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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Lithium battery safety

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Lithium batteries power many of our electronics including smartphones, tablets, laptops, toys and even cars. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a densely compact space. In rare circumstances, they can be defective and become a fire hazard.

Here are a few safety tips:

Storage

  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
  • If possible, remove batteries from the device for long-term storage.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature and in dry spaces. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, near heaters or in hot vehicles as exposure to a hot environment can cause thermal runaway and catch fire.
  • For long-term storage, place electrical tape over the battery contacts and store them in a metal container.

Charging

Replace damaged charging cables with ones recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
  • Only use the charging adapter and cord that came with the device. Other charging equipment may create excessive heat and overcharging that can catch fire or explode.
  • Stop using damaged adapters or cords. Replace them with ones recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
  • Recharge batteries in long-term storage at least once every six months.

Signs of a Problem

Damaged battery inside a tablet rapidly expanded and split the device open.
  • Damaged, punctured, overcharged and overheated lithium batteries can get hot enough to catch fire.
  • Inspect batteries and devices at least once a week to check for deformities, unusual odors, leaking or excessive heat.
  • Disconnect charging batteries or devices immediately if they display any of these signs and move them away from other combustible materials.
  • If the battery or device catches fire, move everyone to a safe place then call 9-1-1.

Disposal

Don’t forget to water your Christmas tree

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Thursday, Dec. 18, KCFCA partnered with Puget Sound Skills Center, King County Fire District 20 and Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority to conduct a fire safety demonstration to illustrate how quickly a dry Christmas tree can catch fire. 

Every year, Christmas trees and holiday decorations are responsible for nearly 1,000 fires across the country. Remember to water your tree so we don’t have to.

Below are a few more tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the holidays:

  • Use an artificial Christmas tree that is UL listed.
  • When selecting a real tree pick one that is fresh and green. When you get it home make a fresh cut off the bottom of the tree and water it daily.
  • Keep your Christmas tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and heating vents. Heating sources will dry the tree quicker and are a potential source of ignition.
  • Turn off all decorations before leaving the house or going to bed
  • Remove the Christmas tree from your home when it is dry. Do not place it near your home or in the garage.
  • Look for the UL or other certified lab testing for holiday lighting.
  • Follow the directions on holiday lighting including the number of lights that can be safely connected and if they are intended for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Use flameless candles or when using traditional candles keep the at least 12 inches from flammable materials. Never leave candles unattended.
  • Have smoke working detectors in each bedroom, in the hallways, and in every level of the home.
  • If your Christmas tree catches on fire, get out of the house and call 911. Your property can be replaced.

When the power goes out

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Winter storms can lead to power outages that are made worse by colder temperatures as people resort to unconventional methods of heating their homes. Burning gas, wood or charcoal inside your home will increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death. Here are a few safety tips to help prepare for when the power goes out:

Prepare

  • Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your CO alarms along with your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
  • Keep an emergency kit ready that includes:
    • first-aid kit
    • flashlight with extra batteries
    • glow-in-the-dark stick lights
    • portable radio
    • manual can opener
    • portable charger for your phone
    • prescription medications
  • Stock up on:
    • non-perishable foods
    • drinking water (one gallon per person per day)
    • warm clothing and blankets
  • Know how to manually override your electric garage door or gateway.
  • If you live in a secured building, know which exit doors to use during an outage.

During the power outage

  • Never touch or approach a downed wire or anything in direct contact with it.
  • Immediately report the outage to your electricity provider (Seattle City Light’s phone number for reporting is (206) 684-3000).
  • Do not burn charcoal or use gasoline generators indoors, including the garage.
  • Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • Do not use candles as a light source nor any open flame as a heat source.
  • Before using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
  • Move flammable materials at least three feet away from a fireplace or wood stove.
  • Switch electrical appliances off after the power goes out to prevent fires and equipment damage.

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

All is calm, all is bright

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We at Seattle Fire want to help keep your holiday calm and bright  by following a few important electrical safety tips.

Did you know overloading your electrical outlets or damaged lighting equipment contributes to almost half of all home Christmas tree fires? Start with checking last year’s string of lights for any frayed wires or broken bulbs before plugging anything into your electrical outlets.

But don’t stop there…check this list twice!

  • Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using
  • Limit connecting of holiday lights to 3 strands.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent damaging the cords.
  • Only plug one high energy appliance into an outlet at a time. Portable high energy appliances include microwaves, hair dryer, toasters, crockpots, blender, computers, portable heaters.
  • When needed, use only a surge protected power strip. The packaging will be labeled “surge protector” or “protected” will be printed on the power strip.

Keep your holiday decorations safe this season

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Battery-powered candles are the safest choice for candles.

During the winter months, lights and candles get lit to brighten up our homes for the holidays. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when the fire department responds to more fires involving candles and holiday lights.

Be mindful of your candles and festive lights this holiday season and take a few steps to ensure your holidays are joyful and safe.

Be Safe with Candles

More than half of all candle fires start when combustible materials (such as drapes, clothing, and bedding) are too close to the candle. December is the peak month for candle fires and roughly 1/3 of all candle fires started in the bedroom.

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

If you use candles:

  • Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
  • Put candles in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders.
  • Place lighted candles where they won’t be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.
  • Keep burning candles away from items that can catch on fire such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, etc.
Be safe with your holiday lights

How to handle those holiday lights

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets for both indoor and outdoor lights.
  • Limit connecting of holiday lights to 3 strands.
  • Do not use frayed, broken or worn string lights.
  • Use low wattage mini lights at 2.5-watts or energy efficient LED bulbs, which operate at a cool-to-the-touch temperature.
  • Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

And finally, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working. To learn more about the Seattle Fire Department’s free smoke/CO alarm program visit us online or email fireinfo@seattle.gov or call 206-386-1337.

The Seattle Fire Department wishes you very safe and happy holidays!

Cook safely, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

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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

  • Check on food regularly while cooking – unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away for the stove.
  • Involve children in preparing foods that are not hot.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children or up high in a locked cabinet.
  • 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.
  • Remove flammables such as towels, oven mitts and food packaging away from the stove top.
  • Leave turkey frying to the professionals, as large quantities of hot cooking oil pose a significant fire and serious burn risk.
    • If you still plan to deep fry a turkey, then here are a few safety tips to consider:
      • Turkey must be completely thawed and dry. Excess water in contact with hot grease can cause a boil-over fire.
      • At least two people should be involved in this process.
      • Setup your deep fryer outside and at least 10 feet away from your home. Do not use a covered space such as a garage or awning.
      • If it’s raining or snowing, consider it a NO-GO! Remember, water in contact with hot grease can cause a boil-over fire.
      • Purpose-built turkey frying kits often provide indicators for how much oil to use.
      • If you are using a regular pot, then a method of measuring how much grease to use is to set the turkey in the cool pot and add water until it is completely submerged. Then remove the turkey. The remaining water line is a measurement for how much oil to use. Remember to dry the turkey!
      • Turn off the burner before lowering and raising the turkey from the fryer.
      • Use a broom stick and metal hook to slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. This prevents hot oil from splashing directly onto you. Use the same technique to slowly raise and drain the turkey once it’s cooked.
      • It takes approximately three minutes per pound to cook a turkey in peanut oil at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
      • Do not leave the fryer unattended when heating

2-Alarm fire in Northgate

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Ladder 5 with ladder extending to rooftop of building fire.

Photo by John Odegard

SEATTLE – At 10:39 a.m., a neighbor called 911 reporting visible smoke in a 4-story apartment building on the 10500 block of 8th Ave NE. Engine 39 was the first crew on-scene and confirmed light smoke coming from a unit on the 4th floor. When they made it to the unit they realized it was unoccupied and made forcible entry into the condo to discover a well involved fire originating from the natural gas fireplace. The incident was immediately upgraded to a full response fire as more crews arrived to supply water and provide search and rescue efforts.

Apartment unit with visible smoke

Photo by John Odegard

At 11:04 a.m. the incident escalated to a 2-alarm fire where more than 25 fire engines, trucks and supporting units responded (more than 70 firefighters). Ladder 9 helped a non-ambulatory occupant down a stairwell furthest away from the fire room. Then made entry into the fire room with a hose line in place to get water directly onto the fire. Engine 24 completed a primary search of the fire room and confirmed no occupants were inside. Additional crews evacuated all occupants of the effected hallway on the 4th floor. Ladder 5, Ladder 6 and additional crews made it onto the roof of the apartment building to cut ventilation corridors and inspect the attic space for areas where the fire spread. The building’s cockloft, a void space in-between the roof and ceiling, was exposed so crews worked hard to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to other units.

Photo by John Odegard

By 11:24 a.m., crews had the fire under control and continued to inspect the building for possible extensions or hot spots. Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light responded to help shut down natural gas lines and electricity to the building as a safety precaution.

Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and originated in an overheated natural gas fireplace where the flue got hot enough to ignite insulation and surrounding wood rafters in the ceiling and attic void space. Estimated loss is $100,000 to the structure and $10,000 in contents. No injuries were reported.

Seattle Fire collecting Toys for Tots now through Dec. 8

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The boxes are arriving!

The Seattle Fire Department is collecting toys as part of the annual Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots drive. We have been part of this community tradition for more than 50 years and are pleased to be involved again this year.

Now through Sunday, Dec. 8, the public can drop off new and unwrapped gift items at most fire stations and the department’s administrative offices across the city. (Fire Station 31 is closed; donations are being accepted at neighboring stations.)

Looking for gift ideas?

Teens and children under two years old usually receive the least number of donated gifts. Organizers suggest that clothes and diapers in sizes for newborns through 36 months are always welcome for the youngest recipients. Teens appreciate gift cards they can use to purchase music, clothes or other items.

Thank you for making Toys for Tots part of your holiday tradition. We look forward to seeing you!

(Note: if crews are responding to an emergency, personnel may not be at the station to accept donations. We apologize if that should happen.)

Seattle Fire to implement 2020 initiative to make nightlife venues safer

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Beginning in 2020, the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division will begin writing citations for overcrowding, blocked exits and unsafe conditions at Seattle night clubs and event venues.

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) inspects nightlife and event venues to promote an environment that is safe for employees and patrons. Some violations at nightclubs pose a significant and immediate threat to life safety. On January 1, 2020, the City will introduce a citation of $373 when Fire Prevention Officers observe unsafe conditions at the time of inspection:

  • Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building, room or space.
  • Exiting; not maintaining reliability of means of egress (ex: blocked exits, pathways, doors).
  • Unsafe conditions that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, or that are otherwise dangerous to human life or public welfare.

Additionally, nightclubs and event venues will receive citations for preventable alarms (two or more preventable alarms in a quarter of a calendar year) and failure to test and maintain fire protection systems (within the legally prescribed timelines).

Stakeholder communication: SFD prefers to educate building owners and managers about fire code requirements, working to achieve voluntary compliance. In general, when violations are discovered, inspectors will first issue a correction notice with information and a timeline for remedying the issue.

Penalties: Beginning on January 1, 2020, the penalty for fire code citations is $373 for the first violation and $746 for each subsequent violation in a 12-month period, except citations for preventable alarms which have a penalty range depending on the number of preventable alarms transmitted (read more).

Resources to avoid violations: The most important step to take for avoiding citations is ensuring employees understand and do not allow overcrowding or blocked exits. Additional information about fire safety inspections in nightlife venues and how to prepare for a successful inspection can be found on SFD’s website.

For more information, please visit our website or contact the Fire Prevention Division at SFD_FMO_SystemsTesting@seattle.gov.

Seattle Fire to implement new initiative in 2020 to ensure fire protection systems are in place

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To ensure fire protection systems – like sprinklers and fire alarms – work properly, the Seattle Fire Department’s (SFD) Fire Prevention Division is launching a new initiative in 2020. The City is introducing citations of $373 or greater beginning January 1, 2020 for untested or unrepaired fire protection systems.

Sprinklers, fire alarms and suppression systems are among the most important components of any building for saving lives and protecting property in the event of a fire. These systems must be regularly tested and maintained by certified technicians to ensure they work when needed. However, too many buildings in Seattle have untested or unrepaired fire protection systems.

Background: Fire protection systems help preserve lives, protect property and enhance firefighter safety. Many buildings in Seattle have appropriately maintained fire protection systems. However, there are thousands of buildings with untested or unrepaired fire protection systems in Seattle.

The Seattle Fire Code requires the “responsible party” of a building to maintain their systems in good working condition and test their systems annually. The “responsible party” is the building owner, building management company, or lease-designated person.

Fire protection systems testing – also called confidence testing – is performed by private sector technicians holding SFD certifications, or by qualified personnel as specified in the Seattle Fire Code.

Stakeholder communication: SFD has worked to notify building owners to encourage them to voluntarily comply, making over 50,000 attempted contacts by letter, phone, email and in-person in the past 12-months.

Penalties: Beginning January 1, 2020, SFD will write citations when fire protection systems are not maintained or when the companies performing the testing fail to submit testing and maintenance reports to SFD within the required timeframes. The first citation will be $373. For failure to test or maintain fire protection systems, the citation is written to the building owner/responsible party. For failure to timely report testing and maintenance, the citation is written to the company performing the testing.

Resources to help building owners:

  • SFD will send a 30-day reminder notice before a system is due for testing, and another notice when it is past due, or when deficiencies have been found. To help customers transition to the new program, the Fire Marshal will not issue a citation on the first inspection at the property, during the initial implementation phase. However, if SFD re-inspects and the violation has not been resolved, the citation will be written.
  • SFD Client Assistance Memorandum #5971 Testing of Fire Protection Systems and Emergency Responder Radio Amplification Systems provides information about selecting a company to perform the testing.
  • If affirmative steps are taking to address violation(s), SFD may be able to extend compliance timelines.

Resources to help inspection, testing and maintenance companies:

  • SFD sends quarterly statistics on company’s report submittal timelines so the data is available to compare the company’s performance against the legally required submittal times.
  • To provide a “grace period” and help customers transition, the Fire Marshal will issue one citation per testing company during the first quarter of 2020, instead of one citation per late report.

For more information, please visit our website or contact the Fire Prevention Division at SFD_FMO_SystemsTesting@seattle.gov.