Tacoma Residents Can Recycle Christmas Trees For Free-2011

TFD encourages you to remove and recycle your natural Christmas tree as soon as possible.  Never burn the tree, decorations or wrapping paper in your fireplace or woodstove. 

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. 22. 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. 22. 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.

TFD food drive supports YWCA - 2011

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

Established in 1906, the YWCA Pierce County has devoted over a century to creating opportunity and safety for women and children in our community.  A forerunner in the domestic violence service provision field, the YWCA established Washington State's first domestic violence shelter in 1976.

A human supply chain of firefighters and YWCA staff helped unload and stock over 5,000 pounds of non-perishable staples that will help feed the programs participants throughout the holidays and for many months to come.  "Having a variety of food on hand that we can prepare for our clients is truly a blessing and we are very grateful for TFD's support of the shelter", said Karin White-Tautfest, Director of Shelter and Advocacy Services.

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.