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.

Remain diligent with fire safety as the dry weather persists!

While this year’s dry and warm summer has been record breaking, it has also created unprecedented levels of outdoor fire danger. Currently, there are numerous wildfires burning throughout the state of Washington.  A fairly common occurrence in the eastern half of our state, this year’s dry weather has also made “outdoor fires” a reality for the heavily populated Puget Sound Region.  Between August 1 and September 16, 2012 TFD has responded to 197 grass/brush/tree and other outside type fires in our response area.  TFD encourages everyone to remain diligent with fire safety and prevention efforts as the dry weather persists:

• If you smoke, always use ashtrays.
• Do not use weed burners or other open flame devices.
• Make sure you have a spark arrestor on tools (chain saw, stump grinder) or recreational vehicles (dirt bike, quad).
• Stay on the pavement - vehicle tail pipes get so hot the can easily start dry grass on fire.
• Remove all dead or overgrown vegetation surrounding your house.
• Have a family communication and escape plan with primary and secondary escape routes.  

For detailed information regarding outdoor fires, wildfires and how to create "defensible space" around your house, visit FEMA or Ready.gov.