Three-alarm story: North Side fire

Yesterday around 5:30 p.m., the normal buzz of the police/fire scanner had a transmission which rose above the din: A fire was underway, involving a gas tanker, and there were explosions. The buzz on the scanner quickened and there was talk of evacuating several blocks on the north side of Spokane.

Immmediately, old and new journalism joined into action to cover the story. Within 30 minutes, three print reporters and two photojournalists were on scene, as was an online producer. Meanwhile, back at the office, assistant city editor Dan Hansen composed a story for the Web as each of the reporters called in with updates.

The result was a comprehensive report, both online and in the print edition, which included photos, a slideshow, a video, and a byline story with contributions from a handful of reporters and editors.

There are lessons learned every time breaking news is covered over a variety of media platforms (such as personnel assignments and technological challenges) but some basics make a story like this work: “teamwork,” said more than one reporter.

Hopefully, the result was noticeable to you, the readers. Any thoughts?