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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Yield the right of way to lights and sirens

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The Seattle Fire Department responds to traffic incidents multiple times per day. And quite often, private vehicles do not yield the right of way when approached by emergency vehicles with lights and sirens. This can slow down emergency responders from getting to an emergency.

“Moving right for lights and sirens helps keep lanes clear so our firefighters can respond in a timely manner to medical and fire emergencies. When drivers are attentive to emergency vehicles, it helps keep members of the public and our responders safe.”

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins

Traveling emergency vehicles with lights and sirens:

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61.210 requires that “…the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.”

This law also requires pedestrians to yield to emergency vehicles when they are responding to an incident.

Here are a few recommended tips when driving:

  • If your vehicle is in motion, move to the right as soon as it is safe to do so and come to a full stop.
  • If you are unable to move to the right, slow and come to a full stop.
  • If you are stopped, stay stopped unless directed otherwise.
  • Do not move to the left unless directed to do so.
  • Remember that the law applies to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction, not just from behind.
  • Do not attempt to follow an emergency vehicle too closely. You are required to stay 500 feet back.
  • If you are standing at the curb or on a sidewalk, do not cross the street until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Emergency responders are taught to pass on the left side. This may mean that they are forced to move into on-coming traffic lanes, but lights and sirens make them highly visible to everyone, reducing the risk.

Approaching parked emergency vehicles with lights and sirens:

Once emergency vehicles arrive at an incident, such as a vehicle collision, they will park and continue to utilize their lights. RCW 46.61.212 requires drivers to approach an emergency scene with caution and, if reasonable, yield the right of way by changing lanes to the left.

References: Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority

2-Alarm fire in Queen Anne

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Photo by KIRO 7

SEATTLE — Nov. 30, at 1:46 p.m., our Fire Alarm Center received calls reporting heavy smoke and visible flames coming from a 2.5-story home on the 500 block of W. Highland Dr. Our first units arrived within four minutes from when the first calls came in. They confirmed a working fire within the residence and verified all occupants safely evacuated.

Photo by John Odegard

By 2 p.m., crews were able to get water on the fire and conduct a primary search of the entire building. They also reported the majority of the fire was within the attic space and extending through the roof. Gusts of wind hitting the north side of the home escalated the intensity of the fire which led our Deputy Chief to upgrade the response to a 2-alarm fire.

At 2:29 p.m., crews were ordered to evacuate the home due to reports that the ceiling of the second floor, directly below the attic, were beginning to collapse and intensify with heat. From then on, firefighters were in a defensive strategy to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes and trees.

By 3:24 p.m., firefighters had the fire under control and maintained a presence overnight to monitor for flare ups.

No injuries were reported and our investigators determined the fire was accidental, but are continuing their investigation to determine the likely cause and estimated loss.

Native American Heritage Month – Working on Dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) land

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Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives (Identifier 101702)

November is Native American Heritage Month, which according to the National Congress of American Indians, “is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.” The Seattle Fire Department would like to acknowledge the many contributions of the Native members of the department and in our community and to recognize their resilience.

Native American Heritage Month is also a time to raise awareness about the harms of colonialism and exclusion of Indigenous peoples – historically and today. Recognizing and acknowledging the land inhabited by agencies and institutions is one way to honor and pay tribute to local Native Tribes. While it is important to acknowledge the land where we live and work, there are additional actions people can take to honor Indigenous peoples. The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Front Porch is highlighting stories and profiles to honor local indigenous community members.

Resources to learn more about local tribes and Native American Heritage Month:

Duwamish Tribe History

UW American Indian Studies

Native American Heritage Month (Library of Congress)

Burke Museum

United Indians of all Tribes

Native Governance Center – Beyond Land Acknowledgment Guide

Seattle Fire Supports Annual Toys for Tots at Three Drop-Off Locations

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The Seattle Fire Department is collecting toys as part of the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots drive. We have been part of this community giving event for more than 50 years and are pleased to be involved again this year. We know many Seattleites make it a holiday tradition to bring toys to their local fire station to benefit the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots. While we aren’t able to receive visitors at our stations this year, Seattle Fire personnel, Seattle Fire Foundation, Marine Corps, and community volunteers will be at the following locations to collect toys. Come by and say hello!

Bring your donation of new, unwrapped toys and join us at these locations:

  • 11/28/21 at the University Village QFC parking lot, 2746 NE 45th St., 10:30 A.M-1:00 P.M.
  • 12/4/21 at the Westwood Village QFC parking lot,  2500 SW Barton St., 10:30 A.M-1:00 P.M.
  • 12/5/21 at the Seattle Fire Dept. Headquarters, 301 2nd Ave S., 11:00 A.M.-1:30 P.M.

If you can’t make either event, there are dozens of Seattle-area locations where you can donate. Businesses like Renaissance Seattle Hotel, Northwest Art & Frame, Edward Jones, and many others will collect at their locations. All participating organizations and businesses can be found at this link. Check closely for the last day those locations can accept toys. Most wrap up by December 10-15.

Help make this holiday season a little brighter for families who have been through so much this year. See you soon!

Thanksgiving safety – a few words about cooking, frying turkeys, and choking

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The Seattle Fire Department reminds residents to be safe while cooking and gathering this holiday season. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking-related fires in the U.S. Unattended cooking is by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Other holiday-related home fires involve heating and electrical sources.

How to be safe in the kitchen

  • Check on food regularly while cooking and set timers – unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
  • Remove flammables such as towels, oven mitts and food packaging away from the stove top.
  • If a fire starts on the stove top, cover it with a lid or metal cookie sheet and turn the stove off. Do not throw water on a grease fire.
  • If you experience a fire beyond the pan that has spread, get outside of the home or apartment and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Check out these cooking safety videos in several languages and American Sign Language

A word about turkey frying

If you are considering frying a turkey, be very careful. Large quantities of hot cooking oil can pose a significant fire and serious burn risk. Watch this video from the National Fire Protection Association about turkey fryers.

Thanksgiving safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

How to respond to someone choking

If someone appears to have food lodged in their throat and is coughing, encourage them to continue coughing. Do not try to help by slapping their back.  If they are coughing, that means that air is getting through.

However, if the person shows signs of choking such as not being able to breathe, cough, or speak, is making high pitched sounds when breathing or they are doing the universal sign of holding the throat with one or both hands, choking rescue abdominal thrusts will be necessary.

If displaying any of the above signs, ask person if they can speak. If they can speak, allow them to continue coughing, unassisted.

If they are unable to speak or breathe, proceed with abdominal thrusts to help them.     

Watch this video to learn how to give abdominal thrusts.       

  • Position your leg between person’s legs, to better catch them if they become unconscious and fall.
  • Make a fist with one hand
  • Put the thumb side a little above the bellybutton
  • Take free hand and grasp fist and push hard and quick upward into abdomen area
  • Continue thrusts until object is expelled, or when person is able to breathe, cough, or talk. If person becomes unconscious, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR
  • Always follow up with a medical professional

Holiday Fire Safety Tips: Candles and Incense

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2014 to 2018, US fire departments responded to an average of 7,600 home fires started by candles per year. These fires cause an annual average of 81 civilian deaths and 677 civilian injuries, as well as $278 million in property damage.

During this period, candles were the third leading cause of bedroom fires, the fourth leading cause of living room fires and the sixth leading cause of home fire injuries. 

Candles aren’t only for birthday cakes and while flameless candles are the safest way to go, we know burning candles and incense are an important part of many religious, cultural, spiritual and personal celebrations. As we continue to enjoy this season’s important holidays, please pay special attention to the following Candle & Incense Safety Tips to keep your entire family safe:

  • Keep candles at least 12+ inches from anything that can burn.
  • Candleholders should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax and won’t tip over easily.
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and where they won’t be knocked over.
  • Blow out all candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
  • Keep candles, incense, matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
  • Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

Please watch our new incense & candle fire safety video:

National Fire Protection Association: Candles Safety

https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/CandleSafetyTips.pdf

National Fire Protection Association: Religious Candles Safety

https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets/religious_candles_safety_tips.pdf

Seattle Fire Deputy Chief Jay Schreckengost found

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This evening, we learned that Seattle Fire Deputy Chief Jay Schreckengost was found deceased in the Cliffdell area where the search has been focused. We are incredibly saddened by this news and are all grieving the loss of one of our own. Deputy Chief Schreckengost was a husband, father and friend to all, and our hearts are with his family right now who have been at the site every day searching alongside search and rescue, fire and law enforcement agencies.  

Over the past 12 days since Jay was first reported missing, more than 60 different agencies and 160 SFD members responded to the site, determined to find our beloved member.  

We want to acknowledge the tremendous support of the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office in leading the effort to find Jay. They, along with all of the technical teams and search and rescue volunteers, conducted an extensive search that led to today’s discovery. We are grateful, too, for the support of businesses, who provided food and lodging and set up critical radio and cellular networks, and members of the community. 

While the outcome is not what we would have hoped, we know that this will bring closure to Jay’s family, friends and colleagues.  

For more information on the search efforts, visit the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

High winds and power outages

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Prepare for potential power outages with the high winds we are experiencing in the Seattle area. Keep in mind that if the power goes out, burning gas, wood or charcoal inside your home will increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death.

Here are a few safety tips to help prepare for when the power goes out:

Prepare

  • Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your CO alarms along with your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
  • Keep an emergency kit ready that includes:
    • first-aid kit
    • flashlight with extra batteries
    • glow-in-the-dark stick lights
    • portable radio
    • manual can opener
    • portable charger for your phone
    • prescription medications
  • Stock up on:
    • non-perishable foods
    • drinking water (one gallon per person per day)
    • warm clothing and blankets
  • Know how to manually override your electric garage door or gateway.
  • If you live in a secured building, know which exit doors to use during an outage.
Never use generators inside the home or garage

During the power outage

  • Never touch or approach a downed wire or anything in direct contact with it.
  • Immediately report the outage to your electricity provider (Seattle City Light’s phone number for reporting is (206) 684-3000).
  • Do not burn charcoal or use gasoline generators indoors, including the garage.
  • Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • Do not use candles as a light source nor any open flame as a heat source.
  • Before using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
  • Move flammable materials at least three feet away from a fireplace or wood stove.
  • Switch electrical appliances off after the power goes out to prevent fires and equipment damage.

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.

Check smoke & CO alarms when daylight saving time ends this weekend

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Change the batteries in your smoke alarm every year

Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this weekend (Sunday, November 7 at 2 a.m.) 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 change the batteries. Do it now!

Changing smoke and CO alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce home fire deaths and CO poisoning. In fact, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly one-half by providing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape. Consider installing a long-life battery powered smoke/CO alarm to avoid yearly battery replacements.

Watch this video to learn more about CO alarms

Learn more about smoke/CO alarms.

Fire Prevention Month Tip: Cooking Safety

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Be alert when cooking, don’t leave cooking unattended and cover small pan fires with a lid.

Let’s Talk Cooking! This week we are highlighting the leading cause of home fires: UNATTENDED COOKING.

Most home fires start in the kitchen when a person starts cooking and forgets about the food on the stove.  It is easy to get distracted by a person, another task, a phone call or an electronic device.

Severely damaged kitchen after a stove fire

Please consider the following cooking safety tips before you cook your next meal:

  • Stay Put – stay in the kitchen when cooking
  • Use a Timer – always use a timer when cooking to remind you that the stove is on
  • Clean Up – keep the stove area clean and free of flammable objects
  • Use Lids and Covers – keep a lid or cookie sheet near the stove in case of fire

If there is a fire:

  • Never pour water on a grease or oil fire
  • The best way to put out a small pan fire:
    • Slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pot or pan
    • Turn the burner off
    • Do not move a burning pan
    • Remove the lid only after the fire is out and the pan is cooled off
  • If the fire is large and/or has spread to other items, get out quickly and if possible, close the door behind to prevent fire from spreading to other rooms
  • Call 9-1-1 after you’ve left the house or building

Thank you for tuning in to our 2021 Fire Prevention Month safety tips! We have so much more to share, so continue to visit us frequently and stay tuned for new fire and life safety videos in multiple languages and American Sign Language: HERE

Learn more about cooking fire safety