Cushman Street House Fire

Incident Date: November 4, 2010
Issuing Officer: Jolene Davis

Incident Location: 5401 S. Cushman
Incident Type: House Fire

Narrative: At 3:07 p.m. units were dispatched to a reported house fire at 5401 S. Cushman Street. Five Tacoma Fire Engines, along with one Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Ladder Company, Tacoma Medic Units and Command staff responded.

The first arriving crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the 2 story house. Firefighters entered the first floor of the home to attack the fire and search the home, but found the stairway to the second floor was burned through. Firefighters had to use ground ladders from the exterior of the building to access the second floor of the structure for fire attack and search and rescue.

As a result of the fire, one person was transported to an area hospital and one pet perished. The fire displaced 6 occupants, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

UPDATE:  Investigators have determined that the cause of the fire was a child playing with ignition materials.  The fire caused an estimated $90,000 damage to the house and it's contents.  

Be Alarmed! Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries This Weekend

Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries, so maintenance is a simple and effective way to protect your family and reduce home fire deaths.

According to the Washington State Fire Marshal, the majority of fire deaths in our State occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Furthermore, the peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. - when families are sleeping and most vulnerable!

For best protection, it is recommended that people install alarms utilizing both (ionization and photoelectric) technology and ones that have long life 10 year lithium ion batteries.

Visit the United States Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association for additional information regarding smoke alarm types, installation, maintenance and safety.