Fall Back On Sound Advice: Time to change your clock and smoke alarm batteries!

As daylight savings time approaches, please remember to check/change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks back this Sunday, November 6.

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 batteries.  If your smoke alarm was installed before November 2001, it needs to be replaced.

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

One Arrested In Overnight Halfway House Fire - South Sheridan Street

Incident Date:  11/2/2011
Issuing Officers: Joe Meinecke & B.C. Jeff Chandler
Incident Location: 1947 S. Sheridan Street
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 2:11 a.m. Tacoma Firefighters responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1947 S. Sheridan Street.  The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from the first floor of the the two story 1,700 square foot house.  Crews attacked the fire with hand lines and used a ground ladder to rescue one occupant trapped on the second floor.  All 6 of the homes occupants escaped without injury and were aided by the Red Cross with relocation assistance. 

Tacoma Police Department arrested one of the occupants on scene suspected of starting the blaze, and the fire caused an estimated $75,000 dollars damage to the building and it's contents.

North East Tacoma House Fire 52nd Street NE

Incident Date: 10/31/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4014 52nd Street NE
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire with one injury

Narrative: At 12:14 p.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four engines, one ladder, one medic company and command staff) responded to a reported house fire.

The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from the attached garage area of the over 3,000 square foot residence.  Crews attacked the fire with hand lines, conducted primary search and rescue and paramedics transported one occupant to an area hospital as a result of their injuries.  Firefighters were also able to locate and rescue the family dog trapped in the house.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.