Seattle Responder - June 2022 Edition

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 06/03/2022 05:20 PM PDT

Happy Pride month, Seattle! The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) looks forward to celebrating with our LGBTQIA+ community and employees by participating again this year in the Pride Parade. This is an important month to honor and recognize our LGBTQIA+ community and to let all know that members of the SFD serve as allies.

As the weather starts to get warmer, I want to remind residents that water safety should be paramount when you are out recreating on the water. Please remember to wear a life jacket when swimming in open water, or when paddle boarding, kayaking or boating. Also remember to grill safely by ensuring barbeques are placed away from combustible materials and your residence.

The month of May turned into a busy month for Seattle firefighters with many significant incidents. From the 2-alarm fire at Borracchini's Bakery in South Seattle, to multiple rescues from fires, to a water rescue on Lake Washington, to a fatal fire in a boathouse on the Duwamish waterway, to many rescue extrications and scenes of violence occurring across the City, your firefighters remain ready to serve the community 24/7.

Also in May, crews responded to a collision on I-5, where a disabled vehicle was reportedly hit by another vehicle, and the driver of the disabled vehicle subsequently fell as a result of the crash into the water below from the Ship Canal Bridge. Seattle Fire crews searched the water diligently for over an hour with rescue swimmers, divers and our fireboat but were unable to locate him. The response transitioned to a rescue mission, and the individual was later unfortunately found deceased by Seattle Police Harbor Patrol. As more information came to light, we learned that this individual, Jordan Shelley, was an EMT for our partner agency, American Medical Response (AMR). Our hearts are with the Shelley family and with AMR as they grieve this unimaginable tragedy.

Stay safe Seattle,
Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett

Significant Incidents Recap

Firefighters extinguish fires on boats docked near the 6300 block of 1st Ave S

May 3: Crews extinguished a fire in a boathouse along the Duwamish waterway near the 6300 block of 1st Ave. S. The fire started on one of the boats, then extended to two additional vessels and the boathouse structure. Unfortunately, an adult male was found deceased at the scene. Investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental, and the estimated loss is $104,000.

Firefighters rescue one person from their home on fire near the 9800 block of 45th Ave SW

May 22: Firefighters responded to a fire in a residence near the 9800 block of 45th Ave. SW. Crews rescued a 74-year-old male from the floor where the fire occurred. Paramedics transported him in critical condition to Harborview Medical Center. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental and determined it started from an overheated electrical power strip. Estimated loss is $200,000. A recap of the incident is available on the Fireline Blog.

Firefighters rescue two people from their burning apartment near the 700 block of 7th Ave

Photo by John Odegard

May 15: Two bystanders called 911 as two people were waving for help from the balcony of their second-floor unit at the 700 block of 7th Ave. S. Firefighters rescued both residents, and they were transported to a hospital in stable condition. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental and determined it was caused by malfunctioning rechargeable batteries. Estimated loss is $35,000. A recap of the incident is available on the Fireline Blog.

2-alarm fire at the old Borracchini's Bakery near the 2300 block of Rainier Ave S

May 27: A 2-alarm fire erupted from a vacant two-story commercial building at the 2300 block of Rainier Ave. S. Firefighters were unable to safely enter the building due to heavy smoke and high heat so they poured water on the fire from outside of the structure. Crews were able to knock down the fire after several hours on scene. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined. A recap of the incident is available on the Fireline Blog.

Seattle Fire around the community

Fire Day at MOHAI this Saturday, June 4

Fire Day at MOHAI is on Saturday, June 4

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Seattle Fire is partnering with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) to bring back the in-person Seattle Fire Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at their facility. The Seattle Fire Day is a chance for children and adults alike to learn about fire safety, discover the story behind the Great Seattle Fire that happened on June 6, 1889, and to meet the firefighters who serve the city.

This event is free and open to the public. Highlights include:

Story times with local firefighters
Tours of an engine and ladder truck
Meeting therapy dog teams
Demonstrations by a search and rescue dog
Exploring a Seattle fireboat
Educational activities, lessons and crafts from Seattle Fire and MOHAI

Visit MOHAI’s link for directions, parking, public transit and more accessibility options. MOHAI’s COVID-19 guidelines. can be accessed online.

Seattle Fire graduates 41 recruits from academy

On May 20, 41 firefighter recruits graduated from SFD's academy and have entered the department's Operations division to begin the probationary phase. These members have been placed throughout Seattle working at some of the department's 33 fire stations alongside experienced firefighters to continue their journey. They look forward to serving the Seattle community for many years to come.

Thank you to the Fremont neighborhood

Live fire training for recruit class 116

On May 16-19, SFD conducted live-fire training in the Fremont neighborhood for firefighter recruits in Recruit Class 116. This opportunity allowed the department's newest members to put the skills they had learned over the past 13 weeks to the test during a live-fire training, which occurs in a controlled-setting. This experience is vital to the development of new recruits before they head out into Operations to respond to real-life fire incidents. The department thanks the Fremont community for their patience and support, as SFD knows this has an impact on local neighbors and businesses.

Seattle Fire participates in One Seattle Day of Service

Several SFD personnel joined nearly 4,000 volunteers City-wide for “One Seattle Day of Service.” SFD spent the morning hours at the Salvation Army’s William Booth Center doing landscape work to beautify the outdoor area and painted several rooms inside. This center is operated by the Salvation Army and is a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Thank you to Mayor Bruce Harrell for organizing this event to help the community unite together to make Seattle a better place!

Keeping you safe

Warm weather means water safety becomes a focus

Though the Seattle area hasn't seen as much sunshine as usual this time of year, summer weather is just around the corner. Warm temperatures bring more people to the water for recreational activity, which means the community must also place a focus on water safety. In 2021 alone, 29 people in King County died from drowning, according to Public Health Seattle & King County.

Everyone needs to take steps to make this number zero for 2022. Follow SFD on social media for weekly tips on drowning prevention and what to do if you see someone go under and not resurface. Tips have already been posted to the Fireline blog, with wearing a life jacket at the top of the list.

Fire and life safety videos

Please watch Seattle Fire's new home fire safety videos available on the department's website and YouTube channel.

The safety videos are also available in:

Topics include (in English):