Seattle Responder - January 2023 Edition

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 01/03/2023 05:39 PM PST

Happy new year, Seattle! As we enter a new year, we also take time to look back on all that we have accomplished in 2022. In the first quarter, we launched our third Health One unit to primarily serve the Rainier Valley, Mt. Baker, Beacon Hill and Central District neighborhoods, and to provide additional coverage to Pioneer Square and West Seattle. Health One focuses on providing alternatives to hospitalization and offers referrals to a wide array of services, crisis intervention, as well as alternative transport, such as to shelters or clinics.

Also at the beginning of 2022, the fire department and American Medical Response introduced a new healthcare solution to connect 911 callers with the most appropriate level of care. The Seattle Fire Nurse Navigation Program provides access to a wider range of options to meet the callers’ specific medical care needs, which may include a referral to an alternative destination or virtual visit with a physician. The program works by routing some area 911 calls with non-emergent injuries or illnesses to a Washington state licensed nurse for assessment. The nurse will assess a caller’s symptoms and refer them to the most appropriate medical care that could include a virtual visit with a board-certified emergency physician, self-care or transport to a local healthcare provider, including clinics, urgent care centers, or if needed, a hospital Emergency Department.

And finally, the SFD earned the most exemplary protection class rating from the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) last year, validating SFD’s ability to efficiently serve those who live, work and visit Seattle. The Protection Class 1 rating places Seattle Fire in the top 1% of fire departments in the nation. WSRB evaluated the City of Seattle in four major areas: water supply, fire department, emergency communications and fire safety control. The rating also has the potential to lower fire insurance premiums for commercial and residential property owners.

SFD rounded out 2022 with a record-high number of 106,453 incidents. We extend our gratitude to each of you for your continued support of the SFD.

Stay safe and happy new year,

Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief

Seattle Fire Department

Significant Incidents Recap

Fire in vacant building at the 600 block of 9th Ave

Photo by John Odegard

Dec. 2: Firefighters extinguished a fire in a vacant building at the 900 block of 9th Ave. Crews were unable to enter the building to conduct a search due to unsafe conditions. Investigators ruled the fire as undetermined. No injuries were reported.

Rope rescue near the 1000 block of Alder St

Dec. 20: Crews safely extricated an adult male from a construction site near the 1000 block of Alder St. He was in stable condition, and paramedics transported him to a hospital. Two additional patients were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Christmas tree fire at the 3000 block of NW 63rd St.

Dec. 4: Crews extinguished a Christmas tree fire in a residence at the 3000 block of NW 63rd St. Investigators determined the fire was accidental and likely caused by faulty decorative lights. No injuries were reported and the estimated loss is $100,000.

Fatal fire in a residence at the 5900 block of 23rd Ave. S.

Dec. 21: Firefighters extinguished a fire in a residence at the 5900 block of 23rd Ave. S. They rescued an adult female from the home, but she was later declared deceased at the scene. The incident is currently under investigation.

Seattle Fire around the community

SFD conducts earthquake drills

Earthquakes can strike at anytime, and everyone in our community needs to take steps to be prepared to be on your own for at least two weeks. In a catastrophic event, SFD’s top priority will be responding to critical facilities, to include hospitals, bridges, fire stations, schools, etc.

In November, the department conducted its annual Seattle Fire earthquake drills across the four platoons. The drills included setting up operation of SFD’s Resource Management Center, alternative communications via Auxiliary Communication Services (HAM amateur radio), satellite phone operations and surveys of critical facilities in the field.

Fire Chief joins KIRO 7 public safety segment for live interview

Fire Chief interviews with KIRO 7 for live safety segment

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins went live on KIRO 7 recently with reporters Gary Horcher and Monique Ming Laven to discuss SFD’s Health One program, response to mental health calls and fentanyl overdoses, and how the department is on track to set a record of more than 100,000 incidents this year. Catch the interview here.

Recap on the King County Diversity and Recruitment Workshop

December 10 Diversity and Recruitment Workshop

On Dec. 10, the King County Fire Chiefs Association held their third semiannual Diversity and Recruitment Workshop at Renton Technical College. Over 100 participants attended the workshop to learn more about the testing and interview process for becoming a firefighter. Thank you to Renton Regional Fire Authority for hosting the event, and thank you to all our partner agencies for making this a successful event.

The next workshop will be held in the spring and is hosted by Eastlake Fire and Rescue. Updates on registration will be posted when available.

Recovered patients meet with crews at Fire Stations 20 and 31

13-year-old boy meets the firefighters and paramedics that responded to his medical emergency

Seattle firefighters and paramedics reunited recently with a patient we treated in November. This visit was extra special as our patient was a 13-year-old boy who required immediate life-saving efforts by his parents and responding SFD units. Seeing the steps Miles DiBona has made towards recovery brought us deep happiness, and we were so grateful to his parents Jennifer and Charlie for bringing him by the station to see the crews (and for the delicious meal)! Fire Chief Scoggins presented Miles with a SFD challenge coin, water bottle and t-shirt to thank him for being in good spirits and showing resiliency.

CPR is most often performed on people close to us, which further emphasizes how critical it is for all in our community to learn hands-only CPR. Visit our website to learn more about classes offered by our Medic 2 program and watch this brief training video. You could save a life.

Toys for Tots campaign wrap up

Seattle Fire helped collect toys and raise funds as part of its annual Toys for Tots drive. With the support of QFC, SFD and members of the Marines helped collected items at the U Village and Westwood Village grocery stores in December. Then, on Seahawks game day, SFD personnel helped the Marines collect donations in Occidental Park and out in front of SFD headquarters. Thanks to members for supporting this worthy and long-time SFD cause!

Local 2898 delivers warm coats

Chiefs from Seattle Fire local 2898 deliver warm coats over the holidays

Several members of Local 2898, the union representing Seattle Fire’s chief officers, delivered 56 new coats to the Children’s Home Society this week. It was great timing as the clothing bank at Children's Home Society of Washington was completely out of jackets with many weeks of winter weather ahead. The union sponsored the new coat drive within its membership in December and also donated $1,540 for CHS to purchase more coats. Great job, chiefs!

Keeping you safe

Fire safety tips for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are commonly used in home electronics such as phones, laptop computers, tablets, e-scooters and other devices that require plug in charging. These batteries are small and powerful but when used incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire or explode. Fire agencies in King County continue to respond to fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Read more to learn how you and your household can be safe.

Heating fire safety tips for the start of winter

Home heaters are working extra hard with the cold weather Seattle is experiencing. Heating-related fires are the second most common type of fires this time of year. As a reminder, make sure to give your heaters space and consider taking these precautions to prevent heating-related fires in your home. Read more.

Holiday cooking safety

Prepare for potential power outages with the high winds we are experiencing in the Seattle area. Keep in mind that if the power goes out, burning gas, wood or charcoal inside your home will increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death. Read more.