Safe disposal of your Christmas Tree

TFD encourages you to remove and recycle your natural Christmas tree as soon as possible.  Never burn the tree, decorations or wrapping paper in your fireplace or woodstove. 

Facts and Figures

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

• Between 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 4 deaths, 21 injuries, and $17.3 million in direct property damage annually.

• Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 66 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.

For those living in the City of Tacoma...

Landfill drop-off: Residents, apartment tenants and businesses in Tacoma may dispose of undecorated and unflocked trees free by bringing them to the recycling center at the City of Tacoma Landfill (3510 S. Mullen St). Trees may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 21. The landfill will be closed Jan. 1. Apartment managers or landlords who collect tenants’ trees may drop them off all at once for free, but are encouraged to call (253) 591-5543 in advance. Tree lot operators and nonprofit groups must pay for disposal.

Curbside collection: Solid Waste Management will collect only trees that have been cut and placed inside the brown yard waste container with the lid closed flat. Trees left next to containers will not be collected. Tacoma residents may recycle Christmas trees free at the Tacoma Landfill’s Recycling Center (3510 S. Mullen St.), Dec. 26 through Jan. 21. Decorated or flocked trees cannot be recycled and must go in the garbage. Customers with questions about Christmas tree recycling may call (253) 591-5543.

TFD food drive supports YWCA Women's Shelter - 2012

An annual event since 2003, Tacoma Fire Department takes great pride in supporting our local YWCA Women's Shelter. Firefighters and YWCA staff created a human supply chain to unload and stock over 3,500 pounds of non-perishable staples, toiletries and infant care items that TFD employees donated to help support program participants in the coming months.

"In some ways, both of our teams work as first responders. We see tragedy, crisis and sometimes the worst of human nature. But partnering together to make people's lives better is truly what this season is about; it is a reflection of the best of human nature," said Karin White-Tautfest, Director of Shelter and Advocacy Services.

Established in 1906, the YWCA Pierce County has devoted over a century to creating opportunity and safety for women and children in our community. A forerunner in the domestic violence service provision field, the YWCA established Washington State's first domestic violence shelter in 1976.

Two injured in semi versus auto collision on 12th Street in Fife

Incident Date: 12/12/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 5310 12th Street East
Incident Type:  Motor Vehicle Crash

Narrative:  At 10:30 a.m. Tacoma Firefighters responded to a reported auto versus semi-truck accident. 

Companies arrived to find a van had been struck by a semi-truck and pushed into the side of on office building.  Complicating patient extrication was the threat of an electrical hazard from a power pole that was sheared off in the collision and lying on top of the semi-truck. 

Crews worked quickly to stabilize the scene, remove the patients from the van and transport the two occupants to area hospitals. While the building was occupied at the time of the crash, fortunately, no one was in that particular office at the time of the accident.

TFD and Fife Police Department Incident Commanders are currently coordinating the removal of the vehicle from the building, conducting a structural assessment of the severity of damage to the building, and keeping the scene clear and safe as public utilities works on restoring the power to the area.

   

Requests for Service - November 2012

November 2012
Dispatch totals for TFD & CPFR response area

9-1-1 Dispatch Totals	November	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
FCC Total Calls Received	7,000	80,601	78,110
FCC Total Fire Companies Dispatched	9,014	105,237	104,922

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	November	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
Fire Incidents	66	1,429	1,368
Emergency Medical Incidents	2,559	29,268	27,830
All Other Incidents	430	5,754	5,953
Total Incidents by Type	3,055	36,451	35,153

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Oily Rags Spark Apartment Fire on Division Ave

Incident Date: 12/7/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1617 Division Ave
Incident Type: Residential Structure

Narrative: At 1:56 a.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four engines, one ladder, one medic company, a safety officer and command staff) responded to a reported apartment fire.

Arriving companies found a first floor apartment fully charged with smoke and fire. Crews worked swiftly to attack the fire that had burned through the floor into the basement of the building, ventilate the smoke from the area, and alert and evacuate occupants in neighboring units. The fire was contained to the apartment of origin and there were no injuries to report.

The vacant apartment was under remodel and the cause of the fire was determined to be spontaneous combustion of oily rags left in a metal can. The fire resulted in an estimated $75,000 dollars damage to the building and its contents.

Rescued Barn Owl released to wild

Tacoma Firefighters were on hand yesterday to watch the release of a recently rescued Barn Owl.  The adult male owl has been recuperating at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, (Arlington, Washington) for injuries sustained while ensnared in old fishing line left dangling from a tree on the banks of the Puyallup River.   After four weeks of convalescence, the fully recovered owl was released near the river at dusk last night. 

"Tried & True" recipe for a safe Thanksgiving!

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year!

Tacoma Fire Department encourages everyone to follow this "tried and true" recipe for a safe holiday.

When it comes to cooking:

• Keep a close watch on your cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep oven food packaging and combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
• Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
• Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarms.

Spotlight on Flood Preparedness

Flooding is the most common and widespread of all natural disasters and with the moderate to heavy rain expected across our region the next few days, now is the time to prepare for water related hazards.

 What to do before a flood

• Know your flood risk and know your evacuations routes

• Clean out leaves around your gutters and storm drains
• Assemble a disaster supply kit

What to do during a flood

• Do not try to walk or drive through flooded areas
• Water can be deeper than it appears and fast moving water just six inches deep can sweep you off your feet
• Cars can be swept away in just two feet of water
• Report downed power lines to Tacoma Public Utilities @ 253-502-8602 (call 9-1-1 if it is a life threatening situation) and do not try to move them 

Stay informed - visit the National Weather Service to monitor weather conditions, Ready.gov for disaster preparedness information and check out the Regional Public Information Network to subscribe to news alerts from more than 75 government, transportation, utility, health and emergency response agencies that serve the citizens in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

  

Requests for Service - October 2012

October 2012
Dispatch totals for TFD & CPFR response area

9-1-1 Dispatch Totals	October	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
FCC Total Calls Received	7,212	73,601	71,438
FCC Total Fire Companies Dispatched	9,564	96,233	95,875

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	October	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
Fire Incidents	135	1,363	1,296
Emergency Medical Incidents	2,704	26,709	25,375
All Other Incidents	430	5,323	5,437
Total Incidents by Type	3,269	33,395	32,108

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Fire Department credits automatic sprinkler system for dousing apartment fire before it could spread

Incident Date: 11/9/2012

Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke

Incident Location: 320 E. 32nd Street

Incident Type: Residential Apartment Fire 

A fire that started in a ground floor unit of a five-story apartment building this morning was quickly extinguished by an automatic sprinkler system before any damage from smoke or fire could occur. Fire Department personnel said the fire was confined to its point of origin.  Crews from several fire stations worked together to prevent further water damage to the apartment, which was estimated at $3,000. 

Have you checked your smoke alarm batteries recently?

Tacoma Fire Department urges you to check your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks back to Standard Time 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.

For best protection, it is recommended that you 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.

Oath of Office Ceremony

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Tacoma Fire Chief James P. Duggan was sworn in at an Oath of Office Ceremony this afternoon.  A Tacoma native, Chief Duggan began his career over 29 years ago as a firefighter with the Tacoma Fire Department.  He served as Assistant Chief of the department's Emergency Medical Services Division for six years before being appointed to the role of Interim Chief by City Manager T.C. Broadnax.  Chief Duggan assumed command of his current role as the Tacoma Fire Department's 21st Fire Chief when appointed September 27, 2012. Congratulations Chief Duggan!

House fire on S. Warner determined to be intentionally set

Incident Date: 10/27/12
Issuing Officer: DC Faith Mueller & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 6617 S. Warner Street
Incident Type: House Fire

Narrative:  At 11:37 p.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four engines, one ladder, one medic company and command staff) were dispatched to a reported house fire.

Crews arrived to find fire and smoke showing from the 1 story approximately 600 square foot house.  Firefighters conducted an interior attack with 1 3/4 hose lines, ventilated the roof and completed search and rescue.  There were no occupants home at the time of the fire and no injuries to report.

Fire investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set and have referred the incident to Tacoma Police for follow-up.  The fire resulted in an estimated $103,500 dollars damage to the building and its contents. 

    

Swearing In Ceremony for Chief James P. Duggan

The Tacoma Fire Department would like to invite you to attend the swearing in of Chief James P. Duggan as the City of Tacoma’s 21^st Fire Chief.  The ceremony will take place at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Fifth Floor, on Friday, November 2, 2012.  The swearing in will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. 



Chief James P. Duggan



Ensnared Owl Rescued by Firefighters

Tacoma Firefighters rescued an owl this week that had been ensnared by an old fishing line hanging from a tree alongside the Puyallup river.  When the crew of Engine 12 arrived, the distressed bird had been dangling helplessly above the water for several hours.  A concerned citizen had contacted the Tacoma Fire Department as a last resort after being unable to find assistance elsewhere.

After freeing the owl by using a long pike pole, Firefighter Mark Snyder guided the bird to shore while Lt. Andy Leitner contacted Bird Rescue for instructions on handling.  The owl was later examined and treated by a veterinarian.  According to Lt. Leitner, the owl suffered no broken bones, but was provided fluids for dehydration.  The healthy adult owl is expected to fully recover from the ordeal.

Fire Heavily Damages House On N. 24th Street

Incident Date: 10/19/12
Issuing Officer: DC Faith Mueller & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 3714 N. 24th Street
Incident Type: House Fire

Narrative: At 3:02 a.m. Tacoma Firefighters responded to a reported residential structure fire.

The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from first and second floors of the 1 ½ story 1,862 square foot single family residence. Firefighters made an initial interior attack, however, had to transition to a defensive strategy as the roof of the structure threatened to collapse. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on protecting adjacent houses exposed to the fire, and dousing the blaze from the exterior with hand lines and above from a Ladder Company.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report.

Get Ready to ShakeOut!

Since earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel, Tacoma Fire Department stresses the importance of being prepared and practicing how to protect yourself during a quake.

At 10:18 a.m. on October 18, 2012, millions across the country will practice the survival skill of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

The goal of the drill is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization, and your community. Why is this drill important? As with anything, to act quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

Everyone can participate!

Great turnout for CPR Sunday Training Event!

A fantastic turnout highlighted the 15th annual CPR Sunday training event. Spread out over 4 sessions, hundreds of participants learned how to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator. According to TFD firefighter and event organizer Craig Hannah "Early intervention in a sudden cardiac situation is key, and today’s participants are now prepared to potentially save a life someday."

Missed today’s event, but still interested in learning CPR? Classes are also held twice a month - visit our CPR page or call 253.594.7979 for a schedule of upcoming sessions.

Fireboat Destiny rescues one off McNeil Island

Incident Date:  10/13/12
Issuing Officer:  BC Dyre Fudge
Incident Location:  NW tip of McNeil Island
Incident Type: Water Rescue

Narrative:  At 6:42 p.m. Tacoma firefighters responded to a mutual aid request for assistance with a water rescue off McNeil Island in South Puget Sound.

Initial reports were that two people aboard a 14 foot skiff capsized and were stranded in the cold waters off the northwest tip of McNeil Island. Fireboat Destiny arrived in the area and coordinated a parallel search with the Anderson Island fireboat that had just arrived on scene.  After searching for about 10 minutes, the crew from the Destiny located one adult clinging to the skiff, pulled them to safety and helped transfer the patient to local responders.  The second adult from the skiff was able to swim to shore and was found safe on the beach.

Requests for Service September 2012

September 2012
Dispatch totals for TFD & CPFR response area

9-1-1 Dispatch Totals	September	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
FCC Total Calls Received	7,542	66,389	64,624
FCC Total Fire Companies Dispatched	9,909	86,659	86,751

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	September	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
Fire Incidents	212	1,228	1,209
Emergency Medical Incidents	2,602	24,005	22,897
All Other Incidents	403	4,894	4,856
Total Incidents by Type	3,217	30,127	28,962

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Join us at fire station open houses during Fire Prevention Week 2012.

Residents can celebrate Fire Prevention Week by visiting six neighborhood fire stations from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, October 13. This year’s theme, “have two ways out,” encourages everyone to team up and spread the message that fire safety saves lives!

Equipment will be on display and firefighters will answer questions about escape planning, fire safety and disaster preparedness.

The following six stations will host open houses:

Station 3 -   206 Browns Point Blvd, NE Tacoma
Station 4 -   1453 S. 12th (Earnest S Brazil St), Hilltop
Station 11 - 3802 McKinley Ave., McKinley Hill
Station 13 - 3825 N. 25th, Proctor
Station 16 - 7217 6th Ave., Skyline/West End District
Station 17 - 302 Regents Blvd., Fircrest

For more information on the activities hosted at each station, call the Tacoma Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at 591-5740. We look forward to seeing you there!

Technical Rescue Training – Spotlight on Trench Rescue

Firefighters on TFD’s Technical Rescue team were hard at work last week practicing the operational aspects of trench rescue. Typical trench rescue scenarios involve scene stabilization, shoring up the sides of a trench and digging a trapped person out of a collapsed ditch.

Firefighters drilled on how to use waler systems to protect an open space inside a trench.  They also practiced lifting a heavy object at the bottom of a trench, and working around a piece of equipment such as a backhoe, or excavator that may have failed and is still in the trench.

“Trench rescue is one of the most dangerous operations we respond to," said Training Captain Lee Law. “Hands-on training is a great tool to help our personnel be well equipped to save someone trapped, while ensuring firefighter safety during these high risk operations.”

TFD's Technical Rescue team is trained to conduct rope, trench, confined space, structural collapse and vehicle/machinery rescues.

City Manager appoints interim Fire Chief James P. Duggan to permanent position

Chief James P. Duggan

City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced the appointment of James P. Duggan to the permanent position of Tacoma Fire Chief. Duggan has been serving on an interim basis for the past six months. Duggan will assume command of his new role effective immediately.

“Fire services remain a top priority in City core services. I am confident Chief Duggan’s experience and leadership will help the Fire Department continue to provide the highest level of fire and emergency services to the citizens of Tacoma,” said Broadnax.

As the chief administrator of the Fire Department, Duggan will plan, direct, manage and oversee daily operations and all aspects of emergency services including implementing strategic plans and procedures, establishing efficient service delivery methods and response time mechanisms, and tracking the department’s budget.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the community as Fire Chief. I look forward to leading this great department through these challenging times,” said Duggan.

During his tenure as interim, Duggan worked to launch department-wide initiatives focused on identifying and implementing fire service industry best practices; restructured the roles and responsibilities of the operations bureaus; and adopted the “FD Cares Program” as an alternative resource for 9-1-1 callers. Prior to his interim position, Duggan served as assistant fire chief for six years managing the Emergency Medical Services Division.

Over his 29-year career with the Tacoma Fire Department, Duggan was the first medical services officer and has also served as paramedic supervisor, fireboat pilot and firefighter.

A native of Tacoma, Chief Duggan holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Washington, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puget Sound, and attended graduate school at M.I.T. Duggan is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Washington State Fire Chiefs.

Chief Duggan is the 21st Fire Chief in the departments 123 year history.

NEWS RELEASE from the City of Tacoma, Washington

Firefighters rescue a person stranded on the cliffside in Pt. Defiance Park

Incident Date: 8/25/12
Issuing Officer: BC Gary Steinhoff & BC Jim Scott
Incident Location: Point Defiance Park
Incident Type: Rope Rescue

Narrative:  At 7:33 p.m. Tacoma firefighters responded for a reported person trapped on the hillside in Point Defiance Park near the Gig Harbor lookout area. 

Crews arrived to find one person stuck a short distance down the embankment.  As the tide came in the person climbed the steep bank in the dark, but got stuck near the top of the hill where the incline becomes vertical and impassible.  Crews set up a high-angle rope rescue system, sent a firefighter over the edge to harness the person and pull them to safety. 

The person was evaluated and released at the scene with no injuries to report. 

    

Crews extinguish house fire on N. Stevens Street

Incident Date: 9/25/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1601 N. Stevens
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative:  At 10:42 a.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 smoke showing from the back and side of 1,256 one-story house with a basement.  Crews made a rapid interior attack with handlines, ventilated the structure of smoke and completed search and rescue.  No occupants were home at the time of the fire and there are no injuries to report.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.  

UPDATE:  Fire investigators have determined that the cause of the fire was a pet's heat lamp in contact with combustibles, resulting in an estimated $150,000 damage to the building and its contents. 

Fire Engulfs Detached Garage on East 65th Street

Incident Date:  9/23/12
Issuing Officer: BC Jim Scott & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1213 E. 65th Street
Incident Type: Garage Fire

Narrative:  At 7:27 p.m. eight companies of Tacoma Firefighters (five engines, one ladder, one medic company and command staff) responded to a reported structure fire.

The first arriving engine company found a fully involved fire in an approximately 480 square foot detached garage.  In a well coordinated effort, crews attacked the fire that involved the garage and two vehicles with handlines, protected exposure buildings, and safety officers monitored overhead power lines that were impinged upon by the intense flames. 

Crews evaluated one patient at the scene (no transport) and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

UPDATE:  The cause of the fire was smoking materials, resulting in an estimated $33,000 damage to the building and its contents.

Technical Rescue in Point Defiance Park

Incident Date: 09/18/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: Point Defiance Park
Incident Type: Technical Rescue

Narrative: At 2:50 p.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 2 Medic Companies, Technical Rescue and Command Staff) responded to a report of a person fallen off a cliff on the Narrows Bridge side of Point Defiance Park.

The first arriving company found one person who had fallen approximately 75 feet down the steep cliff. TFD’s technical rescue team was assembled to conduct a high-angle rope rescue to safely remove the patient from the hillside. Three firefighters repelled down, evaluated and stabilized the patient and secured the person to a backboard and stokes stretcher. An intricate rope and pulley system was deployed above the cliff to pull the patient and firefighters to safety.

The patient was transported to a local area hospital and there were no other injuries to report.