly make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat and smoke damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the building
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

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Spokesman-Review Letter to the editor from a couple of days ago.

2009-11-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

The burning question

A few days ago I saw a car with two bumper stickers. One said “Why should I pay for your health care?” The other said, “IAFF.” Presumably the driver of that car, or someone close to him, is a fire fighter. As such, who pays for his health care? I do and so do you.
It seems as though that man gets the lion’s share of his health care paid for by the taxpayers but doesn’t want others to recieve the same benefit. How ironic.

Patricia Cain
Spokane

fire press release

2009-11-14T16:34:00.001-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1314 W Cleveland
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 1314 W. Cleveland at 10:27 in the morning on Saturday, November 14th, for a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported heavy smoke in the area as they were approaching the scene and requested additional resources be dispatched. The first arriving fire crew reported a story and a half wood/frame dwelling that had heavy dark smoke, under pressure, coming from the roof and out of the eaves. Assignments were made to the other responding fire companies by the Officer of that first arriving fire apparatus and as those companies began arriving on scene the crews went about undertaking their assigned tasks. In an aggressive and coordinated effort, fire attack hose lines were advanced into the structure at the same time that other firefighters, on the roof, were cutting vertical ventilation holes in the structure's roof. Other crews were sent inside to pull ceilings, open up walls, search for any possible victims, and still other crews were assigned as back-up for the crews inside. Another crew was assigned to protect a dwelling to the west of the fire building that was being exposed to radiant heat from the fire building. A fire crew was also assigned as the "rapid intervention team"; a safety mandated unit that needs to be in place and available at every fire in case a rescue of injured, lost, or trapped fire fighters should occur. The fire had taken possession of the attic space in this building and was burning hot and fast until all phases of the attack came together and the crews were able to hit the main body of fire from inside and below and push it out of the vent holes that had been cut in the roof. While the extinguishment of the fire was dramatic and quick it still had caused serious damage inside the structure. Once the fire had been darkened down the labor intensive task of overhaul began as fire fighters went about digging out the hidden fire from those concealed spaces that are inherent inside of every structure. Fire damage was severe in the roof and the roof supporting members located in the attic, the fire also damaged the walls and ceilings of the main floor as it burned inside the walls as it moved from the first floor up and into the second floor on it's way to the attic. There was considerable smoke and water damage throughout the dwelling and the electrical supply to the building had to be disconnected. Because of the damage, Red Cross representatives were requested to the scene and they were in the process of assisting the tenants with temporary lodging and supplies. There were no reported injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene or to the two tenants of the dwelling who were able to get out safely along with their pet dog. Investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted by a member of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit and at the time of this release an electrical problem is being considered as the most likely cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: An unspecified electrical problem appears to be the most likely cause of this fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Severe fire damage to the walls and ceilings on the main floor and second floor including the attic spaces, the structural members supporting the roof, and the roof itself. Smoke and water damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Great KXLY story on 9-1-1 abuse...

2009-11-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

but no mention of this:

fire press release

2009-11-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1506 E. Desmet
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 11/07/09, at approximately 0353 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire responded to 1506 E Desmet upon report of a structure fire. Initial reports indicated that an attached deck on the structure was on fire and that the tenants were evacuating. First arriving fire department crews found a two-story, wood-frame, duplex, with heavy smoke coming from the roof and eaves. Fire was evident in the soffit area on the north side of the home. Pre-connected hose-lines were advanced to the main floor of the residence to extinguish the fire. At the same time fire crews conducted search and rescue operations to assure all civilians had evacuated the duplex and to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate hot smoke and gases from the structure. The fire was extinguished within approximately 20 minutes with overhaul of fire damaged areas continuing for another 2 hrs.

A total of 10 apparatus with 27 firefighters fought this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians. Tenants of the fire damaged unit of the duplex declined assistance from the Red Cross and were going to stay with relatives. The other half of the duplex was reoccupied by its tenants.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently attempting to determine the exact fire cause. The fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The area of greatest fire damage was to the attic. It appears the fire started on the deck, moved up the exterior wall, and then entered the attic. The ceiling in the kitchen and living room of the unit was removed to gain access to the attic area and extinguish the fire. In addition a portion of the roof was removed to find hidden hot spots.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

If you want to see how they voted for the Fire Bond....

2009-11-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to individual precinct counts.

And here's the precinct map.

Once you download the map, you will have to zoom in to see the precinct numbers.

BULLSEYE SAFETY FILM - FORKLIFT OPS

2009-11-03T06:09:00.001-08:00

Prez candidate letter!

2009-10-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

Vietzke For President
I am Mark Vietzke, and I am running for the position of president for Local 29. I have been with the Spokane Fire Department for 24 years and have worked at Fire Station # 4 since 1994. For the past 9 years, I have served in an official capacity for the local. In 2001, I was elected to the executive board where I served 4 years. In 2005, I was elected vice president and continue to serve in that position today.

Over the past 9 years, I have attended numerous classes and seminars educating and preparing me to do my job as a union leader. The classes have educated me in contract negotiations, grievances, health and safety, LEOFF 2 disability issues, mediation and arbitration procedures, and other aspects of service for you and our union.

I was part of a team that negotiated our latest contract. In my opinion, it’s one of the best contracts in Local 29’s history. We also negotiated a salary savings plan with the city that is a great benefit for retiring members.

One thing I have certainly learned over the years is that you cannot always make everyone happy. However, I can assure you that in every issue, we always try to make a decision that is best for the body as a whole.

The last nine years have been exciting, successful, and humbling. Even though there have been some stresses along the way, I have enjoyed serving as your vice president. I am now am asking for your support to be the next president of Local 29. I can say I will work hard for you and keep Local 29 moving in the right direction.

Thanks for listening,
Mark

EBOARD CANDIDATE LETTER!

2009-10-27T14:02:00.001-07:00

Hello. John Griffith here. I am running for e-board. I was on it years ago, but after my initial term, didn’t run again because of some time constraints.

When I was on the e-board, one of my goals was to establish better lines of communication between union members and also between the union, the citizens and the news media. I maintained this role after my term expired. For many years now, I have continued to edit the newsletter, blog the blog, write press statements, forge relationships with our elected officials and create multi-media epics and underwhelming street theater.

My PR work has been a key topic in senior staff meetings, resulting in the occasional Informational Notice.

Not being on the e-board, yet having the job of “spreading the word,” sometimes leads to an incomplete picture of what’s going on in our union. If elected, once again, I would know more of what’s going on, and I would let you know. In the past, I always brought your concerns to the table, and sometimes was a lone dissenter because I thought it was the right thing to do.

You know what you’re getting if I am elected. I will even “amp it up,” as the kids say. Because of that, or in spite of that, I am asking for your vote.

I would be happy to answer any questions, or hear your concerns. Just click on the Foss head in the upper-right corner.

Thank you,

John Griffith