Fire Suppression – Spokane Valley Fire Department

SVFD RESPONDS TO MANY TYPES OF FIRES

The Fire Service was created (primarily) to fight fires. Since then our mission has expanded into many other areas but at our core we fight fires. Today, these activities are referred to as “Fire Suppression” activities.

Fire suppression involves preparing for, responding to, and engaging in tasks necessary to control and extinguish fires. SVFD responds to many different types of fires:

STRUCTURAL

Homes, Buildings, Barns, Commercial Structures, etc.

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WILDLAND

Brush, Timber, Vegetation, etc.

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VEHICULAR

Cars, Trucks, Trailers, etc.

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EQUIPMENT

Machinery, Heating/Cooling Units, Stoves, Appliances, etc.

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RUBBISH

Trash, Garbage, etc.

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FUEL

Gasoline, Natural Gas, etc.

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MISCELLANEOUS

campfires, power poles, etc.

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SVFD FRONT LINE APPARATUS

The front line fire apparatus at SVFD consists of nine (9) Engine Companies and two (2) Ladder Companies.

ENGINE COMPANIES

Engines are designed to put out fires (extinguishment) by applying water to the fire. In order to accomplish this, they carry a water pump, hose, ladders and various types of task specific tools. Some also carry the “Jaws of Life”, more technically referred to as “Extrication Tools” for use at auto accidents, Engines are staffed with 3-4 Fire Fighters.

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LADDER COMPANIES

Ladders are designed for rescue, fire extinguishment, and support. These apparatus are equipped with additional ladders, specialized forcible entry tools, and several power saws for use when crews need to cut holes in roofs. All of our Ladder apparatus also has a water pump, which enables our Ladder Companies to extinguish fires without the aid of an Engine.

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The crews are highly trained and conducting multi-company fire suppression drills throughout the year. Crews are assigned to a specific apparatus and station. This enables crews to focus on the structures in their area so that potential suppression activities will be much more effective.

FIRE RESPONSE

When a fire is reported, the number and type of apparatus/crews dispatched is dependent on the type and size of the fire. For example, a residential house fire response will include the following:

4 Engines (4) Engine Companies (12 Fire Fighters)
One (1) Ladder Company (4 Fire Fighters)
Two (2) Command Apparatus (2 Battalion Chiefs)
One (1) Safety Officer

Larger Structure Fires will get additional Apparatus and Crews. Brush Fires are categorized into Low, Moderate, and High response levels.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department has agreements with neighboring Fire Departments to provide service across district boundaries. This provides for the closest appropriate apparatus and crew to respond to a given incident. For example, a house fire in the vicinity of 32ⁿAve. and Sullivan Rd. would include apparatus from Spokane County Fire District #8.