Gig Harbor fire calls: Lawn tractor vs. gas line, a dryer fire and an electrical meltdown

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Reports Jan. 31 – Feb. 6

Total Reports: 131

Fire: 3

EMS/Rescue: 98

Other: 30

Jan. 31 Vehicle Fire — Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire around 12:30 p.m. on State Route 16 between the Wollochet Drive and Rosedale Avenue exits. A passerby reported fire from the area of the engine, but no one was nearby. Crews quickly extinguished the flames under the engine compartment and checked the passenger compartment. The cab was full of smoke but unoccupied.

Feb. 1 Electrical fire — A smoke detector alerted a homeowner just before 11 p.m. to smoke coming from the bathroom of their residence around the 6000 block of 28th Ave NW. Residents evacuated. Investigation revealed a strong electrical odor and smoke from an outlet in the bathroom that was partially melted. The breaker was removed from the electrical panel, and no further fire was found.

Feb. 2 Gas Leak — Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One crews were called about 5 p.m. to the 13200 block of 9th Ave NW, where a gas line had been severed by a lawn tractor. The homeowner attempted to clamp the line with vise grips, but gas was still flowing. All outside ignition sources were turned off and crews checked for exposure. Puget Sound Energy arrived and clamped the gas line to stop the leak.

Feb. 2 Dryer Fire — Gig Harbor Firefighters were dispatched to the 3200 block of Horsehead Bay Dr. around 10 p.m. for a dryer fire. The homeowner noticed smoke billowing from the dryer and had extinguished the flames by the time firefighters arrived. The gas line was shut off at the valve in the laundry room. The dryer was removed and the home ventilated until CO levels returned to normal readings. A thermal imaging camera was used to confirm the fire had not spread.

Feb. 4 Five-car pileup —A five-car, rear-end type collision occurred about 6 p.m. around 6200 State Route 16. All vehicles had pulled onto the left shoulder of the roadway. Firefighters parked to secure the left-hand lane of travel for safety. Washington State Patrol was at the scene conducting the accident investigation. All occupants were assessed, but none needed transportation

This story was originally published February 11, 2020 at 12:00 AM.