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A message from the Fire Chief
July is typically the month where we see the highest number of brush fires occur. That's because the temps turn warmer resulting in dry grass and brush. With the 4th of July just around the corner, I want to remind community members that the personal use of fireworks is illegal in the City of Seattle. Even though they are banned, last year the Seattle Fire Department responded to 51 fireworks-related fires, and Harborview Medical Center had 55 patients with fireworks-related injuries. Instead of lighting off fireworks, instead consider attending a professional fireworks display with trained pyrotechnics working behind the scenes to avoid preventable burns, injuries and fires.
Ahead of the holiday, we do encourage residents to take steps to reduce fires caused by fireworks near your home. Remove branches, dry grass and anything that can burn from around your home, keep a garden hose with a nozzle hooked up and ready to use, and make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. On a historically busy day for first responders, we also ask that the use of 911 is reserved for life-threatening emergencies. If you need to report the illegal discharge of fireworks, contact the City's non-emergency line at 206-625-5011.
On July 12, members of Paramedic Class #51 will graduate from the 10-month long Medic One Paramedic Training Program. These members will now serve our community as firefighter/paramedics, responding to calls for Advanced Life Support including cardiac arrest, stroke, trauma and more. Their training has prepared them to master critical thinking in the field and perform at the level of a well-trained physician in the prehospital setting. Congratulations to all on this significant accomplishment.
A reminder that in fall of this year (Oct. 7 through Nov. 25), we will open our application period for entry-level firefighter/EMT positions. If you have someone in your network who has a desire to serve others, encourage them to sign-up for our interest list to stay updated on the hiring process along the way.
Finally, I hope you will join members of the SFD and the community on July 12 as we work to build a better Seattle at the One Day of Service event. Learn more at seattle.gov/dayofservice.
Stay safe,
Harold D. Scoggins, Fire Chief
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Construction update – Station 31
 Construction of the new Fire Station 31, which serves the Northgate neighborhood, is well underway. Construction of the 22,000 square foot station located at 11302 Meridian Ave. N. began in February 2024 and is slated to be complete towards the end of the year. Occupancy should take place in the first quarter of 2026.
Once completed, residents in the rapidly growing North Seattle area will be served by a new three-story station with four apparatus bays and have space for a Health One unit, which is a program designed to respond to individuals immediately in their moment of need to help them navigate the situation, whether that’s medical care, mental health care, shelter or other social services.
The new site is designed to meet the growing operational needs of Seattle Fire and the response times of the growing North Seattle community.
Preparing for the job: Building strength
Ladders are essential equipment routinely utilized by firefighters for accessing upper floors to rescue fire victims, ventilating structures, putting water on fires, among other uses. Seattle firefighters must have the physical strength to raise a 24-foot (72 lb) and 28-foot (87 lb) ladder on their own.
Getting a ladder from a horizontal position to a vertical position requires core strength and stability, leg strength and shoulder/upper body strength. Exercises to incorporate into a fitness training routine to strengthen these areas include squats, deadlifts, lunges, power cleans, side planks, loaded carries, unilateral shoulder presses and push presses.
Our application period for entry-level firefighter/EMT runs Oct. 7-Nov. 25, 2025. Don’t wait to get your fitness in check – make it a priority now. Sign-up for our interest list at SeattleFireJobs.com to receive information about upcoming recruitment opportunities.
Seattle Fire to enhance encryption to radios in early 2026 to protect the public’s sensitive and private health information
In early 2026, the Seattle Fire Department will enhance encryption to certain radio channels used for sharing sensitive and private health information, and for communicating tactical updates among first responders. Encrypting a channel means radio channels can only be transmitted and heard internally by the intended audience. SFD’s dispatch channels, which communicate when and where incidents are occurring, will remain open for the public to hear via radio scanners. The primary reason SFD has chosen to encrypt certain radio channels is to protect the public’s personal and protected information from being shared to a wide audience. Encryption also enhances the safety of community members and first responders. Read more on our Fireline blog about the upcoming changes.
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The personal use of fireworks is banned in Seattle – find other ways to celebrate the 4th of July safely
The personal use of fireworks in Seattle and King County is illegal. Even though they are banned, each year fireworks cause fires and injure people in the City and surrounding areas. In 2024, the Seattle Fire Department responded to 51 fireworks-related fires. Just five years ago in 2020, a significant fire occurred in West Seattle where fireworks ignited dry brush in front of a four-story apartment building and quickly extended to the top floor balcony. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the fire displaced several residents and caused an estimated property loss of $100,000.
Fireworks can also cause serious injuries. In 2024, Harborview Medical Center treated 55 patients for injuries caused by fireworks.
It’s best to keep the use of fireworks to professionals to avoid fires and injury; instead consider attending a public fireworks display. Additionally, the current warm and dry weather significantly increases the risk for dry grass, bark and brush fires.
Here are ways to reduce fires caused by fireworks near your home:
- Remove branches, dry grass and anything that can burn from around your home
- Make sure tree branches are not touching your home
- Clear roof and gutters of pine needles and leaves
- Don’t leave cardboard or loose paper recyclables outside – make sure they are in a closed bin
- Keep a garden hose with nozzle hooked up and ready to use
Make sure smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button. If you experience a fire, please call 911 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.
On a historically busy day for first responders, please reserve the use of 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. Do not call 911 for the illegal discharge of fireworks, you can instead report to the City of Seattle non-emergency number at 206-625-5011.
If you have unused fireworks, you can safely dispose of them at drop-off boxes located at each Seattle Police precinct. Have a safe and festive Independence Day!
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Prevent fires involving rooftop amenities
This is the time of year when rooftop use and rooftop fires are highest. Please be mindful this summer when using rooftop grills, heaters and other amenities. Improperly discarded smoking materials and grilling are two of the main causes for fires on rooftops. Both are preventable.
How to be safe with rooftop amenities:
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Smoking
- Carelessly discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials can easily start a fire in dry conditions. Extinguish smoking materials before you leave area.
- Never discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or other things that could ignite easily. A small cigarette butt in dry conditions can turn into a major fire.
- Douse smoking materials in water before tossing out.
- Make sure proper cigarette disposal canisters are available in areas where smoking is allowed.
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Outdoor grills
- Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in an enclosed area – dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate and be deadly. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911.
- Place the grill in an open area, out from under eaves and overhanding branches, and at least three feet away from siding, deck rails, and brush.
- Make sure the grease trap is empty and clean and that grilling parts are firmly in place.
- Never leave grills unattended while cooking.
- For propane grills, turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
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Heaters and fire pits
- Combustibles that are too close to a rooftop fire pit or other heat source can cause a fire.
- Keep a three foot-zone around all fire pits and other heat sources on rooftops.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
If a fire starts on a rooftop, evacuate as quickly as possible and call 911 from a safe location.
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Register for the One Seattle Day of Service
Volunteer registration has opened for the 4th Annual One Seattle Day of Service on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
This citywide volunteer effort will bring thousands of neighbors together to show our civic pride and get our city ready for the global stage as the 2026 World Cup is less than one year away.
Register for the One Seattle Day of Service
There are over 1,800 volunteer shifts at more than 55 events around the city, with more being added until the event. Volunteer opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests.
Along with City-hosted events, partner organizations for this year’s Day of Service include Amazon, Molly Moon’s, Chinatown-International Business Improvement Area, Mary’s Place, Rover, Visit Seattle, Byrd Barr Place, Seattle Hotel Association, Restaurant 2 Garden, Solid Ground, and many more.
Volunteer activities include:
- Cleaning and beautification
- Gardening and restoration
- Helping neighbors in need
Learn more about open volunteering or hosting a Day of Service event here: seattle.gov/dayofservice.
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Get certified in CPR and choking intervention
The SFD offers CPR and choking intervention training to Seattle community members. Seattle Fire’s CPR instructor cadre is trained and certified by the Health and Safety Institute to teach hands-only CPR and certification CPR/AED classes. Attend one of our upcoming community classes to receive your certification for only $30. Register online.
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From 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 at Seattle Fire Dept. Headquarters
- From 2-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 at International District/Chinatown Community Center
- From 9-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 27 at Seattle Fire Dept. Headquarters
- From 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 at Garfield Community Center (Spanish interpretation available for this class)
The department will also send instructors to facilities to host group classes for organizations. Fill out the online form to make a request for training.
Firefighter Story Time
Join us for Firefighter Story Time! Seattle firefighters will lead this special story time for you and your friends. It will be fun-filled morning of storytelling and learning about fire safety. Plus, you will get a chance to meet your neighborhood firefighters and see a fire engine up close.
- From 11-11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 11 at the Rainier Beach Library branch
- From 10:30-11 a.m. on Friday, July 25 at the Lake City Library branch
Families of all ages are welcome, though this early learning program is intended for preschool ages and older (4+), caregivers, educators and families. We look forward to seeing you!
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