July 2009 Fires

During the month of July, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to 317 fires causing an estimated $1.3 million dollars of property damage. (TFD's response area includes City of Tacoma, City of Fife, Fire District #10 and City of Fircrest). Of those fires, 235 were hot weather-related outdoor fires involving materials like dry grass, bark, trees and shrubs. This represents a significant increase in the number of fire incidents as compared to recent years (see chart) and record breaking dry and hot weather undoubtedly contributed to the problem. Residents can help us reduce the chance of outdoor fires the remainder of the summer by following a few simple steps:

• Remove weeds and keep grass cut.
• 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. If you have concerns about excessive debris on someone else’s property check with Tacoma Cares.
• Store flammable liquids properly.
• Always dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays.
• Safely dispose of barbecue ashes.
• Observe burn bans.

Early Morning Blaze - Media Release

For more information please call 253.255.3260

Incident Date: 8/5/09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke

Incident Type: Residential Fire
Incident Location: 2508 S. 76th St.

Narrative: At 2:42 a.m. Wednesday August 5th, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported residential fire at 2508 S. 76th St. The first arriving engine company found a fully involved detached garage fire with extension to a second seperate garage a crossed an alley. Crews controlled the exposure fire and protected the nearby houses initially and then concentrated their efforts on the main garage fire. The storage of numerous automotive parts and flammable liquids contributed to both the intensity and the degree of difficulty in extinguishing the main garage fire.

Approximately 27 firefighters battled the blazes. The fire damaged two garages and several collectible automobiles. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is suspicious in nature and Tacoma Police Department has been called in for further investigation.

Probable Cause: undetermined
Fire Disposition: Suspicious
Damages: Two garages and collectible automobiles
Dollar Loss: unknown at this time

National Night Out 2009

August 4th 2009.

Tacoma Fire Department was honored to be a part of numerous Neighborhood celebrations throughout the city of Tacoma last night. The 26th Annual event was designed to promote neighborhood spirit and heighten awareness to crime prevention efforts. Last year, over 37 million people participated in the event nationally. This year TFD was invited to 101 neighborhood events throughout the city during Tuesday night’s festivities. Thank you for all who helped makes it a great evening.

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.

###

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).