Seattle Responder - September 2023 Edition

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 09/01/2023 04:27 PM PDT

Award for fundraising over one million dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

A message from the Fire Chief

As the summer season comes to a close, I reflect on how proud I am of our firefighters and paramedics for their compassion towards helping others. Over the past few months, we have deployed personnel to assist with wildfires in Washington and Oregon, helping communities in times of great need. Also in August, we sent 22 personnel with the Washington Task Force 1 (an 85-member team) to perform search and rescue operations and recovery in Lahaina, Maui. These deployments point back to our mission of serving others through saving lives and protecting property.

Our membership has also stepped up to help fundraise for important causes, often times volunteering while off duty. Fifty members of SFD participated in the Firefighter Stair Climb for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) this year and earned first place for raising the most funds ($138,000). The team was also recognized for raising more than $1 million to support the LLS over the history of SFD's participation. And in September, firefighters will take to the streets to fill the boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Over four days on Sept. 7-10, members will collect donations at four different intersections in the City to support those living with neuromuscular disease.

On Aug. 24, members of Recruit Class 117 graduated from probationary firefighters to full-fledge firefighter/EMTs at our official swearing-in ceremony at City Hall. I wish them well on their future career with SFD as they serve those who live, work and visit our City for many years to come.

There are two upcoming events we’d love to see you attend. The first is our Fire Safety Fair on Sept. 9 at Fire Station 13 on Beacon Hill. Second is our annual awards luncheon on Oct. 5. There, we’ll honor acts of heroism by both community members and department personnel, as well as other acts of excellence. Read on further in The Responder for how to participate in both.

Stay safe,

Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief
Seattle Fire Department

Significant Incidents

Press conference for the August 20th mass shooting on Rainier Avenue South and South Walker Street.

Aug. 20: Mass shooting at Rainier Ave. S. and S. Walker St.

Around 4:30 a.m., Seattle firefighters and paramedics, along with SPD, responded to a tragic shooting at a hookah lounge in Seattle. This incident at left two adult males and one adult female deceased and six others injured. Those who were injured received care at Harborview Medical Center (HMC). Of the nine patients involved, the SFD helped to provide evaluation and treatment for four patients at the scene and to one patient who was transported from Virginia Mason’s emergency room to HMC. The other four patients were reportedly transported in personal vehicles to HMC prior to the arrival of emergency vehicles.

In the afternoon, Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins joined SPD Chief Diaz and members of the SPD command staff to provide an update. We extend our deepest condolences to all families who are impacted by this horrific incident.

August 20th Vacant building fire at the 120000 block of Aurora Avenue North.

Photo by John Odegard

Aug. 20: Vacant building fire at the 12000 block of Aurora Ave. N.

Seattle firefighters were dispatched to a fire in a vacant structure around 10:30 a.m. Fire apparatus responding to the scene could see black smoke billowing from the structure blocks away prior to arriving. Engine 24 from the Bitter Lake neighborhood arrived first and reported flames visible from the exterior and heavy fire and high heat conditions throughout the structure. The fire had reached the void space, and the building quickly became well-involved in fire. Battalion 6 arrived at the incident location and declared a defensive fire attack due to derelict building conditions and the amount of fire present. Fire engines quickly connected to hydrants to establish a water supply, and ladder trucks set up for ladder pipe operations. Firefighters also deployed hand lines to hit the fire from all angles on the exterior.

Seattle Fire in the community

Washington Task Force 1 returns home from Maui

Seattle Fire returns from search and rescue deployment to Maui

On Aug. 26, all 22 Seattle Fire personnel returned home from their deployment to Maui as part of Washington Task Force-1. We continue to keep the Maui community close in our hearts during the widespread devastation caused by wildfires.

Swearing-in ceremony for Recruit Class 117

Congratulations to the 40 members (two were not present) of Recruit Class 117 on their successful completion of recruit school and subsequent probationary period! On Aug. 24, we celebrated their significant accomplishment with a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall. They graduated from probationary firefighters to full-fledged firefighter/EMTs and are ready to serve the Seattle community for many years to come. Their class motto is “Go for Broke”, which they certainly have demonstrated over their first year working for the Seattle Fire Department.

Seattle Youth Employment Program

Three high school students from Seattle Public Schools interned for six weeks over the summer to learn about becoming a firefighter and to develop professional skills such as how to behave in a work environment and interviewing for a job. They also learned how to operate effectively as a team, perform CPR and first aid. The Seattle Fire Department looks forward to the next group of interns for the summer of 2024 through the Seattle Youth Employment Program.

Fireboat Leschi welcomes the Hōkūle’a

Seattle Fireboat Leschi welcomes Hōkūleʻa

The Fireboat Leschi was part of a welcoming ceremony for the Hōkūle’a, a Polynesian voyaging canoe that is just two months into a 47-month trans-Pacific journey. The Suquamish and Muckleshoot nations, Port of Seattle and others coordinated to welcome the Hōkūle’a to Seattle. The crew’s mission is “developing young leaders and engaging communities … while amplifying the vital importance of our oceans, nature, science and Indigenous wisdom.” The different stops on the voyage are considered important cultural, educational and environmental stops. The canoe departed Seattle on Aug. 30 for Tacoma.

Seattle Fire events

Fire Safety Fair at Station 13 in the Beacon Hill neighborhood on September 9th from noon to 2 p.m.

Fire Safety Fair at Station 13 on Sept. 9 from 12 - 2 p.m.

Southeast Seattle and Beacon Hill neighbors, please join us for a FREE family-friendly event for all ages at Fire Station 13 (3601 Beacon Ave S.).

Learn about fire prevention & life-safety at home
Meet local firefighters
Explore a working fire engine and fire station
Watch CPR demonstrations
Get creative at the arts & crafts table and more!

For disability accommodations or accessibility info contact 206-291-7681 or fireinfo@seattle.gov

Annual Awards Luncheon on Oct. 5

Are you looking for ways to support the work of Seattle firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers? Consider attending our Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 5 at Embassy Suites in downtown Seattle. This awards luncheon highlights the exemplary work of our employees and heroic actions of community members. Tickets are available online for $75.00 (purchase by Sept. 29). This event is sponsored by the Seattle Fire Foundation and their generous donors. We hope to see you there!

Family and friends of award winners should contact honored members directly for ticketing information.

Keeping you safe

Seattle schools welcome students back next week. As always, please take extra care to ensure the safety of children walking and biking to school.

Drivers

✏️Watch for children at all times

✏️Obey school zone speed limits and signs

✏️Follow laws regarding

✏️Never block a crosswalk or pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks

✏️Pay attention to school crossing guards

✏️Eliminate distractions

✏️Watch for school zones & pedestrians

Children and caregivers

✏️Discuss road safety with kids and teens who are walking, biking or driving to school

✏️Never walk while texting and or cross the street while using an electronic device

✏️Cross streets at intersections and crosswalks

✏️Pay attention and listen to crossing guards

✏️Use designated student drop-off and pick-up zones

Stage 2 Burn Ban lifted in Seattle and King County

Effectively immediately, the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals are terminating the Stage 2 Burn Ban. Burning of recreational fires on private property can now resume. Residents must continue to follow Seattle Fire’s guidance (always in place) for recreational burning.

Fire Line Blog

Seattle Fire uses its Fire Line Blog to share information about significant incidents, share safety information and learn about upcoming department events. Please take a look!