Requests for Service - November 2013

TFD Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

TFD - Incidents	November	2013 (YTD)	2012 (YTD)
Fire	91	1,352	1,429
Emergency Medical	2,623	29,532	29,268
All Other (e.g. hazardous conditions, search and rescue, automatic fire alarms)	424	4,939	5,752
Total	3,138	35,823	36,451

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Protecting People, Property & the Environment

Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen water pipes!

As the recent cold snap comes to an end  many homeowners and businesses will be dealing with yet another hazard - broken water pipes. As the water in pipes freezes it expands - causing the pipes to crack or burst. You won’t often know there is a problem until the temperatures warm enough to melt the ice and allow for water to flow. If you are experiencing the unfortunate dilemma of frozen or busted water pipes, here are a few things you need to know.

Homeowners:

• Most importantly, know where and how to shut off your main water supply before you have a problem. There should be a main valve for your house (usually located in the basement or crawl space) and one at the water meter pit. 
• The pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
• Make sure pipes located in exterior walls, or in floors over unheated spaces (such as a bathroom above an attached garage) are insulated and protected. Keep your garage door closed.
• Remember to never use an open flame torch (fire danger) or boiling water (will cause the pipes to burst) when thawing pipes. A hair drier on low setting works well.
• Select a licensed plumber to assist you in making any necessary repairs.
• If you are a Tacoma Water customer, and you have a water leak emergency, call the trouble line at (253) 502-8384. 

Businesses:

• Make sure that any exterior piping is insulated and hose bib’s are covered.
• Increase the building temperature to prevent freezing (particularly warehouses – storage facilities).
• Fire Sprinkler systems that go out of service require you to institute a Fire Watch until the system is operable.

MVA with Technical Rescue on E.35th

Incident Date: 12/8/13
Issuing Officer: BC Jolene Davis & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1801 E. 35th St
Incident Type: MVA with Technical Rescue

Narrative: At 3:54 am, Firefighters from stations 1,2,3,7,8, and 11 responded to a reported motor vehicle crash involving a car over an embankment.

The first arriving company found a single car had left the road and plunged approximately 100 feet down a steep ravine. With two injured occupants struggling in the sub-freezing temperatures, TFD's technical rescue team worked quickly to set up high-angle rope system to safely remove them from the crash scene. Both occupants were transported to an area hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Put the freeze on winter fires!

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. With extended freezing temperatures in the forecast, the Tacoma Fire Department offers the following fire safety tips.

• Have your chimney and furnace inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
• Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything that can catch fire at least three feet from the heat.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device.
• Have working smoke alarms and practice a home escape plan with your family.
• In the event of a power outage, always use a flashlight – not a candle – for emergency lighting.

For additional winter fire safety information visit the USFA or NFPA websites. 

"Tried and True" recipe for a safe Thanksgiving 2013

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving than any other day of the 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.

Electrical failure sparks boat fire in the Thea Foss

Incident Date:  11/24/13
Issuing Officer:  BC Jim Zuluaga & Joe Meinecke
Incident Location:  821 Dock Street
Incident Type:  Boat Fire

Narrative:  At 8:36 PM, Firefighters from station 1,2,4,9 and 14 responded to the Thea Foss Waterway for a reported boat fire.

The first arriving company found a fully involved fire in the cabin area of a 39' flying bridge cabin cruiser. Crews made a quick attack to knock the fire down and were able to contain the fire to the boat of origin. There were no injuries to report and one occupant was displaced in the incident.

The cause of the fire was an electrical failure in the connection to shore power ignited combustible paneling on the boat. The fire resulted in an estimated $78,000 damage to the vessel and its contents.

Fire causes extensive damage to NE Tacoma home

Incident Date:  11/21/22

Issuing Officer:  Joe Meinecke
Incident Location:  3130 59th Ave NE
Incident Type: House Fire

Narrative:  At 10:26 PM Firefighters from stations 1,2,3,8 and 12 responded to a reported house fire. The first arriving engine company found a fully involved house fire that had vented through the roof of the 970 square foot single story home. Crews took a defensive strategy against the well entrenched blaze, and protected the home nearby exposed to the intense heat and flames. 

The homes two occupants were able to escape safely and there are no injuries to report. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

UPDATE: The cause of the fire was improperly discarded fireplace ashes igniting combustibles resulting in an estimated $165,000 damage to the building and its contents. The fire burned through a portion of the garage that had no dry wall, then raced across the unprotected rafters throughout the entire attic area. The house is considered a total loss.