Fire reports: Abandoned oil drums on roadside lead to hazmat response

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Reports June 19-25

Total Reports: 130

Fire: 2

EMS/Rescue: 84

Other: 44

June 20: House fire — About 4:15 a.m., a Gig Harbor homeowner in the 3600 block of 59th St. Ct. NW was awakened by their barking dog. When the homeowner went outside to investigate, they observed a yard waste bin fully involved with fire. With the flames beginning to extend to the exterior of the home, the family evacuated, called 911, and used their garden hose to limit the fire’s spread. The arriving Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One crews checked for fire extension into the home, and started cleanup. Damage was limited to a small corner of the garage.

June 21: Beauty Bark fire

Just before 4 .pm. firefighters were dispatched because of concern about a smoldering beauty bark fire at a residence in the 3000 block of 89th Ave Ct. NW. It was reported that a 30- foot stretch of landscaping appeared to be smoldering. The caller used a garden hose to soak the area prior to fire department arrival. Crews checked the area with a thermal imaging camera and hand tools and found no remaining active fire.

June 25: Possible hazardous materials

Five metal 55-gallon drums were discovered by a Gig Harbor police officer around 5 p.m. by the side of the road in the 9000 block of 54th Ave NW, near Bujacich Road. A chemical smell was noticed and one drum appeared to have leaked onto the asphalt. Firefighters and HazMat technicians were called to the scene and initiated a Pierce County Hazardous Incident Team response. A safe zone was established for public safety. Four of the drums turned out to empty and the fifth was abut a quarter full of used motor oil. The state Department of Ecology was called to the scene to handle removal.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 5:21 PM.