Be Alarmed! Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries This Weekend

Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries, so maintenance is a simple and effective way to protect your family and reduce home fire deaths.

According to the Washington State Fire Marshal, the majority of fire deaths in our State occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Furthermore, the peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. - when families are sleeping and most vulnerable!

For best protection, it is recommended that people install alarms utilizing both (ionization and photoelectric) technology and ones that have long life 10 year lithium ion batteries.

Visit the United States Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association for additional information regarding smoke alarm types, installation, maintenance and safety.

A Pair of Early Morning Fires

Incident Date: October 20, 2010
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 302 S. 9th Street
Incident Type: Commercial Structure Fire

Narrative: At 1:17 a.m. 10 companies of Tacoma Firefighters, 5 engines, 2 Ladders, 2 Medic Units and Command Staff responded to a reported commercial structure fire.

First arriving companies found a fire in a back storage room of the Subway Shop located on the ground floor of the three story business occupancy. Firefighters quickly forced entry and mounted an aggressive interior attack, knocking the fire down, containing it to the area of origin and preventing it from spreading to the additional 10 suites in the building.

Fire investigators determined that the cause of the fire was an overheated extension cord that ignited combustible materials. The fire caused an estimated $30,000 damage to the building and contents.

There were no injuries to report.

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Incident Date: October 20, 2010
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1203 S. 96th St.
Incident Type: Garage Fire

Narrative: At 1:55 a.m. 7 companies of Tacoma and Central Pierce Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Medic Unit and Command Staff responded to a reported garage fire.

First arriving crews found a fully involved garage fire. A defensive strategy was used to prevent the spread of the fire to the adjacent structures. The fire caused approximately $160,000 damage, completely destroying the 1,100 square foot garage, 2 vehicles and its contents.

The cause of the fire was an overheated Chiminea being used to heat the garage. These devices are not designed for interior use.

There were no injuries to report.

Fatality Apartment Fire

Incident Date: October 18, 2010
Issuing Officer: Dan Crotty
Incident Location: 5928 6th Ave

Incident Type: Apartment Fire

Narrative: At 8:11 p.m. 10 companies of Tacoma firefighters, 5 engines, 2 ladders, 2 medic units and command staff responded to a reported apartment fire.

First arriving companies found smoke showing from a ground floor unit of the two story multi-unit apartment building.  The fire was contained to the apartment of origin and primary search and rescue revealed that one adult occupant was deceased upon our arrival.

Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.  There were no other injuries to report.

UPDATE 10/19/10:  Investigators have determined that the fire started when the occupant accidentally caught their clothing on fire on a burner on the stove.  The fire resulted in $1,700 of damage to the property and contents and did not displace any other tenants in the building.  

Exceptional Turnout for CPR Sunday

Nearly 900 participants turned out to learn basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation at our 13th annual CPR Sunday event October 10, 2010. Thanks to the numerous sponsors and instructors who supported the event and a special thank you to all who attended.

Station Open Houses - Thanks for Attending!

Tacoma Fire Department would like to thank all who visited their neighborhood fire stations today in support of National Fire Prevention Week.

Residential Fire on S. Verde Street

Incident Date: October 4, 2010
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 5810 S. Verde St

Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 12:56 p.m. 6 companies of Tacoma Firefighters, 4 engines, 1 ladder, 1 medic unit and command staff responded to a reported kitchen fire.

First arriving companies found smoke and flames showing from the rear of the 2 story single family residence. An aggressive interior attack contained the fire to the kitchen and a portion of the attic and roof area.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report. The Red Cross was called to provide assistance for the 2 adults and 6 children displaced from the fire.

UPDATE:
The cause of the fire was unattened cooking, resulting in an estimated $60,000 damage to the building and contents.

Industrial Fire In The Tide Flats

Incident Date: October 3, 2010
Issuing Officer: Toryono Green
Incident Location: 1902 Marine View Drive

Incident Type: Commercial Fire

Narrative: At 5:00 p.m., 9 companies of Tacoma Firefighters, 5 engines, 2 ladders, 2 medic units and command staff responded to a reported fire at Schnitzer Steel metal recycling yard.

First arriving companies found heavy smoke and flames coming from a large pile of compacted cars. After approximately three hours of firefighting using aerial master streams, firefighters were finally able to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.  Three people were transported to local hospitals in relation to this event.