Gig Harbor Fire Blotter: Illegal Burning, Oil Spill, Boat Wedged Under Fox Island Bridge

• Total Calls:  97
• EMS: 75     
• Fire/Svc: 10            
• Other 12

Sept. 13

Illegal Burn: Residential yard debris mixed with construction materials was discovered in a backyard near 118th St.  The pile was approximately 4 feet by 4 feet and was being fed from a larger pile.  The homeowner agreed to extinguish when educated on illegal burning of construction materials along with a burn ban still in effect for natural vegetation.  

Sept. 14

Possible House Fire: No smoke was visible at a two story home on 21st Ave. however the odor of burnt plastic was evident. A thermal imaging device located moderate heat from behind an electrical outlet. Crews used a sawzall to open a 1 foot by 1 foot section of the wall with the homeowner’s permission, which revealed a heating duct touching the electrical outlet which may have overheated. No sign of fire or extension into the home; the homeowner will contact an electrician and furnace company for possible malfunction.

Sept. 15

Oil Spill: A fish checked noted a large oil spill on the Randall boat ramp, its source was unknown.  The engine crew placed 15 absorbent pads in two locations on the ramp to assist in containing the spill before it reaches the water. The Department of Ecology was contacted to report the spill and clean up efforts.

Illegal Burning: Light smoke in the area prompted a call from a neighbor near Starlet Lane.  Crews walked about 200’ into the woods and discovered 8’ flames and a pile approximately 6 feet by 6 feet of burning natural vegetation. It was monitored by the homeowner, who stated he had just cleared his property and will extinguish the fire with his tractor. He did not know of the burn ban in effect.

Sept. 17

Leg Injury and Arm Fracture: Two students at an elementary school were taken to a hospital for possible leg injury and arm fracture.  Both were at recess and sustained injuries at the same time in different locations on the playground.  

Sept. 18

Sailboat Wedged Under Bridge: A derelict sailboat drifted into the Fox Island Bridge, the mast got stuck under the span near the boat launch on the Island side. PCSO were called and advised the sailboat had been adrift for a few weeks. Contact was again made with the boat owner who stated he did not want the boat anymore. Coast Guard was then contacted and a nearby boat towed it to a cove, securing it to a buoy.