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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Summer meltdown – don’t leave kids or pets in the car

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Annual Mishap Causes Anguish for Families

This year, as we live through the stress and momentous change of an historic global pandemic, summer’s warm, sunny days gives us a chance to physically and emotionally lighten up. It’s the perfect time to spend time in the sunshine – albeit with sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and now socially distanced and masked! But even so, there’s no better time to get outside and fully enjoy ourselves with friends and family.

One thing to keep in mind is while the rays of summer feel good, the buildup of heat in an enclosed car, even when parked for a short time, creates dangers to small humans and pets.

The Numbers are Grim

According to Safe Kids Worldwide:

  • On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car.
  • A car can heat up 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. And cracking a window doesn’t help.
  • Young children are particularly at risk, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s.

The numbers are even more frightening for child vehicular heatstroke death as cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each case below ended with the death of a child and the planning of a funeral:

  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2019: 52
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2018: 53
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2017: 43
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2016: 39
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2015: 25
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2014: 32
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2013: 44
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2012: 35
  • Child vehicular heatstroke deaths for 2011: 33


Prevention: Remember to ACT

Thankfully, Safe Kids recommends several things people can do to avoid these tragedies.

Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute, and not even with the windows down or partway down.  And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids don’t get in on their own. 

Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place and secure something essential to you – your phone, briefcase, purse, even a shoe – in the backseat when traveling with your child.

Take action. Make “look before you leave” a routine whenever you get out of the call. Be sure all occupants, including sleeping babies and pets, leave the vehicle.

Technology Helps: Look for the Rear Seat Reminder

In the past few years, car companies have started implemented a new safety feature to help prevent these kinds of heat-related injuries. By 2025, it’s expected to be standard equipment. It’s called the Rear Seat Reminder. Here’s how it works:

Rear Seat Reminder monitors a vehicle’s rear doors. The system activates when either rear door is opened and closed up to 10 minutes before the vehicle is started or while the vehicle is running. Once the system is activated, the vehicle is designed to sound five chimes and display a message in the driver information center that reads “Rear Seat Reminder / Look in Rear Seat” the next time the vehicle is turned off. Some systems may even send you a text message.

Next time you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, be sure to ask about this great safety development.

Finally, if you see a child alone in a car, call 911. We want you to call. We need emergency responders to get there as soon as possible. Every minute counts. The difference can save a life and prevent a family from suffering the loss of beloved child or pet.

Preventing heat-related illness

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Stay hydrated and try to avoid the heat

The weather is finally heating up in our region and we will most likely experience some hotter days in the days and weeks to come. Higher temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent becoming ill from too much heat.

Too much heat and sun can overwhelm anyone but those most at risk from heat exhaustion and heat stroke include older adults, young children, and people who work or exercise outdoors.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

  • Sweating
  • Pale, ashen or moist skin
  • Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
  • Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
  • Headache, dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate

Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke if proper steps are not taken to reduce overheating.

Heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees or higher. It is usually a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion in high temperatures.

In addition to the above heat exhaustion symptoms, heatstroke symptoms can include:

  • Confusion
  • Altered speech
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid breathing and a racing heartbeat, among other symptoms.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Stay Safe in the Heat

  • Drinking water and other fluids often is important. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty!
  • Eat foods with lots of water in them.
  • Check on family and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat.
  • Children can also have heat exhaustion because they are so active and forget to drink water.
  • Keep children out of the direct sun during the hottest part of the day.
  • Never leave babies, young children or pets in a parked car – even with the windows rolled down. Not even for a minute. Cars can get dangerously hot in seconds!
  • People who work outside should take frequent breaks to cool off.

How to Cool Down 

  • Drinking water and other fluids often is important.  Don’t wait until you’re thirsty!
  • Eat foods with lots of water in them.
  • Play in fountains and sprinklers, go to the swimming pool, and stay in the shade.
  • Try to go somewhere with air conditioning on a hot day. 

For more information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Safety Council

Seattle-King County Public Health heat safety tips

City to conduct a limited test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system on July 25 as part of West Seattle Bridge emergency planning

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SEATTLE – On July 25 at 12 p.m., the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management will send a test message through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. The alert will only be sent to those who have opted in to receive local test messages through WEA and to a small geographic area under and near the West Seattle Bridge. The message will state: “This is a test of Wireless Emergency Alerts by the City of Seattle. No action is required.”

The national WEA system is an essential part of the City’s emergency preparedness and response. This public safety system allows customers who own compatible devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. The most common example of these alerts is the “Amber Alerts” sent by Washington State Patrol that directly ping mobile phones.

This is the second test to be conducted as a part of the West Seattle Bridge planning. The first test was conducted on June 26. Though not predicted, the City has emergency plans in place to use the WEA and AlertSeattle systems among other methods to notify people under or near the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge in the event of an immediate collapse.

This test is not linked to any specific action or report related to the condition of the West Seattle Bridge. The test is part of our proactive contingency planning to prepare for unanticipated changes in the bridge that may require an evacuation of community members on Harbor Island.

The City has successfully used the WEA system several times in 2020, though it’s important to test the geographical capabilities of the system to ensure the correct area is targeted. Twenty volunteers from Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management Auxiliary Communication Services will stage in locations on and surrounding Harbor Island during the test to confirm receipt of the message. Results will be collected by Seattle OEM to determine the reach of the system.

Mobile phone users who are in the geographical area and would like to receive the test message must take steps to enable the option on their phone.

The capability of a phone to receive local test messages depends on the brand and model, as well as phone carrier. Review the instruction manual for the phone for information on how to enable this feature. Basic information for Apple and Android Phones is below:

Apple iPhone:

  • To turn it on: Enter *5005*25371# and tap the green phone icon . You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts enabled.”
  • To turn it off: Enter *5005*25370# and tap the green phone icon. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts disabled.”

Androids:

  • Go to “Settings” > “Apps and Notifications” > “Advanced” > “Wireless Emergency Alerts” and then switch “State/local test” option to ON.

Members of the public are encouraged to proactively sign-up for AlertSeattle to receive emergency notifications from the City of Seattle: alert.seattle.gov.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For questions about the WEA test:

Ken Neafcy
Operations Coordinator
Seattle Office of Emergency Management
Kenneth.neafcy@seattle.gov

For questions about Seattle Fire’s role in West Seattle Bridge emergency planning:

Kristin Tinsley
Sr. Communications Manager/PIO
Seattle Fire Department
SFDPIO@seattle.gov

It’s Paddle Safe Week – Stay Safe and Well on the Water

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Safe Choices Start with You!

As the great summer weather continues, now is an excellent time to get out on the water. This year, as an added bonus, whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding on a lake or in Puget Sound, it’s not only enjoyable – it’s a socially distant thing to do! 

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation declaring July 19-25, 2020, “Paddle Safe Week” for the State of Washington. Seattle Fire joins with safety partners in boating, law enforcement and recreation to raise awareness on the basic rules of the water as well as tips to keep yourself and others safe. 

Just recently on July 10, Seattle Fire’s Rescue Swimmers were called into action and successfully conducted a surface water rescue of a man struggling in the water along Seattle’s waterfront on Alaskan Way. Rescue swimmers quickly pulled the patient from the water, got him into the Fire Boat to begin treatment, then paramedics took him to Harborview Hospital where he was expected to make a full recovery.  

As with many things in life, knowledge and a few good choices go a long way. Check out the links below to learn more about how to make sure your recreational experience on the water is a safe one: 

  • Safety on the water starts with you. Whether you kayak, canoe, or SUP — (Stand Up Paddleboard), legal requirements are minimal and do not maximize your chance of survival in an accident. Research and carry essential gear for safety, emergency communications and comfort.  
  • Know before you go! Life jackets are required by law on all vessels, including kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards. It’s up to you to wear it! Paddlesport experts choose to wear a life jacket for a reason—life jackets save lives.  
  • Pre-plan and study your paddle route before going out on the water. Even if you’re only going out for a brief time, always file a float plan. Tell someone who, where, when, what to do if you don’t return on time. Make this part of your routine every time you go paddling.  
  • Paddlesports is fun but comes with risks. Know how to swim and learn essential information from the experts. Find a local club, outfitter, take a class or sign up for lessons. There are even online courses!  

For more tips and to learn more, go to: paddlesafewa.org. #PaddlePrepared #PaddleSafeWeek  

Fatality fire in Ravenna neighborhood

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SEATTLE – Seattle firefighters responded to a house fire in the Ravenna neighborhood just after 1 p.m. on July 18. When crews arrived at the 7000 Block of Ravenna Ave. NE, they saw a well-involved single-family residence and received reports from bystanders about possible people still inside.

Fire was quickly put under control.

Crews conducted a transitional attack, initially applying water from the exterior and then moved interior. Ladder companies searched the residence and unfortunately found a male deceased on Floor 1 of the two-story home, which also had a basement. An elderly female and adult male were able to escape the home prior to SFD arrival, and the female was transported to Northwest Hospital in stable condition. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was taken to Harborview Medical Center to be evaluated.

The fire was quickly put under control, and was fully extinguished within 50 minutes. The American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist three displaced residents.

Firefighters conducting overhaul

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Per standard protocol for fatality fires, the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad was also called to the scene to conduct a follow-up investigation. Additionally, the medical examiner was requested to the site.

Fire prevention tips for residents, businesses and buildings

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FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR HOME

OUTSIDE

  • Secure home and garage areas by locking doors and windows
  • Clean up grasses, weeds, litter or anything that can burn
    from around buildings. Clear carport areas of all combustibles
  • Locate dumpsters, recycle bins and yard waste containers at least five
    feet away from walls and roof eave lines. If possible, keep them in a
    secured area. Do not allow them to become overfilled
  • Commercial customers can call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 684-
    7665 to arrange for delivery and installation of locks for recycling
    and garbage dumpsters
  • Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility
  • Install motion-sensor exterior lights or consider leaving lights on

INSIDE

  • Test smoke alarms to ensure they are working
  • Have a fire escape plan for all family members. Be sure it includes
    knowing all the exits and an outside meeting place
  • If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it is located and how to
    use it

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR BUSINESSES/BUILDINGS

OUTSIDE

  • Secure business and garage areas by locking doors and windows
  • Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter or anything that can burn
    from around buildings
  • Do not allow dumpsters to become overfilled. Locate dumpsters and containers at least five feet away from walls and roof eave lines. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles
  • Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area.
  • Trim shrubbery from doors and windows to improve visibility
  • Install motion-sensor exterior lights

Additional tips for construction sites:

  • Secure security fencing at construction sites
  • Store solvents, fuels and tools in a locked storage container or remove them from the job site when you are not using them
  • Remove trash and debris from the job site
  • Try not to store excess materials on the job site
  • Secure doors and windows on structures when crews are not actively working on the property

INSIDE

  • Test fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, to ensure they are working and in compliance with codes
  • Develop and practice a fire response plan
  • Keep exit ways clear of items which could slow evacuation efforts

Seattle Fire’s on-duty rescue swimmers save man’s life

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Seattle Fire Department’s Rescue Swimmer Program proved again to be successful after a water rescue response on July 10 at the downtown waterfront.

SEATTLE – In the early morning hours on July 10, the Seattle Fire Alarm Center received a call reporting a person in distress in the water along Seattle’s waterfront on Alaskan Way. Firefighters from Station 2 in Belltown arrived first on scene and quickly identified and marked the location of the adult male who was still above water struggling. Engine 2 threw a red rescue can to the patient, which allows a person to grab on and be towed in, but he unfortunately was not listening or hearing verbal commands. In the meantime, two rescue swimmers geared up in their protective equipment and immediately swam out to him in the water. They conducted a surface water rescue and were able to secure the patient before he went under. Simultaneously, the fireboat had deployed from Station 5 and met the rescue swimmers in the water, pulling the patient onto the boat to begin medical treatment. The adult male patient was transported in stable condition via paramedics to Harborview hospital, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Watch City Stream to learn more about the Rescue Swimmer Program.

Without the department’s rescue swimmer capability, the outcome of this response would have likely been very different. Launched in July of 2017, this program allows fire personnel to enter the water more rapidly to conduct surface water rescues in all areas of Seattle on a 24-hour basis. When the program initially launched, all of the department’s rescue swimmers completed a rigorous training program held by West Pierce Fire and Rescue in Pierce County and participated in department-specific curriculum. On any given day, approximately 9-10 rescue swimmers are on-duty in the City. This program builds on SFD’s other water rescue programs including the Fireboats and also the technical dive team which responds out of Station 14 in SODO.

Media interested in interviewing a SFD representative about this response and the program can contact Seattle Fire Department’s public information officer at sfdpio@seattle.gov.

2-Alarm fire on Aurora Ave N

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Photo by John Odegard from the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Update 7/16: Further information on this incident will be provided by Seattle Police Depart or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

At 4:52 a.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received several calls reporting a fire in a three-story motel in the 2400 block of Aurora Ave N. Four minutes later, Engine 9 arrived first on-scene and reported smoke coming from the north side of the building. All occupants were out of the motel except for one person, who was rescued by firefighters from a third- story back window using a ladder. 

At 5:06 a.m., Seattle Fire’s incident commander upgraded the incident to a Multiple Casualty Incident as crews identified seven patients requiring medical attention. Three adults were in critical condition and paramedics transported them to Harborview Medical Center. Three additional adults in stable condition were also transported to Harborview via an aid car and two AMR units. The seventh patient sustained minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital. 

Photo by John Odegard from the Seattle Fire Buff Society

At 5:16 a.m., the Incident commander upgraded the response to a 2-alarm fire to assist with search and rescue and pull apart interior walls to gain access to the fire. Access to the west side of the building was challenging due to a wall on the north side and a narrow staircase on the south side that was also being used by occupants to evacuate the building. 

The fire was extinguished by 6:10 a.m., and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. At the height of the fire, there were 14 engine companies, eight ladder companies and six medic units.

2019 Annual Report

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We are pleased to share our 2019 annual report. Download the document to find statistics about our response standards, number of EMS and fire incidents, significant events and community engagement. The report also gives insight into the initiatives and activities that allow us to sharpen our skills and mindset in how we serve this great city.

Around 2,000 residents called Seattle “home” when it incorporated in 1869. In 2019, as we celebrated the city’s 150th birthday, that number had grown to 750,000 residents, with daytime population swelling to nearly 1 million. The region’s strong economic growth in the last half of the decade has physically reshaped our city’s skyline. This drives a greater demand for building inspections by the fire department, requires us to adapt our firefighting strategies for high rise structures and even challenges our ability to navigate congested and construction-narrowed streets.

In 2019, Seattle Fire:

  • Responded to 91,716 incidents. Of those, 20 percent were for fires and 80 percent for emergency medical support.
  • Delivered approximately 975,000 chest compressions while attending to 469 sudden cardiac arrest patients.
  • Conducted more than 34,000 building inspections.
  • Welcomed 43 new firefighters who successfully completed one of two recruit schools.
  • Launched the Health One unit to more appropriately assist 9-1-1 callers needing help with social services, behavioral issues and minor medical concerns.
  • Established an executive leadership development program for the fire service with the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
  • Partnered with the Red Cross to install free smoke/carbon monoxide alarms for qualified households.
  • Celebrated the 130th anniversary of the Great Seattle Fire and subsequent establishment of the Seattle Fire Department in 1889.

It’s not just the physical infrastructure changing. Our neighborhoods and people we serve are as well. Sadly, more and more members of the community struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, leading us to seek new approaches to offer assistance and more collaboration between the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Amidst the rapidly changing environment, our personnel remain nimble, creative and resilient. When presented with a problem, we work to find solutions. This is why we are so proud of each member of the Seattle Fire Department and hope you enjoy this look back at all we accomplished in 2019.

Fire safety during dry, sunny days

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Every summer beginning in July, the number of fires related to warmer weather increases. In the past week, we responded to over 30 dry weather-related fires involving bark, dry grass and shrubs.

Carelessly discarded smoking materials and lit fireworks can cause significant damage an put residents and responding firefighters at risk. Fireworks caused a major fire in West Seattle on July 4 that caused over $100,000 in damages.

Here are steps to help reduce the chance outdoor fires:

Discard smoking materials in metal container
  • Discourage friends and family members from lighting fireworks.
  • Douse smoking materials in water before tossing out. Make sure proper cigarette disposal canisters are available in areas where smoking is allowed.
  • Remove long grass, weeds or anything that can burn from around homes. This includes limbs that touch buildings or hang near the roof.
  • Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible.
  • Clear roof and gutters of pine needles and leaves
Clear leaves and twigs from gutters and roof tops