Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Commercial Structure Fire East 11th Street

Incident Date: 03/28/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4110 East 11th Street
Incident Type: Commercial Fire/Haz-mat Incident

Narrative:  At 9:45 a.m. twelve companies of Tacoma Firefighters (seven engines, two ladders, two medic companies, one hazardous materials unit and command staff) responded to a reported commercial structure fire.

The first arriving companies found heavy smoke and flames showing from the one story 5,119 square foot former "pallet recycling" storage warehouse and office building.  Crews mounted an aggressive interior attack on the fire, but had to retreat to a defensive position, as the buildings roof quickly deteriorated and began to collapse from the fire conditions. Complicating the incident was the discovery of potentially hazardous materials identified on the premises that required special precautions to be taken while fighting the fire.

In a well coordinated effort, fire crews and environmental agencies also worked diligently to contain contaminated waste water from spreading into the Hylebos waterway.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and it resulted in an estimated $190,000 dollars damage to the building and its contents.  There were no injuries to report.




 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Monthly Requests For Service Report - February 2012

National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24

Nationally, unintentional drug overdose, exposure to harmful chemicals, and other types of accidental poisoning claim thousands of lives every year. On the 50th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week, Tacoma Fire Department encourages everyone to help protect their loved ones by identifying poisoning hazards at home; using, storing, and disposing of medication safely and effectively; and learning more about how to prevent and respond to poison emergencies.


Though there has been a dramatic reduction in the incidence of poisoning among children, accidental exposure to drugs and medicines, typical household chemicals, and other dangerous substances continues to threaten the health of our community’s youth - particularly those under the age of six. Parents and caregivers can help prevent poisoning by storing chemicals and medication in locked or childproof cabinets beyond their children's reach, and by safely disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs.

To find information, statistics and additional safety tips, visit the Washington State Poison Control Center or the CDC.gov.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Tacoma Fire Chief Ron Stephens announces retirement

Tacoma Fire Department Chief Ronald W. Stephens has announced his retirement effective March 29, 2012. Chief Stephens was appointed Fire Chief in 2006, and has served 35 years with the department.
Chief Stephens

Under Chief Stephen’s command, the Tacoma Fire Department achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. He oversaw a significant effort to increase the diversity of the organization and developed a strong culture of public service within the department.

“I feel honored to have had the privilege to serve as Fire Chief and work for the City of Tacoma,” said Chief Stephens. “I have enjoyed being part of the Tacoma Fire family these many years. I leave with the confidence that the department rests in good hands and will continue to provide excellent service to our community”

“In my short time working with Ron, I have appreciated his leadership,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “I have full confidence in Tacoma Fire to carry on this transition, and wish Ron the best in his future endeavors.”

City Manager T.C. Broadnax has appointed Assistant Chief James Duggan to serve as Interim–Fire Chief until a permanent replacement is named following a nationwide search.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The unthinkable happens, a major quake devastates the greater Tacoma area, first responders are unable to get to your neighborhood to help - would you know what to do?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates participants about the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, utility safety, team organization, and disaster medical operations. 

The Tacoma Fire Department invites citizens who live or work within the city limits of Tacoma to become a certified member of our team through completion of the CERT program.  The spring 2012 CERT training begins March 6 and the cost is unbeatable - its free!  For more details about the course schedule and meeting dates register here and we look forward to seeing you there!