Smoking Materials Suspected Cause of Early Morning House Fire on S. Adams St.

Incident Date: 8/29/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1250 S. Adams St.
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 12:25 a.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four engines, one ladder, one medic company and command staff) were dispatched to a reported house fire.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the deck and back of the two story 1,588 square foot house.  Crews mounted an aggressive attack on the fast moving fire that had spread from the exterior deck up the side of the house and throughout the interior attic area of the structure. 

One adult was treated and transported by private ambulance to local area hospital and the Red Cross was requested to provide relocation assistance for the three occupants displaced by the fire.

A fire investigator has determined that the probable cause of the fire was discarded smoking materials resulting in an estimated $80,000 damage to the building and its contents.

Save the Date - TFD Hosts Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2012

On Tuesday September 11, 2012, the Tacoma Fire Department will honor the heroes and victims of 9/11 at a public remembrance ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Firefighter’s Memorial, 3301 Ruston Way. This year marks the 11th anniversary of this tragic day.

As part of a nationwide salute to firefighters, police, emergency medical services workers and civilians who lost their lives that day, the program will include speeches by Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Tacoma Interim Fire Chief James P. Duggan.

Please join us as the nation keeps its solemn vow that “we have not forgotten.”

Overloaded Extension Cord Sparks Early Morning Fire on S. Mason Avenue

Incident Date: 8/21/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 5240 S. Mason Ave
Incident Type: Residential House Fire

Narrative:  At 3:11 a.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 single story 2,530 square foot residence. Operationally, crews attacked the fire that had spread throughout the interior and the back of the homes roof area, conducted search and rescue and completed vertical ventilation of the roof.

Working smoke alarms alerted the homes three occupants to the fire and two of the occupants were evaluated by paramedics for injuries, but not transported. Paramedics also evaluated, but did not transport, one firefighter who sustained injury battling the blaze. 
    
Fire investigator's determined that the probable cause of the fire was an overloaded extension cord, resulting in an estimated $200,000 damage to the building and its contents.

National Night Out 2012

Tacoma Fire Department was honored to be invited to over 100 neighborhood get-togethers as a part of the 29th Annual National Night Out. “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” the event is designed to offer neighbors an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while building bonds useful in preventing crime and improving safety in their neighborhoods. We were grateful to meet so many of you committed to making our community a safer place to live.

Lt. Ken Hansen providing fire safety information at the Fircrest Event.

FF Ken Horsman and Engine 17's crew giving tour's of the Engine.

Lt. Bill Spencer carefully applies TFD Tattoos for correct answers from the Wheel of Safety.

Requests for Services - July 2012

July 2012
Dispatch totals for TFD & CPFR response area

9-1-1 Dispatch Totals	July	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
FCC Total Calls Received	7,558	50,964	49,611
FCC Total Fire Companies Dispatched	9,378	66,991	67,154

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	July	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
Fire Incidents	194	783	834
Emergency Medical Incidents	2,730	18,720	17,781
All Other Incidents	546	4,004	3,730
Total Incidents by Type	3,470	23,507	22,345

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House Fire on 55th Ave NE

Incident Date: 7/30/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 3429 55th Ave NE
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 2:15 p.m. seven companies of Tacoma Firefighters (four Engines, one Ladder, one Medic company and Command Staff) responded to a report of a house fire.

The first arriving engine company found heavy flames and smoke showing from the garage area and side of the 1,412 square foot tri-level house.  Crews attacked the fire with handlines, conducted vertical ventilation to release the heat built up in the attic area and completed search and rescue to assure no one was in the structure.

Fire crews removed three pet birds from harms way, and there were no injuries to report.  The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

UPDATE: The cause of the fire was undetermined, with an estimated $79,000 damage to the building, its contents, and vehicles exposed to the fire.

         

Boat sinks at Foss Marina

Incident Date: 7/25/12
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 821 Dock Street
Incident Type: Sunk Boat

Narrative: At 7:44 a.m. firefighters responded to a report of a boat that had sunk and was leaking fluids.

Crews arrived to find an approximately 32’ boat listing while tied up at its slip. Operationally, crews stabilized the boat, deployed absorbent pads to contain leaking fluids, and set up a “fog” nozzle to suppress any potentially dangerous fumes. The Incident Commander coordinated the environmental response with the US Coast Guard, Department of Ecology, City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services and Vessel Assist for salvage operations. This is the second sinking incident in the past two months and illustrates the value of preventative maintenance on watercraft.

According to the Boat U.S. Foundation, the most common reasons boats sink at the dock are:

• Leaks at underwater fittings 
• Heavy rain or snow
• The boat getting caught under a dock or banging against a piling

At least twice a season inspect any fittings above or below the waterline, check your hoses at thru-hulls and make sure your bilge pump is in proper working condition.