Requests for Service - October 2012

October 2012
Dispatch totals for TFD & CPFR response area

9-1-1 Dispatch Totals	October	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
FCC Total Calls Received	7,212	73,601	71,438
FCC Total Fire Companies Dispatched	9,564	96,233	95,875

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	October	YTD 2012	YTD 2011
Fire Incidents	135	1,363	1,296
Emergency Medical Incidents	2,704	26,709	25,375
All Other Incidents	430	5,323	5,437
Total Incidents by Type	3,269	33,395	32,108

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Fire Department credits automatic sprinkler system for dousing apartment fire before it could spread

Incident Date: 11/9/2012

Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke

Incident Location: 320 E. 32nd Street

Incident Type: Residential Apartment Fire 

A fire that started in a ground floor unit of a five-story apartment building this morning was quickly extinguished by an automatic sprinkler system before any damage from smoke or fire could occur. Fire Department personnel said the fire was confined to its point of origin.  Crews from several fire stations worked together to prevent further water damage to the apartment, which was estimated at $3,000. 

Have you checked your smoke alarm batteries recently?

Tacoma Fire Department urges you to check your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks back to Standard Time this weekend.

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.

For best protection, it is recommended that you install alarms utilizing both ionization and photoelectric technology, and ones that have long life 10 year lithium ion batteries.

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

Oath of Office Ceremony

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Tacoma Fire Chief James P. Duggan was sworn in at an Oath of Office Ceremony this afternoon.  A Tacoma native, Chief Duggan began his career over 29 years ago as a firefighter with the Tacoma Fire Department.  He served as Assistant Chief of the department's Emergency Medical Services Division for six years before being appointed to the role of Interim Chief by City Manager T.C. Broadnax.  Chief Duggan assumed command of his current role as the Tacoma Fire Department's 21st Fire Chief when appointed September 27, 2012. Congratulations Chief Duggan!

House fire on S. Warner determined to be intentionally set

Incident Date: 10/27/12
Issuing Officer: DC Faith Mueller & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 6617 S. Warner Street
Incident Type: House Fire

Narrative:  At 11:37 p.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 fire and smoke showing from the 1 story approximately 600 square foot house.  Firefighters conducted an interior attack with 1 3/4 hose lines, ventilated the roof and completed search and rescue.  There were no occupants home at the time of the fire and no injuries to report.

Fire investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set and have referred the incident to Tacoma Police for follow-up.  The fire resulted in an estimated $103,500 dollars damage to the building and its contents. 

    

Swearing In Ceremony for Chief James P. Duggan

The Tacoma Fire Department would like to invite you to attend the swearing in of Chief James P. Duggan as the City of Tacoma’s 21^st Fire Chief.  The ceremony will take place at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Fifth Floor, on Friday, November 2, 2012.  The swearing in will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. 



Chief James P. Duggan



Ensnared Owl Rescued by Firefighters

Tacoma Firefighters rescued an owl this week that had been ensnared by an old fishing line hanging from a tree alongside the Puyallup river.  When the crew of Engine 12 arrived, the distressed bird had been dangling helplessly above the water for several hours.  A concerned citizen had contacted the Tacoma Fire Department as a last resort after being unable to find assistance elsewhere.

After freeing the owl by using a long pike pole, Firefighter Mark Snyder guided the bird to shore while Lt. Andy Leitner contacted Bird Rescue for instructions on handling.  The owl was later examined and treated by a veterinarian.  According to Lt. Leitner, the owl suffered no broken bones, but was provided fluids for dehydration.  The healthy adult owl is expected to fully recover from the ordeal.