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Tacoma Fire Department’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) and Firefighters Local 31 will host its Annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. (prelude begins at 8:45) at the Tacoma Firefighters Memorial located at 3301 Ruston Way, Tacoma WA.

This event will be part of a nationwide salute to firefighters, police, EMS workers and civilians who lost their lives that day. The ceremony will include comments from the Mayor of the City of Tacoma Bill Baarsma, TFD Deputy Chief Jolene Davis and TFD retired Battalion Chief Dave Jackson, as well as performances by the Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums.

Join us as the Nations keep its' solemn vow "We have not forgotten".

Firefighters Rescue Occupant from Burning Apartment

Incident Date: 8/28/09
Issuing Officer: Assistant Chief Dan Crotty
Incident Type: Apartment Fire
Incident Location: 518 S 7th St., Tacoma – WA
Probable Cause: Smoking material
Damages: Confined to one apartment
Dollar Loss: Estimated at $10,000
Injuries: One

Narrative: At 8:29 p.m. Friday August 28th, the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported apartment fire at 518 S. 7th St. The first arriving company reported they could see smoke coming from a second story window in a six story apartment building.

Firefighters extended a hose line to the second floor to attack the fire while other crews began searching for possible trapped occupants. One person was rescued from the apartment where the fire started. Firefighter/Paramedics provided initial treatment at the scene and transported the occupant to a local area hospital.

Approximately 29 firefighters responded to the call. Damage from the fire was confined to one apartment. A preliminary investigation listed the probable cause as a smoldering cigarette left in a couch.

Puget Gulch Rescue - Media Release

For More Information Call 253.255.4857

Issuing Date: August 25, 2009

Issuing Officer: Toryono Green

Incident Type: Rescue

Incident Location: 3101 N Proctor St

Narrative: At 08:31 a.m. Tuesday August 25, 2009 Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a potential rope rescue in Puget Gulch near the Proctor District. TFD’s Technical Rescue Team responded but determined there was no need for a rope rescue. The patient had slipped the previous evening while walking on the gulch trail, sustaining minor injuries that prevented the patient from walking further. The next morning, another walker found the patient wrapped in plastic bags to stay warm.

The patient was carried out along the trail in a Stokes stretcher and transported to a local hospital.

Firefighter Response: 16

Winthrop Apartment Fires - Media Release

For additional information call 253.255.3260.

Issuing Date: 8/20/2009
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Type: Fire and Malicious False Alarms
Incident Location: 776 Commerce Street

Narrative: Over the past two weeks the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) has responded to a series of malicious false alarms and small fires at the Winthrop Apartments. Fire crews, residents and a sprinkler activation have contained 4 small fires in trash storage areas and in a laundry room and numerous pull station false alarms have frustrated crews and residents. The property management team has increased security and surveillance measures and the incidents are currently under joint investigation by the TFD and Tacoma Police Department. If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact Crime Stoppers at 253.591.5959.

Probable Cause: 2 fires undetermined, 2 fires open flame device
Fire Disposition: Suspicious
Damages: Trash Storage areas and Laundry Room
Dollar Loss Estimates: $2,500 and $15,000

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.