Owen Beach Rescue

Incident Date: 12/29/2009
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke 253.255.3260
Incident Type: Rescue
Incident Location: In the area of 6101 Promenade Lane

Narrative: At 11:33 a.m. Tuesday December 29th, 2009 5 companies of Tacoma Firefighters - 2 Engines, 2 Medic Units and the Fire Boat Commencement responded to the Owen Beach Area of Point Defiance Park for a person who had fallen down the cliff.

First arriving companies found one patient next to the water on the beach. Due to the remoteness of the patients location, the assistance of a nearby fishing boat was secured and the patient was transferred to the Vashon Ferry Dock area and then transported to a local area hospital.

Dispose of your Christmas Trees Safely

Now that Christmas is over, TFD would like to remind you of the City of Tacoma's convenient and safe way to dispose of your tree. Never burn your tree in your fireplace or yard.

Yard waste container
Solid Waste Management encourages you to cut your Christmas tree (unflocked, undecorated) in small enough sections to fit inside your yard waste container so the lid closes flat.

Curbside pick-up
If you’re unable to fit your tree inside the container, and you are a City of Tacoma resident, the City of Tacoma will pick up your tree at no additional charge from Jan. 11 to Jan. 22.
• Remove all decorations and tinsel.
• Dispose of flocked trees in the garbage or at the landfill.
• Take tree out of the stand.
• Cut into lengths no longer than three feet and bundle with heavy twine.
• Place in container or in front of the curb.
A different truck will come along to pick up bundled trees only. Please note that Christmas trees are the only exception to the utility’s rule that no separate bundles are allowed outside of containers.

Landfill drop-off
Single-family residents may recycle their clean, unflocked trees at the Tacoma Landfill (3510 S. Mullen St.) now through Jan. 24. The landfill is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (closed New Year’s Day). For more information on Christmas tree recycling within the City of Tacoma, call (253) 591-5543. Go to piercecountywa.org/treecycle for information on tree recycling outside the City of Tacoma.

Diesel Tanker Crash

Incident Date: 12/28/09
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke 253.255.3260
Incident Type: Motor Vehicle Crash

Incident Location: Frank Albert Rd E & North Levee Rd E Fife WA

Narrative: At 12:02 p.m. Monday December 28, 2009 4 companies of Tacoma Firefighters – 2 Engines (one with the Spill Containment Unit), 1 Ladder and 1 Medic Unit responded to the area of Frank Albert Road E and North Levee Rd E in Fife for an overturned diesel fuel truck.

First arriving companies found a fuel truck carrying approximately 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel had rolled down the side of the levee on the river side of the road. Crews transported one patient (the driver) to a local area hospital. The vehicle is now in the process of being up righted so that the fuel can be transferred to another tanker before being towed. There is no fuel leaking at this time.

Tacoma firefighter/paramedic honored for helping save four boaters

Tacoma firefighter/paramedic Mike Ferguson was awarded the Coast Guard Public Service Award for his actions in which he rescued four boaters, including two children, from a potentially deadly situation. On Wednesday December 16th, Ferguson attended a ceremony at the Coast Guard's Port Angeles station, at which he was given the award. His dedication and commitment to helping others in need proved to be the difference between life and death.

See full story...http://www.threesheetsnw.com/blog/archives/6881

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.