Camp Blaze 2009

Tacoma WA - August 4, 2009

Narrative: With a flurry of activity and shouts of encouragement, campers enthusiastically began their drill rotations this morning at the Tacoma Fire Department Training Center. Camp Blaze, hosted by Tacoma Fire Department and Seattle Fire Department attracts 16-19 year old females from across the United States. This years 24 participants got to try out several firefighter skills today, including climbing a 100 foot aerial ladder, repelling down a building out of a fourth floor window and cutting the roof off of cars with the “jaws of life” hydraulic tool. Campers are building their skills each day of camp, culminating in "live fire" exercises at the end of the week.

Career female firefighters are serving as instructors/mentors for the week long adventure and their overall goal is to teach leadership skills, teamwork and provide campers with exposure to a potential career in the fire service.

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Summary Media Release

For more information call 253.573.2588

Incident Date: 7/30/09
Incident Time 6:32 p.m.
Incident Type: Kitchen Fire
Incident Location: 5052 34th St NE

Incident Date: 7/30/09
Incident Time: 6:38 p.m.
Issuing Office: Joe Meinecke
Incident Type: Apartment Fire
Incident Location: 3931 Mason Loop Rd, Tacoma WA

Incident Date: 7/30/09
Incident Time: 6:39 p.m.

Issuing Officer: Dan Crotty

Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire
Incident Location: 1904 N. Proctor

Narrative: On Thursday July 30, 2009, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) resources were stretched thin as we responded to three reported structure fires in approximately 10 minutes this evening.

The first fire was a reported kitchen fire, with the initial arriving companies extinguishing the minor cooking fire.

The second reported fire was an apartment fire at 3931 Mason Loop Rd. Initial arriving companies found fire showing from the upper corner unit of this 4 unit building and initiated an interior attack and search and rescue.

Approximately 29 firefighters fought the fire and protected adjacent apartment units. There were no injuries to report to occupants or firefighters. Red Cross is providing disaster relocation assistance to two displaced tenants.

Fire Type: Structure Fire
Fire Cause: Undetermined
Damages: Approximately 1850 sq ft to upper units
Dollar Loss: Approximately $230,000

Thirdly, TFD responded to a reported residential house fire. The first arriving unit found a fully involved two story residential structure with the fire threatening additional structures. Approximately 25 firefighters battled the blaze and protected the adjacent house and garage. No injuries were reported.

Fire Type: Residential Structure Fire

Fire Cause: Overheated Barbeque Grill
Damages: Significant damage to house and detached garage
Dollar Loss: Approximately $485,000

2 Alarm Fire - Media Release

For more information please call 253.255.3260.

Incident Date: 7/27/09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Type: Structure Fire
Incident Location: 1602 S. G. St. Tacoma, WA

Narrative: At 1:03 p.m. Monday July 27th, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a structure fire at 1602 S. “G” Street – Hillside Grocery & Apartment, an approximately 3,484 sq ft 2-story wood framed mixed use building. The initial arriving companies found fire showing from the first floor of the structure and initiated an interior fire attack and search and rescue. Shortly after the initial interior fire attack, it was determined that the structural integrity of the building was compromised. A second alarm was dispatched and a defensive strategy was utilized.

Approximately 60 firefighters fought the fire and protected the adjacent exposures. Ladders companies used aerial master streams and ground crews with hose lines fought the hot blaze. There are no injuries to report at this time.

Fire type: Structure Fire
Fire Cause: Undetermined
Damages: significant structure damage
Dollar Loss: unknown at this time

Hot Tips to Stay Cool...

City of Tacoma opens cooling centers

With record-breaking temperatures forecast this week, City of Tacoma libraries and Metro Park facilities are inviting people to drop in to cool off. These air-conditioned facilities and water based playgrounds can be valuable reprieve from the scorching heat.

Citizens are also encouraged to take advantage of cooler air in other public buildings such as movie theaters, malls and other retail stores with air conditioning. Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others and we would like to remind you of the following:

Monitor Those at High Risk

• Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
  
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
  
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
  
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
  
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Do Not Leave Children or Pets in Cars

• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
  
• When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.

Use Common Sense
Remember to keep cool and use common sense:

• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body.

For additional information about extreme heat guidance visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Alling Park Playground Equipment Fire Update - Media Release

For more information please call 253.573.2588

Incident Date: 7-18-09
Issuing Date: 7-22-09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Type: Incendiary Fire
Incident Address: 6001 S. Sheridan Ave. Tacoma, WA

Narrative: At 11:20 p.m. July 18th, 2009 Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported playground structure fire at Alling Park. When the engine company arrived they found a fully involved fire in the playground equipment. The crews quickly pulled an attack line and extinguished the fire.

Based on fire scene evidence, TFD fire investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set.

The results of this cause and origin investigation have been forwarded to Tacoma Police Department for follow-up. Because the case is now under criminal investigation, no further information can be released by TFD at this time.

If you have any information about this incident, please call Crime Stoppers at 253.591.5959.

Fire Type: Incendiary
Damages: Playground equipment
Dollar Loss: $80,000 (estimate)

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