Seattle Responder - August 2024 Edition

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/02/2024 11:11 AM PDT

Seattle Fire Chief Scoggins with Navy Lieutenant Conner O'Donnell of the Blue Angels

A message from the Fire Chief

This week, I was honored to fly with the Blue Angels, with U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Connor O’Donnell. As we head into an exciting Seafair weekend in our City, I want to remind all of our residents and visitors to stay safe on the water. SFD will have rescue swimmers, one of our fireboats, and our new rescue watercraft on the water and many shoreside resources to help care for the community’s medical needs. We hope you enjoy the airshow and hydroplane races … we will see you out there.

In July, the department welcomed new employees and promoted members to new ranks during a promotional ceremony. We celebrated the promotion of one professional staff member, a fireboat engineer, eight lieutenants, three captains, one battalion chief and two deputy chiefs. As these members advance into their new leadership roles, I know they will take their role of leading and mentoring others with great pride as we continue with our primary focus of serving others.

We ended last month on a sad note, as we attended a memorial service for one of our own, Firefighter Adam Clements. Firefighter Clements was a member of Recruit Class 103 and served the community in his role with SFD for nine years. He will be forever missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who knew him. We also learned of the passing of Dr. Michael Copass on July 26, who was a pioneer in emergency medicine and a cherished member of our community. Dr. Copass, 86, dedicated his career to saving lives and advancing the field of emergency medical care, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him. Renowned for his contributions to pre-hospital emergency care, Dr. Copass was instrumental in elevating Seattle’s Medic One program.

On Aug. 10, we will hold a Fire Connect Career Day at North Seattle College. This is an opportunity for you or anyone in your network to attend to learn more about what a career in the fire service entails; no RSVP is required. We will open our application window for entry-level firefighter/EMT positions on Oct. 4. Now is the time to explore this career path and get ready to apply. Learn more at seattlefirejobs.com.

Stay safe,

Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief

Significant incidents

2-Alarm fire in a vacant commercial building in the 2900 block of Eastlake Avenue East in the Eastlake neighborhood

July 5: 2-alarm fire in a vacant commercial building in the 2900 block of Eastlake Ave. E.

Firefighters worked overnight to extinguish a fire in a vacant commercial building in the Eastlake neighborhood. No injuries were reported. Investigators ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined.

2-Alarm fire and mass casualty incident in an apartment building in the 100 block of Vine Street in Belltown.

Photo by John Odegard

July 10: 2-alarm fire in an apartment building in the 100 block of Vine St.

Crews rescued multiple residents in a fire at an apartment building in the Belltown neighborhood. One person was declared deceased at the scene, while another succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. Five additional patients were transported to area hospitals in stable condition. Investigators ruled the cause of the fire as accidental. Likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

July 13 2-Alarm fire in a residential building under construction in the 3000 block of Claremont Avenue South in the Columbia City neighborhoods

Photo by John Odegard

July 13: 2-Alarm fire in the 3000 block of Claremont Ave. S.

Crews battled through the night to extinguish a fire in a townhome building that was under construction in the Columbia City/Mount Baker neighborhoods. One person was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Investigators ruled the fire was intentionally set and have shared their findings with Seattle Police.

July 18 fire in a tiny home village in the 500 block of Elliott Avenue West in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood.

Photo by John Odegard

July 18: Fire in a tiny home village in the 500 block of Elliott Ave. W.

Firefighters extinguished a fire in a tiny home village that displaced over 20 residents in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. No injuries were reported. Investigators ruled the cause of the fire as accidental. Likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

In the community

July promotional ceremony

Two civilians join our professional staff and several firefighters are promoted to ranks in leadership

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins held a promotional ceremony on July 24 at the Joint Training Facility (JTF) to promote members to new ranks in the department and to introduce new hires to the department. Congratulations to all as they step into their new leadership roles.

Torchlight parade

Firefighter Delmari Tyndale drives Ladder 4 down the parade route

On July 26, Seattle Fire personnel marched down the Torchlight parade route. We had a great time greeting the crowds and passing out swag. Thank you for celebrating Seafair's 75th anniversary with us!

Passing of Dr. Michael K. Copass

In loving memory of Dr. Michael K. Copass

Dr. Michael K. Copass, a pioneer in emergency medicine and a cherished member of our community passed away on July 26 at the age of 86. Dr. Copass dedicated his career to saving lives and advancing the field of emergency medical care, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him.

New Fire Connect Podcast series

The SFD is pleased to share the first episode of the Fire Connect Podcast: Women in Fire! Firefighter Kelsey Bujacich, Lt. Adele Botha and Capt. Amina Bakke discuss their journey to becoming firefighters, their experience in the department and provide advice for those interested in a career with the SFD.

Seattle Fire’s application window for entry-level firefighter/EMT opens Oct. 4, 2024. Learn more and sign-up for the interest list at SeattleFireJobs.com

Post Overdose Response Team (Health 99) marks first year in service

Health 99 crew and apparatus in front of Seattle Fire headquarters

Health 99 - SFD’s Post Overdose Response Team (H99) has marked its first year in service. Since its launch, the team - comprised of two case managers and ten trained firefighters - has responded to more than 400 opioid overdoses and conducted nearly 100 post-overdose follow-up visits.

In its first year, H99 staff have conducted extensive training on fentanyl, opioid use disorder and treatment options, and forged connections with professional collaborators around Seattle and King County.

H99 staff have worked closely with Seattle Fire's Medic One program to design and launch the region’s first EMS buprenorphine program. Members of H99 work with survivors of overdose to recover quickly from withdrawal symptoms and work on objectives such as treatment, shelter, primary care and more. The team has also provided training to members in SFD's Operations division on best practices for responding to overdoses and techniques for engaging with survivors.

Seattle Fire trains with Sound Transit for tunnel fire scenario

Training with Sound Transit Light Rail crews in the tunnels

Training at the Sound Transit Light Rail platform

SFD is dedicated to their craft of training for all types of emergencies that could occur. This includes drilling at 2 a.m. at a link light rail station in the city for a scenario based on a fire occurring in a light rail tunnel.

Due to Sound Transit’s busy riding schedule during daytime and evening hours, an overnight drill was the best opportunity.

Firefighters were able to practice the most efficient routes for accessing a fire in the tunnel utilizing a Sound Transit train for transport to and from the location. SFD appreciates the partnership with Sound Transit for allowing firefighters to exercise skills for a low frequency, but possible high-risk event.

Keeping you safe

Hydrant inspections – and what to do if you experience temporarily discolored water 

Discolored water could be from hydrant inspections

The 19,000 fire hydrants located within the City of Seattle are maintained and repaired by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and are inspected by the SFD. Firefighters inspect all fire hydrants across the city on an annual basis to ensure they are working properly and will provide sufficient water when needed for fighting a fire. Inspecting hydrants can help save lives and protect property. 

The SFD strives to inspect each hydrant within city limits once per year. Inspections occur between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and when the temperature is above 35 degrees. If you live near a fire hydrant that has recently been inspected, your drinking water may appear discolored for up to a few hours. This can happen when hydrant flushing changes the direction or rate of flow in a nearby water main. The discoloration comes from internal pipe rust and sediment getting stirred up. Drinking the water is not harmful but the water can be unsightly. 

Read more on the Fireline blog about what to do if you experience temporarily discolored water as a result of hydrant inspections in your neighborhood.

Events

Aug. 10: Fire Connect Career Day

Fire Connect Career Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Seattle College on Saturday, Aug. 10.

Have you or someone in your network considered a career in the fire service? The Seattle Fire Department is hiring entry-level firefighter/EMTs in fall 2024. Now is the time to explore!

Attend SFD’s Fire Connect Career Day at North Seattle College from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 10 to learn about the hiring process, hear from SFD Human Resources and meet with local firefighters.

The event is free and no RSVP required.