Yakima Street Fire

Incident Date:  January 8, 2011

Issuing Officer:  Faith Mueller

Incident Location:  1914 Yakima Avenue
Incident Type:  Residential Structure Fire

Narrative:  At 0256 the call came into TFD's dispatch center reporting a possible structure fire.  The first arriving company (Battalion 2) was onscene at 0259 and reported a 3-story residential structure with light smoke showing from floor 1 and 2 and heavy smoke showing from the roof.  The residence was reported as to be set uphill and well off the road.  The first engine company onscene made access and attacked the seat of the fire on floor 2 with an 1 3/4" preconnect hoseline.  The first ladder company assessed the ventilation needs and performed vertical ventilation on the roof.  Fire was reported to have spread to floor 3 and an additional attack line was initiated to attack the fire on floor 3. 

At 0323 the fire was reported extinguished by the Incident Commander.

The American Red Cross was activated and assisted 12 displaced residents.

One individual was transported to a local area medical facility. 

The fire is currently under investigation from the Tacoma Fire Prevention Bureau.

TFD is currently accepting applications for Entry Level Firefighter Positions

Application period is now closed 3/25/11

Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is currently seeking candidates who would like to serve our community as firefighter.

This is your opportunity to join one of the most progressive, innovative and dynamic fire departments in the nation. TFD takes great pride in its ability to serve the needs of our diverse community and each day our citizens call upon us to respond to a variety of emergencies including: structure fires, emergency medical responses, hazardous materials incidents and technical rescue situations.

If your interested in becoming a member of the TFD team, check out the details and complete the on-line job application.    

APPLICATION

Alder Street House Fire

Incident Date: 1/3/2011
Issuing Officer: Dan Crotty
Incident Location: 1518 S Alder St.
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 6:15 p.m. 9 companies of Tacoma Firefighters (4 engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Medic Unit, 1 Safety Unit and 2 Command Units) responded to a reported residential structure fire.

First arriving companies found a single story residence with heavy smoke and fire showing from the attached garage.  The first arriving engine crew attacked the fire with hand lines, while other companies conducted primary search and rescue, additional hand lines and ventilation.  The occupant’s dog was located safely and removed from the smoke filled home by the Medic Unit conducting search and rescue operations.  

Firefighters were able to keep most of the fire from spreading from the garage to the living area.  However, the four occupants of the home were forced to relocate due to smoke damage.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report.

Water Flow Incident in Fife

Incident Date: 1/3/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 2204 70 Ave E. Fife
Incident Type: Water Flow

Narrative:  At 3:02 p.m. TFD dispatched units for an automatic water flow alarm in a commercial building. 

The first arriving company found water cascading down from the ceiling onto the interior loading dock area of the food distribution business.  Crews quickly shut off the water and power supplies and began the process of clearing the water from the business.  Orders were given to evacuate the building when it was determined that a the large amount of water was trapped in the space between the roof and second floor ceiling.  The volume of trapped water was heavy enough that it represented a collapse hazard to the structure.

After a couple hours of draining the water, crews were able to safely make entry into the space and determine that a fire suppression sprinkler head had burst, activating the fire pump and three additional sprinkler heads. The cause of the bursting sprinkler head is under investigation.

There were no injuries to report.

G Street House Fire

Incident Date: 12/30/2010
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 1607 S. "G" Street
Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

Narrative: At 4:02 p.m. 6 companies of Tacoma Firefighters (4 engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Medic Unit and Command Staff) responded to a reported residential structure fire.

First arriving companies found a fully involved fire on the first floor of the vacant two story turn of the century house. Crews attacked the fire with hand lines, while conducting vertical ventilation and primary search and rescue.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report.

Tacoma Residents May Recycle Christmas Trees For Free

Please dispose of your Christmas tree properly - never burn the tree, decorations, or wrapping paper in your fireplace or woodstove (or outdoors). 

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. 24. 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. 24. 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.

North End RV Fire

Incident Date: 12/22/10
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4231 N. Whitman
Incident Type: Recreational Vehicle Fire

Narrative:  At 10:34 a.m. 6 companies of Tacoma Firefighters (3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Medic unit and Command Staff) responded to a reported recreational vehicle (RV) fire. 

The first arriving engine company found heavy smoke and flames shooting from the front of an approximately 40 foot 5th wheel style RV.  Crews used attack lines and Class B fire suppressing foam to knock down the fire.  Complicating the scene, was the fire directly impinging on the energized power lines overhead. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report.