Dry weather fire safety

Between July 1 and July 17, 2024, the Seattle Fire Department responded to around 200 bark and brush-related fires. We can expect more warm and dry weather conditions this month, increasing the risk for more brush fires.  How to prevent brush and other dry weather-related fires around your building: Dispose of smoking materials in proper receptacles and douse in water, not in planters, beauty bark or out of your home or vehicle window Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible and clear roof and gutters of pine needles and leaves Remove flammable wood piles, propane tanks away from homes and garage structures. Remove long grass, weeds or anything that can burn from around homes. This includes limbs that touch buildings or hang near the roof Do not light fireworks – besides being illegal, they cause serious injuries and fires If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.

Keep exit stairwell doors closed for safety

Keep exit stairwell doors closed

When the weather warms up in the Seattle area, apartment stairwell exit doors sometimes get propped open to improve air circulation. It is very important to make sure these doors remain closed and are not held open with wedges or other devices. Not only is keeping stairwell exit doors open a violation of Seattle Fire Code, it can endanger evacuating residents in the event of a fire emergency.

During a fire, a closed door will help contain a fire and reduce the spread of smoke and toxic gases. Stairwells are used for primary evacuation and stairwell doors are designed to keep smoke out.

Apartment fire safety presentations

This summer, consider having a Seattle Fire Department educator visit your apartment building for a free apartment fire safety presentation. Attendees can learn how to safely respond to a building fire alarm, how and when to shelter in place, and how to prevent fires. Contact William Mace (william.mace@seattle.gov) for more information or to schedule a visit.