Seattle Responder - November 2021 Edition

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 11/03/2021 11:04 AM PDT

Fall is here, which means we must adjust our safety mindset for the colder and stormier months ahead.

This Sunday is the end of daylight savings time, and as we all set our clocks back one hour, check that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in proper working condition. Test each and change the batteries (or device itself) if needed.

It's also a good time to remove any combustible items from the space around your heaters and schedule an annual service for your furnace or any wood-burning heat sources.

We pause on Nov. 11 to thank all who have served in the military. At the Seattle Fire Department, we have personnel who have served across all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. We thank our veterans at Seattle Fire and in our City for their sacrifice and service.

It won't be long before Thanksgiving arrives. With it comes many hours of preparing our homes to welcome family and friends for fellowship and food.

For many, cooking a large meal is at the heart of the holiday. Remember that cooking fires are three times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association. I encourage you to visit our Fireline blog for reminders about cooking safety and what to do if a fire should break out in your home.

This year, the spread of COVID-19 remains a risk as we gather in close proximity to celebrate. Seattle was the first city to have more than 70% of its residents vaccinated, and now boosters are available to strengthen our immune system response. The vaccines work to reduce the risk of transmission but also the severity of illness should someone contract COVID-19. If you haven't already done so, consider getting vaccinated.

I am thankful to be in a position of leading a team who truly care about making a positive impact on the community we serve. We wish you and yours a safe and healthy month ahead.

Stay safe and be well,

Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief

Seattle Fire Department

Significant Incidents Recap

Water rescue at 800 block of Alaskan Way

Oct. 2: Washington State Ferries assisted our crews in rescuing 11 occupants of a boat that capsized off shore from the 800 block of Alaskan Way. All 11 occupants were accounted for and in stable condition.

Oct. 17: Crews extinguished a small fire in a commercial building near the 3400 block of 4th Ave. S. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators ruled the incident as undetermined, with an estimated loss of $25,000.

Vacant building fire at the 200 block of Terry Ave N

Oct. 13: Firefighters extinguished a vacant building fire near the 200 block of Terry Ave. N. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators determined the fire was incendiary (intentionally set), with no estimated loss.

Oct. 17: Firefighters extinguished an RV fire near the 100 block of S. Kenyon St. No injuries were reported. Fire investigators ruled the incident as undetermined, with no estimated loss.

Seattle Fire around the community

Mobile vaccination teams resume operations

Acting Captain Brian Wallace announcing new mobile vaccination team efforts during press conference at Amazon event.

In October, SFD’s mobile vaccination teams began operating again, only with a smaller footprint than before. The team will have capacity to provide 300-400 vaccinations per week. With this relaunch, the teams will prioritize locations we previously visited to provide booster doses and vaccine to those who may have difficulty accessing vaccines, including vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities. These efforts will be administered in coordination with other healthcare providers to ensure broad coverage citywide.

Toys for Tots

Seattle Fire is once again pleased to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to support toy collection for the upcoming holiday season. Like 2020, we will focus on several community collection events instead of accepting toys at each station.

Stay tuned to our Fireline blog for dates, locations and staffing.

In memory of SFD Lt. Willy Cababat

Seattle Fire Lt. Willy Cababat passed away in early September 2021 of a duty-related illness.

On Oct. 7, department members gathered alongside Lt. Willy Cababat’s family to honor him with an official Line of Duty Death Memorial Service on Lake Union. The morning began with a vehicle and marching procession, followed by a ceremony and reception, which included a display from the fireboat.

Lt. Cababat was also honored during Seattle Fire's annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Occidental Square on Friday, Oct. 1, where his name will be engraved on the memorial that bears all the names Seattle firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Gone, but not forgotten.

Firefighters help fulfill a local child's wish

On Oct. 20, members of Fire Station 32 had a great time working with the Make-A-Wish organization in fulfilling a local child’s wish to explore the national parks. As the family arrived in Seattle after picking up the travel trailer just donated to them, Seattle Fire led a car parade to escort the family the final distance home. We can't wait to hear about the family's upcoming adventures!

5th anniversary of Mobile Integrated Health

Oct. 5 marked the fifth anniversary of our Mobile Integrated Health program. The celebration recognized the many people and organizations that have made the MIH program a success, including Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins, our assistant chiefs, the team from Seattle Human Services Department, Aging and Disability Services division, King County EMS, UW Medic One, IAFF Local 27 and all the firefighters who staffed the program. So far this year, MIH has processed over 1,400 referrals, including more than 420 reported vulnerable adults.

On Oct. 14 crews assigned to Fire Station 31 moved into their new interim station located at 10503 Interlake Ave. N. Read more about the interim site and plans for a new permanent site on the Fireline blog.

Keeping you safe

Please watch our new home fire safety videos available on our website as well as our YouTube channel. Multilingual versions will be available by the end of the year.

Topics include:

Test your smoke and CO alarms as you turn the clocks back

Nov. 7 marks the end of daylight savings time and is a good reminder to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly.

Free smoke and CO alarms are available for qualifying Seattle homeowners. Contact Seattle Fire if you or someone you know may qualify for this program.