SVFD Report –

March 2023

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Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 152 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area in March 2023.

By the numbers:

Emergency Medical Services 122

Fire Suppression 13

Tech Rescue (includes 54 Motor Vehicle Collisions) 57

Other 6

Dispatched and Cancelled enroute 3

HazMat 1

Of note:

• Emergency Medical Services were 80.26% of all SVFD incidents.

• Fire Suppression (fire and Building Alarms) was 8.55% of all SVFD incidents.

Please remember:

• Spring is coming. SVFD Water Rescue crews are out training at this time to be prepared for our community’s needs. Mountain snow is melting. Be careful near rising water levels in our rivers and bodies of water.

• With a nationwide increase in dangerous incidents involving devices that use lithium-ion batteries, the Spokane Valley Fire Department wants to remind our citizens to use, store and dispose of these types of batteries safely. Media Release March 29, 2023 : Spokane Valley, WA – Just before 10 a.m. Tuesday morning Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a fire in the 400 block of S. Chronicle Road after neighbors saw smoke coming from an unoccupied home across the street. Neighbors also reported seeing a suspicious person entering the home a short time earlier and then leaving around the same time they first noticed the smoke.

Seeing a column of smoke, Firefighters upgraded the response to a working fire, adding additional crews. With the location of the fire being so close to the boundary between Spokane and Spokane Valley, crews from both departments were dispatched.

Arriving crews quickly began their attack, knocking down the fire. The fire had burned through the 2nd floor and roof, causing a partial collapse. Firefighters were successful in keeping the fire from spreading to other nearby homes.

The house is considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A person of interest matching the description of the man neighbors reported seeing leaving the home was taken into custody a few blocks away by Spokane Valley Deputies.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind our residents if you see something suspicious, call 911 immediately.

Media Release March 15, 2023: Spokane Valley, WA – On March 16th the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) will proudly unveil Engine 8, the newest addition to our fleet, in a traditional push in ceremony at Station 8 (2110 N. Wilbur Rd).

Engine 8 will join Ladder 8 serving citizens in the Pinecroft neighborhood and surrounding area.

The new addition helps SVFD better respond to the growing number of incidents, increasing safety in the community. This marks the first time in nearly two decades that an engine company and ladder company will be based out of the same station.

Station 8 is SVFD’s busiest fire station (see map below) responding to:

• 3,636 calls in 2021

• 3,486 calls in 2022

• 561 calls through February of 2023

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

“The Fire District and cities served by the SVFD are experiencing consistent and significant population growth which is expected to continue well into the future. Adding Valley Engine 8 (VE8) will allow us to keep up with population growth and emergency needs and serve the community where it is most needed.” Deputy Chief Zack Bond – Spokane Valley Fire Department

Media Release March 13, 2023: Spokane Valley, WA – With a nationwide increase in dangerous incidents involving devices that use lithium-ion batteries, the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) wants to remind our citizens to use, store and dispose of these types of batteries safely.

Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. They power devices we use every day including smart phones, laptops/ tablets, e-scooters/e-bikes, power tools, children’s toys, and even cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode, causing potentially serious injuries or death.

“Fortunately, SVFD has not had to respond to any serious or fatal incidents involving these types of batteries, but they are still a major concern for us and something we want everyone in our community to be aware of.”

– Chief Frank Soto Jr.- Spokane Valley Fire Department

Safety Tips:

• Purchase and use devices that are certified.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Only use the battery and charger designed specifically for that device.

• Do not charge a device while sleeping.

• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.

• Do not continue charging the device or device battery once it is fully charged.

• Keep batteries at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or a heat source.

• Stop using your device if the battery shows any signs of damage.

Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. Instead, they should be taken to a recycling center. To prevent potential fires, make sure to tape battery terminals or place the batteries in separate plastic bags.

Major Incidents:

Vehicle Collision, March 24, 2023, 8:14 p.m. – 300 block of S Green Ridge Drive

SVFD responded to a vehicle vs deer. The vehicle hit the deer and rolled, landing in a ditch on its roof. The occupant was able to extricate from the vehicle and receive medical attention from arriving units. The patient was then transferred to the hospital for further care.

HAZMAT , March 17, 2023, 2:59 p.m. – 20600 block E Valley Vista Drive

SVFD crews along with Spokane County Fire District 8 (SCFD 8) responded to the report of a 1 inch gas line being hit by an excavator and the line now hissing. Fire crews arrived, secured the area, and remained on scene until Avista arrived.

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.