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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Two Alarm Marina Fire Causes $2 million in Damage

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Firefighters responded to a reported boat fire at 1818 Westlake Avenue North at 3:20 a.m. Tuesday morning. When the first unit arrived on the scene they saw a 30 to 40 foot motor yacht on fire with many other vessels close by and in danger of catching fire. Land crews made access to the fire via the dock and worked to keep the fire from spreading. They protected other vessels in the marina, including cutting boats loose from their slips to move them away from the fire. Firefighters got the fire under control within about 30 minutes. Nearly 100 Seattle Firefighters responded and Seattle Police Harbor Patrol assisted with the effort.

The fire damaged three boats and part of the dock. Firefighters were faced with slippery conditions on land and on the dock as cold temperatures made water from fire hoses freeze as soon as it hit the ground. A firefighter fell in the water and a Seattle Police Harbor Patrol Officer jumped in to help get him out. Another firefighter fell in the water later. All three got out quickly and were not injured. There were no people aboard the boats and no injuries.

Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental – caused by an electrical failure. Damage was estimated at $2 million.

Tips for a Safe Holiday Season – Christmas Lights

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xmaslight1Over the weekend, a house fire in Seattle was caused by an overloaded electrical outlet that had multiple strings of Christmas lights plugged into it. The fire caused $20,000 in damage. Every year, Christmas trees and lighting-related fires spike in December and January. Cords and plugs are the leading type of equipment involved Christmas tree fires.

Before you hang up holiday lights this year, Seattle Fire Department wants to remind you to make sure you take the following steps:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use decorative lights.
  • Do not use any string lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulbs .
  • Do not connect more than three light strands together.
  • To avoid damage to the cord, do not use nails or staples to hang lights.
  • Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

 For more tips on holiday fire safety – visit:  http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/holiday

Morning Triplex Fire Ruled Accidental

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Firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a building located at 7313 Fauntleroy Way SW at 4:53 a.m. this morning. When they arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the second story of a two story triplex. They quickly attacked the fire and performed a search of the structure. Firefighters determined that the unit where the fire occurred was vacant and all other occupants of the triplex got out safely. One firefighter was transported to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries. Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental – caused by overheated electrical wiring in the ceiling. Damage was estimated at $250,000.

Safety Tip – How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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

To prevent CO poisoning:

  •  Never use the following inside homes, garages and other closed spaces, or outside an open window: generators, charcoal grill, camp stove, vehicle or other gas engine.
  •  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.
  •  Make certain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

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

To learn more visit:
http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/brochures/carbon%20monoxide.pdf

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/disaster/carbon-monoxide-english.aspx

House Fire in Fremont Ruled Accidental

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Seattle Firefighters responded to a house fire just before midnight Wednesday in the 4100 block of Evanston Avenue North. When firefighters arrived at the house they saw flames coming from the first floor of a two story house. All the occupants got out of the house safely. The fire was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries. Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental – caused by an overheated electrical cord. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

Free Locks for Recycle Bins in Greenwood

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In an effort to help keep burnable materials secure, Seattle Public Utilities will provide locks for commercial recycling, garbage and food waste containers in the Greenwood neighborhood, within the boundaries of NW 75th Street to North 90th Street and from 3rd Ave NW to Fremont Ave North. Residents and business owners can call Waste Management Customer Service at 1-800-592-9995 to get a free lock for containers provided by Seattle Public Utilities contracted service providers.

Seattle Fire Department encourages residents to continue to be vigilant about cleaning up around their businesses and homes. Click on the following links for additional tips on how to prevent arson.

Arson Tips for Residents:
http://www.seattle.gov/fire/fmo/Info/Arson%20Tips%20for%20Residential.pdf

Arson Tips for Businesses:
http://www.seattle.gov/fire/fmo/Info/Arson%20Tips%20for%20Business.pdf

Arson Tips in Spanish:
http://www.seattle.gov/fire/fmo/Info/Arson%20Tips%20in%20Espanol.pdf

Greenwood Arson Arrest

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The Arson Task Force announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the Greenwood arsons today. Members of the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), held a press conference this afternoon detailing the early morning arrest of 46-year old Kevin Todd Swalwell.

Task force members had identified Swalwell as a person of interest in the Greenwood fires. Seattle Fire Investigators spotted him near the scene of a warehouse fire in Shoreline early this morning and contacted police. Swalwell was interviewed by police detectives and booked into the King County Jail for investigation of arson.

Seattle Police believe that Swalwell may be responsible for some if not all of the Greenwood arsons. Detectives are uncertain whether any additional suspects are connected to these crimes. Neighborhood arson patrols will continue until detectives are confident that these cases have been resolved. If you see anything suspicious taking place, call 911. If you have any information about any of the arsons, you can call the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON. The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist. 

As a reminder, there are simple things you can do to make your homes and neighborhoods safer. One of the most important is to clean up the areas around your homes and businesses. Get rid of any burnable items and keep your recycle bins secure.

Arson Tips for Residents:  http://www.seattle.gov/fire/fmo/Info/Arson%20Tips%20for%20Residential.pdf

Arson Tips for Businesses: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/fmo/Info/Arson%20Tips%20for%20Business.pdf

Arson Tips in Spanish: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/fmo/Info/Arson%20Tips%20in%20Espanol.pdf

Now is also a very important time to make sure you have working smoke alarms and a fire safety plan. Seattle Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and installation for qualified homeowners.

Smoke Alarm Program: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/smokealarms/smokeAlarms.htm

Home Fire Safety: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/homesafety/homeFireSafety.htm

Fire Fact Sheets: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/brochures/brochures.htm

Greenwood Community Meeting – Location Change

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Due to the amount of interest, the venue for tonight’s community meeting has moved from Upper Crust Catering to the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church. The meeting is sponsored by the Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Police Department to talk about the recent arsons in the Greenwood neighborhood and what residents can do to help prevent arson. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10 at the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 7500 Greenwood Avenue North.

Arson Patrols Set for Greenwood

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The Seattle Fire Department will be conducting arson patrols and distributing arson prevention information in response to recent arsons in the Greenwood neighborhood.

Two fires occurred early this morning that fire investigators believe were started by the same person. The first fire was set on the back porch of a business at 3:43 a.m. at 300 Northwest 85th Street. Neighbors used fire extinguishers to help contain the fire until firefighters  arrived. The fire did not extend to the business and there were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $5,000. Shortly afterwards, at 4:11 a.m. firefighters responded to a fire at North 84th Street and Greenwood Avenue North. This fire was set between two buildings and damaged the exteriors of both buildings. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $20,000. 

On October 23, a fire was set in the Green Bean coffee house that burned three other businesses and caused $2 million in damages. Investigators are working to determine whether this fire is connected to this morning’s fires.

Anyone with information that may be related to arson can call the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON. A reward may be provided for an arson conviction.  For any suspicious activity taking place, please call 911.

 

 

Fire in Bitter Lake Apartment Stairwell Intentionally Set

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Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in a three story apartment building at 13437 Greenwood Avenue North in the Bitter Lake neighborhood just before 11:30 p.m. on Monday night. When the first units arrived on the scene they found smoke in the hallways and a small fire in an interior stairwell on the first floor. Fire Investigators determined that this fire was intentionally set. The fire caused $1,700 in damage to the carpet and a door in the stairwell. There were no injuries.