TFD Annual Christmas Project

Tacoma Firefighters raise $14,000 to brighten the holidays for 140 local families

For the past 20 years, Tacoma Firefighters have brought holiday cheer to the lives of thousands of Tacoma children and their families with deliveries of food, clothing and gifts just before Christmas. This year, firefighters have raised over $14,000 dollars to help more than 140 children and families in need.

“It’s always a great honor to help bring a little happiness to those less fortunate during the holidays,” said project co-founder Lieutenant Jim Lee (other co-founders include Lieutenant Andrea Schroeder and Firefighter Ron Ernst). This year’s contributors include active and retired Tacoma Firefighters, Tacoma Professional Firefighters Local #31, The Tacoma Fire Department and the Office of the Pierce County Council.

Special deliveries from a fire engine, medic unit and Santa Claus are scheduled to start on Dec. 19 through Dec. 21. This year’s recipients were identified through the Tacoma School District Head Start Program, YWCA Women’s Shelter, the Sharing House and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

For additional information regarding this event, contact Lieutenant Jim Lee at (253) 381-0851.

The Do’s and Don'ts of Frozen Pipes

During this record breaking cold weather streak, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) has responded to nearly 20 calls a day for bursting water pipes and water related problems. As the water in pipes freezes it expands - causing the pipes to crack or burst. You won’t often know there is a problem until the temperatures warm enough to melt the ice and allow for water to flow. If you are experiencing the unfortunate dilemma of frozen or busted water pipes – here are a few things you need to know.
Homeowners:
• Most importantly, know where and how to shut off your main water supply before you have a problem. There should be a main valve for your house (usually located in the basement or crawl space) and one at the water meter pit.
• The pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
• Make sure pipes located in exterior walls, or in floors over unheated spaces (such as a bathroom above an attached garage) are insulated and protected. Keep your garage door closed.
• Remember to never use an open flame torch (fire danger) or boiling water (will cause the pipes to burst) when thawing pipes. A hair drier on low setting works well.
• Select a licenced plumber to assist you in making any necessary repairs.
Businesses:
• Make sure that any exterior piping is insulated and hose bib’s are covered.
• Increase the building temperature to prevent freezing (particularly warehouses – storage facilities).
• Fire Sprinkler systems that go out of service require you to institute a Fire Watch until the system is operable.

Duplex Fire

Incident Date: 12/8/09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke 253.255.3260
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire
Incident Location: 5034 S “G” St.
Probable Cause: under investigation
Damages: unknown at this time
Injuries: None

Narrative: At 2:18 p.m. Tuesday December 8th 2009, 7 companies of Tacoma and Puyallup Firefighters – 4 Engines, 2 Ladder Companies (1 from Puyallup) 1 Medic Unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded to a reported residential structure fire at 5034 S. “G” Street. The first arriving units found heavy smoke and flames showing from the second floor apartment of the two story, two unit residence.

Crews attacked the fire with hand lines, conducted primary search and rescue and contained the fire to the upper unit. The occupants of the building (4 adults) escaped unharmed and are receiving relocation assistance from the Red Cross.

Holiday Fire Safety

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million dollars in damage nationally. Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) reminds you to remember these simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Candles
- December is the peak month for candle fires.
- Always use candle sticks or non flammable holders.
- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Electric Decorations
- Cords and plugs are the leading type of equipment involved in the ignition of Christmas trees.
- Any string lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulbs should not be used.
- Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

Cooking
- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S..
- When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
- If you must leave the kitchen while preparing food, set a timer or carry a pot holder to remind you that food is cooking.

Christmas Trees
- Keep your tree away from fireplaces, portable and baseboard heaters.
- Try to keep fresh cut trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water each day.
- Dispose of fresh-cut trees before becoming dry to the extent
that needles are falling and the color is fading.

TFD Media Release - Recovery Operation

Incident Date: 12/2/09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke 253.255.3260
Incident Type: Body Recovery
Incident Location: 6100 Block of North Levee Rd, Fife WA

Narrative: At 8.32 a.m. Wednesday December 3rd 2009, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue (CPFR) units responded to a reported body in the water in the Puyallup River.

First arriving units confirmed that there was an unidentified body lodged in a wooden snag area approximately 15 feet from the bank. CPFR Swift Water Rescue Team and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Dive Team were called to recover the body during this multi-jurisdictional response. Fife Police Department continues as the lead agency for this incident and will release any additional details as they become available.

Thanksgiving Safety Reminder

Thanksgiving is the peek day for home cooking fires across the nation. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. firefighters responded to roughly 1,300 home fires involving cooking equipment on Thanksgiving 2007. The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) would like to encourage you to add the following cooking safety tips to your Thanksgiving recipes this holiday.

Cook with Caution
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep all combustibles away from the cooking devices.
• Keep children away from the cooking areas to reduce the risk of burns and fires.
• Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves while cooking.
• Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher and a working smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Remember to handle, prepare and cook food safely.

Finally, check out the following information from the Underwriters Laboratory regarding deep fat frying turkeys and turkey fryers. There are so many hazards related to these devices, the UL won’t certify any turkey fryers for use and TFD strongly recommends you do not use them.

TFD Media Release - Rope Rescue

Incident Date: 11/19/09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke 253.255.3260
Incident Type: High-Angle Rope Rescue
Incident Location: 4500 -5000 block of Marine View Drive near Herron Ridge Dr NE

Narrative: At 10:17 a.m. Thursday November 19th 2009, Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported vehicle over an embankment in the Herron Ridge area off of Marine View Drive in North East Tacoma.

After assessing the location of the vehicle, the first arriving companies quickly called for a technical rescue operation. Approximately 21 firefighters and command staff conducted a High-Angle Rope Rescue (due to the very steep slope) using a Stokes Stretcher to rescue one patient from the vehicle.

The patient was transported to a local area hospital.