Pierce County

Pierce County Deputy Killed in Line-Of-Duty | A Blue Life Remembered

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. – After going on a recent ride-a-long with a FTO with a local County Sheriff’s Office here in this State and observing some calls as a “rider” can only imagine how this call may home been broadcasted over the radio and how raw emotions would be spilled out into the open.

Domestic Violence Call

Per the Sheriff’s Office, this is exactly what had occurred. 9-1-1 would have received the call from the reporting party in how a young child had been assaulted by the DV suspect.  Additional information sent to deputies regarding known multiple weapons known to be inside the home.

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE

Two Deputies were dispatched to the home located in the block of 113th Street South in Parkland around 0303 hours PST.  After one minute on-scene, the suspect began fighting with the both of them and not complying with their demands.

OFFICER NEEDS ASSISTANCE

Priority back-up (or Officer needs assistance) call was broadcasted over the air, to get a fast response.

At this point, it was said that the suspect was working to secure a weapon, a shotgun. The Deputies were still fighting with the suspect and it was becoming a seriously dangerous time for all those directly being assaulted by the suspect.

PCSO Deputy Cooper Dyson, 25 (#579)

Deputy Dyson called into Dispatch, he was en route to the call. Shortly, thereafter another call came into 9-1-1 around 0310 hours that a Sheriff’s Deputy patrol car had crashed into a nearby commercial building in the vicinity of the 1300 block and 112th Street East. Resources rapidly responded to the scene.

He was killed in the Line-of-Duty as he was attempting to help his fellow Officers who needed him.

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Deputy Cooper was married and survived by his pregnant wife and two-year old child. He is also the son of an East Pierce Fire & Rescue firefighter.

He had been with the Department since 2018.

 “This is a tremendously sad loss. Our Deputy was responding to help other Deputies in a dangerous domestic violence situation. It is another hard reminder of the dangers and difficulties our Deputies face.”  – Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor

This traffic collison is the first for the department since 1941.

“We send our sincere sympathies, prayers and thoughts to Deputy Dyson’s wife, child, family; Public Safety family, friends and communities he served and protected.” – Ed.

OTHER LINE-OF-DUTY DEATHS
PCSO Deputy Daniel McCartney, 34 (#484)
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Credit | MCSO

In 2018,  Deputy McCartney was also shot and killed during a DV call.  He was with the department for three years.

He would be the fourth LODD death in 2018 with the 9th LODD for the County and 6th by gunfire.  He was survived by survived by his wife and three young boys.

Deputy Kent Mundell, 44 (#423)

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When a Deputy responds to a call, they never know what to expect but to be prepared for everything and anything.  Sometimes circumstance are well beyond their control.

Sgt. Nick Hausner and his partner, Deputy Kent Mundell, 44 (#423) were responding to a DV call and were shot by the suspect.

Sgt Hausner survived his serious injuries he suffered, while his partner, Deputy Mundell did not and passed away. It has been almost 10 years to this day in December.

#NeverForgotten #BlueLivesMatter #BackTheBlue

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Update 1 – 2205 PST

Fire District Purchases New Equipment in Washington State

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

SOUTH PIERCE COUNTY, WASHINGTON

The Pierce County Fire District #23 Fire & Rescue announced the purchase of two  new Stryker power cots and loading systems for two of their four ambulances.  The purchase will help reduce and hopefully prevent injuries to their firefighters and EMTs.

This will also enable their patients to be more comfortable and safer as they are being transported to the hospital.

No photo description available.

Credit | Pierce 23 Fire & Rescue (Facebook)

To see this new equipment in action, the public and residents are invited for their Annual Open House on Saturday, August 17, 2019, from 1000 hours to 1600 hours (10-4).  It will be held at the Ashford Fire Station located at 29815 SR 706, Ashford, WA 98328.

Additionally, the Air Care air ambulance will be arriving to the Open House at 1100 hours or 11 am.

Image may contain: outdoor and nature

Courtesy | Pierce 23 Fire & Rescue

The equipment was purchased with the assistance of their Fire Commissioners.

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Credit | Pierce 23 Fire & Rescue (Facebook)

This is a great family event for those who live in the area or are fire buffs, like ourselves.

ABOUT PIERCE COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #23

The Fire Department serves the southern portion of Pierce County considered to be the Upper Nisqually Valley to areas that include Ashford, Elbe and Alder, Washington.  It is home to 2,500 residents and travelers who pass to and from the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park.

No photo description available.

Credit | Pierce 23 Fire & Rescue

The Department has four different stations and 25 active volunteers that staff them, as well as one paid Chief.   They provide services to those in a 67-square mile that includes Route 7 and State Route 706, which can be busy due to high volume of traffic from those who work/play/live in the area.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 2215 PDT on 8/15/2019

GRAHAM | Firefighters Respond to Deadly House Fire

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

GRAHAM, Wa. | Firefighters were dispatched at 1015 hours to a house fire on Sunday, March 24, 2019,  located in the 22500 block of 90th avenue East.  Neighbors were the reporting party of the house on fire.

After Firefighters gained access to the interior of the home, they found one person and ruled this as a fatal fire.

Credit | Graham Fire & Rescue

The cause of the fire or the person’s death is currently unknown but under investigation.

No firefighters or other residents were injured during this incident.

#GrahamFire #Graham #PierceCoFirefighters

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

Washington State | Fire Season 2019 Has Ignited Early

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

WASHINGTON STATE

Since the beginning of this week on March 18th when higher temps in the 60-80’s broke some major weather records, it did not come without some additional concern conditions such as low relative humidity and wind.  With the dead and dormant grasses and shrubs, it made it for some all too ripe conditions for the perfect firestorm.

Here are some of the wildfires that have occurred this week alone:

BLACK CREEK FIRE | 3/202/2019 | Lewis County | Dispatched @ 1507 hours. 1 acre. Turned over to landowner. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

BODINE FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | Bodine Road.  Dispatched @ 1943 hours.  0.5 acres.  IC Blodgett.  In Patrol Status.  Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

BURROWS ROAD FIRE | 3/20/2019 | 21 Hogan Road in Hoquiam. Dispatched @ 1354 hours.  Contained @ 1500 hours. Controlled @ 1700 hours.  0.2 acres of slash.  IC Kinkade @ 1500 hours.  In Patrol Status. Olympic Region Dispatch.

Burn Bans | Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties in Effect.

CAT SCRATCH FIRE  | 3/19/2019 |  Bond Road. 0.25 acres of brush, slash and logs. Dispatched @ 1951 hours. IC Mohler. Contained @ 2125  hours. Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

CATTLE FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Lewis County | Dispatched @ 1303 hours. 6.5 acres of grass, brush, slash, duff and litter. IC E463   @ 1036 hours on 3/20/2019. Patrol status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

CEDAR PONDS FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Snohomish County | Off Cedar Ponds Road, SE of Monroe.  Dispatched 1402 hours. 0.1 acres. Stump, logging and slash as fire fuels.  IC Zavala @ 1650 hours. E466 tied to incident. Northwest Region DNR Dispatch Center.

CHEHALIS FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Grays Harbor County | 209 Mox Chehalis Road in Malone. Dispatched @ 1408 hours.  12 acres of grass, brush and timber. IC Bradshaw. Resources on-scene. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

CHEHALIS RIVER FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Porter (Grays Harbor) | Dispatched @ 1900 hours. 0.5 acres of grass and light brush. IC Noonan. Contained/controlled @ 0927 hours. Patrol status. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

COAL CREEK FIRE  | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | Carlon Loop. Dispatched @ 1419 hours. IC @ 1742 hours. In Patrol Status. Resources:  WA DNR dispatched 5 engines along with Fire District mutual aid units. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

COLUMBIA FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Dispatched @ 1743 hours. 0.3 acres. IC Bortner @ 0658 on 3/19/2019. Patrol status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

CONDIT FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Klickitat County | Hwy 141, mile post 5.  Dispatched 1332 hours. Contained/controlled @ 1400 hours. Out @ 1420 hours. 0.1 acres. Grass, brush and duff fire fuels. IC Dobson. Central WA Interagency Communications Center.

DAY ROAD FIRE |  3/21/2019 | Lewis County | Dispatched @ 1115 hours.  Fire reportedly as out. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

DEVONSHIRE FIRE | 3/20/2019 | 74 Devonshire Road.  Dispatched @ 1414 hours. Controlled @ 1713 hours.  Contained @ 1954 hours.  4 acres of brush.  IC Johnson @1417 hours. In Patrol Status. Olympic Region Dispatch.

Fire Fact  | As of March 18, 2019, there have been 49 wildfires of 50 in Western Washington in this week alone. – WA DNR

EAST DEEP RIVER FIRE | 3/20/2019 | East Deep River in Wahkiakum County. | Dispatched @ 1649 hours. 3 acres. IC Hynning. Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

ELOCHOMAN DIVIDE FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Wahkiakum County |  Dispatched @ 1952 hours. 1.5 acres of grass, brush and timber. IC Servenka on 3/20/2019. DNR tied to incident.

FARGER VIEW FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Clark County | Dispatched @ 0109 hours. 1.5 acres of grass and brush. IC Estes. Patrol status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

FERN HILL FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Pacific County | South Fork Road. Dispatched @ 1254 hours. 0.2 acres of grass and brush. IC Stigall. Turned over to landowner. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

GABLE 3 FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Clark County |  Dispatched @ 1550 hours. 0.1 acre of slash pile. IC Hubbard. Patrol status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

GRANDVIEW FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Grandview.  Dispatched @ 1154 hours. 6.48 acres of grass, brush and timber. IC Wesemann @ 1015 hours. Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

GRIP ROAD FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Skagit County | Union Square Road in Sedro Woolley. Dispatched 1302 hours.  Legal rule burn, no escape. False alarm. IC McMillen, GL 41 @ 1331 hours. Northwest Region DNR Dispatch Center.

HARVEST MOON FIRE | 3/21/2019 | Lewis County | Onalaska.  Dispatched  @ 1655 hours. False Alarm. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

HICKORY FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Thurston County in  Yelm. Dispatched @ 1735 hours.  0.25 acres of Grass and brush. Contained & controlled @ 1900 hours. Patrol status. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

HORNE FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | Dispatched @ 1425 hours.  2 acres. In patrol status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

HORSLEY ROAD FIRE | 3/18/2019 |  Horsley Place. 23 acres of grass. IC Hynning @ 0710 on 3/19/2019. WA DNR on-scene. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

JACKSON ROAD FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Pierce County |  Mckenna. Dispatched @ 1323 hours. 45 acres of timber, reproduction slash. IC Burns. Resources on-scene. Puget Sound South Dispatch.

MYSTIC FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | Mystic Road. Dispatched @ 1226 hours.  0.25 acres of grass, slash and timber light. IC Mattilla. Turned over to landowner. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

NELSON FIRE | 3/21/2019 | Rochester in Lewis County |   1.5 acres of grass and brush. Dispatched @ 1509 hours.  IC Werner @ 1800 hours.  In Patrol Status.  Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

NORTH MAPLE FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | SE of Kelso in RoseValley.  Dispatched @ 1700 hours.  40 acres. IC Hynning. Approximately 90 homes threatened. State Mobilization authorized. Puget Sound Task Force assigned to incident. Evacuations in effect for those off of Walker Road. 35% contained. Resources:  SE WA Type 3 IMT. Fall City Brush 166, Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, Larch Mountain inmate crew. Over 50 firefighters are working on this wildfire. No homes have been lost.  Evacuation orders have been reduced from a Level 3. Significant Events:  N Maple Hill Road served its purpose well in acting as the perfect fire breaker. County Commissioners have declared an emergency. Cause:  Escaped burn pile.

OLD BARN ROAD FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Lewis County on Old Barn Road | Dispatched @ 1620 hours .  18 acres. IC Warthen @ 1822 hours. DNR on-scene. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

Pierce County firefighters responded to a 15-acre wildfire in Eatonville on March 20, 2019. | Credit: PCFFs

OXBOW ROAD FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Pacific County | Oxbow Road. Dispatched @ 1454 hours. 10 acres. IC Shweso @ 1530 hours. Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

PICKERING ROAD FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Mason County | Shelton. Dispatched @ 1616 hours. 0.25 acres of light slash and brush. IC Sullivan. Contained & controlled @ 1830 hours. Patrol status. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

PRIEST ROAD FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Lewis County | Dispatched @ 1916 hours.  0.1 acre of grass, brush and logs. Turned over to landowner. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

RAGLAND ROAD FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | Ragland Road.  Dispatched @ 1503 hours. 3 acres of grass and brush.  IC Adam. Contained and controlled @ 2139 hours.  Turned over to landowner. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

RANDLE BRIDGE | 3/21/2019 | Lewis County | Dispatched @ 0909 hours.  Contained/controlled @ 1200 hours.  1 acre of grass, brush and hardwood. IC Latham. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

SCHOOL HOUSE FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Dispatched @ 1355 hours. 0.1 acre. IC Hynning. Turned over to landowner. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

SOMERS ROAD FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Shelton. Dispatched @ 1638 hours. 0.4 acres of grass and brush. IC Bradshaw. Contained @ 1930 hours. Controlled @ 1200 hours. Patrol status. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

Pierce County Firefighters responded to a fire off of SR 702 and Jackson Road in Eatonville on March 20, 2019. | Credit: PCFFs

SOUTH BANK FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Grays Harbor County | Oakville. Dispatched @ 1450 hours. 0.5 acres of grass and brush. IC Noonan. Contained & controlled @ 1615 hours.  Patrol status. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

SOUTH PRAIRIE ROAD FIRE | 3/20/20109 | 25100 block of South Prairie Road in Pierce County |   Dispatched @ 1244 hours. 1.5 acres of brush and grass. (200×200 brush fire) | IC Traweek. Contained @ 1500 hours. Controlled @ 1615 hours. Patrol Status. Resources included:  3 brush engines and 4 engines from East Pierce Fire.  Puget Sound Dispatch.

STANDARD ROAD FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Whatcom County | Standard Road in Acme. Dispatched @ 1604 hours. 15 acres. No further info. Northwest Region DNR Dispatch Center.

SUNSET FALLS FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County | County 17 Road. Dispatched @ 0640 hours. 5 acres. IC Lingquist. @ 0815 hours.  Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

SWOFFORD FIRE | 3/19/2019 | 200 block of Swofford Road near Mossyrock in Lewis County |  Dispatched @ 1302 hours. 103 acres of grass, brush, slash. IC Smith on 3/20/2019 @ 1630 hours. Contained at 1200 hours on 3/20/2019. Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

TOWER FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Clark County |  Dispatched @ 1512 hours. 2 acres of grass, brush and timber. IC Fowler. Patrol Status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

VALLEY GREEN FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Thurston County in Olympia. Dispatched @ 1608 hours. 4 acres of leaf litter. IC Carlsen. Contained @ 1100 hours on 3/21/2019. Controlled on 3/21/2019 @ 1515 hours. In patrol Status. South Puget Sound Dispatch.

VENNERSBURG FIRE | 3/19/2019 | Clark County | Dispatched @ 1851 hours. 29 acres of grass and brush. Patrol status. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

WEST WASHOUGAL FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Clark County | 22nd Street. Dispatched @ 1415 hours. 0.25 acres of grass and brush. IC North. Fire out. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

WILDWOOD LANE FIRE | 3/20/2019 | Wahkiakum.  Dispatched @ 1705 hours.  85 acres. IC Tester on 3/21 @ 0930 hours. Resources: Bortner E273, Hancock, Hoskins Olson and Tester. DNR  on-scene. Pacific Cascade Dispatch. Resources:  Western WA Type 3 IMT assumed command along with additional fires.

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Courtesy: Western WA Type 3 IMT

WILLIE KEILS FIRE | 3/18/2019 | Lewis County | Dispatched @ 0858 hours. 4 acres of grass and brush. Fire out. Pacific Cascade Dispatch.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are also gearing up for some fire chasing opportunities. As the temps increase and fires begin to ignite, we will most likely find ourselves looking for those that may pop so that we can report and share with you all.   Besides, we like catching our friends in action.

You can also find us on Twitter @nwfireblog and on Instagram.

Be Safe Friends.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

Washington State | SR 512 Fire | Pierce County | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Friday, July 13, 2018 – 1900 hours PDT —

A very large brush fire is burning in the area of Vickery, where it reportedly started on SR 512 and Portland Avenue in Pierce County, Washington on Friday, July 13,2 018. The fire had spread to about .5 miles and reached a home in the area, where it is now being impacted directly by fire.

Washington Patrol has only one lane in the westbound direction of SR 512.  All eastbound lanes are open but there are reports of a MVA in the area.

Photo Credit | Orting Valley Firefighters

Incident Cooperators include:  Central Pierce Fire Department, Orting Valley Fire and the Washington State Patrol

No injuries have been reported.

No exact cause is known and is under investigation.

== PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT == Pierce Co OEM

Countywide burn ban in Pierce County begins Thursday, July 12

Due to dry weather, both now and in forecasts, Pierce County’s Fire Marshal, in partnership with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association, has declared a countywide burn ban effective Thursday, July 12 at 8 a.m., until further notice.

The burn ban applies to all land clearing and yard debris outdoor burning. The ban does not apply to small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or on private property with the owner’s permission.  The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbecues are allowed under the ban.

Recreational fires must:

  • Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds and not be used as debris disposal
  • Grow no larger than three feet in diameter
  • Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches
  • Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire, such as hand tools and a charged garden hose or not less than two 5-gallon buckets of water
  • No burning when winds exceed 5 miles per hour

The ban applies only to residents in unincorporated Pierce County. For residents of incorporated Pierce County cities, please contact your local jurisdiction for requirements.

If you have an approved burn permit from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and/or your property falls under the jurisdiction of DNR, you are advised to call 1-800-323-BURN for more information.

For current information, please call the Pierce County Burn Ban hotline at (253) 798-7278.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sarah Foster, Public Information Officer
253-798-2204

(c) 2018 NW Fire Blog

Old Iconic Building Burning in Auburn, Washington | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

AUBURN, WASHINGTON

Around 1530 hours PST, a fire broke out at the Old Heritage building located at 100 South Main Street in Auburn, Washington which is at the intersection of Auburn Way South and Main Street.   

The fire started on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, originally reported as flames from a dryer.  It would escalate from a first alarm to a third alarm very quickly.

Credit: King County Medic 1

RESOURCES

A large number of fire Resources from both King and Pierce Counties were promptly dispatched to the incident with personnel represented from Valley Regional FD, KCFD #44, East Pierce, Puget Sound Fire, South King Fire, Renton Fire, Tukwila Fire and Burien Fire.  Additional EMS units were dispatched from King County Medic One. 

FIRE TACTICS

When firefighters first arrived, they found heavy fire in the attic. They took offensive strategy due to the ceiling starting to collapse.  One person who was non-ambulatory was rescued and treated on-scene for smoke inhalation.  They were not transported.

Credit: Puget Sound Fire

ALARM COMPANIES

Here are the units deployed and which alarm they have been assigned to:

First Alarm | B31  CH32  E31  E32  E33  E38  L74  PIO32  B74  

Second Alarm | E61  E65  E71  E73  M6  MSO1  PCL113  R74 23PIO  23REHAB

Third Alarm | E62  E72  L11  L29  PCE118  Q75  E13  E17

Credit: Puget Sound Fire

EVACUATIONS

Neighbors in businesses and apartments have been evacuated for their safety and for fire crews.

Elderly residents were evacuated from their homes and buses were provided for them on 28th, which was the NW corner of their building.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media is using the hashtags #MainFire #AuburnFire #heritagebldgfire for this incident.

(c) 2017 NW Fire Blog – 12/26/2017 @ 1920 Hours PST

Fire Ignites on Washington’s Key Peninsula | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

KEY PENINSULA, WASHINGTON STATE

Incident Summary

A slow-moving wildfire is burning at the end of the road on 200th Avenue on the Key Peninsula in Pierce County, Washington State.  The fire sparked by an unknown cause and is said to be burning near the 2100 block of South Heron Island Boulevard.

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The unnamed fire on Heron Island Blvd and 21st is slow-moving. (Credit: KPN Fire)

Limited resources began pouring into the area around 1430 hours this afternoon.  Firefighters were given aid by KOMO TV 4’s chopper above in helping with access once off of the unmaintained and gravel road to the fire line.

Resources

DNR has one helicopter providing fire suppression from  air, with additional fire assets from various other departments on the way.

Fire Buffs

For those who cannot give enough and want to hear the wildfire call in action, here is a link to the Scanner Feed to this incident.   “Pierce County Fire Charlie” on                              — > http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/21268

Air Quality

Skies across the northern part of the Key Peninsula including Key Center is filled with a smokey and the KPN FD believes it is coming out of the Southern portion of Canada. Additionally, smoke can be seen East of the Olympics.

Other reports from nearby county, Kitsap is also receiving information smoke is flowing into their area.

Reminders

If you see fire apparatus, please avoid the area.

Additionally, please keep your drones out of the fire zone or air craft will have no choice but to be grounded until the airspace is cleared.

Those with smoke sensitivities should stay inside with closed windows and vents.  Try to keep fans circulating.  If this does not work, leave the area and wait for the smoke in the air to dissipate.

(c) 2017 The NW Fire Blog

Become “WinterWise” Event Hosted by Puyallup’s McLendon Hardware and Pierce County Utilities, DEM

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Pierce County is gearing up to respond to winter weather, and community members are encouraged to do the same.

Residents can learn about Pierce County’s response efforts and how they can prepare for winter weather at the WinterWise Kickoff Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at McLendon Hardware at 11307 Canyon Road E. in Puyallup.

County staff from Public Works and Utilities and the Department of Emergency Management will provide information about county services during winter weather, as well as tips on how to make a family plan for emergencies and build an emergency kit. Children will be able to paint a snow plow that will be used on local roads during snow and ice events. Adults can pick up a list of recommended emergency kit items, and McLendon’s will offer a discount for shoppers that stop by the WinterWise and other vendor booths.

“Public Works and Utilities plays an important role in responding to winter weather, and we encourage people to become familiar with our programs so they know what to expect and who to contact if they need assistance,” said Brian Ziegler, Public Works and Utilities director. “Our WinterWise website also has resources on ways to be sustainable during winter celebrations, such as treecycling, and information on ways to keep sewer pipes functioning properly, such as not flushing wipes and keeping grease from holiday meals out of drains.”

The WinterWise Kickoff Event is part of Public Works and Utilities’ WinterWise outreach program to educate the community about the services the department provides during winter. Those services include response to urban and river flooding, windstorms, and snow and ice events, as well as information on storm cleanup and sustainable winter celebrations. Public Works and Utilities partnered with the Department of Emergency Management this year to help promote emergency preparedness.

“Creating an emergency kit and a family plan are crucial steps we all should take to be ready for winter weather,” said Lowell Porter, Department of Emergency Management director. “At the event, we’ll have the key information you need to get started.”

For more information on Pierce County’s winter services, visitwww.piercecountywa.org/winterwise.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sheryl Rhinehart, Public Works and Utilities outreach coordinator
(253) 798-4655
srhineh@co.pierce.wa.us

Sheri Badger, Department of Emergency Management
(253) 798-2204
sbadger@co.pierce.wa.us

[Repost]

2014 The NW Fire Blog

WA PUBLIC HEALTH: Health Providers Alert – January 24, 2014

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

For immediate release: January 24, 2014 [14-011]
Contact:  Media inquiries: Sharon Moysiuk, Communications Office,  360-236-4074
Public inquiries: Health Systems Customer Service, 360-236-4700

State disciplines health care providers

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against health care providers in our state.

The department’s Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions, and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, counselors).

Information about health care providers is on the agency website. Click on “Look up a healthcare provider license” in the “How Do I?” section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider’s license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are encouraged to call and report their complaint.

Chelan County

In November 2013 the Chiropractic Commission ended conditions on the credential of chiropractorJason C. Schroeder (CH00003389).

Clallam County

In December 2013 the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Program charged paramedic Paul Rynearson (ES00106508) with unprofessional conduct. Rynearson allegedly took and used narcotics kept at the fire department where he worked and reportedly came to work appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Clark County

In December 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program agreed to reinstate the registered nursing assistant credential of Mayra I. Garcia (NA00195349) and placed her credential on probation for at least one year. Garcia’s credential was suspended in 2011 after she didn’t comply with a stipulation issued after being convicted in 2007 of third-degree theft and driving while intoxicated.

Grant County

In December 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended conditions on the credential of chemical dependency professional Estela Yarrito (CP00003751).

Island County

In December 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program conditionally granted a registered nursing assistant credential to Cassandra Denise Pendergrass (NA60414482) and placed her license on probation for at least two years. In 2004 Pendergrass was convicted in Nevada of embezzling $2,500 or more.

King County

In December 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Shakun Nandeshwar Sharma (CO60294692) and placed her credential on probation. Sharma must take continuing education in professional law and ethics and undergo an evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. She was convicted of five gross misdemeanors and two misdemeanors between 2006 and 2012.

In November 2013 the Pharmacy Commission ended probation for pharmacist Michael S. Jones(PH00010993).

In December 2013 the Pharmacy Commission fined Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc.(CF60030054) $2,500 after it was found to have allowed a pharmacy assistant, who misrepresented herself as a pharmacy technician to its human resource department, to perform tasks limited to pharmacy technicians.

In December 2013 the Medical Assistant Program ended conditions on the credential of medical assistant Bridgett Dianne Miller (MR60402878).

In December 2013 the Dental Commission denied a dental assistant credential to Randy Allen Ivie(D160332886), who had several convictions including 12 felonies, two gross misdemeanors, and one misdemeanor between 1985 and 2012.

Pierce County

In December 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Darla Jean Oliphint (CO60234960).

In December 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program ended probation for chemical dependency professional trainee Tena K. Bremmeyer (CO60153438).

In December 2013 the Counselor Program charged chemical dependency professional, marriage and family therapist associate, and marriage and family therapist Jennifer Armstrong Ferguson(CP00005222, MG60171687, LF60079410) with unprofessional conduct. Ferguson allegedly provided substandard care.

In December 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Karen Ann Price(RN60181825) with unprofessional conduct. In 2013 Price was convicted of driving while intoxicated.

Snohomish County

In December 2013 the Counselor Program lifted the suspension for registered counselor credential holder Susan A. Martin (RC00059495). The credential itself was abolished in 2010.

Spokane County

In December 2013 the Chemical Dependency Professional Program conditionally granted a chemical dependency professional trainee credential to Patricia Noel Shropshire (CO60418513) and placed her credential on probation. Shropshire must take continuing education in professional law and ethics, and undergo evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program. In 2012 she was convicted of driving while intoxicated and received deferred prosecution on another charge.

In November 2013 the Pharmacy Commission ended probation for pharmacy technician Jill M. Horstman (VA00048105).

In December 2013 the Pharmacy Commission charged pharmacy assistant Casey V. McGaughy(VB00071773) with unprofessional conduct. While working at a pharmacy, McGaughy allegedly diverted medications for his personal use.

Thurston County

In December 2013 the Nursing Commission charged registered nurse Lori Jean Tenny(RN00121398) with being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety. On an application to reactivate her expired credential, Tenny allegedly said she has a medical condition that impairs her ability to practice, a conclusion her primary care provider supported.

In December 2013 the Counselor Program conditionally granted an agency affiliated counselor credential to Shane Lynn Morris (CG60293762) and placed her credential on probation. Morris must undergo evaluation for a substance abuse monitoring program, and is required to take continuing education in professional law and ethics. She was convicted of 40 felonies and one gross misdemeanor between 2005 and 2009.

Walla Walla County

In December 2013 the Nursing Commission denied the request of Bob L. Ratcliff (RN00159108) to reinstate his registered nursing credential, which was suspended in 2005 and again in 2011, when he didn’t comply with a substance abuse monitoring program. The commission found that he was still out of compliance.

Whatcom County

In November 2013 the Pharmacy Commission modified an agreement with pharmacist David Alexander Glen (PH60216257), lifting probation from his license but still requiring that he comply with a substance abuse monitoring contract.

In December 2013 the Nursing Assistant Program charged registered nursing assistant Marianne Zweegman (NA00130895) with unprofessional conduct. The Department of Social and Health Services prohibited her from being employed in caring for or having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. Zweegman was found to have neglected vulnerable adults in her adult family home.

Whitman County

In December 2013 the Counselor Program ended conditions on the credential of mental health counselor Lori Woodward Bobo (LH60168278).

Out of State

Idaho: In December 2013 the Nursing Commission charged licensed practical nurse Natalie A. Fister(LP00053334) with unprofessional conduct. Fister notified the commission that in 2013 she was convicted in Idaho of driving under the influence of alcohol (third or more offense).

Idaho: In December 2013 the Dental Commission ended conditions on the credential of dental assistant Breanna Fern Bailiff (D160249600).

Oregon: In December 2013 the Hearing and Speech Board charged speech language pathologistJocelyn Louise Meussdorffer (LL60262909) with unprofessional conduct. She allegedly didn’t comply with terms of a previous agreement.

Note to Editors: Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.

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