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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Friends don’t let friends swim alone

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Seattle Parks, including pools and beaches remain closed as our county remains in phase one of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan. However, first responders throughout King County are responding to more preventable drownings as summer approaches.

If you plan to be in or near water, follow these recommendations:

Know the risks — Washington waters are often cold enough to cause muscles to not work, even on the hottest summer day. Cold water can weaken even the strongest swimmer. 

Learn to swim, including water safety and survival skills — To enjoy the water safely, learn swim strokes, water safety, survival skills, and becoming comfortable in the water.

Wear a lifejacket — Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket when boating, tubing, rafting, swimming or other activities in or on lakes, rivers, salt water, or pools without a lifeguard.

Swim where there is a lifeguard — Swim in areas with lifeguards when possible. Wear a lifejacket while swimming in unguarded waters or until the guards start their service.

Supervise children in or near water — Always provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water. Stay within touching distance of young children at all times.

Do not use alcohol or drugs during water activities — Never use alcohol or other impairing drugs during water and boating activities or while supervising children around the water. Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and judgement. Exposure to sun and heat worsen these effects.

Learn first aid and CPR — Learn first aid and CPR. Seconds count—the more quickly lifesaving CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. Dial 911 in an emergency.

This Memorial Day – Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay Whole!

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The global pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, including our ability to celebrate traditional holidays with family and friends. With summer around the corner and the Stay Home order still limiting community gatherings, no fireworks displays are planned along South Lake Union or Gasworks Park in 2020. 

While it’s tempting to make up the difference and try your own fireworks, it’s both illegal and dangerous. Summer fireworks cause more injuries in the shortest time frame than any other part of the year. This month, we’ve already responded to fires and serious injuries caused by fireworks. 

Handful of sparklers
Sparklers burn in excess of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and are the most common fireworks related injury for children under five.

Last year, Harborview reported a total of 44 fireworks-related injuries in just a week. Many were to the face and eye. Seven people suffered either partial or complete amputations, ranging from loss of fingers to an entire hand, and 20 were injured severely enough to be admitted to the hospital. Sadly, this level of injury is not deemed unusual for this time of year. 

Don’t become a statistic! Save your face, eyes, fingers and hands. The risk of losing a limb or permanent disability is not worth the short-sighted thrill of setting off illegal fireworks. Your pets, neighbors and first responders thank you for making the right choice not to use fireworks, especially this year, when so many are at home just trying to stay safe. 

Tonight at 9 p.m., crews will flash their lights for We Remember Night

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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are participating in national We Remember Night in support of families of firefighters and EMS members who have taken their own lives. We want to help raise awareness about behavioral health issues affecting first responders, especially in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic where many of us are on the front lines providing emergency medical services.

More than 20 years ago, Seattle firefighters started their own Peer Support Team with the goal of helping each other cope with traumatic incidents, manage stress and build resilience. In addition to establishing resources where members can seek professional help, 24/7. We also support families, friends and communities who have suffered a loss. We remember that their lives ended too soon – their hard work, dedication and service will never be forgotten.

If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255. We can all help prevent suicide. The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Firefighters rescue a resident in a 2-alarm fire within the Central District

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Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

April 27, 2020, at 11:13 p.m.: Dispatchers in our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a two-story single-family residence on the 1400 block of 25th Ave. Three minutes later, Engine 25 arrived first on-scene and confirmed a well involved fire that originated in the basement and extended into both floors above. Three of the four occupants were able to safely evacuate on their own, but notified our firefighters that one more person was trapped inside the basement.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Crews from Engine 25 quickly laid a blitz line and charged into the basement with their 2.5″ hose in order to quickly pour water onto the fire while coordinating with crews from Ladder 3 to simultaneously conduct a search and rescue. Engine 6 arrived shortly thereafter and established a water supply while Ladder 10 climbed onto the roof to cut ventilation holes. The incident commander escalated the response to a 2-alarm in order to have additional resources to put out the fire while crews already on-scene can focus on finding the resident.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Within 10 minutes after arriving on-scene, Engine 25 and Ladder 3 knocked down the fire in the basement and found the fourth occupant then quickly removed him from the home. Medic 1, with assistance from Engine 2, took over patient care and transported him to Harborview Medical Center. The patient was an approx. 60 year-old male in serious condition.

Additional crews were able to quickly get the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. The fire was extinguished within 40 minutes from dispatch. Our investigators determined the fire was accidentally caused by embers within a basement fireplace that escaped and ignited nearby materials. Estimated loss is $350,000.

Safety tip: Place a sturdy, metal screen in front of an active fireplace and remove all combustible materials at least three feet away.

2-Alarm fire in between University District, Wallingford and Meridian neighborhoods

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Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

April 23, 2020, at 6:06 a.m.: Our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting flames visible from a 4-story building under construction at N 45th St and 1st Ave NE. Engines 17, 22, 31 and Ladder 9 were the first companies on-scene. They confirmed a large column of smoke visible for miles with flames extending from all four sides of the structure. Battalion 6 immediately upgraded the incident to a 2-alarm response in order to ensure we had enough resources to effectively combat the fire. A total of nine engines, five ladder trucks and additional support units were dispatched.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Deputy 1 assumed command of the incident at 6:19 a.m. and initiated a defensive strategy because of the intense heat, large volume of smoke and risk of the the building collapsing. Engine companies provided a water supply for three ladder trucks that raised their aerials and utilized their ladder pipes to pour water onto the fire from a safe, elevated position while additional crews on the ground had multiple hose lines. One residence adjacent to the building on the north side was evacuated due to concerns the fire could extend to their home. Fortunately, they were unharmed and we were able to prevent their home from catching on fire.

Safety tip: Prepare an emergency go-bag well in advance and place it by your front door. In an emergency evacuation, grab this bag with you on your way out if time permits. This kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Example of items include:

  • Additional clothes appropriate for the current weather.
  • First aid kit.
  • Flashlight with additional batteries.
  • 1-2 days worth of your prescription medications.
  • Backup wallet with your identification, cash and credit card.
  • Non-perishable snacks and water.
  • More info at: https://www.ready.gov/kit
Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

We were able to gain control of the fire within 30 minutes from when the first crews arrived on-scene with the majority of it knocked down within 45. Crews confirmed no occupants found after conducting a primary search of the first and second floors of the building, but were unable to access the third and fourth floors due to concerns with their structural integrity from the fire damage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire as well as estimated loss are currently under investigation.

2-Alarm fire in West Seattle neighborhood

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April 11, 2020, at 3:19 a.m.: Dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a fully involved fire in a residential building under construction at the 2300 block of 48th Ave SW. Firefighters arrived on scene at 3:21 a.m. and faced window shattering heat with visible flames extending toward the neighboring residences. They immediately began extending hose lines and establishing a water supply while additional firefighters began evacuating the neighboring residences.

The incident commander upgraded the response to a 2-alarm where nine engines, five ladder companies and ten support units were dispatched to the scene. Crews fought the fire in a defensive strategy where a ladder truck raised its aerial and poured water onto the fire from an elevated vantage point while firefighters on the ground established several hose lines to keep the fire at bay. PIOs sent an Alert Seattle message warning residents nearby of heavy smoke and to close their windows and doors.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Crews were able to get the fire under control within 30 minutes and continued to put out hot spots for another hour. A few units remained on scene through mid morning for fire watch. No injuries were reported. The fire destroyed the entire building and damaged neighboring homes along with two construction vehicles that were parked nearby. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire and estimated loss is $910,000.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Fires at marina and two vacant buildings

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Seattle firefighters responded to a string of recent fires in midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

March 27 at 9:30 p.m.: Staff at the Jim Clark Marina reported a well involved fire that quickly engulfed multiple vessels docked at the property. Flames with heavy smoke billowed high into the sky making them visible for miles around. Nine engines, three ladder trucks, Fireboat Leschi, Rescue Boat Five and several strategic support units were dispatched to the scene.

Intense heat and limited access to the vessels on fire were immediate challenges our crews had to overcome. Two ladder trucks raised their aerial ladders to pour water on the fire while a hose line was dragged onto the dock to provide close range fire suppression. Meanwhile, crews searched every boat and confirmed no one was on board any vessel. Fireboat Leschi arrived shortly thereafter to provide primary fire suppression. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 30 minutes while an engine company stayed overnight for fire watch. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Photo credit: John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

March 28 at 10:45 a.m.: Multiple callers reported a well involved fire in a vacant building at the 600 block of Roy St, facing Aurora Ave N. The first crews on scene attempted a primary search of the two-story former hotel, but were forced to cease efforts due to the deteriorating conditions of the floors as well as heavy smoke causing poor visibility.

Photo credit: John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy with several ladder companies utilizing their aerials ladders to pour water into the building while additional crews used hose lines at the ground level. Trash and debris inside the structure continued to fuel the fire, but we were able to gain control of it within a few hours. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire due to significant damage and risk of structural collapse. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was able to make a full recovery.

April 4 at 05:15 a.m.: Crews responded to another vacant building fire at the 800 block of N 50th St near Aurora Ave N. Crews cut through a chain-link fence surrounding the structure in order to gain access and pour water on the fire. They transitioned to a defensive strategy as all the heavy smoke caused poor visibility and the conditions inside the building were unknown. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and no injuries were reported.

Photo credit: John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Thanks to our heroes in healthcare

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Today, April 7, is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) birthday. Since 1948, when the organization first came into being, it has marked this day as World Health Day. Rightly, the day has been cause for celebration of the many advances the world has made in global health. 

This year, as we face the most severe health crisis of our time, with so many losing family members and friends to COVID-19, celebration hardly seems appropriate. But perhaps there has never been a more important time to acknowledge, and yes, celebrate — the many health care workers here and around the world who are fighting day and night to keep the rest of us safe by providing essential nursing and hospital services so desperately needed at this time. 

Our community’s health care workers are facing extraordinary challenges and doing all they can do to slow and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Many have fallen ill themselves, and some have sacrificed their own lives while caring for others. 

So in this International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, please take a moment to thank the real heroes of this fight, the health care workers you have known, for everything they do, and for the risks they continue to take. The WHO invites you to send your short message of support to nurses, midwives and health workers around the world. 

#SupportNursesAndMidwives 

#ThanksHealthHeroes 

WHO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

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

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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 coronavirus and protect people who are at risk of getting seriously ill. Here are a few 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. If your symptoms are mild, stay home and consult by phone with your primary physician if needed on appropriate steps to take.
  • More severe symptoms of COVID-19 include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion and bluish lips or face. If your symptoms are severe and life-threatening, call 911.  

Limit shared living spaces and avoid sharing household items:

  • 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 the person with the illness instead of having them enter the kitchen.
  • Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels or bedding.

Practice good hygiene:

  • 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.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This includes backs of hands up to the wrist, between the fingers and underneath finger nails.
  • Use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.

Clean all common surfaces and areas every day:

  • Use household cleaners that are safe and effective. For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be 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.
  • Follow manufacturer’s guidance on cleaning high-touch electronics such as remotes, phones, keyboards and tablets.

Discontinuing home isolation:

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

  • Three days (72 hours) 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, three days (72 hours) after you see an improvement in your initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath);

    OR
  • Seven days after symptoms began, 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

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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.