NEWS SVFD Report – March 2023

Current news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,854 emergency incidents for March 2023.

By the numbers:

Emergency Medical Services

1,551

Fire Suppression 146

Tech Rescue (includes 54 Motor Vehicle Collisions) 68

Other 52

Dispatched and Cancelled enroute 21

HazMat 11

Wildland Fire 5

Rescue Task Force 1

Of note:

• Emergency Medical Services were 83.60% of all SVFD incidents.

• Fire Suppression (fire and Building Alarms) was 7.87% 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.

VIDEO:

• https://www.nbcnews. com/nightly-news/video/ lithium-ion-battery-fires-becomingincreasingly-common-162841669983

• https://www.facebook. com/watch/?v=363987635385101

• https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=8nz5ijXcckI

• https://www. fireandsafetysolutionsltd.com/theunseen-danger-of-battery-fires/

Major Incidents:

Car Collision, February 25,2023 – E Sprague Ave/N University Rd

SVFD responded to a high speed collision on University. The call was upgraded to an extrication. Crews were able to extricate 2 patients and provide medical attention until AMR was on scene. Crews then returned in service.

Structure Fire, February 26, 2023 – E Broadway Ave/E Cataldo Ave

SVFD responded to the report of a microwave catching fire with flames and smoke after putting someing inside and turning it on. Crews arrived to find occupants had evacuated the home. Crews found smoke but no fire in the apartment. They located the source of the smoke and removed it. Smoke was vented from the home and returned in service.

Vehicle Collision, February 27, 2023 – E Indiana Ave/N Pines Rd

A caller identified a truck versus a vehicle collision and identified that noone appeared injured. Crews arrived to provide medical assistance as needed and returned in service once completed.

Structure Fire, February 28 8:42 a.m. – Indiana Ave/E Knox Ave

SVFD responded to a report of a home on fire. Caller reported 3 dogs in the home and 1 person. The caller reported the home was full of smoke. Crews arrived to find light smoke at the front door. A quick assessment was made and the fire extinguished within a few minutes. The home was vented of the smoke. No casualties occurred. Crews returned in service.

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

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ben Wick ben@libertylakesplash.com

CO OWNER Danica Wick danica@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION Larry Passmore circulation@libertylakesplash.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Colette Buck, Nina Culver, Craig Howard, Ashley Humbird, John McCallum

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