Brush Fire – Media Release

For more information please call 253.573.2588

Incident Date: 7-22-09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Type: Brush Fire
Incident Address: E. 44th St/E “T” ST

Narrative: At 2:51 p.m. July 22nd, 2009 Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported brush fire in the area of E 44th & E “T” street. The initial arriving company found a rapidly growing brush and tree fire and quickly called for a Brush Fire 1-11 (a designation for additional resources) upon initial size-up.

Approximately 30 firefighters from TFD and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue battled the blaze in the heavy brush and timber area east of the Salishan neighborhood. The fire burned approximately 6 to 8 acres at is contained at this time. No structures were exposed to the fire and there are no injuries to report.

Probable Cause: Undetermined at this time.
Damages: Approximately 6-8 acres of grass, brush and trees.
Dollar Loss: Unknown at this time.

Hazardous Materials Spill - Media Release

For more information please call 253-573-2588.

Incident Date: 7-17-09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Type: Hazardous Material
Incident Address: 2807 Valley Ave, Fife WA

Narrative: At 2:46 p.m. July 17th, 2009 Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a Hazardous materials spill at 2807 70th Ave E. A 540 gallon tote container of Isobutyl Acetate spilled releasing this commonly used solvent.

The first in arriving engine was on scene within 7 minutes. TFD’s Hazardous-Materials crew’s diked the liquid from reaching storm drains, plugged the leaking container and used vapor suppressing foam to minimize the effects of any fumes coming from the product. The product was contained to the area of the spill – with negligible environmental impact.

One business was evacuated during the incident and there were no injuries to report.

Firefighter Response: 25

TFD MEDIA RELEASE: Rope Rescue

For More Information Call 253.573.2588

Date of Incident: July 16, 2009
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Type of Incident: Rope Rescue
Incident Address: Marine View Drive at Heron Ridge

Narrative: At 11:57 a.m. Thursday July 16, 2009 Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a rope rescue off of Marine View Drive in the Heron Ridge area. TFD’s Technical Rescue Team performed a medium angle rescue utilizing the Stokes stretcher to rescue the patient.

The patient was transported to a local hospital.

Firefighter Response: 22

Just a Reminder...

All Fireworks are illegal in the City of Tacoma. Violators of the fireworks law are subject to a $257 fine and the confiscation of their fireworks.

Please call (253) 798-4722 to report violations (only use 911 to report emergencies). The Tacoma Police Department will respond to fireworks related call as units become available.

We recommend you attend the Freedom Fair for a fantastic fireworks show!

Finally, for all of you pet owners, prepare now for potential problems with you pets and the 4th. The Tacoma Pierce County Human Society recommends the following.

• Leave your pet home! Don’t plan on leaving him or her in the car. Home is safest!
• If you go out, keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Make sure there is nothing around that you pet could chew or that could hurt your pet. If possible, leave a television or radio playing.
• If you know that your pet is frightened of fireworks, ask your veterinarian about sedatives for your pet.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification so that if they do become lost, they can be returned to you!

Training Burn

On Monday June 29th, numerous residents of Fircrest stopped by to witness the training burn at 542 Electron Ave.

Crews spent several hours practicing sizing up the scene, how to make entry in to a burning structure, search and rescue, ladder techniques and firefighter accountability and safety procedures.

The building is being removed to make way for additional parking for the "Tot Lot and Tennis Court facilities," and it provided firefighters with a valuable opportunity for on the job training.

Thanks to all who stopped by and offered your support.

Hundreds Celebrate Station #11 Centennial

Visitors young and old dropped in for for the fun and festivities at the Station #11's Centennial Celebration on June 27th.

Many thanks to all of our neighbors in the McKinley Hill area for making the event such a great success and a special thanks to all of the retired Firefighters who added a special touch with their many stories from days gone by.

TFD Historian Ralph Decker provided an excellent pictorial tour of the station's history and Fire Chief Ron Stephens summed up the spirit of day best - "we look forward to serving this neighborhood for the next 100 years."

You Are Invited...

TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION # 11 TURNS 100 YEARS OLD.

Join us for a Centennial Celebration of Tacoma Fire Department’s Station # 11 at 3802 McKinley Ave on June 27th, 2009 from 10:00 until 2:00pm.

From the days of a horse-drawn steam pumper to a modern day Darley Squirt with 1,500 gallons per-minute capabilities, this Historic Landmark has been serving the East Tacoma Community since April 17th, 1909.

Guests at the Open House can take a tour of the Station, view a ’47 Mack Fire Engine, meet Tacoma Fire Department historian Ralph Decker, enjoy refreshments and children can spin the wheel of fire safety to win prizes.

For more information about the Station #11 Open House contact Joe Meinecke at (253) 591.5740.