TFD Media Release - House Fire

ISSUING OFFICER: Joe Meinecke
DATE OF INCIDENT 6/12/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: STRUCTURE FIRE
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1417 E. Harrison St.

NARRATIVE: At 09:08am, Friday June 12th the Tacoma Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire.

The first fire company arrived on scene within 4 minutes, immediately established a water supply and attacked the fire. Search and rescue revealed no occupants trapped in the house and the fire was extinguished within 10 minutes. The cause of the fire appears to be over heated electronic equipment.

The Red Cross is assisting the 3 occupants that were displaced by the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Overheated electronic equipment.
DAMAGE EXTENT: 2nd Story Bedrooms
DOLLAR LOSS: Estimated at $40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20

Many Thanks...

The ring of a bell and the deafening roar of the crowd signaled the beginning of a fantastic night of hard hitting action at the Guns and Hoses Charity Boxing event last night. Many thanks to all of you who attended and supported the event and a special thanks to the men and women of the Fire Service and Law Enforcement that gave their "all" in the ring - you put on quite a show! Congratulations to Danika Madison, Kate Ingram, Faith Mueller and Ryan Mudie for their outstanding victories and to Justin Wake who received an award for participating in the "best bout" of the evening and to Bob Enriquez for the "biggest heart" of the night award.

Assistant Chief Faith Mueller

Guns & Hoses - Charity Boxing Event

Join us Thursday evening for a smashing charity event. Tacoma Firefighters and Police officers will square off to display their skills and raise money for several local charities. Several 3 round matches of hard hitting action are scheduled.

All boxing matches will be fought following USABoxing Amateur rules and the Fights will be:

(3) 2 minute rounds – under 35 yrs old
(3) 1 ½ minute rounds – 35-49 yrs old
(3) 1 minute rounds 0 50+ yrs old.

Date: Jun 11, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Emerald Queen Casino

Tickets are available the ECQ or Ticketmaster.

Brush Fire Alert...

While the early blast of summer heat has south sounders basking in the sun, unfortunately, in the past week TFD has also responded to over 20 “grass and brush” fires throughout the city.

With the recent unseasonably warm weather has come dry vegetation that can fuel fires that burn and spread quickly. It is important to take into consideration some landscaping and home maintenance tips to ensure safe surroundings this summer.

• Remove weeds and keep grass cut.
• Any dead and piled up vegetation should be disposed of properly.
• If you have any firewood left over from the winter, stack it away from structures.
• Try not to place plants too close to structures and under overhangs or eaves.
• Provide adequate water to keep plants healthy and green.
• Trash and debris should be disposed of properly.
• Store flammable liquids properly.
• Always dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays.
• Safely dispose of barbecue ashes.
• Observe burn bans.

Charity basketball game Friday, May 29th

The fifth annual Hilltop Challenge Basketball game between the Tacoma Police Department and Tacoma Fire Department takes place on Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse - 3326 North 11th Street.

Each year, players from both teams battle it out for basketball bragging rights and a good cause - raising funds for the Hilltop Action Coalition and neighborhood block groups. Tickets are available at the door.

TFD Media Release - Apartment Fire

ISSUING OFFICER: Joe Meinecke
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: FIRE
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 601 N Grant St. Tacoma WA

NARRATIVE: At 10:16am, Wednesday May 20th, the Tacoma Fire Department was dispatched to the report of an apartment fire with explosion and 3 potentially trapped occupants.

The closest fire company arrived on the scene within one minute and immediately established a water supply and stretched hose lines to attack the rapidly progressing fire which had already extended into the adjoining unit.

Fire crews quickly initiated search and rescue procedures and fortunately everyone was able to evacuate safely. There were no injuries reported to the building occupants or responding fire crews.

The fire was extinguished in approximately 30 minutes and the cause of the fire appears to be unattended smoking materials in a couch.

The Red Cross is assisting the 11 occupants displaced by the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended smoking material in a couch.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to 4 units.
INJURIES: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: Estimated at $250,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29

Spotlight on Cooking Fire Safety

In the past two weeks, TFD has responded to 4 kitchen fires caused by unattended cooking with grease. Cooking fires in general are the leading cause of home structure fires and associated injuries. Follow these simple guidelines to help prevent these fires.

• Stay in the Kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you're that your cooking.
• Keep things that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, paper of plastic bags, - away from your stove top.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• If you have a fire, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the heat.