We are working on covering stories, happenings, and events that have occurred or are in motion for each day. Some events have occurred that we may not have covered in the update the day before, but that will be added to each daily posting.
Thanks for reading our posts and stay tuned for more great happenings in our beautiful Pacific Northwest.
TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT
As of 2144 PT | Structure Fire
Just before 2100 PDT, firefighters and its Firefighter REHAB support unit (Support 1) were dispatched this evening to a working fire involving multiple structures in the area of East 35th and East R Streets in Tacoma (Pierce County), Washington State.
As of 2243 PDT, the scene was said to be still active and Officials were asking the Public and neighbors to avoid the area.
Photo Credit | Tacoma Fire Buff Battalion
MUKILTEO FIREFIGHTERS
At 1611 hours PDT on Friday afternoon on March 24, 2023, staffing became an issue, and therefore, resources could not respond to a structure fire, prompting mutual aid of MFD’s Battalion Chief and a response from nearby agencies from Everett FD, South County Fire, and Pain Field Fire.
This occurred due to both of the City’s two fire apparatus were tied up with patient transports.
This seems to be a more common occurrence for Fire Departments and some have considered the following recommendations: Contract with an ambulance company (example: GCFD13) and/or combine your resources as a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) like those with Renton Regional Fire Authority, North County Fire Authority, South County Fire (this would be a good fit since they are nearby anyway), etc. This must be approved by a ballot vote by the people.
According to local media on if EMS Levy Funds would help with low staffing, stated these funds are required to be used for EMS budget slated items. There are unaware of any plans at this time for the City of Mukilteo to increase the overall fire department budget or staffing with those funds. (Source: Lynnwood Times)
Photo Credit | Mukilteo Firefighters IAFF Local 3482
BIG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
This morning between 0800-1100 hours PDT, the Big Lake Fire Department held its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, a local favorite for neighbors and surrounding communities.
The food and support by Mr. T’s Cafe, an iconic and one of the best places to have breakfast provided an amazing event for all who were in attendance. The Fire Department reports this event was a success!
Source & Photo Credit | BLFD
SEATTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Seattle Fire Department will see another one of their own retires into a new chapter in their lives, taking more experience but gaining new blood.
SFD Lt. Tobin Graves, a 30-year veteran will be retiring at the end of the month, and thought today to give him a Shoutout on our Fire Blog.
“Happy retirement, Lt. Graves. You have definitely earned it. Thank you for your services to the City and for sharing your skills, knowledge, and experience with us all.” – Ed.
He is currently assigned to Fire Station 25 located on Capitol Hill.
Those with the Seattle Fire Buff Society also were several of many who wished him a congratulations on his retirement,
“Congratulations on your retirement from the Seattle Fire Buff Society.”
Photo Credit | Fire Dog Photos (published with permission) / firedogphotos.com
GIG HARBOR FIRE & MEDIC ONE
Members of the Agency’s Technical Rescue team spent time above the skyline practicing their vertical high-angle rappel operations alongside firefighters with the Tacoma Fire Department at the Washington United Terminals located at the Port of Tacoma.
Additional training was held at Owen Beach working specifically working on medium angle stokes basket rope rescue operations.
That infamous firefighter quote so applies here, “Train like your life depends on it because it does!”
Source & Photo Credit | GHF&M1
MENTAL HEALTH IS KEY TO SUCCESS
Do you ever feel down or know one of your fellow members, Dispatchers, Police Officers, or family members of one?
There is help for you and your family members.
This is a time to reach out and not to feel embarrassed or like there is no other way.
There is help but you need to allow those around you to throw you (or a family member) a lifesaver.
Our friends here can help. Safe Call Now, is a no-cost and confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel, and their family members nationwide.
Phone Number –> 206-459-3020
Website –> https://www.safecallnowusa.org/
Facebook Page –> https://www.facebook.com/safecallnow/
Email –> st.riley@safecallnow.org
The men and women who are part of this non-profit organization understand firsthand what you or a family member may be going through because they have gone through it themselves.
They provide education, support, healthy alternatives, and resources to save lives and put families back together.
This life-changing non-profit organization also has courses you can take or have presented at your agency. Contact them at one of the sources listed, which are bolded for more information and what they can do to help your members.
If you want to help someone, you can volunteer and help support the mission of continuous opportunities to save lives.
Source & Photo Courtesy | SafeCallNow.org
CLARK-COWLITZ FIRE RESCUE
Attention all prospective firefighters and paramedics!
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) is excited to announce our upcoming open house and career day on April 15th, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at our Headquarters, Station 21, located at 911 N. 65th Ave, Ridgefield, Washington.
CCFR is currently hiring for 6 or more Firefighter Paramedic positions, along with Deputy Fire Marshal position(s), and CARES / Community Resource – single role paramedic positions. Both lateral and entry-level candidates are encouraged to attend, regardless of experience level.
Join Fire Chief John Nohr as he kicks off the festivities every hour on the hour with important information about CCFR’s mission and values. You’ll have the opportunity to explore various booths, tables, and activities that offer a glimpse of what CCFR has to offer, including the chance to see our fire engines, trucks, and fire boat on display.
In addition, we’ll have representatives from the IAFF Local 3674 on site, as well as our Technical Rescue Team, Marine Division, CARES / Community Paramedicine program, Fire Marshal / Inspection Division, various children’s activities, Fire and EMS Training Division staff, and current Entry Level and Lateral Firefighters and Firefighter Paramedics available to answer any questions you may have.
A BBQ will be provided with hotdogs for all attendees. Current CCFR members and their families will be in attendance to talk with any potential recruits and their family members about fire department life. Virtual attendance will also be possible for anyone out of state or unable to attend, with the meeting code being posted to our website and social media platforms just before April 15th.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about our organization and explore a career in firefighting, paramedicine, rescue, fire prevention, community paramedicine, and more.
For more information, visit our website at www.clarkfr.org.
We look forward to seeing you on April 15th!
Source & Photo Credit | CCFR
NILE-CLIFFDELL FIRE & RESCUE DISTRICT #14
“Today we responded to a car vs tree near Halfway Flats. The occupant of the vehicle spent a very cold, wet night laying in the ditch. Luckily the wreck was spotted by DOT early this morning and called it in.
We arrived on the scene in Rescue 11 and Engine 11. The patient was transported to the hospital with injuries and exposure.
This is a good reminder that when traveling on Chinook Pass remember cell phones don’t work up here so be prepared.
Firefighter Pro Tip #173 – Keep an emergency bag in your car. Be sure you have some water, food, a flashlight, extra clothing, and a blanket.
Thanks to the observant and good-thinking DOT crew, WSP, ALS, and the Fighting 410s this one ended far better than it could have.” – NCFD14
SOUTH KING COUNTY – KANGLEY
Firefighters with the King County Fire Protection District #47 held passenger vehicle fire and incident command training on March 22, 2023.
Source & Photo Credit | KCFPD47
BELLEVUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Exciting things are happening in this big city.
A new fire station in Bellevue (King County) will be the City’s newest addition in 29 years to be located on NE 12th and 112th Avenue and fairly close to Overlake Medical Center. This station is due to be more transparent than any other station we have ever seen. I wonder who will be washing all of those windows!
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 22, 2023.
Source & Photo Credit | City of Bellevue Fire Department
Photo Credit (below) | Betsi for Bellevue City Council
FIRE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
100th Annual Conference & Fire School Conference – May 18-21, 2023 – Wenatchee Registration open. Go to https://www.wsffa.org/
Source | WA FF Association
PRODUCT RECALLS
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant) orally disintegrating tablets, 75mg 8-Unit Dose blister pack is currently under a recall due to packaging not being child-resistant.
Recall #23-154.
The recalled prescription drugs must be in child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The packaging of the products is not child resistant, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children.
This impacts 4.2 million units.
Contact Pfizer directly:
Phone: 800-879-3477, Mon-Fri 0900 – 1900 EDT.
Online: http://www.pfizer.com/contact or http://www.Nurtec.com/PackagingUpdate
Website: http://www.Nurtec.com
No injuries or deaths have been reported.
Sold at pharmacies nationwide as a prescribed medicine from December 2021-March 2023, which is manufactured by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inco of New Haven, CT, and Pfizers Inc of NY.
Source & Photo Credit | CPSC.gov
Burnham Commercial Natural Gas Boilers
About 185 natural gas boiler units were recalled by its manufacturer, Burnham Commercial due to delayed ignition and/or flame rollout that can occur with the boilers, posing a burn hazard.
The recall was issued on March 23, 2023. Recall #23-738.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact the installer or distributor to schedule a free boiler repair.
The manufacturer is currently or has contacted all of its distributors about the recall.
The company has received two reports of flame rollouts.
No injuries have been reported.
Sold at independent heating and plumbing contractors and wholesale distributors nationwide from June 2020 through November 2022, which cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
The manufacturer is Burnham Commercial located in Lancaster, PA.
Source & Photo Credit | CPSC.gov
POOL SAFELY GRANTS
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a 90-day solicitation for grant applications for its Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP) for State, local, and tribal governments. They are expecting to award $3.5 million in 2-year grants in Fiscal Year 2023 to reduce deaths and injuries from drowning and drain entrapments in pools and spas. Though the assistance webinar has already occurred on March 22, 2023, there is still time to write a grant for this important life-saving topic.
Would this grant help your department?
Visit their website and the story about this great opportunity here –> https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/Join-CPSCs-Pool-Safely-Grants-Webinar-on-Wednesday-March-22-3-5-Million-Available-to-State-Local-and-Tribal-Governments
Source | CPSC.gov
VALLEY REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
“Yesterday afternoon on Thursday, March 23, VRFA crews, with assistance from Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, South King Fire & Rescue, and King County Medic One, conducted a rope rescue near the 2800 block of Elm Street SE.
A teenager slid approximately 150 feet down an embankment and appeared to have minor injuries.
Crews stabilized the patient and brought him up the embank-ment in a Stokes basket using an intricate rope system.
Aid 331 transported the patient to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Source & Photo Credit | VRFA
STEVENS COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #1
Practice makes perfect! In between calls, these District 1 firefighters are always working on perfecting their skills. This photo shows forcible entry.
Source & Photo Credit | SCFD1
WEST PIERCE FIREFIGHTERS
More great training by these men and women fire recruits, known as the Red Knights. Practicing their moves on learning the basics of ladders in the fire service, how to deploy a ladder, place a ladder, and perform maintenance, as well as other important skills.
Source & Photo Credit | West Pierce Fire Fighters
KITTTAS VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
“On Wednesday, Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue (KVFR) conducted a live fire training burn. The training took place at a house located at 7412 Number 6 Road. Currently, KVFR is participating in a joint fire Central Washington Training Academy (CWTA) with the Yakima Fire Department.
Participating in live-fire training is a requirement in the curriculum for the CWTA. Having this training is essential for the development and advancement of skills.
It prepares firefighters for the conditions they will face during a real emergency.
Training burns allow firefighters to observe fire behavior and practice suppression tactics in a controlled environment. Recruits from both departments attended.
All burning is done safely and adheres to safety standards. We want to thank our local DNR firefighters who also showed up to provide support by keeping a watchful eye on the fields surrounding the training burn.
We are happy to report the day was a success and full of learning opportunities for our newly hired firefighters.
Source & Photo Credit | KVFR
AMERICAN RED CROSS NORTHWEST REGION
The men and women who volunteer with the American Red Cross are dedicated to helping those who may have been displaced by a fire or disaster are amazing and work closely with the Fire Department. They are looking for volunteers who may want to help others.
There is a a training upcoming, JBLM New Volunteer Orientation and HIPAA on April 20, 203 at 1500 hours PDT, with other additional dates and times. Check out their facebook page here –> https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossNW
Does your agency have upcoming events, training, ballot measurements, or other activities you’d like to share with us? Drop us a line at nwfireblog@outlook.com or send us a DM here.
Thank you for being part of our family and helping us share what is happening in the Fire Service and First Responder worlds.
SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT
On March 22nd, Engine 8, Ladder 8 and Engine 2 were dispatched to a fire this morning to support @spokane_fire_9 this was Engine 8’s first Fire response!
Source | Spokane Valley FD
Photo Credit | Multimedia Specialist, Dakota. SVFD
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