2011 Firefighter's Christmas Project

 Tacoma Firefighters raise $14,000 to brighten the holidays for 110 local families.

For the past 23 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 110 children and families in need.

“It’s always a great honor to help bring a little happiness to those in need 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 Dec. 17 and Dec. 22. This year’s recipients were identified through the Tacoma School District Head Start Program, YWCA Women’s Shelter, and the Sharing House.

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

Recruit Class Graduation - December 2011

Family and friends gathered for a cheerful graduation ceremony today, as the Tacoma Fire Department welcomed 16 new firefighters to their ranks this afternoon. The graduates completed 14 weeks of intensive preparation, and have been diligently training to respond to hazardous materials incidents, vehicle extrication operations, confined space rescue, fire suppression, and emergency medical incidents.

On behalf of the citizen's we serve and the Tacoma Fire Department, welcome and congratulation's recruits!

"Tried and True" Recipe For A Safe Thanksgiving

According to data from the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires are reported to fire departments each year, causing an estimated 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $21 million in property loss.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, Tacoma Fire Department encourages everyone to follow this "tried and true" recipe for a safe holiday.

When it comes to cooking:

• Keep a close watch on your cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep oven food packaging and combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
• Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
• Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarms.

A nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System November 9 is no cause for alarm.

Help us spread the word about tomorrow's big test!

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Weather Service will conduct their very first national test of the Emergency Alert System on Nov. 9 at 11:00 a.m. The test may be up to 30 seconds long and is expected to be broadcast simultaneously over all communication service providers: television stations (including digital television, cable, satellite audio and television services) and broadcast radio stations across the U.S. and several U.S. territories.

Calls to 9-1-1 to inquire about the test are not advised, as they may delay dispatch centers from receiving calls from citizens reporting true emergencies. For detailed information, visit the FCC's website.

Fall Back On Sound Advice: Time to change your clock and smoke alarm batteries!

As daylight savings time approaches, please remember to check/change the batteries in your smoke alarms when you change your clocks back this Sunday, November 6.

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 batteries.  If your smoke alarm was installed before November 2001, it needs to be replaced.

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

One Arrested In Overnight Halfway House Fire - South Sheridan Street

Incident Date:  11/2/2011
Issuing Officers: Joe Meinecke & B.C. Jeff Chandler
Incident Location: 1947 S. Sheridan Street
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 2:11 a.m. Tacoma Firefighters responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1947 S. Sheridan Street.  The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from the first floor of the the two story 1,700 square foot house.  Crews attacked the fire with hand lines and used a ground ladder to rescue one occupant trapped on the second floor.  All 6 of the homes occupants escaped without injury and were aided by the Red Cross with relocation assistance. 

Tacoma Police Department arrested one of the occupants on scene suspected of starting the blaze, and the fire caused an estimated $75,000 dollars damage to the building and it's contents.

North East Tacoma House Fire 52nd Street NE

Incident Date: 10/31/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4014 52nd Street NE
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire with one injury

Narrative: At 12:14 p.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four engines, one ladder, one medic company and command staff) responded to a reported house fire.

The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from the attached garage area of the over 3,000 square foot residence.  Crews attacked the fire with hand lines, conducted primary search and rescue and paramedics transported one occupant to an area hospital as a result of their injuries.  Firefighters were also able to locate and rescue the family dog trapped in the house.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.