Despite the fact that Washington USAR Task Force 1 wasn't deployed to Haiti, one of Bellevue's Firefighter/Paramedics is serving there. Firefighter/Paramedic Cynthia Thomas has deployed as part of an emergency surgical team known as an "IMSURT" unit. Cynthia will be working as one of the medics attached to this unit caring for the victims of the catastrophic Haitian earthquake. Medical teams are in severe need in the stricken island nation. A number of firefighters are working to cover her shifts while she's gone. We will provide a story regarding her deployment following her return. The Bellevue Firefighters also have a number of members serving with Washington USAR Task Force 1, but as noted earlier in the article, that team was not deployed to Haiti, and instead held in reserve with a number of other USAR Task Forces across the nation. Firefighter/Paramedic Cynthia Thomas is at left in the picture.

On Friday, January 8th, 2010, Bellevue Firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the Newport area of Bellevue. Engine 4 arrived first due to find a two story residential structure heavily involved in fire. The fire had spread to two vehicles in front of the home and was threatening additional structures. Engine 4 and supporting companies initiated an attack and rapidly contained the fire's spread. In all, Engine 4, 2, 8, 9, Ladder 1, Ladder 3, Medic 2, Aid 2, MSO 5, Air Unit 1, and Battalion 1 responded on the fire. One civilian was treated by firefighters for smoke inhalation and transported to Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. Cause of the fire was determined to be from hot discarded ashes from a fireplace on wood decking.