Seattle Fire Department

South Seattle and Southwest Seattle neighbors!

Mark your calendars for a fun fire safety event for all ages at Seattle Fire Station 26 in South Park.

Saturday, September 28, Noon-2PM

🚒Learn about fire prevention & life-safety at home
🚒Play fun fire-safety games
🚒Meet local firefighters
🚒Explore a working fire engine and fire station
🚒Meet one of our therapy dogs
🚒Watch Hands-Only CPR demonstrations
🚒Get creative at the arts & crafts table and more!

Light refreshments provided

At 5:23 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting a fire in a two-story vacant building in the 9200 block of Renton Ave. S. in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. The first units on scene reported smoke coming from the boarded-up windows and doors. Crews removed several boards to gain access to the fire. Then reported flames visible on both floors and began to breach through the roof of the south end of the structure. Indicating the roof and southern wall were at risk of collapse. Incident command requested a 2-alarm response where nine fire engines, six ladder trucks along with command and support units were dispatched to the scene. Totaling over 70 personnel.

Firefighters remained in a defensive position by putting water on the fire at a safe distance away from the building. Preventing flames from spreading to nearby homes. Crews remained on scene through the morning and into the afternoon to monitor for flare ups.

No injuries were reported, and the incident is under investigation.

Photos by John Odegard

Twenty-three years ago just before 9 a.m. on Sept. 11 (Eastern Time), the first hijacked plane hit the north World Trade Center tower in New York City, forever changing the lives of Americans and our first responder community. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day, including more than 2,500 civilians, 343 FDNY firefighters, 60 police officers and 55 members of the military. Today we honor and remember their sacrifice.

Thank you, Seattle, for your incredible support so far during this year’s Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy Association. We saw many of you the last two days and appreciate the generosity towards ensuring effective treatments and therapy are found for those living with neuromuscular disease. We will be out with our boots one more day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 10. Hope to see you there:

- Alaskan Way and Madison St. (Downtown)
- East Greenlake Way N. and NE 71st St. (North Seattle)

We are also accepting online donations: https://bit.ly/4dNaMn2

Seattle firefighters responded to an overnight fire in the North Greenlake neighborhood at 12:51 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene in the 8800 block of Nesbit Ave. N., they reported flames extending through all three floors of the 13-unit condominium complex and toward a second structure to the south. The response was upgraded to a 2-alarm response, and crews worked quickly to evacuate both buildings. The fire was under control by 1:32 a.m. Read more on Fireline: https://fireline.seattle.gov/2024/09/09/2-alarm-condominium-fire-displaces-at-least-three-homes-in-the-north-greenlake-neighborhood/

Photo credit: John Odegard

If you’re in the Chinatown/ International District, stop by our fire safety booth today until 5pm at the CID Fest at Hing Hay Park.

Today’s the day! We are hitting the streets to Fill the Boot for the Dystrophy Association on Sept. 7, 8 and 10, and we’re excited to have our community’s support. Join us over the next few days at one of the below intersections from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help Fill the Boot and support those living with neuromuscular disease. Donations can also be made online: https://bit.ly/4dNaMn2

- Alaskan Way and Madison St. (Downtown)
- East Greenlake Way N. and NE 71st St. (North Seattle)

We’re just three days away from our annual Fill the Boot event to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As firefighters, we are committed to supporting MDA’s mission to empower those living with neuromuscular disease to live longer, more independent lives.

So, get ready to join us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 7, 8 and 10 to help us Fill the Boot for MDA and support this important cause!

- Alaskan Way and Madison St. (Downtown)
- East Greenlake Way N. and NE 71st St. (North Seattle)

Donations can also be made online: https://bit.ly/4dNaMn2

Happy first day of school for all Seattle Public Schools. Stay safe!

We need YOUR help keeping families safe. School starts today!

Watch for kids.
Don't pass stopped school buses.
Travel patiently.
Slow down! The speed limit in school zones is 20 MPH when lights flash.

Be the grown-up...so kids can get to school safely: https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2024/08/30/school-year-starting-safe-routes-to-school/

SAVE THE DATES: We're excited to announce that we'll be hitting the streets to Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Sept. 7, 8 and 10. The Seattle Fire Fighters Local 27 and Seattle Fire Department are committed to supporting MDA's mission to empower those living with neuromuscular disease. We can't wait to see you out there and appreciate our community's support!

You’ll find us at the below intersections from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 7, 8 and 10:

- Alaskan Way and Madison St. (Downtown)

- EastGreenlake Way N. and NE 71st St. (North Seattle)

If you are unable to drive by and fill the boot in person, we are also accepting online donations: https://bit.ly/4dNaMn2

Congratulations to Captain James Hilliard (Engine 27) for becoming a member of the Firefighter Challenge Championship Series "Lion's Den" with a time of 3:35.59. This prestigious honor recognizes athletes in the SERVPRO FCL who have distinguished themselves on the course by completing their full course run time in under 4:00.00 as a male over 60 years of age. Impressive job!

On Labor Day we recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity and well-being. In the Seattle Fire Department, we have four labor unions: the Seattle Fire Chiefs Association Local 2898, Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27, Protec 17 and Teamsters 117. We also have employees who are non-represented. We appreciate all you do in service to the Seattle community.

SFD administrative offices are closed today in recognition of the holiday.

Welcome to the Seattle Fire Department, Recruit Class 121! 30 new recruits began the rigorous 15.5-week drill school that will test them both physically and mentally. Upon completion, these recruits will enter their probationary phase in Operations.
Best of luck to each of them as they start their journey with SFD.

Children will be heading back to school next week. In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians died in U.S. traffic crashes. That is 21 pedestrians a day.
DRIVERS:
-Watch for children at all times
-Obey school zone speed limits and signs
-Follow laws regarding
-Never block a crosswalk or pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks
-Pay attention to school crossing guards
-Eliminate distractions
-Watch for school zones & pedestrians

CHILDREN & CAREGIVERS:
-Discuss road safety with kids and teens who are walking, biking or driving to school
-Never walk while texting and or cross the street while using an electronic device
-Cross streets at intersections and crosswalks
-Pay attention and listen to crossing guards
-Use designated student drop-off and pick-up zones

¡Aprenda habilidades para salvar vidas con clases de RCP (reanimación cardiopulmonar) en español!

¡El Programa de Capacitación en RCP para Observadores de Medic 2 del Departamento de Bomberos de Seattle ahora ofrece clases de RCP en español!

En nuestras clases de RCP de Medic 2, obtendrá habilidades esenciales que incluyen cómo realizar la RCP, usar un DEA (desfibrilador externo automático) y aplicar técnicas de intervención en asfixia.

¿Vive o trabaja en Seattle? Programe una clase para su empresa, organización o grupo hoy. ¡Medic 2 vendrá a usted!

Para obtener más detalles sobre cómo reservar una clase o asistir a una clase en la sede del Departamento de Bomberos, visite: Seattle.gov/Medic2.

¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con nosotros en [email protected].
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Learn life-saving skills with CPR classes in Spanish!

The Seattle Fire Department’s Medic 2 Bystander CPR Training Program now offers CPR classes in Spanish!

In our Medic 2 CPR classes, you’ll gain essential skills including how to perform CPR, use an AED, and apply choking intervention techniques.
Live or work in Seattle? Schedule a class for your business, organization, or group today — Medic 2 will come to you!

For more details on booking a class or attending one at SFD headquarters, visit: Seattle.gov/Medic2.

Have questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].

At 4:42 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke and flames coming from a home under construction in the 4000 block of 43rd Ave. S. Near Genesee Park in the Mount Baker neighborhood. Ladder 12 was the first unit on scene and reported the fire caused the building under construction to collapse, with attached power lines coming down. Then extended to the two adjacent homes north and south of the construction site. As a result, they upgraded the incident to a 2-alarm fire. Minutes later, Battalion 5 took command and upgraded the incident to a 3-alarm fire where 13 engines, seven ladder trucks along with command and support units responded. Totaling over a hundred Seattle Fire personnel.

Firefighters worked quickly to put water on the fire and evacuate the impacted homes. Crews searched both homes and confirmed no one was left inside. At 5:38 a.m., the roof of the south home collapsed, forcing firefighters to evacuate the building and transition to a defensive strategy by putting water on the fire at a safe distance. The fire was declared under control by 6:07 a.m.

Residents of both impacted homes were displaced, but were able to seek shelter with friends and family. A few units will remain on scene to fully extinguish the fire, then monitor for flare ups throughout the morning. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

It’s just a drill! The Seattle Fire Department and partner agencies are conducting a regional radiation detection drill at the Maritime Institute of Graduate Studies property at 900 W. Ewing St. today (Friday, Aug. 23) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who travel through the area during this time may see firefighters outside with various tools and equipment.

The Seattle Fire Department responded to 430 dry brush and bark-related fires since June 1. The intermittent rain has provided some relief but precaution should still be taken.
How to prevent brush and other dry weather-related fires:
-Dispose of smoking materials in proper receptacles and douse in water, not in planters, beauty bark or out of your vehicle window.
-Be sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging from your vehicle as they can throw sparks. Check your tire pressure – driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.
-Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass as hot exhaust pipes can lead to fires.

There is still plenty of time for grilling this summer and we want to make sure your BBQs are both delicious and safe!

Before you fire up the grill, keep these important safety tips in mind:

🍔 Grill Placement: Always set up your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches.

🍔 Check for Leaks: For gas grills, check the propane tank hose for leaks before each use.

🍔 Keep It Clean: Regularly clean your grill to prevent grease build-up, which can cause flare-ups.

🍔 Stay Alert: Never leave your grill unattended while cooking, and keep kids and pets at a safe distance.

🍔 Cool It Down: After grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

At 4:22 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a vacant three-story apartment building in the 1700 block of Belmont Ave. in the First Hill/Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Engine 25 was the first unit on scene, and crews reported fire climbing up an exterior stairwell on the back of the building. The fire climbed into the void spaces of the building, then extended through the roof. Fire also extended to an occupied adjacent apartment building to the west. Crews worked quickly to knock down this portion of the fire.

As firefighters put water on the vacant building fire, additional crews searched inside and confirmed no occupants were found. Due to concerns of a roof collapse, firefighters exited the vacant building and remained in a defensive position by putting water on the fire from aerial ladders and from rooftops of adjacent buildings.

Crews are working through the morning to get the fire under control, then fully extinguished. One person was treated on scene for minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital. Heavy smoke spread through several blocks and we encourage residents to close their windows and doors to prevent it from entering their homes. The incident is under investigation.

This evening we celebrated the graduates of Recruit Class 119 with a Swearing-in Ceremony at Seattle City Hall. Surrounded by family and friends, the department officially welcomed them to the SFD. Each of these individuals successfully completed SFD’s mentally and physically challenging 15.5-week recruit school and subsequent probationary period, and took their Oath of Office given by the Fire Chief. Their class motto is “forward together”, and they will certainly depend on one another throughout their SFD career. Throughout their first year on the job, they’ve received the training and learned the skills necessary to provide effective medical care and fire suppression to the Seattle community. We look forward to seeing them save lives in their roles as firefighter/EMTs with this City for many years to come!

Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 10 as we remember the legacy of Dr. Michael K. Copass, who passed away on July 26. There will be a memorial at the Museum of Flight, with the reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. and service starting at 6:30 p.m. Kindly use this link to confirm your attendance: https://bit.ly/4fEq3bb. The web link will also provide more service details in the coming days.

Widely respected and revered, the service will bring together many from the EMS and medical field to pay tribute to his lasting contributions.

Dr. Copass served many roles in his long career, including Seattle Fire medical director, director of Harborview Emergency Services, director of Harborview’s paramedic training program, board member for the Medic One Foundation, medical director and founder of Airlift Northwest in addition to his role as an M.D.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Copass was a husband and father. Our thoughts remain with the Copass family.

With summer in full swing, the risk of drowning increases with more people out on the water.

According to Public Health - Seattle & King County, there are an average of 30 preventable drowning deaths per year in King County.

If you encounter a drowning victim, here are steps to help save their life:

1. Scene safety: Check your surroundings to ensure it's safe to approach the victim.

2. Location: If it’s safe to do so, move the victim out of the water and onto a hard and flat surface.

3. Check responsiveness: Tap the victim's shoulders and shout to see if they are unresponsive.

4. Call 911: Dial 911 and clearly communicate with the dispatcher where you are and what is happening.

5. Begin CPR: Start with rescue breaths and then move on to compressions. It is crucial to provide oxygen to a drowning victim. Aim for a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute while applying force to the middle of the chest. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Repeat the cycle until the victim regains consciousness or help arrives and relieves you.

Want to learn more? Visit Seattle.gov/Medic2 for information about Medic 2 CPR classes.

*Image from safety drill*

At 12:39 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke and flames coming from the roof of a church in the 5000 block of Delridge Way SW in the Delridge neighborhood. When firefighters arrived on scene, they reported a large column of smoke and flames coming from a detached building immediately northwest of the main church. Crews worked quickly to put water on the fire while additional firefighters searched for occupants inside the adjacent southwest building as well as the main church. They searched both buildings twice to confirm no one was found inside, and no injuries were reported.

By 12:48 p.m., firefighters were able to get the fire under control in the NW building, but the roof collapsed. Making it unsafe for crews to search inside the remaining structure. Fire extended to the southwest building as well as the main church building, but crews were able to get it under control by 1:07 p.m. A few units remain on scene to extinguish hot spots and monitor for flare ups. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photos by John Odegard

Seattle is seeing moderate levels of wildfire smoke today that will likely continue with active wildfires in the surrounding cities and states.

According to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, wildfire smoke is full of small particles which can be especially dangerous for sensitive groups — infants, children, and people over 65, or those who are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, and stroke survivors.

If the air looks and smells smoky, outdoor activities may need to be delayed or cancelled. Use your best judgment and follow guidelines provided by Public Health Seattle King County. Also. Check the air quality forecast regularly by using an air quality site such as https://www.airnow.gov/ .

SAFETY TIPS:
✅ Improve your indoor air by closing windows and doors, unless it becomes too hot
✅ Seek filtered air in a mall, library, or other air-conditioned building
✅ Set up a clean air room using a HEPA or DIY box fan filter – instructions here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FoM6xooSwc courtesy of Public Health - Seattle & King County
✅ Pay attention to the heat indoors. If you can, run an air conditioner, set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Make sure to change the filter regularly

Learn more at https://fireline.seattle.gov/2023/08/09/how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke/

Today is Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday! Smokey says it best, “care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires.” This year we want to highlight the Park Rangers with Seattle Parks and Recreation for their work to support positive use of our parks and for prioritizing fire prevention. We can all do our part by making sure to fully extinguish camp fires and prevent any accidental fires. Happy birthday, Smokey!