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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Seattle and Denver Fire Chief’s compete for smoke alarms in friendly football wager

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Seattle – When the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos face each other on Sunday, February 2, there will be more on the line than an NFL championship. The fire chiefs in Seattle and Denver are making the big game even more interesting by placing a friendly wager,a wager that may help save lives in the communities they help serve and protect.

Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean and Denver Fire Chief Eric Tade agreed to a challenge proposed by Kidde, a leading manufacturer of fire safety products. The chief whose team wins Sunday’s game will receive 250 of Kidde’s Worry-Free smoke alarms, donated by Kidde. Each alarm has a sealed-in lithium battery to offer nonstop power for 10 years without battery changes or low-battery chirping noises. The chief whose team loses the game will receive 100 of the Worry-Free alarms to install in his community – while wearing the jersey of the winning team.

Both chiefs emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms. “Smoke detectors are residents’ best first defense against the dangers of smoke and fire, “said Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean. “ A working smoke alarm will provide residents the vital early warning signal necessary for a safe evacuation from a burning home.”

 “Just this morning, a Denver couple was woken up before 4 a.m. when a home fire activated their smoke alarms and prompted them to get out of the house and call 911,” said Denver Fire Chief Eric Tade. “We encourage all residents to replace smoke detectors every 10 years and test the batteries monthly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two-thirds of fire fatalities nationally occur in homes without smoke alarms or without working smoke alarms. The vast majority of non-working smoke alarms are due to missing or dead batteries. Kidde’s sealed-in 10-year battery smoke alarms offer a decade of protection without ever having to replace the battery.

Organized in 1894, the Seattle Fire Department currently serves more than half a million people with 33 neighborhood fire stations. The mission of the Seattle Fire Department is to save lives and protect property through emergency medical service, fire and rescue response and fire prevention. We respond immediately when any member of our community needs help with professional, effective and compassionate service.

Founded in 1866, the Denver Fire Department is dedicated to providing quality, timely, and professional emergency services to those who live in, work in, and visit the City and County of Denver and the communities we serve; respecting each other through trust, pride, diversity, integrity, and training; and working together to achieve the highest levels of preparedness, prevention, and community involvement with a dedication to purpose.

Thanksgiving Holiday Fire Safety

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pan fire 4-2013The Seattle Fire Department reminds residents to be mindful of fire safety during this holiday season. Holiday-related home fires primarily involve cooking, heating and electrical sources. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking-related fires.

Keep these tips in mind this Thanksgiving Holiday:
• Check on food regularly while cooking – unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires
• Keep children at least 3 feet away for the stove
• Unplug kitchen electrical items which have a heating element such as coffee pots, rice cookers and toasters, when not in use
• Extinguish candles before leaving the room and before going to bed, or better yet, use flameless candles instead.
• Give your heaters space- baseboard heaters need 1 foot clearance and portable space heaters should have 3 feet clearance
• If a fire starts on the stove, cover it with a lid or metal cookie sheet and turn the stove off. Don’t throw water on a grease fire.

Turkey fryer safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association can be found here. http://sparky.org/parentpage/pdf/Final_Fryer.pdf

For more information, contact Public Education at fireinfo@seattle.gov

Community invited to check out Seattle’s Madison Park Fire Station renovation

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WEB ST 34 pic 1v3

 

SEATTLE – The Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Fire Fighters Union, Local 27, invite the community to check out the completed seismic and safety upgrade of Seattle’s Fire Station 34, located at 633 32nd Ave. E. in the Madison Park neighborhood, during an open house on Nov. 16, 2013, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The remodeled fire facility ensures our firefighters will be able to protect our firefighters and equipment so that they continue to deliver a high-level of fire protection and medical services to the community,” says Fire Chief Gregory Dean. “Here is an opportunity for the residents to not only get a first-hand look at their local fire station but also a chance to meet the firefighters who serve them on a daily basis.”

Fire Station 34 is one of 32 neighborhood fire stations being upgraded, renovated or replaced through the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Program, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2003. Built in 1970, Fire Station 34 was in generally fair condition, but required seismic retrofits to meet the current earthquake safety standards. The $1.8 million project also included interior remodeling to enhance operations.

“Our first responders need the vital tools and facilities that allow them to protect public safety and to respond to natural disasters,” says Mayor Mike McGinn. “I invite the public to come see their investment at work with this newly upgraded and seismically sound fire station.”

Fire Station 34 houses one engine company (E34) with a crew of four firefighters and a hose wagon. The remodel included seismic upgrades to the reinforced masonry walls and the concrete and wood-framed roofs. A new two-story addition provides extra space to accommodate a fitness room, decontamination room, bunker gear storage, apparatus bay storage and a battery charging station. Existing spaces also were improved: the beanery (aka kitchen) was completely remodeled; a new day room was added by capturing underutilized exterior space; the basement was renovated to include more usable storage space and a new laundry room.

In addition to seismic improvements and expanded interior spaces, the station received numerous upgrades, including a new roof, new copper piping throughout, a new fire sprinkler system, a new fire alarm system, asbestos abatement, various mechanical upgrades, new light fixtures throughout, a new emergency generator, upgrades for ADA compliance and new landscaping.

The Fire Station 34 project was developed by the city of Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, designed by ARC Architects of Seattle, and built by Western Ventures Construction of Mountlake Terrace, WA. Construction began in 2011 and was completed in October 2013.

Smoke alarm: Test it Today – Sleep Better Tonight

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does your smoke alarm work small 10-2013A sounding smoke alarm is a family’s first sign that there could be fire in the home. The end of Daylight Saving Time – and “Falling” back – can serve as a great reminder to families to change home smoke alarm batteries. This can also be an opportunity to teach kids the importance of home fire safety, especially the role of the smoke alarm, even when they seem like a nuisance.

Help children recognize the sound of the alarm, and when they hear the loud noise, follow their home escape plan and get out fast.

Kids can help keep their families fire safe by helping a parent remember to:
• Put smoke alarms in your home, especially in bedrooms.
• Test smoke alarms monthly so you know what it sounds like.
• Replace old batteries with new ones yearly.
• Leave the smoke alarms in place – even if they sound every time you start cooking.

Finally, practice makes perfect. Encourage kids to practice their home escape plans. Make a game out of making and repeatedly practicing an escape “map “or plan.

Seattle Fire Day at the MOHAI

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Museum Admission is Free from     10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Saturday October 5, 2013, the Seattle Fire Department, in partnership with the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) will kick off Fire Prevention Month with a special program, The Seattle Fire Day. The program includes a variety of activities for children and their parents.

The Seattle Fire Department Public Education Unit will set up a home fire evacuation obstacle course. The demonstration teaches children how to crawl low below the smoke and heat as well as how to get out and stay out if they experience a home fire.

Seattle Firefighters will read stories to kids which drive home the message of fire prevention. Also children can learn how to put on fire gear and get a chance to see both antique and modern day firefighting equipment.

Visitors will get a chance to tour MOHAI’s Great Seattle Fire Theater, located in the museum’s core exhibit on Seattle history, True Northwest: The Seattle Journey, which includes the infamous glue pot that supposedly started Seattle’s massive blaze of 1889. The fire destroyed 120 acres (25 city blocks). Thousands of people were left without homes and thousands more were left without jobs due to their workplaces burning down. At the time, the City of Seattle estimated damages of more than 8 million dollars. The number may have been as high as 20 million dollars if you add in personal losses and water and electrical damage

http://www.mohai.org/visit-us/mohai-calendar/eventdetail/643/-/seattle-fire-day

Seattle Firefighters Hit the Books to Promote Children’s Literacy

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WEB Story Time 3 DSC_0775 WEB story times CentralDSC_0721WEB Story Times 2 DSC_0790

Seattle-The Seattle Fire Department is partnering with the Seattle Public Library for a reading program aimed at increasing literacy, and raising awareness of home fire safety. The Firefighter Story Times at the Seattle Public Library is part of October’s Fire Prevention Month. Seattle Firefighters will read No Dragons for Tea to dozens of preschool children at the Seattle Public Library branches across the city. The Firefighters will be driving home important safety messages including “Firefighters are your friend”, “Crawl low under smoke” and “Get out and stay out”.

For more than a decade, Seattle Firefighters have volunteered for literacy events at various Seattle Public Library’s and Seattle Public Schools. The Firefighter Story Times are part of a month long push to educate the young people of the city and their families on fire safety tips. Preschool children are especially vulnerable to fire and burn injuries. During the month of October, Seattle Firefighters are reading to preschoolers at 10 different libraries throughout the city.

 

Here is a list of locations where the Story Times will take place:

Central Library
1000 4th Ave
Thursday, October 3
10:30 AM

Lake City Branch
12501 28th Ave NE
Monday, October 7
10:30 AM

South Park Branch
8604 8th Ave. S.
Wednesday, October 9
11:15 AM

Southwest Branch
9010 35th Ave. S.W.
Thursday, October 10
11:00 AM

Rainier Beach Branch
9125 Rainier Ave. S.
Tuesday, October 15
2:00 PM

Montlake Branch
2401 24th Ave. E.
Wednesday, October 16
11:00 AM

Magnolia Branch
2801 34th Ave. W
Tuesday, October 22
2:00 PM

University Branch
5009 Roosevelt Way NE.
Wednesday, October 23
11:15 AM

Beacon Hill Branch
2821 Beacon Ave. S.
Thursday, October 24
10:30 AM

Greenwood Branch
8016 Greenwood Ave N
Wednesday, October 30
10:30 AM

Seattle Firefighters Launch Annual Campaign for MDA’s Fill-the-Boot

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Seattle Firefighters will take to the streets to collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy’s Fill-the-Boot campaign. The collections will take place at various places across the city from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the following dates:

• Friday August 16th
• Saturday, August 17th
• Friday, September 20th
• Friday, October 18th

Last year, Seattle Firefighters collected $118,851 for MDA. In 2012, the International Association of Fire Fighters raised over $28 million for MDA, making the grand-total for the 59-year tradition over $500,000,000. Firefighters have been volunteering their time and, don’t forget, boots—to help children and adults with muscle-deteriorating diseases since 1954.

This is Seattle’s 16th year working with MDA on the Fill-the-Boot campaign. Firefighters will be at various street corners each day, asking motorists to drop donations into their boots.

Proceeds raised during the street side campaign will help support MDA services and research programs, including transportation services, support groups, and local clinics.

MDA is a volunteer health agency working to defeat more than 40 forms of Muscular Dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA maintains clinics for area adults and children affected by neuromuscular diseases at Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and the University of Washington Medical Center.

Community invited to check out Seattle’s newest fire station

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Fire Station 14 hosts an open house May 16, 2013, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SEATTLE – The Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Fire Fighters Union, Local 27, invite the community to check out the completed renovation of Seattle’s historic Fire Station 14, located at 3224 Fourth Ave. S in the SODO District, during an open house on May 16, 2013, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fire Station 14 is home to the Seattle Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team. Their specialties involve collapsed buildings, trench cave-ins, high angle rope rescues, marine accidents requiring the Dive Team, confined space emergencies and heavy machinery and transportation incidents. The Tech Rescue Team is centrally located in order to quickly respond anywhere in the city to various high level rescues.

“This is an opportunity for the residents of Seattle to learn more about our nationally recognized Technical Rescue Team “says Fire Chief Gregory Dean. “These firefighters are highly trained to respond to incidents that pose the highest safety risk to both victims and firefighters.”

Fire Station 14 is one of 32 neighborhood fire stations being upgraded, renovated or replaced through the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Program, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2003. Six personnel are on duty at the station per shift.

Built in 1927, Fire Station 14 was designated a historic landmark by the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board in 2005. This designation limits changes to the façade of the building; all exterior modifications completed as part of this renovation were approved by the board.

The $8.8 million renovation project included the addition of a new 1,600 square foot apparatus bay; seismic upgrades; new insulated windows and a new roof; new decontamination facilities; new emergency dive gear storage and cleaning facilities; and more. Construction began in August 2012 and was completed in March 2013.

The renovated building reflects the city’s commitment to green design practices. Seattle is seeking a LEED Silver certification for the facility, which includes low VOC (volatile organic compound) construction materials; new insulated windows; a solar hot water heating system, located on the roof; and LED interior lighting.

“Seattle is leading the way in our push for environmentally sustainable buildings,” says Mayor Mike McGinn. “I invite the public to come check out their newly renovated historic Fire Station.”

Fire Station 14 was developed by the city of Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, designed by Bassetti Architects of Seattle and built by Turner Construction Company.

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Funeral for Firefighter Jess Hernandez

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Seattle- On Wednesday March 27, 2013 the Seattle Fire Department will be mourning the loss of Seattle Firefighter Jess Hernandez. The 52-year-old Firefighter Hernandez passed away on March 19, 2013 after battling cancer. Hernandez was about to celebrate his 20 year anniversary with the department.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., a funeral procession begins at the Harvey Funeral Home located at 509 North 36th Street in Fremont. Engine 24 and the Seattle Police Department will escort the casket from the funeral home to Fire Station 2 located at 2320 4th Avenue. Along the procession route several Fire Engine Companies and Ladder Companies will be stationed with their emergency lights activated and the firefighters standing at attention.

Intersections where Firefighters will be staging along the procession route:

1. Fremont Avenue North and Fremont Place
2. Westbound Nickerson Street and 13th Avenue West
3. Southbound 15th Avenue West and West Galer Street
4. Southbound Elliott West and West Mercer Place
5. Fire Station 2 2340 4th Avenue.

At Noon, Engine 24, Engine 2, Battalion Chief SUV and the funeral hearse will depart Station 2 in route to the funeral. The firefighters will travel South on 4th Avenue and turn right and head West on Bell Street. Next the procession will make a left and travel South on 2nd Avenue to the Christ Our Hope Catholic Church located at 1902 2nd Avenue.

At the corner of 2nd and Virginia, Ladder Company 4 and Ladder Company 10 will cross their aerial ladders and hang a large American flag in honor of Firefighter Hernandez.

At 1 p.m. the funeral service for Firefighter Hernandez will take place at Christ Our Hope Catholic Church. The service is expected to last about 90 minutes. The family of Firefighter Hernandez has asked that the funeral remain a private ceremony for family and friends.

Community Invited to Brand New Fire Station 6 Open House

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Photo Courtesy of Bob Lukas

Photo Courtesy of Bob Lukas

FS6_scissor_stairs Fire Station 6 hosts an open house March 16, 2013, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SEATTLE – The Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Fire Fighters Union, Local 27, invite the community to check out Seattle’s brand new Fire Station 6, located at 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. in the Central District, during an open house on March 16, 2013, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The fire stations and the firefighters are an integral part of the communities they serve. This is a chance for residents to meet the men and women who serve their area,” says Fire Chief Gregory Dean

Fire Station 6 is one of 32 neighborhood fire stations being upgraded, renovated or replaced through the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Program, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2003. Construction on the $5.9 million station began in August 2011 and was completed in January 2013. Eight personnel are on duty at the station per shift.

“This is a chance for the Seattle residents to see their tax dollars at work,” says Mayor Mike McGinn. “It’s vital our firefighters have earthquake resilient facilities in order to respond to major disasters or emergencies.”

The new 11,200 square foot facility meets seismic code and is designed to be safely occupied following an earthquake. A diesel-powered generator allows the building to run for 72 hours should the building lose electricity.

The new Fire Station 6 replaces a 4,060 square foot station built in 1931 and located at 101 23rd Ave. S. The former station 6’s existing configuration, site terrain and historic character ruled out an on-site expansion.

A new apparatus bay provides the space the ladder truck and engine require. Features of the new facility to protect firefighters include a decontamination room and areas to avoid contaminating clean spaces with chemicals and toxic substances. Additional room for equipment includes a bunker gear room and storage space for modern firefighting equipment.

Fire Station 6 is one of the busiest in the city, tallying 3289 emergency responses in 2012.

The Seattle Fire Department’s goal for “turnout time” – the time it takes for a firefighter to get to the vehicles and out of the building from any place on site – is one minute or less 90 percent of the time. For the fire department, this was the single most important thing to think about during building design. One unique feature – “scissor stairs” – maximizes Fire Station 6’s small footprint and helps achieve the quick turnout time. Scissor stairs are a set of two interlocking stairways providing two separate exit paths within one stairwell enclosure.

The new building reflects the city’s commitment to green design practices. Seattle is seeking a LEED gold certification for the facility, which includes recycled construction materials; low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, carpets and plywood; lots of natural light coming through double-glazed windows; energy-efficient lighting tied to occupancy and daylight sensors; permeable parking areas allowing water to infiltrate naturally rather than draining directly into a storm drain; a vegetated roof that helps control run off and moderate building temperatures; and water-efficient plantings. What little water that will be required for irrigation comes from roof run-off held in underground storage tanks. The building has been wired to accept power from future solar panels planned for the roof. Power generated from solar panels can be used for the building, or given to Seattle City Light for use elsewhere.

A traffic signal, triggered by a firefighter in the building when they are preparing to leave on an emergency call, will keep the intersection at Martin Luther King Jr. Way South and South Jackson Street clear when fire rigs exit the station.

Fire Station 6 was developed by the city of Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, designed by local architects Weinstein A|U and built by Commercial Structures, Inc. Artwork by Steve Gardner, made of cast glass set into a laser-cut aluminum frame, hangs above the apparatus bay doors. Gardner spent time at the original Fire Station 6 making molds of objects and interesting textures he found there to incorporate into the art. See http://gardnerart.com/?p=319 and http://gardnerart.com/?p=222 for more information.

The Seattle Police Department is temporarily basing parking enforcement officers from the East Precinct Police Station at the former fire station 6 for approximately 18 to 24 months while the Capitol Hill Arts building is under construction on the police station’s former parking lot. A recommendation regarding the disposition of the former fire station 6 is being prepared for the City Council’s review.

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