Requests for Service Report - November 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	November	1/1-11/31 2018	1/1-11/31 2017
Fire	88	1,675	1,515
Emergency Medical	3,173	35,456	34,790
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	602	7,042	7,175
Total	3,863	44,173	43,480

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

TFD fire stations serve as Toys for Tots drop off locations

In partnership with Pierce County Toys for Tots, TFD fire stations serve as drop-off locations for citizens that desire to donate new, unwrapped toys or gifts. For a complete listing of locations or to request a toy, visit Toys for Tots. 

Tacoma Firefighters Christmas Project - 2018

Tacoma Fire Department Credits Community Member for Alerting Others to Apartment Fire

The Tacoma Fire Department is crediting Mr. Jeff Christopher Dunn for alerting residents to an early 

morning fire that occurred last month at the Spanish Hills apartment complex, located at South 12th and Mildred streets. The Oct. 14 blaze caused an estimated $370,000 in damage to a three-story, 12-unit building and displaced 17 tenants.

As he arrived home that morning, Mr. Dunn noticed that one of the other buildings in the complex was on fire. As he got closer, he saw flames coming from a top floor balcony and burning material falling onto a balcony below. Mr. Dunn called 911 and made his way up the exterior stairs to the top floor of the burning building.

“At that time, the fire had extended into the building’s attic. The resident of that apartment was in bed, immediately beneath burning roof trusses. Her life was at risk,” said Fire Chief James Duggan. “Mr. Dunn went into the unit and alerted her. He guided her out of harm’s way.”

On the 911 recording, Mr. Dunn can be heard calling out, “Hey, anyone in here? There’s a fire outside. Come on now. Where you at? Come on. We got to get you out.” 

Once outside the apartment, Mr. Dunn told the Tacoma Fire dispatcher, “I’ve got the lady right now.”

“We expect people to report a fire when seeing smoke or flames,” said Chief Duggan. “Mr. Dunn, however, not only called 911, but he also personally made sure all the tenants got out.”

After escorting the first resident to safety, Mr. Dunn started pounding on the locked doors of the other units in the building. The dispatcher prompted him to locate a manual pull station in the stairwell to activate the building’s loud siren to ensure that all the tenants of that building were further alerted to the danger. No smoke alarms had been activated at that point because the fire was burning between the ceiling and the roof and on exterior balconies.

The firefighters that first arrived reported heavy smoke and flames. Shortly thereafter, the fire burned through the roof. A total of 34 firefighters from nine fire stations fought the blaze. They had the fire under control after about an hour and prevented it from spreading to the entire building. No injuries were reported.

Halloween Safety - 2018

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but according to our friends at Safe Kids, on average children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any day of the year - now that is scary!

Top Tips

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers. 
• Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child's vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup to get the same effect.
• Have kids carry a glow stick or flashlight to help them see and be seen by drivers.

Requests for Service Report - September 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	September	1/1-9/31 2018	1/1-9/31 2017
Fire	108	1,459	1,350
Emergency Medical	3,168	28,965	28,485
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	638	5,723	5,780
Total	3,914	36,147	35,615

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill October 18, 2018

Are you prepared to act when the next big earthquake hits?

Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold on at 10:18 am on October 18 during Great ShakeOut drills. We are participating, and hope you are too!

Registration is open for CPR Sunday - 2018

CPR Sunday is an annual community event offered free-of-charge to anyone interested in learning the basic life-saving skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). On the second Sunday in October each year, participants are taught the fundamentals of CPR and then given the opportunity to practice with CPR manikins and Automated External Defibrillators (AED). 

CPR Sunday will be held Oct. 14, at Foss High School, 2112 S. Tyler St. in Tacoma.

In order to secure your preferred class time please register.

What Attendees Can Expect

• More than 50 certified Basic Life Support instructors
• 1 1/2 hours of classroom training and 1 hour of hands-on training
• Four class options: 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, or 2 PM
• Practical training with CPR manikins and AED's.

What Attendees Will Learn

• What happens when you call 9-1-1
• Patient assessment
• One rescuer adult/child/infant CPR and obstructed airway
• Automated external defibrillator use
• Foreign body airway obstruction management
• Essentials of a home first aid kit
• CPR-related information/reminder list for home and wallet

Note - this class is "Citizen Level CPR" and does not meet the Washington State Health Care Provider Level card requirements.

Bystander CPR Saves a Life

On September 18, TFD was honored to recognize Ryan Fernandez and Athena Ward for their efforts in performing bystander CPR. The two initiated CPR on a person that had gone into cardiac arrest while working their shift at a local restaurant. Cardiac arrest survivor Cathy Mattson was on hand to thank the bystanders and first responders that were able to successfully revive her.

TFD offers free CPR classes twice a month, and once a year at our upcoming CPR Sunday event October 14, 2018. Please consider attending to learn how to save a life!

Requests for Service Report - August 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	August	1/1-8/31 2018	1/1-8/31 2018
Fire	245	1,351	1,175
Emergency Medical	3,367	25,797	25,390
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	648	5,085	5,177
Total	4,260	32,233	31,742

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

September 11 Remembrance - 2018

We are grateful to all who joined us to remember the lives lost and sacrifices made on September 11, 2001.

Entry Level Firefighter Exam

Over the next two days, applicants for entry-level firefighter positions will be hard at work completing the written exam phase of the application process. Designed to establish an eligibility list, the written exam is one in a series of steps taken to become a Tacoma firefighter. Nearly 2,000 applications were received, and most will attend one of four testing sessions held at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.

This eligibility list will be used to fill TFD's vacant positions for the next few years, including an anticipated recruit class in early 2019. "We are always looking for ambitious, energetic and diverse candidates to strengthen our department," said Deputy Chief Tory Green. 

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can. Make an emergency plan today and practice it! 

View in FEMA Multimedia Library

Save-the-Date: September 11 Remembrance Ceremony

Tacoma Fire Department will honor the heroes and victims of 9/11 at a public remembrance ceremony beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. 

Please join us at the Firefighter’s Memorial, 3301 Ruston Way, as the nation keeps its solemn vow that “we will never forget.” 

Requests for Service Report - July 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	July	1/1-7/31 2018	1/1-7/31 2017
Fire	386	1,106	952
Emergency Medical	3,289	22,430	22,099
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	629	4,437	4,508
Total	4,304	27,973	27,559

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Summer Heat - 2018

City of Tacoma Emergency Management recommends the following actions to minimize the health risks of hot weather throughout the summer.

Adjust your attire and activities to limit heat exposure and exertion!

If you are going out, plan to wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much of your skin as practical. Limit your exposure to direct sunlight between 10AM and 4PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

Drink plenty of water before you become thirsty and rest in the shade before you become tired!

Water is normally the best drink during hot weather, and you'll need more than you think. Avoid soda, alcohol, or caffeine as they can make the heat's effect on your body worse. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, and vomiting.

Consider a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day.

Libraries, (note that Tacoma libraries are closed on Sunday and Monday) theaters, shopping malls and community facilities such as senior centers and parks may offer an air-conditioned refuge.

Many heat emergencies occur with people exercising, working or staying alone. Use a buddy system and check on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors on a regular basis. If you suspect someone is experiencing a medical emergency from extreme heat exposure, call 9-1-1.

Never leave children, pets or dependent adults alone in a hot car.

Even with the windows down, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly rise to lethal levels.

More detailed heat safety information can be found at the TPCHD, National Weather Service and the Center for Disease Control.

Requests For Service Report - June 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	June	1/1-6/30 2018	1/1-6/30 2017
Fire	174	720	629
Emergency Medical	3,161	19,141	18,914
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	634	3,808	3,868
Total	3969	23,669	23,411

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Reminder - personal fireworks use is banned in the City of Tacoma.

Reminder:

• Personal fireworks use is banned in the City of Tacoma. 
• Violators are subject to a $257 fine and the confiscation of their fireworks. 
• Please call (253) 798-4721 to report suspected violations. 
• Tacoma Police Department will respond to fireworks-related calls as units become available. 

TFD encourages you and your family to attend a public fireworks display to enjoy fireworks. 

For additional information, please visit our website. 

Request for service report - May 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	May	1/1-5/31 2018	1/1-5/31 2017
Fire	186	546	490
Emergency Medical	3,397	15,980	15,764
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	656	3,174	3,191
Total	4,239	19,700	19,445

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Deadline for firefighter position with Tacoma Fire Department closes June 29, 2018.

Just a reminder that the deadline to make application for firefighter with Tacoma Fire Department closes June 29, 2018, at 5:00 pm. Apply here! 

Probationary Firefighters Celebrate Milestone

Probationary Firefighters celebrate a milestone today as they achieve the rank of Firefighter with the department.

The culmination of a one-year hiring process, Probationary Firefighters have successfully completed an initial 16-week Recruit Academy and subsequent hands-on and competency-based testing in fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and hazardous materials operations. 

Requests for Service Report - April 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	April	1/1-4/30 2018	1/1-4/30 2017
Fire	96	360	355
Emergency Medical	3,130	12,583	12,375
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	561	2,518	2,538
Total	3,787	15,461	15,268

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Requests for Service Report - March 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	March	2018 (YTD)	2017 (YTD)
Fire	105	264	271
Emergency Medical	3,327	9,452	9,399
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	666	1,957	1,925
Total	4,098	11,673	11,595

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Join us tomorrow for the free T-Town City Services Expo!

Join us at the free T-Town City Services Expo tomorrow, 3/24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome. TFD apparatus will be on display and we are conducting two live-rescue demonstrations of someone trapped in a car crash. Hope to see you there!

Request for Service Report - February 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	February	2018 (YTD)	2017 (YTD)
Fire	80	159	187
Emergency Medical	2,815	6,125	6,260
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	600	1,291	1,315
Total	3,495	7,575	7,762

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

T-Town: Play, Explore, Learn - City Service Expo March 24, 2018

If you’ve been wanting an opportunity to see a City of Tacoma vehicle up close, talk to City representatives about the work that they do, learn more about City operations through a hands-on activity, and find out about the many services the City offers, come to this event.

The 'T-Town: Play, Explore, Learn' City Services Expo is a FREE, fun, interactive community event hosted by the City of Tacoma featuring demonstrations and activities for the entire family.

The event is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the community's knowledge about the services delivered by the various departments at the City of Tacoma, educate the community about how City government works, and offer opportunities for community members to share ideas and feedback about how the City should utilize its resources.

We hope to see you there!

TFD is currently accepting applications for entry-level Firefighters, March 5-June 29, 2018.

Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is currently seeking candidates interested in serving our community as firefighters.

This is your opportunity to join one of the most progressive, innovative and dynamic fire departments in the region.

If you would like to become a member of the TFD team, check out the details and complete the online job application. 

Requests for Service Report - January 2018

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	January	2018 (YTD)	2017 (YTD)
Fire	79	79	111
Emergency Medical	3,310	3,310	3,472
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	691	691	703
Total	4,080	4,080	4,286

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment

Spotlight on TFD's Building Inspection Program

Tacoma Fire Department Makes Opioid Overdose ‘Rescue Kits’ Available to Local Community Free of Charge

Tacoma, Wash. -- The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is pioneering community distribution of free rescue kits containing the life-saving opioid overdose medication, Narcan, packaged as an easy-to-administer, fast-acting nasal spray. The free kits also include information about recovery programs available in the community.

“We want to move beyond simply treating opioid overdoses to treating the underlying addiction,” said Tacoma Fire Chief Jim Duggan. “After reversing a life-threatening overdose, TFD paramedics are well-positioned to provide referral information at a time when an individual might be most receptive to encouragement to enter a recovery program.”

After providing emergency treatment to an opioid patient, TFD paramedics would offer the patient or their companion a free kit.

“Included in that referral information is the phone number for our highly successful TFD CARES program,” said TFD Medical Services Officer Mike Newhouse. “Through TFD CARES, TFD nurses can help opioid patients navigate their way through the local healthcare system and find medical care for their addiction.”    

“We recognize that the distribution or later use of the free kits is not the end solution, but it serves as a mechanism to begin the conversation of access to care, treatment, and recovery,” said TFD Firefighter and Paramedic Kurt Gordon, who is coordinating the pilot program.  

According to the Washington State Department of Health, statewide, approximately two individuals die each day from opioid overdose. Locally, TFD has seen a 50 percent increase since 2013 in the administration of Narcan by paramedics for opioid-related emergency incidents.

This pilot project has been made possible through the Tacoma Fire Department’s partnership with the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute and the Point Defiance Aids Project. Funding comes from a statewide, five-year grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Requests for Service - December 2017

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	December	2017 (YTD)	2016 (YTD)
Fire	88	1,603	1,605
Emergency Medical	3,208	37,998	38,009
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	734	7,909	7,169
Total	4,030	47,510	46,783

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Mission: To Protect People, Property & the Environment