Wildfire task force led by Bothell firefighter

Wildfire Task Force with Leader Jim Vandertoorn of Bothell Fire

When the Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires rapidly expanded, the pre-positioned task force was ready to respond.

Bothell’s own BC Jim Vandertoorn, who served as a Task Force Leader, shared his first hand perspective, noting that in more than 30 years as a Washington firefighter, he had not encountered fire behavior or destruction comparable to what crews experienced.

Crews conducted structure protection, extinguished spot fires, and supported coordinated suppression efforts to protect homes and communities. BC Vandertoorn credited the pre-positioning of the task force in Cle Elum with reducing response time and helping protect numerous residences.

He also recognized the crews from Gig Harbor Fire, Bremerton Fire, Eastside Fire & Rescue, South Kitsap Fire, Bainbridge Island Fire, and Browns Point Fire for their teamwork and commitment during a demanding 40-hour operational period.

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False alarm at Town Center in LFP

It's always worth a second look when the fire ladder is fully extended. This was at the Echo Lake Neighborhood Picnic in July. Photo by Carl Dinse.

A startling scene by Ace Hardware in Lake Forest Park Town Center on Monday turned out to be a false alarm.

Early evening on Monday, August 17, 2026 shoppers and passers-by were surprised to see a full contingent of police and fire trucks by Ace Hardware on the upper level of Town Center.

A fire truck had the ladder extended and firefighters were on the roof of the building.

Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm.

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Outbuilding structure fire in Shoreline Monday

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Around 3am Monday morning, August 17, 2026, Shoreline Fire was dispatched to a detached garage fire in the 1800 block of NE 171st St in Shoreline. 

The fire was approximately 20 feet from a residence.

Units arrived on scene at 2:46am to find the structure well involved, with multiple large cedar trees also on fire. Crews quickly extinguished the fire by 2:54am, and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.

There were no injuries to firefighters or residents.

The cause is undetermined.

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Apartment Fire in Shoreline Friday morning August 14, 2026

Shoreline firefighters on roof of apartment building in Ridgecrest
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

At 04:01 Friday morning, Shoreline Fire crews were dispatched to an apartment fire in the 17200 block of 12th Ave NE in Shoreline.

Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire showing from the two-story apartment building. The fire had extended into several second-floor units and into the attic.

Crews made an aggressive interior attack, getting the fire under control, and making a strong stop.

After the fire was out. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Thankfully, all occupants evacuated safely, including their pets, and there were no reported injuries. The owner of the apartment building is working on options for residents.

The cause is under investigation. 
Thanks to Bothell Fire and Seattle Fire for their assistance

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Suspect arrested in arson at Bothell Fred Meyer

Bothell police arrest arson suspect
Photo courtesy Bothell PD

Shortly after 7:00am Thursday August 13, 2026 Bothell Police arrested a suspect in connection with last week's fire at the Fred Meyer near Thrasher's Corner.

The suspect was taken into custody for first-degree arson and was also found in a stolen vehicle at the time of the arrest.

This arrest was the result of coordinated work between our Investigations Unit and our Community Crime Reduction Team (CCRT) with support from our K9 and Drone teams.

This investigation remains ongoing.

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Shawn White retires after 31 years as paramedic and Medical Services Officer

We extend our appreciation to Shawn White for his 31 years of service to the residents of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Woodway and the surrounding cities. 

Shawn became a paramedic in 2003 and in 2013, he was promoted to Medical Services Officer. (MSO)

We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in his retirement.

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Worker rescued in Richmond Beach after trench collapse on work site

You can see the path of Barnacle Creek by following the line of trees

On Monday August 10, 2026 a worker on the Barnacle Creek culvert replacement project in Richmond Beach (see previous article) was rescued by Shoreline Fire after a shored up trench collapsed under him, dropping him 15 feet.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Fire was able to extricate the male in his 30’s after only 13 minutes on scene. He was transported by the medics to Harborview with a potential leg injury.

The project, in the 2300 block of NW 204th St in Richmond Beach is in response to concerns about the stability of the rockery and roadway embankment and stream erosion at the culvert outfall.

Units arrived to find a 20’ x 30’ excavation approximately 15 feet deep with one patient who was awake, alert, and unable to self‑extricate due to pain from his injuries.

E164 and A164 stabilized and packaged the patient, L161 operated as the rigging team, and R151 assisted with the extraction and raise. 

The patient was safely removed and transferred to Medic 163 just 13 minutes after arrival and transported to Harborview Medical Center due to mechanism of the injury.

Every crew on scene worked strong and quick and showed exactly what we train so hard for. Strong communication, solid planning, and seamless integration between Engine, Ladder, and Rescue made for an efficient and safe operation.

updated 8-14-2026

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Fire at Bothell Fred Meyer August 4, 2026

Photo courtesy Bothell Fire

At 1:43pm on Tuesday August 4, 2026, Bothell Fire crews were dispatched to Fred Meyer off the Bothell-Everett Highway after store patrons reported seeing flames and smoke inside the building.

The building’s fire alarm and sprinkler systems activated as designed, and employees and customers safely evacuated. No injuries have been reported.

Firefighters extinguished the fire and ventilated the building to remove smoke. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The store is expected to remain closed for an extended amount of time.

Shoreline Fire Department, Eastside Fire & Rescue, Kirkland WA Fire Department, and Seattle Fire Department assisted at the scene.

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Captain Scott Ciraulo retires from Shoreline Fire after 25 years

After 25 years, Captain Scott Ciraulo is retiring from the Shoreline Fire Department. Scott has served honorably with Shoreline holding the ranks of Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain.

His passion for teaching was second to none and he spent numerous years teaching "the craft" to new firefighters at the Washington State Fire Training Academy. One of his favorite topics being fire science, and understanding "the how and why" to our profession. He molded and developed countless firefighters and drivers, but his biggest passion was technical rescue. 

Scott taught as an instructor for King County Technical Rescue for many years and was also a member of FEMA's Washington Task Force 1 as a Rescue Specialist and Rigger. He continued moving the needle by helping build Shoreline's rescue program and will retire as a Captain from Rescue 151.

In the years in Shoreline you responded to countless emergencies, often being relied upon to come up with solutions to our most challenging incidents. Your passion for teaching translated to firefighters working through many complex problems along side you and accomplishing the mission to save lives and protect property. While the citizens of Shoreline may never know your contribution, your brothers and sisters will never forget how you made us better.

Cap, you will be missed and we will continue to honor your legacy by continuing to learn and be better. Enjoy your well deserved retirement and time with family. You will be missed but not forgotten. It's not goodbye, it's see you later.

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Local firefighters return from the Rowe Creek Complex fire in central Oregon

Mitchell, Oregon photo by Patrick Farrell

After almost two weeks on the fireline, NWTF-2 demobilized and arrived home.

The task force (not all pictured) included Bothell’s own Battalion Chief Jim Vandertoorn as Task Force Leader, along with crews from Bothell Fire (B144), Shoreline Fire (B165), Eastside Fire & Rescue (B187), Renton Regional Fire Authority (B316), and Valley Regional Fire Authority (T334).

These crews worked hard throughout their deployment to the Rowe Creek Complex in north central Oregon helping protect lives, property, and communities.

Mitchell, Oregon resident Patrick Farrell commented

The members of NWTF-2 are heroic. Their grit, determination and professionalism helped keep our locality safe, and gave local IA crews critical respite and backup.

Also, they're an extraordinary bunch of people who integrated seamlessly with our tiny rural community with hearts focused on volunteerism and mutual respect.

Our debt of gratitude can never be repaid. Thank you for coming to our aid in our time of need.

Strong work, NWTF-2! We’re proud of you!  

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Shoreline Fire Wildland Deployment Update

Our Shoreline Fire Department personnel continue to answer the call, supporting wildfire operations both here in Washington and beyond.

Currently, we have three wildland teams deployed:
Communications Team: Two members are deployed in Eastern Washington, setting up and managing communications for multiple wildfire incidents.
Brush 165 Crew: Three firefighters are deployed to Central Oregon, assisting with wildfire suppression efforts.
Public Information Officer: Our PIO is also deployed to Central Oregon, supporting incident communications and keeping communities informed during ongoing wildfire operations.

We are proud of our personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting our state and our neighboring communities. Please join us in wishing them a safe deployment and safe return home.

--Shoreline Fire

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Shoreline structure fire at NE 177th & 21st Pl NE

Photo by Mike Remarcke

Shoreline Fire was dispatched for a residential structure fire at NE 177th St and 21st Pl NE at approximately 3:30pm on Sunday June 12, 2026. 

The fire was quickly extinguished and the search confirmed all occupants were out of the house.

Photo by Mike Remarcke

All crews operated quickly to investigate and extinguish a fire that was a few minutes away from becoming an attic fire. No injuries were reported, and the scene was turned over to the investigator.

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Kenmore kitchen fire safely contained

Aftermath of kitchen fire. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire.

On Friday, June 26, 2026, Shoreline Fire responded to a reported kitchen fire in a home in Kenmore.

Thanks to the quick actions of the occupants, who got out safely and called 911 immediately, and the rapid response from the firefighters, the fire was quickly brought under control and contained to the kitchen. No injuries were reported.

Fire vehicles at scene. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Kitchen fires are one of the most common types of residential fires. 

Here are a few reminders to help keep your home safe:
Stay in the kitchen whenever you're cooking on the stove-top.
Keep anything that can burn—towels, paper products, oven mitts, and curtains—away from the stove.
If a small pan fire occurs, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire.
If the fire is growing or you feel unsafe, get everyone out, close the door behind you if possible, and call 911 from outside.

We're grateful everyone made it out safely today, and we appreciate our crews' quick work to protect lives and property.

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Driver arrested after flipping car

Shoreline Fire on scene of rollover incident. Photo by Patricia Hale

Thursday night, June 25, 2026 just before 10pm, a vehicle traveling eastbound on NE 165th St in Ridgecrest clipped the left rear corner of an unoccupied vehicle parked at the curb, just east of 6th Ave NE, and flipped on its side.

The driver and passenger, a male and female, were helped out of their vehicle by patrons of the Ridgecrest Pub.

Photo by Patricia Hale

Fire and police responded. The occupants of the vehicle stated they did not need medical treatment. Fire cleared the call and left with police department on scene. 

The driver was arrested for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence.

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2,000 people visit the Shoreline Fire open house and pancake breakfast

Around 2,000 people attend the event every year

Story and photos by David Carlos

Families from across the area packed Shoreline Fire Department Station 51 on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026 for its annual Open House, where visitors enjoyed a free pancake breakfast while learning about the work firefighters and emergency medical technicians do every day.

A young participant crawls through a tunnel during the firefighter challenge course
at the Station 51 Open House.

Held from 9am to noon at Station 51 (7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore), the event featured children's challenge courses, tours of fire engines and rescue vehicles, a live vehicle extrication demonstration, hands-only CPR instruction, a teddy bear clinic, and opportunities for kids to try on firefighting gear.

Fire Chief Matt Cowan

The aroma of pancakes greeted guests as volunteers kept the griddles busy. One young volunteer estimated he had already made "probably 30 batches" by mid-morning. Asked the secret to making the perfect pancake, he smiled and replied, "Just wait for the bubbles."

The event also highlighted the department's Fire Cadet program. Volunteer Mikey Thomas helped children suit up in miniature firefighting gear while explaining what the program offers.

"It's a volunteer group for people under the age of 22," Thomas said. "We learn the basics of firefighting. Hopefully, we're getting our names out here, helping out, getting a job, you know."

Cadet Mikey Thomas helps a young visitor suit up

Thomas said he hopes to become a firefighter himself. When asked what it takes to succeed, he emphasized reliability over anything else.

"Honestly, the main thing that I truly care about, as a cadet lead, is consistency," he said. "Do you show up every week? Do you show up on time every week? Do you put in effort?"

Firefighters serving pancakes

Michelle Pidduck, the department's public information education officer, estimated that about 2,000 people attended the open house.

She said one of the biggest rewards of hosting the event is giving the public a chance to see firefighters outside of emergency situations.

"The most rewarding part has got to be for them to see us not in an emergency setting, to see us as normal people," Michelle said. "Everyone says, 'Oh, you're heroes.' Well, no, we just get to have a really cool job and help people."

CPR training

Many visitors were surprised to learn that firefighting makes up only a portion of the department's workload.

"Seventy-nine to 80 percent of our calls are medical," Michelle explained.

A remote controlled fire hydrant warranted close inspection 

Station tours also prompted plenty of questions, especially when visitors reached the kitchen.

"They say, 'Why do you have four fridges?' Always the question," Michelle said. "Or why do you have a few stoves? It's because we have four shifts, and each shift has its own refrigerator."

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts beginning at 8am, although many arrive around 7:30am to relieve the outgoing crew early.

At Station 51, the on-duty staffing includes three personnel assigned to a rescue rig, two assigned to an aid car, and a daytime battalion chief.

An extrication demonstration using a hydraulic rescue tool (aka "Jaws of Life")

Outside, firefighters demonstrated hydraulic rescue tools commonly known as the "Jaws of Life," showing how they are used to remove car doors to free trapped occupants after serious vehicle collisions. 

Learning the fire hose techniques

Visitors also had the opportunity to operate a fire hose, aiming a stream of water at a cone-shaped target in a hands-on firefighting challenge.

For many families, the appeal was simple.

"The kids were excited to see it, just wanted to check it out," one father said.

Helmet safety, car seats, first aid, and CPR were among the education demos

Visitors also enjoyed the free pancake breakfast and explored a variety of educational booths offering information on hands-only CPR, bicycle helmet safety, and child passenger safety.

A Lake Forest Park police officer shows a department vehicle.

By combining education, hands-on activities, and community interaction, the Station 51 Open House gave residents an opportunity to meet the people behind the uniforms and gain a better understanding of the many services their local fire department provides.

Shoreline Fire serves the cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and the Town of Woodway. Chief Cowan is also the administrator of the Bothell Fire Department.

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Washington State Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Service

Lieutenant Adam Lamb, Bothell Fire
Died April 25, 2025 from occupational illness

Olympia – The annual Washington State Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the State Capitol’s West Campus, in Olympia. 

This year’s memorial service will honor our following: 

• Captain David Phay (December 17, 2018), Spokane Valley Fire
• Captain/Engineer Troy Phillips (April 25, 2023), Northport Fire
• Firefighter Michael Kelly Jensen (August 20, 2023), Naches Ranger District United States Forest Service
• Lieutenant Luther Loyd McCallister (February 22, 2025), South Kitsap Fire and Rescue
• Division Chief Shaun Ward (March 19, 2025), North Whatcom Fire and Rescue
• Lieutenant Adam Lamb (April 25, 2025), Bothell Fire Department
• Captain Brandon Minneman (June 24, 2025), Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
• Deputy Chief Bill Mack (July 18, 2025), East Pierce Fire and Rescue
• Deputy Chief Jimmy Webb (September 5, 2025), Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
• Firefighter Erich Rothausen (November 1, 2025), Whatcom County Fire District 7

Lamb passed away on April 25, 2025, following a courageous battle with mesothelioma - an occupational illness recognized as a Line of Duty Death. A U.S. Air Force Combat Controller and a 26-year veteran of the Bothell Fire Department, Lamb retired in March of 2024 due to his battle with cancer

We will memorialize these firefighters with a procession, a bell ceremony, plaque presentations to the families, and by hanging embroidered ribbons on the memorial pike pole.

The memorial service will begin at 1pm. The State Capitol is located at 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SE, Olympia Washington 98501.

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Backyard fire in Mountlake Terrace Saturday sends flames 30 feet in the air

Photo courtesy South County Fire

South County firefighters stopped a backyard fire from spreading in Mountlake Terrace late Saturday afternoon, June 6, 2026.

Photo courtesy South County Fire

Just before 3:20pm, South County firefighters responded to reports of a fence on fire in Mountlake Terrace. When they arrived on scene about five minutes later, firefighters saw flames between twenty and thirty feet high coming from the backyard area of the house. 

They found three detached sheds on fire and aggressively attacked the fire at its source.

No evacuations were needed as all residents had escaped on their own by the time firefighters arrived. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. The fire was fully extinguished in just over ten minutes and there was no damage to the main home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by South County Fire

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Shoreline Fire Department's Station 51 Open House Pancake Breakfast & Safety Fair

Shoreline Fire Department Station 51 Open House

7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA
Saturday, June 13, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Join the Shoreline Fire Department at the Station 51 Open House Pancake Breakfast & Safety Fair.

Challenge Course for Kids
Tour the Fire Engine, Aid Car and Rescue Truck
Live Firefighter Demonstration
Teddy Bear Clinic (Bring Your Own Bear)
Hands Only CPR

Free pancake breakfast between 9:00am to 11:00am.

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