Entry Level Firefighter Exam

Over the past two days, candidates for entry level firefighter positions have been hard at work completing the written test phase of the application process.  Designed to establish an eligibility list, the written exam is only one part in a series of steps taken to join the ranks of TFD.  Nearly 3,000 applications were received, and most attended one of 4 testing sessions held at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.  This eligibility list will be used to fill TFD's vacant positions for the next couple of years. However, it is not yet been determined when the next recruit class will be hired.

"We are always looking for ambitious, energetic and diverse candidates to strengthen our department," said Assistant Chief Jolene Davis.   

Hazardous Material Spill - Port of Tacoma

Incident Date: 4/26/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1815 Port of Tacoma Road
Incident Type: Hazardous Material Spill

Narrative:  At 3:51 a.m. five companies of Tacoma Firefighters (1 engine, 1 ladder, 1 medic unit, haz-mat 44 and command staff) were dispatched to a reported hazardous materials spill on a cargo ship in the Port of Tacoma.

First arriving companies were informed by employees that a small quantity of a highly flammable liquid - Chlorobenzotruiflouride (an ink solvent used in the printing industry) had spilled in a container on the terminal dock and in the hull area of the "Hyundai Oakland" cargo ship moored at the Washington United Terminal.

Tactically, the ships crews were sheltered in place for precautionary measures, the Haz-mat team investigated the scope of the spill and monitored the atmosphere for fume/explosion hazards, and the businesses contracted technical clean up crew was called in to conduct the clean up of the spill.

Two employees that were initially exposed to the spill were evaluated by paramedics and released at the scene.  There were no injuries to report.

S. 38th & Fawcett Ave House Fire

Incident Date: 4/21/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 3813 S. Fawcett Ave
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 11:23 a.m., eight companies of Tacoma Firefighters (five engines, one ladder, one medic unit, and command staff) responded to a reported residential structure fire.

First arriving companies found heavy smoke and flames showing from the side and rear of the 1 ½ story house. In a well-coordinated effort, crews quickly extinguished the fire using attack lines, positive air pressure and vertical ventilation techniques. Primary search and rescue revealed that no one was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries to report.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Heavy Rescue and Structural Collapse Training

Over the past few weeks, members of the Tacoma Fire Department Technical Rescue Team have attended a heavy rescue and structural collapse course funded by a federal grant through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). The 80 hour course, hosted by the Seattle Fire Department, consists of 30 hours of pre-course work and 50 hours of hands on practical training. Firefighters from Bellevue, Renton, Tukwila, North Highline and Snohomish County fire departments participated.

The course is designed to help develop the skills necessary to rescue and care for patients in confined spaces and structural collapse situations (e.g. a bridge or building collapses after an earthquake). The team receives hands on training in crane operations, the use of metal cutting torches, breaching walls, cutting concrete with hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical tools, hand rigging and the carpentry skills necessary for creating wall supports critical in stabilizing scenes and rescuing victims. All of this training culminates in a mock disaster exercise with over 50 victims trapped in a wide array of difficult situations.

Pt. Defiance Pagoda Fire

Incident Date: 4/15/2011
Issuing Officer: Faith Mueller & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 5801 N. Kitakyushu Street Point Defiance Park
Incident Type: Two-Alarm Commercial Structure Fire

Narrative: At 4:25 a.m. 12 companies of Tacoma Fire Department firefighters responded to a reported fire in the Pagoda Building at Point Defiance Park.

First arriving companies found heavy smoke showing from the iconic two story assembly occupancy.  Once it was determined the fire had spread throughout both floors of the structure, the fire was upgrade to a Second-Alarm at 4:45 a.m..

The incident was divided into two operational zones with crews fighting the fire with hand lines and 2 1/2 inch diameter hoses on both floors from opposite sides of the building.  Crews also worked very hard to extinguish the fire that was in the roof area while preserving as much of the historical structure as possible.  (The unique design of the roof system with heavy timber, high cathedral ceiling and heavy tile roof - all represented dangerous collapse conditions for the firefighters). There were no injuries to report. 

UPDATE:  The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, however is suspicious in nature.

UPDATE TWO:  Preliminary damage estimates are $250,000 dollars damage to the building and $20,000 dollars damage to it's contents.

Recruit Firefighters-Live Fire Training

Incident Date:  April 6, 2011
Issuing Officer:  Faith Mueller

Narrative:  On April 6, 2011, 24 Tacoma Fire Department recruit firefighters and their instructors participated in search and rescue drills, flammable liquid extinguishment and live fire training drills at the Washington State Fire Academy training grounds in North Bend, WA. 

The recruits practiced basic and advanced skills needed for a firefighter to function efficiently during interior search and rescue missions using their self contained breathing apparatus.

They participated in field exercises utilizing specially designed mockups of automobiles burning at a curbside and other portable flammable liquid props.  They learned the behavior of flammable liquids, the procedures required to safely control and extinguish flammable fuel fires and also the environmental concerns that must be addressed.

Lastly, the recruits took part in the "Burn to Learn" course which is designed for new firefighters and presents an unusual opportunity to review hose handling basic skills in a demanding fireground scenario. 

Pacific Avenue Apartment Fire

Incident Date:  April 13, 2011
Issuing Officer:  Faith Mueller

Incident Location:  9220 Pacific Avenue

Incident Type:  Apartment Fire

Injuries:  1

Narrative:  At 9:27 p.m. 12 Companies of Tacoma Fire Department and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue responded to a reported apartment fire.

Engine 10 was the first company on seen and reported flames coming from the backside of the single story, wood frame apartment building.  Fire attack was initiated with a 2 1/2" preconnect hoseline due to the heavy volume of flames.  Roof ventilation was completed and the crews rapidly extinguished the fire and prevented it from spreading to the adjoining apartment. 

Two occupnats were home at the time of the fire.  They both were able to self rescue themselves.  Tacoma Fire transported one patient to a local area hospitial. 

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.