Tacoma Residents May Recycle Christmas Trees For Free

Please dispose of your Christmas tree properly - never burn the tree, decorations, or wrapping paper in your fireplace or woodstove (or outdoors). 

Landfill drop-off: Tacoma residents, apartment tenants and businesses in Tacoma may dispose of undecorated and unflocked trees free by bringing them to the recycling center at the City of Tacoma Landfill (3510 S. Mullen St.). Trees may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. The landfill will be closed Jan. 1. Apartment managers or landlords who collect tenants’ trees may drop them off all at once for free, but are encouraged to call (253) 591-5543 in advance. Tree lot operators and nonprofit groups must pay for disposal.

Curbside collection: Solid Waste Management will collect only trees that have been cut and placed inside the brown yard waste container with the lid closed flat. Trees left next to containers will not be collected. Tacoma residents may recycle Christmas trees free at the Tacoma Landfill’s Recycling Center (3510 S. Mullen St.), Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. Decorated or flocked trees cannot be recycled and must go in the garbage. Customers with questions about Christmas tree recycling may call (253) 591-5543.

North End RV Fire

Incident Date: 12/22/10
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4231 N. Whitman
Incident Type: Recreational Vehicle Fire

Narrative:  At 10:34 a.m. 6 companies of Tacoma Firefighters (3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Medic unit and Command Staff) responded to a reported recreational vehicle (RV) fire. 

The first arriving engine company found heavy smoke and flames shooting from the front of an approximately 40 foot 5th wheel style RV.  Crews used attack lines and Class B fire suppressing foam to knock down the fire.  Complicating the scene, was the fire directly impinging on the energized power lines overhead. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report.

  

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

For the past 22 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 for December 22 and December 23. 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.

TFD food drive supports YWCA

An annual event since 2003, Tacoma Fire Department takes great pride in supporting our local YWCA.   Department employees hosted several friendly contests to see which team could bring in the most donations - with the firefighters on "D" shift narrowly edging out the "day shift" staff as top contributors. 

While the internal competition was fierce, the real winner was the residents of the YWCA women's shelter.  Since 1976, this vital organization has been helping women and children overcome the grips of domestic violence.  A long human supply chain of firefighters and YWCA staff helped to unload and stock a whopping 7,400 pounds of non-perishable staples.  "We were thrilled to be able to deliver a record amount of food to the shelter this year" said TFD Training Captain and event organizer Steve Stock.  "We had so much, that we ran out of space in their storage room - that was awesome!"  

2010 Holiday Fire Safety Reminder

From our Fire Department Family to yours...

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 individuals and cause over $930 million dollars in damage nationally. Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) encourages you to follow these simple life-saving steps to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Candles

• Always use candle sticks or non flammable holders.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Christmas Lights

• Do not link more than three lights strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
• Any 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..
• 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 it plenty of water each day.
• Dispose of fresh-cut trees properly. Never burn it in a fireplace or wood stove.

West Slope Garage Fire

Incident Date: 12/8/2010
Issuing Officer: Faith Mueller
Incident Location:  8131 S. 14th Street

Incident Type: Residential Garage Fire

Narrative: At 4:49 a.m. 6 companies of Tacoma Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Medic Unit and Command Staff responded to a reported residential garage fire.

First arriving companies found a heavily involved detached garage fire. Crews attacked the fire with a 2 1/2 inch hose line and protected nearby exposures from catching on fire.

The cause of the fire was malfunctioning heating equipment, resulting in approximately $44,500 damage to the property and its contents. There were no injuries to report.

Fatality Semi-Truck Fire

Incident Date: 12/2/2010
Issuing Officer: Jolene Davis and Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 424 E 19th St

Incident Type: Fatality Semi-Truck Fire

Narrative: At 2:09 a.m. 4 companies for Tacoma Firefighters, 3 engines, 1 ladder and command staff responded to a reported semi-truck fire with explosions.

First arriving crews found a semi-truck and trailer fully involved in fire. Firefighters used hose lines and Class B foam to contain the fire to one vehicle. After the fire was extinguished, crews found one deceased person in the cab of the truck.

Tacoma Police and TFD fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause and origin of the fire and what caused the fatality.

A positive identification of the deceased person, as well as the cause and manner of their death will be determined by the Pierce County Medical Examiner.