Seattle Fire Department

04/03/2025

Chris Holland survived a cardiac arrest event in October due to an excellent chain of survival. He was swimming in the Ballard Pool, when a bystander noticed he had experienced a medical emergency. They pulled him to the side, and the lifeguards began CPR while the bystander grabbed an AED. When Seattle Fire crews arrived on scene, we took over patient care and medics transported him to the hospital. This week, we got to see him up and moving and recovering well when he and his wife stopped by Fire Station 18.

Patient reunifications such as this remind us of how fortunate we are to be in an area where bystanders step in to take action, and first responder personnel are highly trained. The old saying rings true … “if you are going to have a heart attack, the best place to have it is in Seattle.”

If you don’t know how to perform CPR or need a refresher, visit seattle.gov/Medic2 to register for a class.

04/03/2025

Please join us for an all-ages family-friendly event at Seattle Fire Department Station 30!

Learn important fire safety and window safety tips and what to do in case of an emergency. Meet your local firefighters, tour a fire engine, participate in CPR demos and tons of other activities for all to enjoy.

🚒Saturday, May 3
🕰11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
📍Fire Station 30 - 2931 S. Mt. Baker Blvd., Seattle, WA 98144 (next to Franklin High School).

See you there!

04/03/2025

The 19,000 fire hydrants located within the City of Seattle are maintained and repaired by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and are inspected by the Seattle Fire Department. Firefighters inspect all fire hydrants across the City on an annual basis to ensure they are working properly and will provide sufficient water when needed for fighting a fire. Inspecting hydrants can help save lives and protect property.

If you experience discolored water, check out these tips from SPU for helping it clear: https://fireline.seattle.gov/2025/04/03/hydrant-inspections-and-what-to-do-if-you-experience-temporarily-discolored-water-2/

04/01/2025

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! 🚨

Seattle, we heard you! To make sure everyone really sees our fire apparatus approaching, we are outfitting all of our units with disco balls and party lights.

You’ve heard us say, “move right for sirens and lights.” Well, now with a little extra sparkle, we’re even harder to miss!

What do you think? Should we add a fog machine too?

APRIL FOOLS! But in all seriousness … if you are in the way of an apparatus heading to an emergency, be sure to move right and make space for them to safely pass.

03/28/2025

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we honor the incredible women who have shaped our world with strength, wisdom, and resilience. From pioneers in science to first responders, artists, activists, and everyday heroes, women have always been at the forefront of change.

A special thank you to this remarkable group of Seattle firefighters and paramedics who make a difference every single day. Your courage and dedication are a true inspiration.

03/28/2025

On Sept. 14, 2024, Eric Rimling suffered a cardiac arrest while on a run around Green Lake. A bystander immediately recognized the symptoms of cardiac arrest and began performing CPR. A crew from AMR happened to be in the area and was flagged down to assist. The AMR crew jumped right into action taking over CPR until crews from Seattle Fire Engine 9, Aid 31 and Medic 17 arrived. Medic 17 transported Eric to Harborview Medical Center where he made his recovery.

Today, Eric and his family stopped by Station 9 to meet the crews from Seattle Fire and AMR that helped save his life. Eric is back to running, skiing and spending time with his family, which he says - is thanks to the quick actions of everyone who came to his aid that day.

This serves as an example of the importance of knowing bystander CPR. For information about Seattle Fire Department’s Medic 2 Bystander CPR Training program and the classes we teach, visit: Seattle.gov/Medic2.

03/27/2025

WARNING: Sewage Spill Reported

A sewage spill has occurred near the Magnuson Park Boat Launch.

Stay out of the water! People and pets should avoid contact with the water at this location. Closure signs have been posted (check the red dots on the map) at the park with information on who to contact with questions.

For updates, please call 206-263-9566.

03/27/2025

03/26/2025

Know how to be safe if the power goes out.
Carbon monoxide is produced any time fossil fuels are burned. During a power outage, the use of gas generators, outdoor grills, in carports or too close to the home can trap CO in the home and cause CO poisoning. Other possible sources of CO include small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.
Here are ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

-Use portable generators and outdoor grills outside in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.
-Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
-Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
-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.
-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.

03/26/2025

There is risk for a severe storm in our region this evening. Follow these tips from the National Weather Service. Only call 911 for emergencies.

03/25/2025

Engine 39 attended a Multi Casualty Incident drill with the South King County Fire Training Consortium. They brought Seattle Fire's Mobile Ambulance Bus (MAB), which can be utilized outside of the City of Seattle as a resource for the region. Training with our partner agencies helps us to prepare for more wide-scale incidents when several jurisdictions may be involved.

While this drill was focused on an active shooter scenario, the MAB can be utilized for a multitude of incidents or scenarios. As an example, the MAB was utilized in Seattle during the cold weather spell in 2024, to help bring unhoused individuals to local warming shelters.

03/24/2025

Check out the March Apartment Fire Safety Newsletter which features apartment fire evacuation tips. Find it here: https://www.seattle.gov/fire/about-us/department-information-and-publications/newsletters.

When you hear the fire alarm or if you encounter smoke or fire, take these steps to ensure a safe evacuation of the building:
-If it is safe to do so, leave your unit as quickly as possible, closing the front door as you go.
-Pull the fire alarm next to the stairwell as you exit if building fire alarm is not sounding.
-Use the stairs, not the elevators, to evacuate the building. (Note: high rise building residents may only need to go down three floors and reenter the hallway if that floor is not in alarm).
-Once outside, move away from the building to the designated meeting place. Do not congregate in the lobby or outside the entrance doors.
-Once you have left the building, do not go back into the building for any reason until the fire department has given permission to reenter.

If you encounter smoke or fire outside of your apartment and you are unable to exit using the stairs, stay in your unit:

-Keep the door to the room closed. A closed door is a barrier to smoke.
-Use towels or clothing to block openings around doors or vents where smoke might enter.
-Place a signal in the window. The signal can be anything that will call attention to your location.
-If smoke or fire enters your unit, call 911 to report your location. Stay low to the floor to breathe the best air. Put a wet cloth over your mouth or nose.
It is advisable to keep windows and balcony sliders closed. Smoke from the outside of the building can enter through open windows. Breaking windows may put you at greater risk of smoke entering from the outside and will hamper rescue efforts below.

03/20/2025

Today marks the first day of spring and it’s the perfect time to refresh, reset, and focus on safety! As you continue your spring cleaning, don’t forget these fire safety tips:

🌷Test your smoke & CO alarms – test and replace batteries if needed.
🌷Declutter exits & hallways – keep escape routes clear in case of emergency.
🌷Inspect electrical cords – replace any that are damaged or frayed.
🌷Safely store flammable materials – keep them away from heat sources, pets and children.
🌷Properly dispose of batteries - read Seattle Public Utilities policies here: https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/ban-on-batteries-and-electronics-in-garbage.

Let’s spring forward into a safe season!

03/20/2025

It's National Poison Prevention Week, and the Seattle Fire Department wants to remind you to be extra cautious when it comes to the safety of your little ones!

Seattle Fire responds to calls involving children mistakenly ingesting unsafe materials.

To help keep your family safe, here's a list of things to be mindful of around the house:

- Cleaning products: Bleach, disinfectants and other household cleaners should be stored out of reach.
- Medications: Keep all medications (prescription and over the counter) in childproof containers and out of sight.
- Alcohol: Be sure alcohol is stored in locked cabinets or areas children can’t reach.
- Plants: Many common household plants are toxic if ingested, like poinsettias, ivy, pothos plants, lilies and more.
- Cosmetics and personal care items: Items like nail polish remover, perfumes and lotions can be dangerous if swallowed.
- Pest control products: Be cautious with rodent and insect poisons around the house.

Tip: Always store potentially dangerous items in cabinets with childproof locks or high up where kids can’t access them.

If you suspect poisoning, call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. They take calls 24/7 answering poison-related questions.

To order Mr. Yuk stickers, visit: wapc.org/resources/order-materials

03/19/2025

Fire departments across King County are looking for future firefighters and are expanding recruitment efforts to provide applicants with useful information on navigating the hiring process. Mentors from the profession will also be available to workshop attendees. The next Diversity and Recruitment Workshop is on May 10 at Green River College in Auburn.

This workshop is open to EVERYONE at least 16 years of age and we welcome members of the BIPOC community, women, bilingual adults, LGBTQIA+ or those with no prior fire service experience. For more information and to sign up: https://www.kingcountyfirechiefs.org/event-details/recruitmentworkshop

03/18/2025

SFD's Rescue Swimmer cadre takes a group photo ... submerged! They conducted their annual requalification swim test and a module training at Helene Madison pool, which included a major entanglement prop with hose water harassment, high entry, rescue can use and rescue swimmer emergency procedures.

Rescue swimmers utilize the peak inhalation technique to maximize the volume of air in their lungs before going subsurface and train to work calmly and methodically underwater on breath hold dives. You can tell by their relaxed poses in this photo (taken by Fire Dog Photos) that their training is paying off.

03/17/2025

There are many steps in the process of securing a career in Fire/EMS. Interviewing is a very important aspect of this process and can be intimidating to many individuals. King County Fire & EMS Agencies invite you to a free session aimed at improving interview skills with the goal of acing your Fire/EMS Service Interviews. We are offering mock interview panels and personalized feedback to individuals currently pursuing a career in Fire/EMS. Additional opportunities include information on the hiring process, best practices for interview day, networking with professional first responders, and connecting with other prospective Firefighter/EMTs. We encourage people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans to attend and help us better represent the communities we serve.

Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 25-minute interview timeslots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Kent, WA
Cost: Free
Registration required: https://bit.ly/InterviewPrepSpring25

03/17/2025

What better way to start the day than hearing the amazing Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums! Happy St. Patrick's Day, Seattle. 🍀

Video resurfaced from 2020.