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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Fire investigators release cause of three recent fires

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SEATTLE – Fire investigators have released the cause of three recent fires that occurred on Feb. 13 and 14.

Feb. 13 – 6200 Block of Airport Way S.: Fire started in an apartment unit on the second floor of a three-story complex. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental, and said it started when food caught fire on the stove and spread to nearby combustibles. One adult male was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Total estimated loss is $125,000.

SAFETY TIP: If a fire occurs on the stovetop, do not put water on the grease; instead use an oven mit to slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. If the fire is out of control or has spread, do not try to put it out. Get out and call 911 immediately.

Feb. 14 – 5700 Block of 25th Ave. NE: Fire started in the garage and spread to the interior of the house. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental, and said it started from an electrical shortage in a lamp that was plugged in. Total estimated loss is $195,000.

SAFETY TIP: If the cord to an appliance ever feels hot to the touch, do not use it. Check the wires of appliances regularly and replace frayed or damaged wires.

Feb. 14 – 6800 Block of 46th Ave. S.: Fire started in the basement of the home, and spread to all floors of the house. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental, and said it caught fire during a copper pipe repair. One adult male was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Total estimated loss is $200,000.

SAFETY TIP: When using a flame torch for home repair, ensure you keep a close eye on the area for at least 30 minutes to ensure a fire does not ignite. Have a fire extinguisher close by.

Clothes dryer lint causes fire over the weekend

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Clean lint traps before and after using the clothes dryer.

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 built up lint.

Follow these simple safety tips to prevent a clothes dryer fire in your home.

  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
  • Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
  • Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.
  • Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.
  • Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.

Consider replacing plastic accordion-style ducts that connect the dryer to the vent with a flexible metal duct or a rigid metal duct. Lint can accumulate in the ridges over time and block the flow or air.

Also, always turn off the clothes dryer before going to bed or before leaving your home. If you are home when a fire starts, get out first and call 9-1-1.

Learn hands-only CPR for Heart Month

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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

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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).

Replace your carbon monoxide (CO) alarms before they expire

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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

CO alarms have a life expectancy of around seven years. All CO alarms produced after August 1, 2009, have an end-of-life warning notification that alerts the resident that the alarm should be replaced. The CO alarm will beep every 30 seconds or display ERR or END.

If a CO alarm is at its end-of-life, replacing the battery will not stop the beep. Some CO alarms have a feature that will silence the signal for 30 days, but this will not solve the issue as the CO alarm will continue to beep after the 30 day period ends.

What people should know

Homeowners should consider replacing all CO alarms that were installed in or before 2013. A CO alarm that signals that it’s at the end of its life should be replaced as well.

Renters should notify property managers or landlords immediately if their CO alarm is beeping every 30 seconds indicating its end-of-life. They should also know that intermittent beeping CO alarm is not reason to call 9-1-1.

A CO alarm that beeps continuously without stopping could indicate that carbon monoxide is present. If you your CO alarm is sounding continuously and you have signs of CO poisoning such as dizziness, headache, vomiting or flu like symptoms, find fresh air and call 9-1-1 immediately.

More information on carbon monoxide alarm requirements

In January of 2013, Washington State law (RCW 19.27.530) required CO alarms to be installed in new residences and in existing rental properties. Owner-occupied single-family residences, legally occupied before July 26, 2009, are not required to have CO alarms until they are sold or when a building permit application for interior remodeling is submitted.

State Building Code Council’s Carbon Monoxide Alarm page.

Seattle Fire Department’s CAM 5121 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements in Residential Occupancies

National Burn Awareness Week: Tips to reduce your risk of a burn.

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What is more convenient and cozy than a gas fireplace in your home? However, did you know that the glass doors on a gas fireplace present a serious burn risk? The glass can reach temperatures as high as 1300 degrees Fahrenheit!

Toddlers are especially vulnerable to serious burns from touching the glass. It only takes a moment.

A safety screen in front of your gas fire place prevents burns.

Every year Harborview Hospital sees little hands burned from toddlers touching the glass of a gas fireplace. A toddler losing his or her balance is a frequent means of coming in contact with the glass. A safety screen placed in front of the glass doors is an easy solution to prevent this from happening.

The theme for the National Burn Awareness week is “Hot Surfaces Damage Skin!” Contact burns send close to 70,000 people in the US to the hospital each year. One-third of patients are children under the age of 5.

Here are a few safety tips to prevent contact burns:

  • Use a fireplace screen in front of the glass on a gas fireplace
  • Use back burners of the stove when cooking to prevent children from reaching a hot pot or pan
  • Keep hot objects, including hair curlers and hot drinks out of the reach of children
  • Teach young children not to touch hot items
  • Create a 3-foot away rule from hot items such as a stove, portable heater or barbecue grill
  • Turn heating pads and blankets off before going to sleep
  • Limit microwave use by children

To treat a burn:

  • Remove person from heat source
  • Cool the burn with cool water for at least 10 minutes. Do not apply ice to the burn
  • Remove jewelry or other tight items
  • Apply a dry non-stick sterilized bandage

For more information on burns, visit the American Burn Association website.

Celebrating Chinese and Vietnamese New Year Safely

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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 cooking:

  • Most fires start from cooking left unattended. Always use a timer when cooking and never leave the kitchen area, especially when cooking with oil.
  • If a pot or pan is on fire, cover it with a lid or flat metal pan. Do not throw water on a grease fire.

If using incense and candles:

  • Use battery powered candles instead of wax candles to be extra safe.
  • Keep incense and candles away from drapes, pillows, bedding and anything that can burn!
  • Burn incense or candles in a sturdy, heat resistant container.
  • Put incense and candles out before leaving the room or before going to bed.

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms:

  • Install smoke and CO alarms on every level of your home
  • Smoke alarms should never be disabled. Use a dish towel to stop the alarm from beeping if cooking smoke sets it off.
  • Test the smoke alarm by pushing the test button every 2 months. Replace battery yearly.
  • When the smoke alarm goes off, that is the signal to follow the escape plan. Get out and call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

Fireworks & Firecrackers:

  • Firecrackers are loud. Use earmuffs or earplugs, especially for children.
  • Leave all fireworks activities to the professionals. Fireworks are not allowed in Seattle except for certain ceremonial purposes with a permit from the Seattle Fire Department .

Tips for surviving winter’s grip on Seattle

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What a week of wintry weather we’ve seen, and it’s just one month into Winter 2020. It’s always a good idea to prepare before the next storm system arrives. With that in mind, here’s a list of practical tips for staying safe regardless of what comes next.

Giving Seattle Fire apparatus plenty of clearance as they travel snow and ice-covered streets helps us respond quickly and safely. Move to the right when you see/hear lights and sirens. If you park on the street, please be within 12″ of the curb.

Keeping toasty at home

Give heaters plenty of space and power them properly. Keep flammable items one-foot from baseboard heaters and three-feet from portable space heaters and wood and gas fireplaces.

Plug portable heaters directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord.

Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or going to bed.

If the power goes out, layer clothes and blankets.

Use flameless candles and battery-operated flashlights. If you must use an open-flame candle, place in sturdy holders (metal, glass or ceramic) and extinguish before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Wood stove and fireplace maintenance

Cover wood and gas fireplaces with a safety screen to prevent sparks from landing on combustible materials in the room. It can also keep children from getting burned.

Make sure chimneys and flues are clear and clean.

Clean or replace the filter on your furnace.

Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. If you experience symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, vomiting or headaches, and move to fresh air immediately then call 911.

Do not use items that produce carbon monoxide like BBQ grills or generators inside your home, your garage or outside of a window.

Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.

Make sure that woodstove and fireplace chimneys and flues are clear and in good condition.

Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.

Install and regularly test your CO alarms. The best locations for these devices are on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.

If the CO alarm sounds, turn off any heating appliance and open windows to get fresh air.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. If you experience symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, vomiting or headaches, and move to fresh air immediately then call 911.

Road safety

Not able to stay home? Consider these tips for increasing your safety on the road.

Drive for the conditions. Assume roads are icy and take extra precaution. Leave space between you and the vehicle ahead.

Keep your fuel tank more than half-full.

Pack an emergency kit in case you become stuck in your car. Items to include: flashlight, first aid kit, necessary medications, water, food, emergency contact information, blanket or sleeping bag, extra warm clothes, jumper cables and mobile phone charger.

Keep an ice scraper/brush and small snow shovel in your vehicle. Roof tiles, sand or kitty litter can give your tires traction in icy conditions.

Tire cables, chains and four-wheel drive are recommended for traveling in the snow. Icy conditions are treacherous for any vehicle.

Downed power lines

Calls to 911 about downed power lines increase during snow and wind storms. Always assume they are energized and can result in possible electrocution. Here’s what you should do if you encounter one.

If your vehicle collides with a light pole:

Call 911 to report your location.

Warn others to stay away from your vehicle.

If wires have fallen on your car, stay in your vehicle until firefighters arrive.

If you MUST exit the vehicle because of fire or other danger: (1) JUMP away from the vehicle; (2) LAND with both feet together; (3) SHUFFLE away. Take short steps and keep your feet in contact with each other and the ground constantly until you’re at least 35-feet away.

If you see a downed wire:

Call 911 to report the location.

If you have caution tape on hand, block off the area so others see the danger. Do not get any closer than 35-feet to the downed wire or touch it with any object.

Stay safe around downed wires

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Snowfall is often accompanied by an increase in calls to 911 for reports of downed wires in neighborhoods. When possible, stay home and avoid avoid travel on icy roads during these winter weather events. However, if you do see a downed wire, be sure to follow these tips:

Always assume a downed power line is energized, resulting in possible electrocution.

If you collide with a light pole:

  • Call 911 to report your location.
  • Warn others of the danger and to stay away from your vehicle.
  • If wires have fallen on your car, stay in your vehicle. The wires could be energized, causing electrocution if you exit. Wait until firefighters arrive; they will let you know when it’s safe to exit the vehicle.
  • If you MUST exit the vehicle because of fire or other danger: (1) JUMP away from the vehicle; (2) LAND with both feet together; (3) SHUFFLE away. Take short steps and keep your feet in contact with each other and the ground constantly until you’re at least 35-feet away.

If you see a downed wire:

  • Call 911 to report the location.
  • If you have caution tape on hand, block the area so others see the danger. Do not get any closer than 35-feet to the downed wire or touch it with any object.

Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

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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 the Seattle area , now is the time to make sure that you are taking precautions to prevent CO poisoning. The good news is that CO poisoning is preventable.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death. CO is found in all fires, as well as fumes produced by charcoal or gas. It is produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.

Here are ways to prevent CO poisoning:

  • Do not use items that produce CO inside your home or garage or outside an open window.
  • Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
  • Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
  • Keep vents and flues free of debris. Debris can block ventilation lines.
  • Make sure you have CO alarms on every level of your home and outside of the bedrooms. Replace batteries yearly to ensure your CO alarm will work if needed.

If the CO alarm sounds, turn off any heating appliance and open windows to get fresh air. Call 911 if you experience CO poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting or headaches, and move to fresh air immediately. If you suspect an appliance is the source, call a qualified technician to fix the problem before restarting the appliance.