SEATTLE – The Fire Alarm Center received a 911 call at 1:20 a.m. on January 9 reporting a fire in a residential home at the 2500 Block of Northeast 92nd Street. Engine 40 responded from the Wedgewood Fire Station and saw flames coming from the front and sides of the single-story structure. All occupants had safely evacuated prior to SFD’s arrival on scene.

Firefighters fought the fire from outside of the structure, and then transitioned inside to push fire out. The fire was under control by 1:41 a.m. The American Red Cross was called for five displaced adults. There were no injuries to members of the public or firefighters.

Fire investigators ruled this fire as accidental, and set the total estimated loss at $350,000. The fire was caused by an overheated cell phone battery charging unit that was plugged into a full strip multi-outlet extension cord, which was plugged into a second full strip extension cord, which was plugged into the wall outlet.

SAFETY TIPS: Here are a few tips to prevent fires caused by overloading outlets and cords:

• Avoid using extension cords and plug adapters.  Extension cords are designed to provide a temporary power source.
• Make sure extension cords are not tacked to walls, run under rugs, or through doorways.
• Utilize power strips with internal circuit breakers instead of extension cords to prevent overheated electrical extension cords.
• Consider having a licensed electrician add an outlet if needed.
• Never use an extension cord with a portable heater.
• If an appliance produces heat (like toasters, rice cookers, coffee makers, kettles, portable heaters, irons, etc.) unplug it when not in use.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

SEATTLE: With the viaduct closure quickly approaching, the Seattle Fire Department wants to remind drivers to move right for lights and sirens. Seattle Fire, Police and Department of Transportation personnel respond to traffic incidents in the city 24/7. Many times, private vehicles do not yield the right of way when approached by emergency vehicles with lights and sirens.

“With the added traffic from the viaduct closure, we want to put an extra emphasis on encouraging drivers to move right for lights and sirens,” said Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, “when drivers are attentive to emergency vehicles, it helps keep members of the public and our responders safe.”

When you see emergency vehicles traveling 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 for keeping you and our responders safe:

• 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

SEATTLE – On December 31 around 5:45 a.m. the Seattle Fire Alarm Center received a 911 call reporting a house fire on the 9200 Blk of Spear Pl S.  Upon arrival, Engine 33 reported heavy fire from the east side of the house.  Crews initially knocked down the fire from the outside before transitioning to an interior attack.  While conducting a search of the residence, firefighters found two people and their injuries were incompatible with life.  Also during firefighting operations, a firefighter partially fell through a hole on the first floor but was pulled out and uninjured.

The fire was under control by 6:26 a.m. and completely extinguished by 6:43 a.m.  At the height of the fire, there were 6 engine companies and 4 truck companies.  One firefighter sustained a minor injury.

UPDATE 1/23/19: Fire investigators have ruled this fire as accidental. Investigators determined the fire was most likely caused by a marijuana grow light that was located too close to combustibles, and ignited nearby material. The fire started near the east wall of the basement stairwell. The fire extended from the basement throughout the house. Total estimated loss is $50,000 to contents and $300,000 to the structure.

SEATTLE – Seattle firefighters responded to the 2100 Blk of 41 Ave SW around 2:45 a.m. this morning for a house fire.  The first arriving unit reported a well involved house fire with fire impinging on the house to the north.  Fire crews quickly applied water onto the fire from the exterior before transitioning to an interior attack as well applying water on the exposure house to keep the fire from spreading into it.  Crews also had to deal with a downed power line on the north side of the home.  There was one occupant at home and was awoken by a smoke detector allowing him to exit without any injuries.

The fire was under control within 40 minutes and completely extinguished within 60.  There were no injuries to firefighters.  At the height of the fire were 6 engine companies and 3 ladder companies.  The fire is under investigation and the estimated damage to the residence is $250,000 and $100,000 in contents and damage to the exposure home at $50,000.

Update as of 4:00 p.m. on January 2, 2019

Fire Investigators ruled the fire accidental, and determined it was caused by a Christmas tree in the living room that had caught fire from either an energized light string or lit candle ornament.  Please remember to water your Christmas tree daily and to keep it at least 3 feet away from heating sources (fireplaces, candles, wood stoves, and heat vents).

Photos courtesy of John Odegard

SEATTLE – There were two fires overnight in the Fremont area.  On December 24, around 3:46 a.m. the Seattle Fire Alarm Center (FAC) received a 9-1-1 call for a reported fire in an alley at the 500 Blk of N 36 St.  The first arriving unit reported heavy fire in the alley that was spreading into a building and called for a second alarm.  Firefighters initially applied water from the exterior of the building before transitioning to an interior attack.  The fire was extinguished within 90 minutes.  Two businesses were impacted by the fire: Habitude Salon and Spa and Red Star Taco Bar.  There were no occupants inside either structure and there were no injuries to any firefighters.  At the height of the fire there were ten engine companies and six ladder companies on scene.

Then around 4:12 a.m., the FAC received a 9-1-1 call for a reported fire at the 400 Blk of N 36th St.  The first arriving unit reported a small fire on the exterior of a building that was quickly extinguished.

Both fires are under investigation.

Update as of 3:30 p.m. on December 24, 2018:

Fire Investigators have determined that both these fires were intentionally set and are ruling them as arson.  Habitude Spa Salon and Red Star Taco Bar located on the 500 Blk of N 36 St sustained $190,000 of damage, and Ounce of Prevention located on the 400 Blk of N 36 St sustained $10,000 of damage.

The Seattle Police Department is conducting the follow-up investigation. Anyone with information about these fires should contact SPD’s Arson and Bomb Squad at (206) 684-8980. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.

Update as of 10:30 a.m. on 1/2/19

There are multiple businesses located on the 500 Blk of N 36 St that were impacted by the fire.  A third business, Sfingiday, has now been identified as well.  The estimate of damage for these businesses has not changed.

The National Weather Service is predicting strong winds in western Washington this weekend which could cause some local power outages.

Remember, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous, odorless, poisonous gas. Heating and cooking devices that burn fuel can be sources of CO. Follow these tips to help keep your house fire and carbon monoxide safe:

• Only use a charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable camping stove outdoors and never use them to heat your home.
• Before lighting a fire, ensure chimneys and flues are in good condition and not blocked.
• Always run a generator and any gas-powered equipment outdoors.

CO can cause severe illness and death. If you experience symptoms of headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and mental confusion; get outside and call 911.

If your power goes out, make sure you turn off your stoves to prevent a fire when the power comes back.

As many in our community celebrate with decorations, candles and greenery in and around their homes, we want to offer some tips for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

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. Other holiday-related home fires involve heating and electrical sources.

Before starting your holiday cooking, be sure to test your smoke alarms by pushing the “test” button.

Cooking Safety Tips

• Keep an adult by the stove while cooking your favorite dishes!
• Involve children in preparing foods that are not hot, and at least 3 feet from a hot stove.
• 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.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children or up high in a locked cabinet.
• Leave turkey frying to the professionals, as large quantities of hot cooking oil pose a significant fire and serious burn risk.
• 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.
• Keep flammables such as towels, oven mitts and food packaging away from the stove top.

 

Electrical Safety Tips
• Unplug kitchen appliances that have a heating element such as coffee pots, rice cookers and toasters, when not in use.
• Ensure all cords from cooking equipment are safety tucked away, out of reach of a child.
• Only insert ONE appliance per electrical outlet.

Heating and Candle Safety Tips
• Give your heaters space! Keep flammable items 1 foot from baseboard heaters and 3 feet from portable space heaters.
• Use flameless battery operated candles. If you do use candles with a flame, be sure to extinguish them before leaving the room and before going to bed.

Watch our cooking safety tips video!

SEATTLE – Fire investigators conducted a thorough investigation of the 4-alarm fire in north Queen Anne that occurred on Nov. 10 at the 3500 Block of 6^th Ave. W. During the course of investigation, they determined the fire was intentionally set, and are ruling it as arson. The total estimated loss to all structures impacted, including contents, is estimated at $4.3 million. The Seattle Police Department is conducting the follow-up investigation. Anyone with information about this fire should contact SPD’s Arson and Bomb Squad at (206) 684-8980. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.

The scene was turned over to property owners on Nov. 12 at 12:30 p.m. Five structures, power lines, multiple vehicles, and a residence and trailer on the waterfront sustained damage. This was the largest fire Seattle has experienced in eight years, with the previous fire occurring in 2010. There were no reported injuries to members of the public or firefighters.

Media availability with Fire Chief Harold Scoggins will be held at the site today (Nov. 13) at 1 p.m. Media should contact Seattle Police Public Affairs with follow-up questions regarding the investigation.

• Who: Fire Chief Harold Scoggins
• Date: Nov. 13, 2018
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Location: 3528 6^th Ave. W. in Seattle

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Tinsley
Public Information Officer
Seattle Fire Department
sfdpio@seattle.gov