Burn Awareness Week February 6-12, 2011

According to the American Burn Association and Shriners Children’s Hospital,

about 95 percent of scald burns (which are caused by hot liquids, steam or foods) occur in the home. Scalds are the most common burn injury among young children and the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children under age 4. U.S. hospitals treat an estimated 16,000 children under 5 for scalds every year.

Here are some recommendations to help prevent scald injuries.

- Lower the temperature settings on water heaters to 120° F (49° C) or less.

- Install anti-scald devices on water faucets and shower heads.

- Use knob covers on faucets.

- Create “kid free zones” in the kitchen near the stove.

Additional resources:
NW Burn Foundation
Center for Disease Control
Safe Kids

Home Safety Council

A Pair of Early Morning House Fire

Incident Date: 1/22/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 4820 "A" Street
Incident Type: Residential House Fire

Narrative: At 4:06 a.m. 7 companies of Tacoma Firefighters were dispatched to a reported residential house fire.

First arriving companies found the the two-story 1,292 square foot house fully charged with smoke.  Crews attacked the fire that had started in the first floor and garage area. They also ventilated the house and conducted primary search and rescue.

There were no occupants home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries to report. 

The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and is currently under investigation.
 

Incident Date 1/22/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 7241 S. Warner Street
Incident Type: Residential House Fire

Narrative: At 4:19 a.m. 7 companies of Tacoma and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Firefighters responded to a reported residential house fire.

The first arriving companies found heavy smoke and flames showing from the eve's of the 864 square foot single story house.  Crews attacked the attic fire with hand lines, ventilated the roof and conducted primary search and rescue.

The fire displaced 4 occupants from their house and all escaped without harm.  The fire was was sparked by an electrical problem, resulting in an estimated $13,000 dollars damage.

These two fire incidents are considered unrelated.

Changes to Washington States "Emergency Zones" Law

Changes to Washington States "Move Over" law went into effect on January 1, 2011.  The emergency zone law was expanded to apply to Department of Transportation (DOT) crews and tow trucks, as well all emergency response vehicles.  

Last week DOT Cameras and KOMO News captured the following video that clearly illustrates the dangers for first responders on freeway calls.  Thankfully, none of our firefighters, or the driver was injured in this crash.  But this close call is a clear reminder that when you see us out there - "move over & slow down".  We appreciate it!

Be sure and check out this informative Public Service Announcement from the Washington State Patrol regarding changes to the Emergency Zone Law.

Commercial Fire at 70th and Pacific Ave

Incident Date: 1/12/2011
Issuing Officer: Joe Meinecke
Incident Location: 7034 Pacific Ave
Incident Type: Commercial Structure Fire

Narrative: At 7:14 a.m. TFD responded to a reported commercial structure fire.

The first arriving companies found smoke and flames showing from the roof area of a teriyaki restaurant.  Crews made entry and quickly extinguished the fire that had broke out in the kitchen area.  They also checked for fire extension into the roof area and to the neighboring businesses.  

The fire activated the commercial kitchen fire suppression system, which significantly reduced the damage to the business and helped prevent the fire from spreading to the other businesses in the building.

The cause of the fire was an overheated deep fat fryer, resulting in an estimated $12,500 damage to the building and it's contents.  There were no injuries to report.

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.