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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Before you leave your home, make sure to check for these fire hazards

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Recent fires in West Seattle and Wallingford at home construction sites provide reminders about the importance of making sure fire hazards are removed before going away for any period of time. In both cases, the cause of the fire was undetermined. While those recent fires were at construction sites, the same guidelines apply to occupied homes.

Before you leave – tips for inside the home:

  1. Always turn off portable heaters and unplug them from the electrical outlet.
  2. Unplug all appliance that have a heating device such as toasters, rice cookers and space heaters.
  3. Make sure the stove, oven and clothes dryer are off.
  4. Make sure candles, incense, wood burning stove and fireplace are out.

Before you leave- tips for outside the home:

  1. Clear gutters of dry leaves and remove branches that are touching the home.
  2. Keep piles of combustibles such as wood chips or wood materials at least 10 feet away from the home.
  3. Consider putting fencing around construction projects that are long term in nature.
  4. Consider installing motion senor lights outside the home.
  5. Let neighbors know that your home will be vacant and to report concerns.

Home fire safety tips

Construction site fire safety tips

Firefighters rescue a resident in a 2-alarm fire within the Central District

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Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

April 27, 2020, at 11:13 p.m.: Dispatchers in our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a two-story single-family residence on the 1400 block of 25th Ave. Three minutes later, Engine 25 arrived first on-scene and confirmed a well involved fire that originated in the basement and extended into both floors above. Three of the four occupants were able to safely evacuate on their own, but notified our firefighters that one more person was trapped inside the basement.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Crews from Engine 25 quickly laid a blitz line and charged into the basement with their 2.5″ hose in order to quickly pour water onto the fire while coordinating with crews from Ladder 3 to simultaneously conduct a search and rescue. Engine 6 arrived shortly thereafter and established a water supply while Ladder 10 climbed onto the roof to cut ventilation holes. The incident commander escalated the response to a 2-alarm in order to have additional resources to put out the fire while crews already on-scene can focus on finding the resident.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Within 10 minutes after arriving on-scene, Engine 25 and Ladder 3 knocked down the fire in the basement and found the fourth occupant then quickly removed him from the home. Medic 1, with assistance from Engine 2, took over patient care and transported him to Harborview Medical Center. The patient was an approx. 60 year-old male in serious condition.

Additional crews were able to quickly get the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. The fire was extinguished within 40 minutes from dispatch. Our investigators determined the fire was accidentally caused by embers within a basement fireplace that escaped and ignited nearby materials. Estimated loss is $350,000.

Safety tip: Place a sturdy, metal screen in front of an active fireplace and remove all combustible materials at least three feet away.

April 27: COVID-19 update for Seattle Fire personnel

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The following information is updated as of 7 p.m. on April 27: 

Quarantine and Isolation: 

  • Members currently in quarantine or isolation: 39 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel impacted since the beginning of tracking COVID-19: 127 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel who have completed their 14-day quarantine and returned to work: 88 members

Testing: 

This includes those who have received testing at the site designated for first responders and those who have shared their results from testing conducted at a private physician. 

  • Total number of known SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19: 19 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel with a negative test results at first responder testing site: 87 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered: 16 members

Highlight of the Week:

Seattle Fire partnered with Seattle Police on April 24 to bring the community our second FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS event. Fire engines, ladder trucks, police patrol cars and command staff traveled slowly through neighborhoods flashing lights and sounding sirens to let the community know we are here to serve during this challenging time of battling COVID-19.

Community members from thousands of homes waved from windows and doorsteps as the apparatus passed by, affirming that we are #SeattleTogether and will get through this. We thank the community for their continued support.

Ahead of Friday’s event, Firefighter Brian Friske’s children used their artistic skills while staying at home to help make hand-drawn signs for Engine 36 to post on their rig. The signs had phrases such as “Station 36 cares”, “stay safe” and “we are here for you”.

Firefighter Brian Friske’s children make signs for Engine 36 to utilize during Friday Night Lights

2-Alarm fire in between University District, Wallingford and Meridian neighborhoods

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Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

April 23, 2020, at 6:06 a.m.: Our Fire Alarm Center received multiple calls reporting flames visible from a 4-story building under construction at N 45th St and 1st Ave NE. Engines 17, 22, 31 and Ladder 9 were the first companies on-scene. They confirmed a large column of smoke visible for miles with flames extending from all four sides of the structure. Battalion 6 immediately upgraded the incident to a 2-alarm response in order to ensure we had enough resources to effectively combat the fire. A total of nine engines, five ladder trucks and additional support units were dispatched.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Deputy 1 assumed command of the incident at 6:19 a.m. and initiated a defensive strategy because of the intense heat, large volume of smoke and risk of the the building collapsing. Engine companies provided a water supply for three ladder trucks that raised their aerials and utilized their ladder pipes to pour water onto the fire from a safe, elevated position while additional crews on the ground had multiple hose lines. One residence adjacent to the building on the north side was evacuated due to concerns the fire could extend to their home. Fortunately, they were unharmed and we were able to prevent their home from catching on fire.

Safety tip: Prepare an emergency go-bag well in advance and place it by your front door. In an emergency evacuation, grab this bag with you on your way out if time permits. This kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Example of items include:

  • Additional clothes appropriate for the current weather.
  • First aid kit.
  • Flashlight with additional batteries.
  • 1-2 days worth of your prescription medications.
  • Backup wallet with your identification, cash and credit card.
  • Non-perishable snacks and water.
  • More info at: https://www.ready.gov/kit
Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

We were able to gain control of the fire within 30 minutes from when the first crews arrived on-scene with the majority of it knocked down within 45. Crews confirmed no occupants found after conducting a primary search of the first and second floors of the building, but were unable to access the third and fourth floors due to concerns with their structural integrity from the fire damage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire as well as estimated loss are currently under investigation.

April 20: COVID-19 Update for Seattle Fire Department Personnel

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The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has activated its Resource Management Center to track COVID-19 impacts to personnel. The following information is updated as of 5 p.m. on April 20: 

Quarantine and Isolation: 

  • Members currently in quarantine or isolation: 17 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel impacted since the beginning of tracking COVID-19: 105 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel who have completed their 14-day quarantine and returned to work: 88 members

Testing: 

This includes those who have received testing at the site designated for first responders and those who have shared their results from testing conducted at a private physician. 

  • Total number of known SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19: 17 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel with a negative test results at first responder testing site: 77 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered: 16 members

Highlight of the Week:

Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and police officers throughout the County displayed their support on April 16 for all healthcare workers by celebrating, encouraging and thanking them for their compassion and dedication in caring for our community during the COVID-19 crisis. Fifteen hospitals in King County participated in the celebration.

Firefighters stand on top of apparatus outside of Harborview Medical Center to thank healthcare workers for their dedication during their response to COVID-19.

2-Alarm fire in West Seattle neighborhood

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April 11, 2020, at 3:19 a.m.: Dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a fully involved fire in a residential building under construction at the 2300 block of 48th Ave SW. Firefighters arrived on scene at 3:21 a.m. and faced window shattering heat with visible flames extending toward the neighboring residences. They immediately began extending hose lines and establishing a water supply while additional firefighters began evacuating the neighboring residences.

The incident commander upgraded the response to a 2-alarm where nine engines, five ladder companies and ten support units were dispatched to the scene. Crews fought the fire in a defensive strategy where a ladder truck raised its aerial and poured water onto the fire from an elevated vantage point while firefighters on the ground established several hose lines to keep the fire at bay. PIOs sent an Alert Seattle message warning residents nearby of heavy smoke and to close their windows and doors.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Crews were able to get the fire under control within 30 minutes and continued to put out hot spots for another hour. A few units remained on scene through mid morning for fire watch. No injuries were reported. The fire destroyed the entire building and damaged neighboring homes along with two construction vehicles that were parked nearby. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire and estimated loss is $910,000.

Photo by John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Fires at marina and two vacant buildings

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Seattle firefighters responded to a string of recent fires in midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

March 27 at 9:30 p.m.: Staff at the Jim Clark Marina reported a well involved fire that quickly engulfed multiple vessels docked at the property. Flames with heavy smoke billowed high into the sky making them visible for miles around. Nine engines, three ladder trucks, Fireboat Leschi, Rescue Boat Five and several strategic support units were dispatched to the scene.

Intense heat and limited access to the vessels on fire were immediate challenges our crews had to overcome. Two ladder trucks raised their aerial ladders to pour water on the fire while a hose line was dragged onto the dock to provide close range fire suppression. Meanwhile, crews searched every boat and confirmed no one was on board any vessel. Fireboat Leschi arrived shortly thereafter to provide primary fire suppression. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 30 minutes while an engine company stayed overnight for fire watch. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Photo credit: John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

March 28 at 10:45 a.m.: Multiple callers reported a well involved fire in a vacant building at the 600 block of Roy St, facing Aurora Ave N. The first crews on scene attempted a primary search of the two-story former hotel, but were forced to cease efforts due to the deteriorating conditions of the floors as well as heavy smoke causing poor visibility.

Photo credit: John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy with several ladder companies utilizing their aerials ladders to pour water into the building while additional crews used hose lines at the ground level. Trash and debris inside the structure continued to fuel the fire, but we were able to gain control of it within a few hours. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire due to significant damage and risk of structural collapse. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was able to make a full recovery.

April 4 at 05:15 a.m.: Crews responded to another vacant building fire at the 800 block of N 50th St near Aurora Ave N. Crews cut through a chain-link fence surrounding the structure in order to gain access and pour water on the fire. They transitioned to a defensive strategy as all the heavy smoke caused poor visibility and the conditions inside the building were unknown. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and no injuries were reported.

Photo credit: John Odegard of the Seattle Fire Buff Society

April 13: COVID-19 Update for Seattle Fire Department Personnel

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The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has activated its Resource Management Center to track COVID-19 impacts to personnel. The following information is updated as of 4 p.m. on April 13: 

Quarantine and Isolation:  

  • Members currently in quarantine or isolation: 6 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel impacted since the beginning of tracking COVID-19: 88 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel who have completed their 14-day quarantine and returned to work: 82 members

Testing:  

This includes those who have received testing at the site designated for first responders and those who have shared their results from testing conducted at a private physician. 

  • Total number of known SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19: 16 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel with a negative test results at first responder testing site: 70 members
  • Total number of SFD personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered: 6 members

Highlight of the Week:

Seattle Firefighters from across the city are supporting small businesses by ordering food for takeout from local restaurants. The City of Seattle and Mayor Jenny Durkan have created a #SupportSeattleSMallBiz map to help you find open locations in your community, so you too can support local businesses: https://bit.ly/3bxRktK

Engine 10 visits a local restaurant to order takeout.



Smoke alarms save lives – check yours today

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A recent home fire without a working smoke alarm offers a good reminder about the importance of making sure all smoke alarms are working properly. As people are spending more time at home these days and using their stoves, heaters and fireplaces more, there is a potential for an increase in home fires.

Did you know?

  • Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms
  • More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
  • The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. (National Fire Protection Association)
Install smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways, and on every level of the home

Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

Replace every 10 years

Make sure your smoke alarms are working by testing them monthly. Replace batteries yearly and replace smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if needed.

Thanks to our heroes in healthcare

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Today, April 7, is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) birthday. Since 1948, when the organization first came into being, it has marked this day as World Health Day. Rightly, the day has been cause for celebration of the many advances the world has made in global health. 

This year, as we face the most severe health crisis of our time, with so many losing family members and friends to COVID-19, celebration hardly seems appropriate. But perhaps there has never been a more important time to acknowledge, and yes, celebrate — the many health care workers here and around the world who are fighting day and night to keep the rest of us safe by providing essential nursing and hospital services so desperately needed at this time. 

Our community’s health care workers are facing extraordinary challenges and doing all they can do to slow and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Many have fallen ill themselves, and some have sacrificed their own lives while caring for others. 

So in this International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, please take a moment to thank the real heroes of this fight, the health care workers you have known, for everything they do, and for the risks they continue to take. The WHO invites you to send your short message of support to nurses, midwives and health workers around the world. 

#SupportNursesAndMidwives 

#ThanksHealthHeroes 

WHO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn