Fireline Blog Seattle Fire Department

Fire Line

News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

What to do if you or a loved one are diagnosed with COVID-19

by

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and should recover at home. Care at home can help stop the spread of the virus and help protect people who are at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Here are a few safety tips on how to prevent the spread of germs at home when caring for someone diagnosed with COVID-19:

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Monitor symptoms

  • The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
  • Severe symptoms include:
    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face
  • Call your doctor before going to the hospital if the person who is sick displays any of these severe symptoms.
  • If you believe their severe symptoms are life threatening, please call 911.

Limit shared living spaces

  • Have the person with COVID-19 stay in one room, away from other people and pets.
  • If possible, do not share the same bathroom.
  • Deliver meals to person with the illness, instead of having them enter the kitchen.

Avoid sharing household items

  • Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels or bedding.
  • Be sure to thoroughly clean all used household items on a regular basis.

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Everyone should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, then dispose of the used tissue in a lined trash can. Immediately wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer of soap is not available.
  • Be sure to wash all surfaces of your hands and wrists.

Clean all common surfaces and areas every day

  • Use household cleaners that are safe and effective.
  • Wear gloves and open a window for ventilation.
  • Common areas include:
    • Furniture such as tables, chairs, desks, cabinets and beds.
    • Kitchen counters, bathroom fixtures, toilets and bathtubs or showers
    • Electronics such as remotes, phones, keyboards, and tablets.

Discontinuing home isolation

For individuals with symptoms who are confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 and are directed to care for themselves at home, discontinue home isolation under the following conditions:

  • If you had a fever, 3 days after the fever is gone without use of fever-reducing medications AND you see an improvement in your initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath);
  • If you did not have a fever, 3 days after you see an improvement in your initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath);
    OR
  • 7 days after symptom onset, whichever is longer.

This information is sited from the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Chief Scoggins celebrates Dr. Seuss Day at Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club

by

On Monday afternoon, the best part of Fire Chief Harold Scoggins’ day was spending time with 30 eager readers, ages 5 to 7 years, at the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club on MLK Way South. The children listened intently as the Chief read the classic Dr. Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

It was all part of Read Across America Day, otherwise known as “Dr. Seuss Day,” an annual event created by the National Education Association to encourage children to read. March 2 marks the birthday of famed children’s book author, Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel, who wrote and illustrated dozens of children’s book during his career.

Published originally in 1990, just a year before his death, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” is perhaps the most significant book of Seuss’ legacy, as it combines classic Seussian elements such as Horton-like elephants, castles, mazes and clanking contraptions with a lifetime of wisdom in terms children can understand.

For the children at Rainier Vista, they not only got a chance to hear the Chief read, they also talked with him about important things like what it’s like to be a Fire Chief, what to do if their smoke alarm sounds at home, and how quickly they need to get out by crawling low under the smoke.

A highlight of the visit was when Chief Scoggins autographed the book for the children for them to keep in their book collection at the Club.

February 2020 Promotion Ceremony

by

SEATTLE – On Feb. 19, 2020, the Seattle Fire Department held a promotional ceremony at our headquarters to appoint three firefighters to new positions. The event was emceed by Fire Chief Scoggins. The following employees were promoted:

Melissa Kennedy to Deputy Chief of Training

Melissa Woolsey to Captain

David Berry to Captain

Welcoming Debbie Goetz

Debbie is our new Fire & Safety Educator responsible for managing programs for children and youth. She has been with the City of Seattle since 2006 as the Community Planning Coordinator with the Office of Emergency Management.






Welcoming Matthew Butler

Matthew is our new EEO investigator and RSJI Strategic Advisor responsible for conducting workplace investigations regarding allegations of protected class discrimination. He will be involved in training how to establish and maintain workplace culture free from discrimination and harassment.

On this day, 77 years ago Firefighter Luther Bonner made the ultimate sacrifice

by

Firefighter Luther Bonner

On this day back in 1943, Seattle Firefighter Luther Bonner died after attempting to rescue passengers and warehouse workers after a Boeing prototype B-29 Super-Fortress bomber crashed into a meatpacking plant near King County International Airport two days prior. This incident became known as the Frye Packing Company Fire where a total of 32 people died, making it the largest loss of life from a fire in our city’s history.

Fire Engine 19
Photo credit: Last Resort Fire Department

Firefighter Luther Bonner was 23 years old with less than a year in the department and served on Engine 19. His sacrifice remained largely forgotten for 70 years until retired Seattle Firefighter and historian, Dave Peery, researched Bonner’s story to ensure he received a proper tribute. In 2017, King County elected officials named the new aircraft rescue and firefighting station after him while displaying a large mural of that fateful day.

Luther Dean Bonner Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Station

Find out more on King County’s site. Special thanks to Dave Peery and the Last Resort Fire Department for providing historical records.

Learn hands-only CPR for Heart Month

by

You could save a life – take a few minutes to learn Hands-only CPR

Are you prepared to help in a medical emergency if someone goes into cardiac arrest? A cardiac patient’s chance of becoming a long-term survivor are more than doubled if a bystander on the scene administers prompt CPR.

Administering Hands-only CPR (without breaths) is a simple technique that only takes a few minutes to learn. Watch this short video to learn the steps for performing Hands-only CPR – you could save a life.

Here are the steps:

  1. Call 911 – Give specific information to the dispatcher, starting with the location. Is an AED available? If so, send someone to retrieve it and use it as soon as you can.
  2. Make sure the scene is safe
  3. Quickly determine if the person needs CPR – tap them on the shoulder to see if they wake up. Check to see if their stomach or chest is rising.
  4. Begin chest compressions – Use two hands, with straight arms, and push down hard and fast in the center of the chest. Make sure compressions are at least 2-inches deep, and are at the rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If someone else knows CPR, alternate after two minutes of compressions.

Help us spread awareness during this Heart Month by sharing this information with at least one family member or friend.

For more CPR information visit the Seattle Fire Department.

Fire caused by overheated extension cords

by

On Sunday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m., crews responded to a well involved fire on the 2800 block of S Othello St. Engine Companies 28 and 33 were the first on-scene and confirmed heavy smoke coming from the two-story home. They quickly got water on the fire while sustaining a supply from nearby hydrants. Ladder Company 12 and Rescue 1 searched both floors of the home to confirm no occupants were inside. Additional crews ventilated the structure while others rotated with existing personnel to knock down the fire. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 15 minutes of arriving on-scene. No injuries were reported and Red Cross was initiated to help the residents.

Fire investigators determined the incident was accidentally caused by an overheated extension cord. Estimated loss is $165,000.

Extension cords and power strips are designed to be temporary

Extension cords and power strips are designed to provide a temporary power source and should be unplugged when not in use. When shopping for an extension device, look for a power strip or surge protector with an internal circuit breaker that will trip the breaker when overloaded. Here are a few tips to keep you safe when using these devices:

  • Never overload extension cords or wall sockets and never run cords under rugs or place in high traffic areas.
  • There should only be one surge protector or power strip plugged into a single duplex electrical outlet.
  • Power strips vary in their capacity but should only be used for items that require light loads such as computers, printers and clocks, for example. They are not made to handle refrigerators or portable heaters.
  • If the extension cord or power strip feels hot to the touch, replace it.
  • Do not connect one extension cord or power strip to another. Also known as “daisy chaining.”
  • Make sure the power strip has been tested by an independent testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or the Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL).

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy

by

From left to right:
Fire Chief Claude Harris, Fire Chief Gregory Dean and Fire Chief Harold Scoggins

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”


-— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we honor the indelible impact of Dr. King’s work to advance civil rights, we acknowledge our own uneven journey toward racial and social equity.

Hired in 1959, Claude Harris was the city’s first Black firefighter and rose through the ranks to become the department’s first Black Fire Chief in 1985. Even as he faced discrimination and bias, his desire to serve Seattle courageously opened doors for others to follow, including our second Black Fire Chief, Gregory Dean. Today, under the leadership of Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, we continue our work toward a diverse, equitable and welcoming work place.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Rally & March

Join us Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 at Garfield High School for a rally and march in remembrance of Dr. King’s legacy. The rally will begin at 11 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium and the march to Downtown will start at 12:30 p.m..

The event is hosted by the Seattle MLK, Jr. Organizing Coalition and will feature a career and opportunity fair at 8:30 – 11 a.m. along with workshops starting at 9:30 a.m.. Click here for more info.

The Seattle Fire Department is not affiliated with the Seattle MLK, Jr. Organizing Coalition.

Plan ahead for winter weather

by

Stock up on supplies

  • Seven days of:
    • Non-perishable foods (canned foods and dried goods)
    • Water (a gallon per person, per day)
    • Prescriptions and medical supplies
  • Warm clothes and blankets
  • Batteries for flashlights

Test your smoke/CO alarms

Now is a good time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by testing and replacing batteries if necessary. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside of sleeping areas. CO alarms should be on every level of the home and outside of the bedrooms. Learn about the Seattle Fire Department’s free smoke/co alarm program.

When the power goes out

Do’s:

  • Layer up with warm clothes and blankets
  • Use battery-operated candles
  • If using candles with flames, place them in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders. Extinguish every candle before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t use your outdoor grill or gas stove/oven to heat your home. These emit carbon monoxide, a lethal odorless and colorless gas.
  • Avoid placing candles and other heat sources next to combustible materials like curtains, carpet or tablecloths.

Make space for ambulances, fire engines and trucks

Please do not park illegally because this impedes our ability to quickly respond to emergencies. Avoid double parking, blocking access to hydrants or parking too close to roundabouts and traffic circles.

Check the weather and road conditions

The following agencies will provide updates on their services as the weather gets colder:

January 2020 Promotion Ceremony

by

SEATTLE – On Jan. 8, 2020, the Seattle Fire Department held a promotional ceremony at Fire Station 10 to appoint seven firefighters to new positions. The event was emceed by Fire Chief Scoggins. The following employees were promoted:

Willie Barrington to Assistant Chief of Resource Management

Jon Goins to Captain

John Wolfolk to Captain

Chris Bamer to Lieutenant

Daniel Boxley to Lieutenant

Michael Dulas to Lieutenant

Gregory Sobole to Lieutenant

Welcoming Tricia Diamond

Tricia (aka T) is our new Workforce Development Adviser responsible for developing programs to support employment pathways. She will also provide strategic thinking on employee career development activities and succession planning. In addition to her new role, Tricia is earning her PhD in Leadership at Seattle University.

Welcoming Hannah Kosten

Hannah is our new Human Resources Personnel Specialist and came from the Seattle Public Library. She is responsible for managing the pre-employment screening of future firefighters as well as processing personnel updates.


Necia Marte to Admin Spec III

Congratulations Necia! Her new full-time role is with the Public Disclosure unit where she will be responsible for processing public records requests. Thank you for your professional and dedicated service to our department as well as all the members of the community we serve.

Lithium battery safety

by

Lithium batteries power many of our electronics including smartphones, tablets, laptops, toys and even cars. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a densely compact space. In rare circumstances, they can be defective and become a fire hazard.

Here are a few safety tips:

Storage

  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
  • If possible, remove batteries from the device for long-term storage.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature and in dry spaces. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, near heaters or in hot vehicles as exposure to a hot environment can cause thermal runaway and catch fire.
  • For long-term storage, place electrical tape over the battery contacts and store them in a metal container.

Charging

Replace damaged charging cables with ones recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
  • Only use the charging adapter and cord that came with the device. Other charging equipment may create excessive heat and overcharging that can catch fire or explode.
  • Stop using damaged adapters or cords. Replace them with ones recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
  • Recharge batteries in long-term storage at least once every six months.

Signs of a Problem

Damaged battery inside a tablet rapidly expanded and split the device open.
  • Damaged, punctured, overcharged and overheated lithium batteries can get hot enough to catch fire.
  • Inspect batteries and devices at least once a week to check for deformities, unusual odors, leaking or excessive heat.
  • Disconnect charging batteries or devices immediately if they display any of these signs and move them away from other combustible materials.
  • If the battery or device catches fire, move everyone to a safe place then call 9-1-1.

Disposal