With the start of daylight saving time this weekend (2 a.m. Sunday, March 8), make sure you replace smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm batteries and test the alarms. The Seattle Fire Department recommends replacing batteries yearly or as needed. Changing smoke and CO alarm batteries at least once a year… [ Keep reading ]
As we near the end of Black History Month, we wanted to take a brief look back at our own history and reflect on the struggles of our first black firefighters that compelled an association to advocate for the needs and interests of these members. The Seattle Black Fire Fighters… [ Keep reading ]
On Sunday, Feb. 9, after 11 p.m., crews responded to a working fire caused by overheated dryer lint that accumulated. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the fire caused extensive damage in the home estimating $190,000. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one-third of home dryer fires are caused by… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Fire Department recently responded to three residences where a person called 9-1-1 after their CO alarm beeped intermittently. Upon further investigation it was discovered that there was no emergency but that the CO alarms in question were sounding every 30 seconds to indicate expiration. CO alarm life span… [ Keep reading ]
During times of celebration, there are common fire safety issues that all communities experience. Keep these safety considerations in mind this Chinese New Year and Vietnamese New Year (January 25). Celebrations mean cooking and sharing food. Cooking related fires remain the main cause of fires during holidays and celebrations. When… [ Keep reading ]
When temperatures drop during the winter months, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year approximately 50,000 people visit emergency rooms in the U.S. due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. With colder weather and snow in the forecast for… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Fire Department would like to wish you all a very happy New Year. Here are some safety reminders to carry into 2020. Old Christmas Trees Don’t burn your Christmas tree. Burning trees at public locations such as parks and beaches is illegal. Instead, treat your old Christmas tree… [ Keep reading ]
During the winter months, lights and candles get lit to brighten up our homes for the holidays. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when the fire department responds to more fires involving candles and holiday lights. Be mindful of your candles and festive lights this holiday season and… [ Keep reading ]
Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this weekend. Now is a good time to make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by testing them and replacing batteries if needed. Don’t wait until your alarm begins to “chirp” at an inconvenient time before deciding to… [ Keep reading ]
Heaters are the second leading cause of fires in residential buildings. As would be expected, most heating-related fires occur during the colder months when heaters get turned on and the use of portable heaters and fireplaces increase. Fires caused by furniture, bedding, and other materials placed too close to baseboard… [ Keep reading ]
