King County Fire District 20

01/23/2025

Congratulations to Firefighter Glenn on graduating from the South King County Fire Training Consortium Fire Academy! Firefighter Glenn (second from right) is now ready to begin the next chapter of his career as a probationary firefighter. Starting this week, he will officially begin his shifts and work towards earning his full firefighter status. Best of luck, Firefighter Glenn—we’re proud of you!

01/20/2025

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose vision for equality, justice, and unity continues to inspire us all. Dr. King’s tireless work reminded America of the importance of fairness and dignity for every individual, principles that are foundational not only to our nation but also to the work we do here at King County Fire District 20.

Dr. King believed in the power of service and community, a belief we strive to embody every day as we serve and protect our neighbors. His legacy challenges us to work together, foster unity, and ensure that everyone—regardless of race, background, or circumstance—feels safe, valued, and supported.

On this day, let us not only reflect on Dr. King’s powerful dream but also commit to actions that build stronger, more equitable communities. His message reminds us that when we stand together for justice and fairness, we create a brighter future for everyone.

01/19/2025

Freezing overnight temperatures are expected this week. The common injuries and hazards we see during these conditions include accidents related to dangerous road conditions, slips and falls, fires caused by heaters, carbon monoxide poisoning from using outdoor equipment indoors, and frozen pipes causing water damage.

Please stay safe by:

Driving cautiously—especially in the morning or on shaded roads where ice may linger.

Walking carefully—we see an increase in 911 calls from falls on ice. Salt your steps and walkways, use handrails, and remember—it’s icy out there!

Heating safely—keep space heaters away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and never use grills, BBQs, or fire pits indoors to heat your home.

Preventing fire risks—ensure fireplaces and chimneys are clean and heating equipment is used properly.

Checking smoke and CO detectors—replace batteries and ensure they are working.

Protect your pipes—Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor faucets, open under-sink cabinets to let the heat in, and let faucets drip to prevent freezing and potential water damage.

01/16/2025

Aww nuts, sometimes you just gotta get the job done. Today firefighters rescued a squirrel from a fireplace. Yeah, that is awesome. The furry critter refused treatment and was transported to the front yard for a squirrel reunion.

01/11/2025

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard will share the latest progress in the planning and design of a new community center for Skyway-West Hill on Monday, January 27 at 6 p.m. at King County Fire District 20. At this time, they have determined Skyway Park as the most suitable site for the new Center.

To request an interpreter for this meeting, please contact Maria Carantit, [email protected], by January 13.

More information about the future Skyway Community Center: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/parks-recreation/king-county-parks/capital-projects/skyway-community-center

12/25/2024

From all of us at King County Fire District #20, we wish you a joyful and safe holiday season. Thank you for letting us be a part of this wonderful community—it’s an honor to serve you.

As we celebrate the season of giving and togetherness, let’s look out for one another and keep safety in mind. Stay warm, cherish your loved ones, and have a merry Christmas!

11/28/2024

We hope you all get a chance to enjoy the holiday surrounded by the people you’re most thankful for. Whether it’s family, friends, or a well-earned slice of pie, we’re wishing you a day full of gratitude and good food.

Speaking of good food… remember, the best way to have a happy Thanksgiving is to keep it fire-free! 🔥
✔️ Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
✔️ Keep kids and pets away from hot surfaces.
✔️ Don’t leave that turkey fryer unattended (and make sure it’s outside, away from anything that can catch fire).

Let’s all stay safe so we can enjoy the leftovers tomorrow!

From all of us at King County Fire District #20, thank you for letting us serve this amazing community. 🧡

11/23/2024

If your property sustained significant damage from the recent storm, you may qualify for property tax relief through the King County Department of Assessments. State law provides this relief for properties that have been destroyed or damaged by events beyond the owner’s control, including windstorms. Eligible properties could see a reduction in their assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes.

To learn more about the program’s criteria and file a claim, visit King County’s Damaged Property Relief page.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ease the financial burden caused by this severe storm.

https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor/buildings-and-property/property-taxes/tax-relief/destroyed-property-relief

11/21/2024

11/21/2024

We know it's bad out there. We want to help you stay safe while your power is out. Please watch this quick video on carbon monoxide dangers.

Learn how to identify and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

11/20/2024

Community Update: Overnight Windstorm and Power Outages

We hope everyone is doing okay after last night’s windstorm. Many in the Westhill community are still without power, and we want to share the latest updates we’ve received from our partners at Seattle City Light (SCL).

Power Restoration Updates:
• The best source for up-to-date power restoration information is Seattle City Light’s outage map: https://seattle.gov/city-light/outages.
• Based on SCL’s most recent update, power for most of Westhill is expected to be restored by midnight tonight.
• Please note that restoration times can vary, and some areas may take longer than others depending on the severity of the damage and priority repairs.

Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines:
• Always avoid downed power lines and anything they’re touching.
• Assume all power lines are live and dangerous.
• Report downed lines to Seattle City Light or call 911 if it’s an immediate hazard.

A Busy Night for Our Crews:
While it was a busy night for our firefighters, we are still fully able to respond to 911 emergencies. During severe weather, regional fire departments move to “storm dispatch.” This means non-emergency calls are placed in a queue and handled as crews are available, prioritizing life-threatening and urgent emergencies.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews work to restore powers. Remember we’re only a call away if you have an emergency.

11/20/2024

Let’s heed the advice of our friends over at Seattle City Light this morning.

11/18/2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for our area, in effect from 2 PM Tuesday to 4 AM Wednesday. East to southeast winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected. These strong winds may cause power outages, damage unsecured objects, bring down power lines, and result in falling trees and branches. Take this opportunity to prepare by stocking up on essential supplies and planning for potential power outages. Stay safe and stay informed.

11/11/2024

Veterans Day is a moment to honor those who have bravely served our country. Veterans' service doesn’t end once they take off the uniform; many carry the weight of their experiences long after, facing challenges that make their transition to civilian life difficult. Today, we recognize their sacrifices and the importance of our ongoing support to help them thrive beyond their years of service. Let’s stand with our veterans, showing gratitude and commitment to their daily well-being.

10/29/2024

In honor of National First Responders Day, we want to express our deep gratitude not only to the dedicated first responders here at King County Fire District 20 but also to all those across our region who support our mission every day. Working together as one team, these professionals make a vital difference in our community. We’re also fortunate to have such incredible support from the community here on the hill. Here are some photos of the outstanding men and women who protect and serve daily!

10/29/2024

Reminder there are still spots available for the King County Fire Chief’s Association, Diversity and Recruitment Workshop on November 16th. For details visit https://www.kingcountyfirechiefs.org/diversityrecruitmentworkshop

10/26/2024

Be sure to visit us today at the West Hill Community Association’s annual Halloween Takeover Party! We promise to not be too scary 😱. We will be here till 5pm!

10/17/2024

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 Nov. 16 in Redmond.

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 for this opportunity: https://www.kingcountyfirechiefs.org/diversityrecruitmentworkshop