Saturday, January 22, 2011

A Pair of Early Morning House Fire

Incident Date: 1/22/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4820 "A" Street
Incident Type: Residential House Fire

Narrative: At 4:06 a.m. 7 companies of Tacoma Firefighters were dispatched to a reported residential house fire.

First arriving companies found the the two-story 1,292 square foot house fully charged with smoke.  Crews attacked the fire that had started in the first floor and garage area. They also ventilated the house and conducted primary search and rescue.

There were no occupants home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries to report. 

The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and is currently under investigation.
 

Incident Date 1/22/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 7241 S. Warner Street
Incident Type: Residential House Fire

Narrative: At 4:19 a.m. 7 companies of Tacoma and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Firefighters responded to a reported residential house fire.

The first arriving companies found heavy smoke and flames showing from the eve's of the 864 square foot single story house.  Crews attacked the attic fire with hand lines, ventilated the roof and conducted primary search and rescue.

The fire displaced 4 occupants from their house and all escaped without harm.  The fire was was sparked by an electrical problem, resulting in an estimated $13,000 dollars damage.

These two fire incidents are considered unrelated.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Changes to Washington States "Emergency Zones" Law

Changes to Washington States "Move Over" law went into effect on January 1, 2011.  The emergency zone law was expanded to apply to Department of Transportation (DOT) crews and tow trucks, as well all emergency response vehicles.  

Last week DOT Cameras and KOMO News captured the following video that clearly illustrates the dangers for first responders on freeway calls.  Thankfully, none of our firefighters, or the driver was injured in this crash.  But this close call is a clear reminder that when you see us out there - "move over & slow down".  We appreciate it!

Be sure and check out this informative Public Service Announcement from the Washington State Patrol regarding changes to the Emergency Zone Law.