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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

City to build new Fire Station 31 facility at different location

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The City has decided to construct a new Fire Station 31 on a new site in the district. Doing so allows the City to use response data to select the best location to minimize response times while addressing long-standing operational issues within the building.  

Firefighters and apparatus at Fire Station 31 have been temporarily relocated to neighboring fire stations since June 18, 2019. The relocation occurred to allow for testing of mold, mycotoxins and water intrusion in their current facility located at 1319 N. Northgate Way. Testing results led environmental contractors to suggest facility improvements to address moisture levels. In light of structural conditions and physical capacity issues, the City has concluded that Station 31 requires replacement.   

Next steps: Firefighters will continue responding out of neighboring fire stations while the City begins the process for finding land to house firefighters in an interim facility. The development of an interim facility – including siting, design, and construction – will begin immediately and completed as soon as possible. 

Minimizing community impacts: The department will continue to monitor response times on a daily basis and remain focused on minimizing impacts to the community. When the relocation occurred, firefighters were strategically placed at fire stations nearest to Station 31. Firefighters from Station 31 are conducting their daily business in their normal district during the relocation. They are focusing on building familiarizations and inspections, training and hydrant inspections. These district responsibilities are keeping units in their home district to be able to quickly respond to emergencies and helping with impacts to response times.

Why build a new facility: Constructing a new facility addresses several important issues for residents and the City. The 1973 era station was built to house fewer firefighters and apparatus than is assigned to the station today. Even with recent levy-funded improvements, its capacity has been stretched further with an additional aid unit responding from the station. While projects and funds have been allocated to address issues at the station, when those costs were added to the list of repairs recommended by third-party environmental contractors, the decision was made to pursue relocation plans for the station.  

Natural gas leak in U-district prompts evacuation

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Excavator digging hit 2-inch gas line

SEATTLE – On Oct. 14 just before 2 p.m., firefighters responded to the U-district at NE 45th St. and Brooklyn Ave. NE for a natural gas leak. Private contractors working on a telecommunications project were digging with an excavator, when a 2-inch gas line was punctured.

Firefighters immediately notified Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and begun evacuating people in the impacted area: NE 43rd St. to NE 47th St. and 12th Ave. NE to University Way NE. Wind played a factor in determining the evacuation zone, along with levels of natural gas found from monitoring buildings in the immediate area. The evacuation zone included two high-rise buildings, several businesses and other occupancies. An AlertSeattle message was sent to a half-mile radius from the incident location to notify community members of the situation.

When PSE arrived on scene, they put a plan in place to secure the leak. They began digging holes at three locations in close proximity to the leak, to access the gas lines and place a clamp on them. Seattle Police Department officers controlled traffic in the area and kept people out of harm’s way. King County Metro turned off power to the overhead lines that help operate bus lines to ensure a spark would not occur, resulting in a possible fire igniting.

Just after 5 p.m., PSE had the leak secured. People were allowed back in the buildings once firefighters and PSE deemed them safe, and the area became open to foot traffic. The incident was turned over to the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Department of Transportation, who stayed on scene to mitigate impacts to traffic and the roads.

Natural gas leak in North Seattle prompts evacuation

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Natural gas leak on Midvale Ave. N.

SEATTLE – Firefighters responded to the 10300 Block of Midvale Ave. N. just after 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 11 for a natural gas leak. When crews arrived on scene, they discovered a 2-inch gas line had been punctured by contractors who were digging in the area.

Firefighters immediately notified Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and begun evacuating residents in the impacted area. A total of three blocks were evacuated, which included a small apartment building, a few town homes and several residential homes. Approximately 20 people were evacuated and taken to a safe location away from the leak. An AlertSeattle message was sent to the neighborhood to notify residents of the situation.

When PSE arrived on scene, they put a plan in place to secure the leak. While PSE workers were in the ditch putting a clamp on the gas line, a fire ignited from an unknown ignition source. Three PSE workers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Seattle Fire paramedics and transported to Harborview Medical Center.

When natural gas catches fire, the safest way to mitigate the hazard is to let the natural gas burn off. Firefighters laid hose lines in each direction, and sprayed water on nearby vehicles and structures to protect them from catching fire.

As the fire was burning, PSE worked to shut off natural gas to that area, by digging a hole to clamp the line south from the location, and turning a valve off north of the location. Once the leak was secured, the fire went out, and the air was monitored to ensure it was safe for residents to reoccupy their homes.

Off Duty Lieutenant responds to UW Hospital Fire

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SEATTLE — On October 2, 2019, at UW Medical Center, Seattle Fire Lieutenant LeRoy Sisley was visiting his wife Lynda—who has also worked for Seattle Fire in data analysis and IT. He was at her bedside on the seventh floor when a fire alarm went off on the first floor. Even though he was off duty, LeRoy told Lynda he was going to investigate, assured her he would be back, and rushed downstairs. When he got to the first floor, he saw crowds of people running away from the area.

LeRoy and Lynda Sisley

Down the hallway he found an approximately 3,000 square foot storage room that was filled with black smoke. Some lithium batteries had ignited, creating flames that quickly spread through the room.

Not only is LeRoy a Lieutenant for Seattle Fire, but also a Wildland Communications Unit Leader for Washington State Team 10, and because he deploys regularly, he always carries his department radio with him. He radioed Seattle Fire Dispatch that there was a working fire in the hospital, and a Full Response was dispatched.

As the engines and trucks were responding to the scene, LeRoy found 2 dry chemical extinguishers and emptied them onto the fire, then closed the door to control the remaining flames in the storage room from spreading. The building engineer showed up and together they created a fire attack plan and a smoke removal plan. They directed the first arriving units to the fire room and located the best exit points for ventilating the building.

Were it not for LeRoy’s quick action to stop the progression of the fire, large amounts of hospital equipment could have been lost and hundreds of people would have been evacuated from the hospital. We thank Lt. Sisley for his commendable actions of protecting lives and property while off-duty.

Media interested in interviewing Lt. LeRoy Sisley can contact the acting Seattle Fire PIO via email at sfdpio@seattle.gov

Firefighters battle 3-alarm fire in Ballard

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Heavy smoke from building on NW Market St.
Photo Credit: John Odegard

SEATTLE – An employee from Super Cuts called 911 just before 12 p.m. on Oct. 7 reporting light smoke from a strip mall at the 2300 Block of NW Market St. When Engine 9 arrived on scene, they saw a haze coming from the ceiling of the building and quickly upgraded the response to a full alarm. They were able to determine the fire was in the ceiling and attic space above four of the businesses, and the only way to gain access was from the roof.

A second and and then third alarm was called bringing in over 150 members of the City’s fire personnel, which is approximately 65% of the department’s on-duty resources. Firefighters initially fought the fire from the roof, cutting holes in the ceiling to release toxic gases and smoke, and put water on the fire. When the building began showing signs of potential for collapse, the firefighters transitioned to a defensive attack. Ladder trucks put their ladder pipes in place and firefighters grabbed hose lines to begin attacking the fire from all sides of the structure. Smoke billowed out of the building as the roof began to collapse.

Residents in the immediate area were instructed to close their windows and doors to avoid exposure to smoke. At one point, the apartment building behind the strip mall was evacuated due to the heavy smoke in the air. The Office of Emergency Management sent out an AlertSeattle message on behalf of SFD to a 1-mile radius of the incident alerting the public of protective safety measures.

Building occupants were able to safely evacuate and there were no reported injuries to members of the public. One firefighter was transported to Harborview via SFD medics as a precautionary measure with minor injuries.

Firefighters battle 3-alarm fire in Ballard.
Photo Credit: John Odegard

Four businesses sustained heavy damage and are a total loss: Kitchen N’ Things, La Isla, Super Cuts and Coleman Jewelers. The Pho Vietnamese restaurant that borders Coleman Jewelers was also damaged from smoke exposure and water. The firefighters quick response and efficient tactics kept the fire from spreading to additional businesses in the strip mall. The Office of Economic Development was notified and is reaching out to businesses impacted and the building owner.

Fire investigators have begun their investigation and will return to the site on Oct. 8 to further assess the damage. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to continue putting out hot spots and ensure the fire does not reignite.

FINAL UPDATE: Oct. 8 at 12 p.m.
SFD fire investigators completed their investigation at the site on Oct. 8 just before noon. Due to the extent of fire damage and instability of the structure, the official ruling of the cause will remain undetermined. However, they determined the fire most likely started from overheated electrical in the void space between the ceiling and roof. The fire started towards the back of the building at the northeast corner.

There is a large fire wall between the jewelry company and the Pho restaurant, which prevented the fire from further progressing through the strip mall. Investigators did not find evidence of any fire stops in the attic space of the structure that burned, which allowed the fire to quickly spread.

Total estimated loss is $1.5 million to contents and $1.5 million to property. Note: this number is just an estimate, and insurance companies will further determine the value of property and contents lost.

Firefighters will remain on fire watch until the building is no longer at risk for reigniting.

SAFETY TIP: ensure smoke alarms are working in facilities and have a fire escape plan in place. Visit our website for more resources.

Fire at UW Medical Center

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SFD incident command unit on scene for fire at UW Medical Center

Oct. 2 at 3:19 p.m. – Our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke originating from the lobby floor of UW Medical Center’s Cascade Tower. Engine 31 was the first company to arrive on scene and determined the fire was confined to a medical supply room. When the fire alarms activated, occupants of the lobby floor safely evacuated with the assistance of UWPD and Public Safety. The building’s sprinkler system was able to contain the fire while our crews extinguished it by 3:36 p.m.

Fire damage was minimal, but water damage from the sprinkler system was significant. Our fire investigation unit determined the fire to be accidental and caused by faulty lithium batteries that ignited in a storage bin. Estimated cost of the damages are yet to be determined. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and no patients were significantly impacted. Our crews were able to ventilate the facility to prevent interruptions to ongoing medical operations.

Fire Prevention Month: Heaters, give them space

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No doubt about it, fall is in full swing. One of the season’s hallmarks – fog – made a strong resurgence this week, bringing damp, cooler temperatures.

With nights dipping into the 40s, it’s no wonder so many of us are grabbing more blankets, reaching for the thermostat and dusting off our space heaters.

A leading cause of home fires

Before you get too cozy, consider this: heaters are one of the leading causes of home fires. Now is a great time to survey each room with a heat source to look for potential fire hazards.

When you do, remember this rule of thumb: Baseboard heaters need one-foot of clearance and portable space heaters need three-feet of clearance. Give them space!

Safety tips for home heaters

  • Never allow any item to drape across or be placed on top of a heater.
  • Move away any furniture, bedding and other materials placed too close to baseboard and portable heaters.
  • Make sure any portable heater is plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord with a portable heater.
  • Turn off a portable heater before leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • When purchasing a heater, make sure it has been tested by an independent testing laboratory and features an automatic turn off if it tips over.

By keeping a watchful eye and giving heaters the space they require, it helps reduce the risk of a home fire. Now you can sit back and warmly (and safely) enjoy autumn’s beauty.

Fire Prevention Month: Shut the Door on Fires

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Smoke alarms are recognized as the most important fire safety device you can have in your home. But did you know that adding one step to your bedtime routine could also help save lives?

“Shut the door.”

These three words are increasingly seen as an important life safety and firefighting strategy.

Recent fire research shows that closed doors can reduce the spread of smoke, flames, high temperatures and toxic gases from a fire. Closing bedroom doors before going to sleep can give your family members precious time to find an alternative escape route or wait for rescue.

Fires can also start in a bedroom. That’s why it’s recommended to install a smoke alarm in every bedroom and the adjacent hallway. Having alarms in multiple areas will increase the chance of hearing the alarm and safely exiting.

Follow these tips to protect your family:

  1. Install smoke alarms in each bedroom and in the hallway outside
  2. Make and practice an escape plan (information here)
  3. Close your bedroom doors before you go to sleep, if you can

One other note: closed doors also limit the amount of oxygen a fire uses, thereby slowing its spread and potentially limiting property damage. It is recommended that – if you can do so safely – close the doors you pass through when evacuating a burning structure.

Free smoke alarms from Seattle Fire

Seattle Fire Department will install free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for qualified homeowners in City limits who are: residents of the city AND identify as a senior, or live on a low income or have a disability.

Seattle residents with a hearing impairment may qualify for a free strobe smoke alarm. Visit this webpage or call 206-386-1337 to learn more.

Home Fire Escape Planning

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October is Fire Prevention Month in Seattle and to kick off the month, we would like to highlight the importance of developing and practicing a home fire escape plan. Did you know that from the time a smoke alarm sounds, a person may have under two minutes to get out safely?

Make and practice a home fire escape plan

A home fire escape plan provides the skills to quickly and safely escape a home fire. Home fire escape plans should include two exits from every room in the home; a path to the outside from each exit; smoke/CO alarms in all required locations; and a meeting place outside where everyone in the home will meet upon exiting. Every member of the household should participate in developing the plan and in practicing it.

Your plan should include the following:

  • ·Have two ways out from every room—a secondary route may be a window. You may want to consider an escape ladder for rooms on the 2nd or 3rd level of the home.
  • Make sure everyone can open the windows, including screens and security bars.
  • Keep exits clear.

If you experience a home fire, follow these steps:

  • If smoke is blocking your first way out, try your second. If needed, crawl low under smoke where the air is cleaner and get out quickly.
  • Go to your outside meeting place and then call 911.
  • If a family member or pet is still inside, tell the 911 operator and alert firefighters immediately upon their arrival.
  • Never re-enter your home until the firefighters say it is safe to do so.

By preparing and practicing a home fire evacuation plan, you will be better prepared should the unimaginable happen.

Apartment and condominium dwellers should consider these steps.

Time to test your smoke alarm

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As the days get shorter and with cold weather on the horizon, now is a good time to test your smoke alarm and replace their batteries. If it is more than 10 years old, it might be time to replace them with new ones.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

The Seattle Fire Department recommends that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and in each bedroom.

Do you need smoke alarms in your home? You may qualify for free combination smoke/CO alarms from the Seattle Fire Department if you meet the following criteria:

  • You live in the City of Seattle
  • You own and live in your home
  • You are living on a low income, are a senior citizen or have a disability.

Seattle residents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may qualify for a free strobe smoke alarm. If you fit these criteria and wish to request the installation of smoke alarms in your home, call the Seattle Fire Department at (206) 386-1337 or send us an email to learn more about this program.