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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Seattle Fire’s 2020 Annual Report

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We are pleased to share the Seattle Fire Department’s annual report for 2020. Please take a few moments to scroll through and share with your friends and neighbors.

Looking back upon one of the most challenging years in our lifetimes, Seattle Fire:

• Responded to 80,316 incidents. Of those, approximately 22 percent were for fires and 77 percent for EMS.
• Processed more than 165,000 calls at the Fire Alarm Center
• Investigated the origin and cause of 510 fires
• Held two recruit academies and welcomed 58 new firefighters
• Marked the 50th anniversary of the Medic One program
• Recorded 157,000 hours of training
• Went virtual for communications, training and significant portions of our administrative work
• Collaborated with nonprofits and public sector agencies on many initiatives to address the COVID-19 pandemic

Although the year was not what we expected when it began, together, we accomplished so much more than we could have believed possible. If anything, 2020 showed us the meaning of resilience and community.

This report takes many hands to prepare, and we would like to acknowledge and thank the photographers who allowed us to include their work: John Odegard, Bob Lukas, Dave Peery and FireDog Photos.

Thank you for your support for the Seattle Fire Department.

Two fatalities at 25th Ave. S. homeless encampment fire

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SEATTLE – Firefighters were called to the 3000 block of 25th Ave. S. on June 14 just after 3 a.m. for a fire at a homeless encampment. When crews arrived on scene, they saw flames 50-feet high coming from an encampment structure made of pallets and tarps that was fully engulfed in flames. The fire also consumed nearby brush and trees.

Crews were able to quickly put water on the fire, and searched nearby encampments that were in close proximity to ensure no occupants suffered from smoke exposure. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters were able to search the burned down encampment and found two adults deceased inside the pallet structure (one female, one male). The King County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to the scene later in the morning, and the fire department assisted them in their efforts to remove the deceased individuals.

Fire investigators have ruled the cause of the fire as “undetermined”, pending the results of the autopsy. The Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad investigators also responded to the scene, per policy for fire fatalities.

Fires that occur at encampments can spread rapidly due to the type of material involved and close proximity to brush. Additionally, fires present a significant danger to encampment occupants, as there are not standard fire safety systems in place (such as smoke alarms) to alert occupants of an active fire.

2-Alarm fire near the Seattle Center

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Photo by John Odegard

SEATTLE — Just before 4 p.m. on June 8, our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke coming from a vacant building on the 500 block of Harrison St. When crews arrived on scene, bystanders informed them there might be a person still inside on the 2nd floor of the building on fire. Firefighters acted quickly to attack the fire and search the building, but as they made entry they encountered high heat, heavy smoke and unstable floors. Due to the deteriorating conditions, crews were forced to retreat back outside to a defensive position. They utilized thermal imaging cameras to peer through the smoke billowing from the windows and were unable to locate a person in the building.

By 4:23 p.m., the response was upgraded to a 2-alarm fire in which 10 fire engines, 5 ladder trucks and additional support units were dispatched. In total, 94 fire personnel responded. Crews spent hours pouring water on the fire while Puget Sound Energy secured natural gas and Seattle City Light shut off electricity to the building.

The incident commander began demobilizing units around 7 p.m., but as of 9 p.m., two fire engines and a ladder truck remain on scene to extinguish flare ups.

The incident is currently under investigation and no injuries were reported at this time.

6/9 UPDATE: Fire investigators ruled the incident as undetermined because they are unable to safely enter the building due to concerns of structural collapse.

National Water Safety Month Tips

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Even when the outside temperatures are high, water temperatures in the Seattle area can be cold enough to overwhelm even the strongest swimmer. Sadly, the Seattle Fire Department responds to preventable drownings every year. According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, 54 people died in preventable drownings last year. Many more near drownings go unreported.

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

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 life jacket — Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when boating, tubing, rafting, swimming or other activities in or on lakes, rivers, salt water, or pools without a lifeguard. Life jacket information for children and teens.

Swim where there is a lifeguard — Swim in areas with lifeguards when possible. Wear a life jacket 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.

Water Safety – King County

Drowning Prevention – CDC

Life jacket discount information

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety – Seattle Children’s

En español: Prevención de ahogamiento

Fire Day 2021 – Coming to You Live from the Seattle Fire Boat!

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Annual Partnership Event with MOHAI Stays Virtual for Second Year

Join us on Saturday, June 5, 2021, when, for the first time ever, we’ll be livestreaming from onboard the Seattle fire boat, Leschi!

Fire Day Flyer – EnglishDownload
Fire Day Flyer – SpanishDownload
A freshly re-painted Leschi will be underway for Fire Day on June 5, 2021. Photo credit: Bob Lukas

Tune into the SFD Facebook page from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as we highlight the many different jobs Seattle firefighters hold and the special training needed to become a Deckhand, Engineer, Pilot or Fire Boat Captain, as well as what it takes to become a Rescue Swimmer, a Seattle Medic and more.

This year’s virtual event marks two noteworthy developments in Seattle’s history – the 132nd anniversary of the Great Seattle Fire and the 50th anniversary of Seattle Medic One.

Why it matters: While the 1889 fire destroyed Seattle’s central downtown, it also led to the professional firefighting force we see today. In 1971, Seattle Fire was one of the first departments in the nation to expand its emergency medical services to include specially trained paramedics, capable of performing advanced life support services in the field.

Building on these advancements is sure to draw the interest of those currently pursuing a firefighting career as well as young firefighters-to-be, the traditional audience of our partnership with the Seattle Museum of History & Industry.

Tune in for these exciting highlights:

For parents and children:

  • Hear Fire Chief Harold Scoggins’ rousing rendition of the classic children’s fire safety story, “No Dragons for Tea.”
  • Discover what Mikey learns about making the right choice during Spanish Story Time, “Mikey Hace un Desorden” (Mikey Makes a Mess.)
  • Travel back in time and see the tools firefighters used more than a century ago.
  • Tap your inner artist to make a fire dog puppet and fold a paper fire engine.
Fire Engine and Fire Dog Craft InstructionsDownload

For fire boat fans and those pursuing a fire service career:

  • Walk the virtual decks of the fire boat as Firefighter Lance Garland points out gear and equipment used to fight maritime fires.
  • Dive into Puget Sound (virtually!) as Rescue Swimmers mobilize at a moment’s notice when the call goes out for someone needing help on the water.
  • Go ashore with Seattle Medics as they assess a water rescue patient.

And the grand finale for all:

  • Watch and marvel at the Fire Boat Leschi as it demonstrates its full firefighting capabilities from the marine environment. Surely a display not to be missed!

We hope you can join us!

Fire in West Seattle neighborhood

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SEATTLE – At 6:05 p.m., our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting a fire on the top floor unit of a residential building at the 4400 block of 44th Ave SW. A nearby off-duty Seattle firefighter saw flames coming out of the building windows and attempted a primary search and rescue. He located an adult female collapsed in the fire room, but was unable to pull her to safety due to heavy black smoke filling the area. Engine 32 and Ladder 11 were the first units on scene and met with the off-duty firefighter as he was able to confirm the exact location of the occupant in order to expedite a rescue. Engine 32 entered the fire room to pour water on the fire while Ladder 11 found the occupant and rescued her from the building. Paramedics took over medical care and transported her to Harborview Medical Center. The occupant/patient is a 79 year-old female in critical condition.

Additional firefighters arrived on scene to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading throughout the building. The fire was extinguished by 6:40 p.m.

May 15 update: Our investigators determined the fire was accidental and likely caused by an electrical failure. Estimated loss is still pending.

May 17 update: Estimated loss is $350,000.

Recent intentionally set fires in U-District

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SEATTLE – Following several recent intentionally set fires in the University District, the Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Police Department are encouraging business owners to take steps to keep their property safe. One of the fires occurred at the 4200 block of University Way NE on May 9 and caused an estimated $150,000 in damage after debris near a building was set on fire and the debris fire extended to the structure. The same morning, two nearby fires were set to debris at the 4500 block of 15th Ave. NE resulting in a combined $10,000 in damage. The Seattle Fire Department is working closely with the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad to share information on these investigations and other fires in the area. Further details regarding recent fires are kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the investigative process. 

Remember, if you see someone actively setting an illegal fire, call 9-1-1 immediately to report it. Taking the steps below will help to keep your property safe:

Outdoor grilling safety tips

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Review some of these tips before firing up the grill this year

There’s nothing quite like the taste of grilled food and with this warm and sunny weather, more people will be uncovering and dusting off their outdoor grills. But before lighting up the grill, take a few minutes to review some safety tips.

Setting up:

  • Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in an enclosed area – dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate and be deadly. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 9-1-1.
  • Set-up your grill on a flat surface in an open area at least three feet away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
  • Make sure the grease trap is empty and clean and that grilling parts are firmly in place.
  • For propane grills, make sure the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks. This is especially important when using the grill for the first time in a long time.

During use:

  • Never leave grills unattended while cooking.
  • Keep a three-foot zone around the grill where children and pets aren’t allowed.
  • Do not leave starter fluid, lighters or matches within the reach of children.
  • Use the proper tools. Long handled barbecue utensils and flame retardant mitts will prevent burns from heat and flame.
  • For charcoal grills, avoid adding lighter fluid after the coals are lit.

Cleaning up:

  • For propane grills, turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
  • For charcoal grills, allow coals to cool for 48 hours before disposing. If you are not able to wait, douse coals with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers; place in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

More grilling safety tips from the US Fire Administration

Recall on Kidde smoke/CO alarms

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Seattle Fire is urging people to check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes after a major manufacturer of the products announced a recall today.

Kidde is recalling about 226,000 of its smoke, carbon monoxide and combination alarms. The recall covers seven models manufactured between May 2019 and September 2020. For Seattle area residents, the retailers where these units were likely sold include The Home Depot, Walmart and Amazon. Individuals are encouraged to check any alarm in their homes to see if it is included in the recall. The company will replace alarms affected by the recall.

The models to look for include:

2040-DSR

2050-DS10

2060-ASR

2070-VASR

2070- VDSCR

2070-VDSR

Kidde has prepared a guide to help consumers identify if their smoke, carbon monoxide or combination alarms are included. Visit the Kidde Recall webpage and open the step-by-step guide to also learn how to submit a claim for replacement.

Kidde’s support center is also available by phone at 844-796-9972 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Trial by fire for Seattle’s newest firefighters

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The Seattle Fire Department will train new firefighter recruits at a vacant home near the Sunset Hill and Loyal Heights neighborhoods from May 4-6 at 2904 NW 80th St. Live-fire training is an opportunity for our new fire recruits to work with our officers and face real fire scenarios in a controlled setting. This experience is vital to the development of new recruits as these fires act as a final evaluation of what they have learned over the past 13 weeks of training and focus on fire attack, teamwork and communication.

We conduct this training exercise twice a year in the City and make every effort to minimize the impact on the neighborhood. Local streets will be closed to ensure the safety of the community as well as the firefighters in training. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the three days of training, 29th Ave. NW, in between Loyal Way NW and NW 80th St will be closed. Parking along the curbs of both sides of 29th Ave. NW. 100-feet east and west of the houses will be cordoned off. Firefighters will help direct access to that block for residents in the immediate area. We recognize that this training exercise may present inconveniences to your daily schedules and we thank you for your patience and understanding. Our firefighters are among the best in the nation because of the training we are able to provide and because of the support we receive from our community.

On each day, we plan to have 4-5 fire evolutions spread throughout the day each lasting 15-20 minutes. Residents will see smoke as controlled burns are set inside the vacant structures. All carpet, plastics and toxic synthetic materials have been removed along with required asbestos abatement. The training officers will set wood fires in a controlled method with safety officers on-hand during the exercises. This training is conducted under the strict regulations and rules of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The smoke coming from the buildings during the live-fire is equivalent to smoke from a fireplace. After the fires are out, most of what you see coming from the structure is steam.

Neighbors are welcome to come and watch the live-fire training. Typical training days begin around 7 a.m. with the live-fire training starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until 5 p.m. Any questions can be directed to SFD’s Public Affairs division at sfdpio@seattle.gov.