OWNED AND OPERATED THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT SVFD Report –

June 2023

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Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 130 emergency incidents for June 2023.

Emergency Medical Services 109

Fire Suppression 11

Tech Rescue (includes Motor Vehicle Collisions) 5

Other 4

Wildland Fire 1

Percentage Breakdown of Incident Category

Of note in Liberty Lake:

• Emergency Medical Services accounted for 83.85% of all SVFD incidents.

• Fire Suppression (fire and Building Alarms) was 8.46% of all SVFD incidents.

Safety Message

• Burn Restrictions went into effect June 30.

“In regard to this year’s fire season, the SVFD asks our community to remain vigilant in their fire safe practices,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal, Brett Anderson. “Although our spring was a wet one, we still need to have a heightened awareness of wildland fires. We had a wildland fire occur the morning of June 27th, which spread rapidly. Just because some grasses are green does not mean that other fuels are not dry and readably ignitable. Fuels like pine needles, brush, and pants have been drying out for weeks now and will catch fire easily. “

• We continue to emphasize Driving Safely. Schools will soon be out, and more children will be in parks and on roads.

• Be careful with yard equipment and anything that can spark a fire. As we move into those warmer temperatures be aware of anything that can potentially start a fire.

• Wear your life jacket (PFD) while recreating near or on rivers and lakes. Every year SVFD rescues people not wearing life jackets out on area rivers and lakes.

Media Release June 30, 2023: Fire Danger Burn Restriction

Although we have seen unseasonably lower temperatures and more rain, the Spokane Metro Area is still at risk for fire this summer.

Unauthorized open burning and unauthorized recreational fires are restricted until this order is lifted or unless otherwise permitted by law enforcement or authorized agencies. If you have any questions, before lighting any fire, call your local agency first.

With increasing temperatures and our native fuels drying out, please burn carefully.

A few guidelines to follow:

• Only burn in approved devices.

• Have a fire extinguisher and/or a hose accessible.

• Be kind to your neighbors and only burn clean dry wood. And, finally, remember to watch for burn restrictions related to our smoke particulate index and air quality. Vulnerable population include younger, and elderly generations, and those with heart and respiratory conditions.

While the burn restriction is in place, any person found with a recreational fire or conducting open burning who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue such burning when ordered or notified to do so shall be charged with a misdemeanor. (IFC 109; SCC 3.02)

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency may further restrict outdoor wood-fueled fires based on air quality. Always check current restrictions at https:// spokanecleanair.org/burning/ burn-restrictions/ or the Burn Info Hotline at (509) 477-4710.

If you have questions regarding burn restrictions, here are some resources:

Spokane Clean Air - https:// spokanecleanair.org/burning/

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) - https:// www.spokanevalleyfire.com/

Media Release June 12, 2023

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) has received an $18,000.00 grant from State Farm that will now go toward our Enhanced Home Safety Visit Program.

The goal of the program is to:

• Reduce the rate of fire fatalities.

• Increase the number of atrisk homes with working smoke and CO alarms.

• Improve the fire safety of residents and firefighters.

• Reduce the rate of falls in our older adult and disabled populations.

“One objective is to address atrisk homes in our jurisdiction by installing smoke and CO alarms,” said SVFD Deputy Fire Marshal, Brett Anderson. “We will install battery-operated alarms as well as enhance our existing home fire safety program by including hardwired alarms, where needed.”

At-risk homes will be identified by SVFD firefighters during 9-11 calls and during bi-annual smoke alarm "blitzes" where at risk neighborhoods are evaluated for age of home, number of incidents occurring within the area, age of residents living within a community and other fire and life safety factors.

Another objective is to address the increasing number of “falls” calls SVFD responds to.

“Our number one 9-1-1 call for the past three years has been for falling,” said Community Risk Reduction Specialist, Caroline Kusher. “Older adult falls are preventable and there are several strategies to help reduce the risks associated with falls, one of which is to modify the home environment.”

ADA grab bars are a way to reduce falls in our community. These grab bars can be installed in the homes of disabled residents as well as older adults living within the SVFD Fire District. At-risk residents will be identified during 9-1-1 calls, referrals through C.A.R.E.S. (Fire Community Assistance Response Team), and residents who register via phone or online at spokanevalleyfire. com. Grab bars will be installed by Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP), who currently provide over 30 community programs, including housing improvements.

Residents can register for an Enhanced Home Fire Safety visit appointment via phone or online registration.

Media Release June 14, 2023

The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) proudly unveiled Engine 5, the newest addition to our fleet, in a traditional push in ceremony at Station 5, 15510 E. Marietta Ave on June 15th. Engine 5 joined our Water Rescue Team at our recently renovated Station 5, serving citizens and businesses in the Sullivan neighborhood and industrial area.

The new Engine 5 will replace the previous Engine 5 (a workhorse of our fleet for 16 years), a 2007 Seagraves that had close to 164,000 miles on it.

The new addition helps SVFD better respond to the growing number of incidents while increasing safety in our community.

SVFD is committed to placing the right resources in the areas they’re needed most.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 142,000+ over 75-square miles, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas. In 2021, our cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/ Paramedics responded to more than 23,235 emergency calls.

Established in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an accredited agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and by SVFD’s Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau

Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.