Brush Fire Alert...

While the early blast of summer heat has south sounders basking in the sun, unfortunately, in the past week TFD has also responded to over 20 “grass and brush” fires throughout the city.

With the recent unseasonably warm weather has come dry vegetation that can fuel fires that burn and spread quickly. It is important to take into consideration some landscaping and home maintenance tips to ensure safe surroundings this summer.

• Remove weeds and keep grass cut.
• Any dead and piled up vegetation should be disposed of properly.
• If you have any firewood left over from the winter, stack it away from structures.
• Try not to place plants too close to structures and under overhangs or eaves.
• Provide adequate water to keep plants healthy and green.
• Trash and debris should be disposed of properly.
• Store flammable liquids properly.
• Always dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays.
• Safely dispose of barbecue ashes.
• Observe burn bans.

Charity basketball game Friday, May 29th

The fifth annual Hilltop Challenge Basketball game between the Tacoma Police Department and Tacoma Fire Department takes place on Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse - 3326 North 11th Street.

Each year, players from both teams battle it out for basketball bragging rights and a good cause - raising funds for the Hilltop Action Coalition and neighborhood block groups. Tickets are available at the door.

TFD Media Release - Apartment Fire

ISSUING OFFICER: Joe Meinecke
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/20/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: FIRE
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 601 N Grant St. Tacoma WA

NARRATIVE: At 10:16am, Wednesday May 20th, the Tacoma Fire Department was dispatched to the report of an apartment fire with explosion and 3 potentially trapped occupants.

The closest fire company arrived on the scene within one minute and immediately established a water supply and stretched hose lines to attack the rapidly progressing fire which had already extended into the adjoining unit.

Fire crews quickly initiated search and rescue procedures and fortunately everyone was able to evacuate safely. There were no injuries reported to the building occupants or responding fire crews.

The fire was extinguished in approximately 30 minutes and the cause of the fire appears to be unattended smoking materials in a couch.

The Red Cross is assisting the 11 occupants displaced by the fire.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Unattended smoking material in a couch.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to 4 units.
INJURIES: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS: Estimated at $250,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 29

Spotlight on Cooking Fire Safety

In the past two weeks, TFD has responded to 4 kitchen fires caused by unattended cooking with grease. Cooking fires in general are the leading cause of home structure fires and associated injuries. Follow these simple guidelines to help prevent these fires.

• Stay in the Kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you're that your cooking.
• Keep things that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, paper of plastic bags, - away from your stove top.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• If you have a fire, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the heat.
  
  
  
  
  

When should I seek medical care for the Flu?

So far most cases of swine flu in the United States have resulted in mild illness so it’s important to make sure that our medical system is not overwhelmed by people seeking unnecessary medical care to make sure it is available for those who need care most. At this time, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department recommends people make decisions about when to seek medical care in the same way they would under normal circumstances.

If the following flu-like symptoms are mild, medical attention is not typically required.
• Runny nose or nasal stuffiness
• Low-grade fever for less than 3 days
• Mild headache
• Body aches
• Mild stomach upset

Consult with a health care provider promptly or seek medical care for the following flu-like symptoms:
• Fever (of at least 100.4 degrees F) for three days or more with no explanation
• Rapidly worsening illness
• Person is unresponsive and unable to get out of bed
• Bad sore throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe cough
• Chest pain

Unless you are severely ill, do not go to the Emergency Room. See your primary care provider, a walk-in clinic or urgent care facility. If you do not have a medical provider, call the Health Department at (253) 798-6500, or check our website for a list of clinics in Pierce County.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information...

Center For Disease Control
Tacoma Pierce County Health Department
Washington State Health Department
World Health Organization
Bi-Lingual Information

Simple Steps Help Prevent the Flu

Given recent concerns over the Swine Flu outbreak, Tacoma Fire Department offers this simple reminder.

Every year, an estimated 5% to 20% of the United States populace suffers from seasonal influenza, more commonly known as the flu. While many consider the flu "just a bad cold," in reality, each year in the U.S., more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu complications and approximately 36,000 people die from flu related causes.

Many people are classified as high risk for the flu by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These groups include the elderly, young children, caregivers - including firefighters and nursing staff and people with chronic illness. Getting a flu vaccination is a valuable prevention strategy for everyone, but it is especially important for those who are considered high risk.

TFD and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) also encourage you to practice six simple habits that can minimize your risk of getting sick from either seasonal or swine flu:

Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For breaking news from the CDC regarding the Swine Flu, follow or subscribe to the information widget to on this page. (Article content courtesy of CDC & LAFD)