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A message from the Fire Chief
For many of us, we enter February on a hopeful note: the Seahawks are playing Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. Even if you aren’t a football fan, you can’t help but notice the growing excitement in the city. Even the department has caught the blue fever. We took a moment this week to stage a photo at Lumen Field, raising the 12s flag proudly. I’ve also issued a challenge to the Fire Chief of Foxborough Fire that will be posted to SFD social media leading up to the Super Bowl. Let’s go Hawks!
The Super Bowl isn’t the only sporting event capturing our attention at Seattle Fire. We have a number of staff who are part of the planning efforts for the FIFA World Cup 2026, coming to Seattle for six matches starting June 15. Seattle Fire is no stranger to supporting safety for large events – we’ve been the host city for APEC, WTO Ministerial Conferences and most recently All-Star Week and the World Club Cup. Our focus is anticipating and preparing for many scenarios so we keep our fans and residents safe. We will be more than ready to host the world this summer.
In closing, January and February are important months as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. We have a beautifully diverse community, and February is a time to recognize the stories and contributions of African American and Black neighbors as part of our shared history.
This month is also American Heart Month, so important to us as well. Heath disease is the leading cause of death for women, men and people of most racial and ethnic groups, according to the CDC. One thing you can do is learn hands-only CPR through Seattle Fire’s Medic 2 program or the Medic One Foundation. Both offer free and low-cost classes for this lifesaving skill. Visit our CPR training webpage to sign up.
Be safe,
Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief
Seattle Fire Department
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 Photo by John Odegard
Jan. 11: 2-alarm apartment building fire in the Beacon Hill neighborhood
Firefighters extinguished a fire in a 15-unit apartment building in the 1700 block of 13th Ave. S. No injuries were reported, but two cats were found deceased. All residents were temporarily displaced by the fire. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental, likely caused by burning candles left unattended near combustible items.
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 Photo by John Odegard
Jan. 22: residential fire in the Roxhill neighborhood
Crews extinguished a fire in a single-family residence in the 9200 block of 34th Ave. SW. No injuries were reported. Investigators ruled the fire as accidental, likely caused by overloaded electrical outlets that ignited drapes and other nearby combustibles.
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February is Black History Month
January and February are important months as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and explore the culture, traditions and accomplishments of our Black and African American neighbors during this 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
Seattle Fire’s mission to protect lives and prevent property loss includes keeping trust with all those we serve. Wherever we can support our community through encouraging genuine curiosity, interest and participation, we want to do so.
We’d like to share a handful of activities for February aimed at educating and appreciating Seattle's Black and African American community and history.
- MOHAI is hosting Living Voices: Fly for Freedom on Feb. 5 (free during First Thursday Hours at MOHAI). This new historical multimedia program features stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen and the Double Victory campaign.
- Visit the Columbia City Theater for its “Call to Conscience: A Black History Month Museum,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month through immersive installations and programs. Open Thursdays through Sundays in February.
- Spend time at the Northwest African American Museum exploring exhibits that celebrate Black artists, creatives, leaders and entrepreneurs.
Celebrating Lunar New Year
Fire Chief Harold Scoggins and Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes joined the community in the Chinatown-International District for an early celebration of the Lunar New Year at the Wing Luke Museum.
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Lithium-ion battery safety
 In January, the Seattle Fire Department responded to several lithium-ion battery fires in residences. Lithium-ion batteries power many portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, handheld vacuums and electric scooters or bicycles. These batteries are small and powerful, but when used incorrectly, they can overheat, catch fire or explode.
How to be safe:
- Only use chargers and cables that came with the device
- Do not charge a device while sleeping
- Do not charge a device under pillows, on a bed or on a sofa
- Do not continue to charge the battery once it is fully charged
- Do not charge or leave electric bikes or scooters near your doors
- Do not place lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot vehicles
- Stop using the battery if it shows signs of swelling, physical damage or malfunctions
- Never throw a battery in the trash
How to respond:
- Stop using the device if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises
- If it is safe to do so, move the device outside and place in a metal container with lid (metal garbage can or pot)
- If a fire starts, immediately leave the area, close the door as you exit and call 911
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Bystander CPR training
 Seattle Fire Department's Medic 2 Bystander CPR Training Program is hosting several classes in community centers around the city. The classes focus on adult, child and infant CPR.
All are welcome to attend at no cost if a certification is not required. The cost for participants wishing to obtain a certification is $30 cash or check made payable to Medic 2. Registration is required.
Upcoming CPR classes
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