City of Spokane Fire Department

This past Saturday, Fire Chief Julie O’Berg, Battalion Chief Michael Kulsrud, and the crew from Engine 18 teamed up with the City of Spokane Police Department to support the Spokane Pacers Special Olympics Team. Participants had the chance to donate and spray water at police officers and firefighters, including the fire chief, all while raising funds for this wonderful cause. We are proud to support these incredible athletes and had a fantastic time with them!

The fire service is unique in that many employees spend their entire 25–30-year careers at the same department that first hired them. Experience and mentoring are vital in our industry, and we recognize our members for their years of service, knowledge, and the skills they bring to work every shift.

Recently, we celebrated Firefighter/Driver Joseph DesJardin of Truck 13 for his first ten years of service with our department and Firefighter/Driver Jeff Baxter for his 20 years of service. Please join us in congratulating these two for their dedication and commitment to serving you!

On Monday, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, City of Spokane Mayor's Office,
Spokane County Fire District 10, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and the Spokane Fire Department visited the Evergreen Archery Club to highlight the success of a newer program to reduce the intensity of wildfires by modifying the density and composition of wildland areas.

On July 26, the Cemetery Fire, which burned intensely, was controlled and extinguished quickly, especially given the fire behavior it was producing. This success was partly due to fuel mitigation efforts conducted earlier this year in the wooded section of the Evergreen Archery Club property. As the fire reached this treated area, its behavior noticeably decreased, and the retardant dropped from above could effectively reach the ground.

This fuel reduction project was a collaborative effort between the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Parks and Recreation, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

As an all-hazards emergency response department, our firefighters are called to various incidents daily, requiring them to master many different skills.

Last Saturday, Truck 13 and Medic 13 firefighters responded to a call to rescue a dog whose head had gotten stuck in a concrete block wall. Using a hydraulic spreader from the vehicle extrication equipment cache they carry, they carefully crushed part of the concrete block, allowing the dog to free itself without injury. The happy pup then showered his mom with unrestrained hugs.

We are proud to serve and make a difference in your neighborhoods daily!

, with assistance from American Medical Response Spokane, recently participated in a Mass Casualty Incident drill to test their skills in quickly triaging, treating, and transporting multiple victims from a simulated motor vehicle accident. Upon arriving at the simulated scene, they found a vehicle that had struck another at high speed and then careened into a crowd of people.

When faced with multiple patients, firefighters conduct rapid scene triage to assess the number and severity of injuries. Patients are categorized as Dead, Life-Critical, Critical, or Wounded but not life-threatening. After this initial triage, patients are moved to a staging area, where they are grouped according to their triage category. Other firefighters then perform life-saving interventions while waiting to transport patients, prioritizing those with the most severe injuries.

Although rare, such events carry a high degree of risk and impact. Firefighters must be prepared for a wide range of incidents, and mass casualty events are just one of the many types of emergencies they train for.

On July 16, 2024, the Spokane Fire Department honored two firefighters for their exemplary actions during emergencies.

Firefighter Trevor Richards received a Life Saving Award for his off-duty actions in 2019 on Long Lake. When faced with a critically injured person, Trevor and other off-duty firefighters sprang into action, administering life-saving measures and transporting the victim by boat to an awaiting ambulance.

Firefighter Tom Harvey was awarded a Special Unit Citation for his role in a 2019 incident involving a barricaded subject who started fires in the building he occupied. Tom, alongside fellow firefighters and officers from the Spokane Police Department, entered the burning building, quickly extinguished the fire, and rescued the victim, preventing certain death.

Please join us in congratulating these two members for their outstanding commitment to the citizens of Spokane!

💦🔥🚒 Calling all future firefighters 🚒🔥💦

Save the Date! SFD's 6th Annual Kids Jr Fire Academy in Downtown Spokane. More details to follow!

Earlier this month, Fire Chief Julie O’Berg partnered with Safeway and the City of Spokane Police Department for a fundraising event benefiting the Special Olympics. For a donation, participants had the opportunity to use a fire hose to spray firefighters and police officers. The event successfully raised $1,900 for the local Lilac City program.

The Spokane Fire Department is pleased to announce two recent promotions within our team! Please join us in congratulating Bill Grummons on his promotion from Captain to Battalion Chief, assigned to Battalion 1, and Kevin Smith on his promotion from Lieutenant to Captain, assigned to Station 16 in Northwest Spokane.

Fire Investigators from the Special Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the City of Spokane Police Department, are investigating four additional suspicious fires that occurred early this morning in the Moran Prairie neighborhood. The first fire, reported at 12:15 a.m. in the 2700 block of East 47th Avenue, involved debris in a shopping cart. Spokane County Fire District 8 responded quickly and extinguished the fire before it could spread to nearby vegetation.

At 1:10 a.m., three more fires were reported in the 3100 block of East 42nd Avenue. Firefighters from the Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 responded and found three vegetation fires, with the largest covering an area of 20 by 20 feet.

Investigators are working to determine if these fires are connected to other recent suspicious fires in the area. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Arson Tip Line at 509-625-7199.

At 5:23 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Spokane Fire Department, with assistance from Spokane County Fire District 9, was dispatched to multiple calls reporting a house fire in the 8200 block of North Marjorie Street in the Pacific Park neighborhood. Responding firefighters observed a large column of smoke from a distance and upgraded the response to a working fire. Engine 17 arrived four minutes later and found a three-story single-family home with heavy fire from the attached garage, which had spread to a vehicle parked in the driveway.

While some firefighters protected exposed buildings from the exterior, an aggressive interior fire attack by Engines 16 and 17 and Truck 13 prevented the fire from extending into the home. Firefighters were notified that the family dog was still inside the home and, fortunately, were able to retrieve it uninjured and take it to a neighbor's house for safekeeping. The blaze was controlled within ten minutes of arrival. The garage and its contents were lost, and there was smoke damage inside the home. Damage estimates are $150,000, with firefighters saving a property value of over $350,000. The fire is under investigation, and no injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.

On Sunday, July 22, 2024, at 5:02 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the 2000 block of East Desmet Avenue for a report of smoke visible from the back of a home. Engine 7 arrived four minutes later and confirmed a fire at the rear of the house. Firefighters found the fire in the walls and ceilings of an addition to the home and were able to control it within 15 minutes. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The fire is under investigation, with damage estimates at $50,000. Firefighters saved property worth over $220,000, and the American Red Cross was called to assist with housing for four adults and one child.

Firefighters also responded to numerous illegal burns, including a brush fire near South Southeast Boulevard and East 31st Avenue and another near South Ivory Street and East Pacific Avenue. Investigators are still investigating the details of these fires, but both are considered suspicious. Firefighters responded to an additional brush fire this morning near Ferraro's Restaurant in the 3000 block of North Division that is also being investigated as a suspicious fire.

As a reminder, outdoor burning within Spokane City Limits is prohibited, except for backyard recreational burning, which must be contained in approved outdoor burning devices with spark arresters. These fires must always be attended by an adult, located at least 15 feet away from any structures, and a means to quickly extinguish them must be provided.

Any fires outside these conditions should be reported to firefighters by calling 9-1-1. With the extended hot and dry weather conditions, uncontained fires are considered highly dangerous and are likely to spread quickly in size and complexity.

This past week, Academy Class 2023-2 completed their final written and practical exams, marking the end of their one-year probationary period. These 16 firefighters spent the first 16 weeks of their year at our fire academy before transitioning to the stations for the remainder of their probation. During their shifts at the stations, they dedicated long hours to practicing what they learned at the academy, along with continuous book studies to prepare for their comprehensive final written exam. In addition to the written exam, they also had to pass oral and practical exams administered by our battalion chiefs and training officers.

Please join us in congratulating Academy Class 2023-2 on reaching this incredible milestone in their new careers!

The Spokane Fire Department recently honored several members with Service Pins, celebrating a combined 145 years of dedication to our community and fellow firefighters! Please join us in congratulating the following individuals:

Captain Kevin Smith of Fire Station 16 was recognized for 25 years of service.

Firefighter/Equipment Operator Mike Forbes, currently assigned to an administrative role in the Operations Division, was recognized for 25 years of service.

Firefighter Ted Eagle of Station 16 was recognized for 20 years of service.

Deputy Fire Marshal Frank Sandall was recognized for 20 years of service.

Fire Investigator Shane Sanders was recognized for 20 years of service.

Deputy Fire Marshal Travis “TJ” Wise was recognized for 15 years of service.

Lieutenant Andrew Roginski of Station 1 was recognized for ten years of service.

Deputy Fire Marshal Matthew Norton was recognized for ten years of service.

At 5:21 this morning, Spokane Regional Emergency Center dispatchers alerted the Spokane Fire Department to a fire at the Viking Tavern at 1221 North Stevens Street. Multiple callers reported flames on the porch at the front entrance and a sizable smoke column. Engine 3 arrived four minutes later and confirmed a heavy volume of fire at the entrance. Firefighters quickly knocked down the exterior fire and forced entry into the business to ensure no interior extension.

A fire investigator used security camera footage to determine that the fire was caused by improperly disposed smoking materials in a planter box. The video captured the planter box smoking throughout the night until it ignited shortly before witnesses reported the fire. Loss estimates are $40,000, but thanks to the quick actions of firefighters, a significant amount of property and contents were saved. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.

The Spokane Fire Department reminds citizens to dispose of all smoking materials appropriately. Use a non-combustible metal container with a lid and soak the materials in water. Ci******es discarded in an ashtray should never be thrown directly into a garbage can but should first be placed in a non-combustible container and wetted with water.

Improperly disposed of ci******es in pots with soil is a common cause of preventable fires, often smoldering for hours before igniting, as demonstrated by this morning's incident. If you smell fresh smoke, even a slight intermittent odor, suspect a smoldering exterior fire nearby and investigate. If you need assistance or discover a smoldering fire, call 9-1-1 so firefighters can ensure complete extinguishment.

At 7:58 this morning, Spokane Regional Emergency Communications dispatch alerted the Spokane Fire Department to a residential fire in the 3100 block of East 36th Avenue. Neighbors reported a fire on the back deck of a home, which was spreading to the interior.

Truck 14 arrived less than five minutes after the dispatch and confirmed heavy fire coming from the rear of the single-story residence. Firefighters from Truck 14 forced open the front door and began a primary search for victims. Meanwhile, Engine 11 arrived and started extinguishing the fire, assisted by firefighters from the Spokane Valley Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8.

Firefighters faced a significant hazard when a live electrical service line to the home burned through and dropped in the backyard, sparking and arcing before Avista Utilities arrived to de-energize the line.

Within 15 minutes, firefighters managed to control the fire despite some extension into the home and heavy smoke damage throughout the interior, which displaced the lone occupant who was away at the time. A fire investigator confirmed the fire started on the back deck but could not determine the cause. The estimated loss is $80,000, while the value of the property saved is $200,000. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported during this incident.

Future firefighters in the making. 🧑‍🚒👨‍🚒

Between calls on Friday, SFD Station 9 stopped by the Corbin Art Center summer camp to talk about fire safety and what it takes to be a firefighter.

Stickers and knuckles with a firefighter are always good for a smile!

🚒🧯SFD CRR spent the morning at World Relief welcoming some of our newest community members to Spokane. During our time together we talked about fire safety, cultural differences in the fire service, and ways Spokane Fire serves our community. 🚒🧯

Please join us in congratulating Captain Dennis "DJ" Hill on his retirement from the Spokane Fire Department! DJ will be stepping into the Assistant Chief of Fire Marshal role for the Snohomish County Fire District #4.

DJ joined the Spokane Fire Department in March 2002. Throughout his career, he progressed through the ranks, serving as a lieutenant, captain, and safety officer/captain. He also held the position of Team Coordinator on the SFD Hazmat Team for many years. DJ spent most of his career at Stations 1, 7, and 18.

We are grateful for DJ's 22 years of dedicated service to the City of Spokane, ensuring the safety of its citizens and our firefighters. We wish him the best in this new chapter of his career!

The Spokane Fire Department had a busy morning, with two fires occurring within 25 minutes and within a mile of each other in Station 16’s response area. The first fire was reported at 2:55 a.m. in the 5200 block of North Bemis Street by a neighbor who saw a home on fire. Firefighters, arriving just three minutes after the dispatch due to the proximity to the fire station, found a travel trailer in front of the home heavily engulfed in flames. They quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to the house. Unfortunately, they discovered a deceased adult male inside the trailer. A fire investigator determined that the cause of the fire was an electrical failure.

The second fire was reported at 3:20 a.m. in the 6000 block of North Lindeke Street, with reports of a home on fire. Engine 17, responding from the previous fire, arrived at 3:23 a.m. to find heavy fire at the back of a single-story home. The fire was concentrated on the rear porch and had extended into the residence and attic. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, extinguishing it within ten minutes with the help of ventilation holes cut into the roof.

An investigation revealed the cause of the second fire to be accidental. The occupants had used their charcoal barbecue earlier in the evening and left the coals to burn out naturally. Unfortunately, ash from the barbecue ignited nearby dead leaves and organic matter. Firefighters remind the public to turn off all cooking appliances when not in use or unattended. For charcoal outdoor units, keep the appliance away from combustible materials and monitor it until the fuel is completely used. Putting the ash into a metal container with a lid to prevent undiscovered embers from igniting flammable materials is best.

Damage and loss estimates are extensive and not yet available. The American Red Cross is assisting two adults and two children displaced by this fire with temporary housing.

At 12:34 a.m. on July 4, 2024, the Spokane Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team was dispatched to the north end of the Howard Street Bridge, where a young adult female was reportedly on the rocks by the river's edge. Rescuers used the ladder truck's aerial device as a high-point anchor for a rope system to lower a rescuer to the victim. The uninjured woman was safely retrieved at 1:10 a.m. without further medical interventions necessary.

Fire investigators from the Spokane Fire Department’s Special Investigation Unit reported three significant fires related to fireworks over the weekend, causing several thousand dollars in damage. The investigations were conducted at the 2900 block of East Diamond Avenue for a vegetation fire, Holy Names Court for another vegetation fire, and the 2000 block of West 10th Avenue for a vegetation fire that spread to the exterior of an apartment building.

On the evening of July 4, 2024, four Deputy Fire Marshals, assisted by two patrol units from the City of Spokane Police Department, were dedicated to addressing the illegal use of fireworks in the city. These patrols worked late into the night, responding to complaints, contacting violators, issuing 25 civil infractions, and ensuring confiscated fireworks were rendered unusable. The cooperation with SPD was crucial in supporting our Deputy Fire Marshals through education, safe responses, encouraging compliance, and assisting with record-keeping. We thank the SPD and the community for helping us create a safe holiday for everyone!

The Spokane Fire Department is announcing some resource changes within our Operations Division. These adjustments aim to improve the efficiency of our current resources without altering our staffing levels. The changes are as follows:

-All ladder trucks in the city will now be referred to as "Trucks" instead of Ladders or Quints. This includes Tower 2, which is now referred to as "Truck 2".

-Station 11, located at 3214 South Perry St., which previously housed Quint 11, will now house the former Engine 14, now reassigned as "Engine 11".

-Quint 11 has been reassigned to Station 14, located at 1807 South Ray St., and will now be called "Truck 14".

-The two-person Alternative Rescue Unit (ARU 1) at Station 1, located at 44 West Riverside Ave., will now staff "Support Unit 1" (SU1). SU1 carries additional equipment and spare air bottles to assist firefighters during fire incidents. It will also carry the medical equipment previously stocked on ARU 1 and will continue responding to medical and other calls just as ARU 1 did.

-ARU 3 has been moved from Station 3 to Station 13, located at 1118 West Wellesley Ave., and is now referred to as “Medic 13”.

-The term ARU is being replaced by "Medic."

-Medic 15 will remain at Station 15, located at 2120 East Wellesley Ave.

Spokane Fire Department wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July. Thank you for doing your part to protect our community and firefighters by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.

Today Area Fire Marshals implemented burn restrictions. Recreational fires need to wait until our fire risk reduces.

During the burn restriction, it is still okay to use manufactured portable devices (like barbeques, fireplaces, chimineas, and patio warmers) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Visit our website for more information. https://my.spokanecity.org/fire/news/2024/06/28/area-fire-marshals-and-surrounding-cities-enact-burn-restrictions/

Do your part for your neighbors and first responders this 4th of July.