Showing posts with label fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire. Show all posts

Open House at Shoreline Fire Saturday

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

 

Shoreline Fire would love to have your company at their Open House on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11am to 2pm. They'll even thrown in the hot dogs!

They'll be demonstrating vehicle extrication where they show how they cut open a car to rescue someone inside.

Special activities for the kids include an agility course and a first aid station for their teddy bears.

This all takes place at the Headquarters 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133. Park across the street at Shorewood High School and walk over to the station.


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Driver Engineer Rob Wirkkala retires from Shoreline Fire after a 21 year career

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Driver Engineer Rob Wirkkala retires from Shoreline Fire
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
RETIREMENT: On Thursday, September 7, 2023, Driver Engineer Rob Wirkkala finished his last shift of a 21-year career with the Shoreline Fire Department. 

In 1989, Rob began his career volunteering for the City of Chinook, WA. Rob attended University of Washington’s Paramedic Training Program in 1991 and graduated from Class #18. 

After acquiring his paramedic certification, Rob worked 4 years at the Long Beach Fire Department then Evergreen Medic One for more than 6 years. In 2003, he joined the Shoreline Fire Department. 

During his career at Shoreline he held the rank of Firefighter/Paramedic for 19 years and was a Driver/Engineer for the last 8 years. 

He has trained and mentored countless firefighters on their Engine, Tractor, and Tiller books. 

Rob’s laid back demeanor on calls and in the fire station brought a calm to any stressful situation. 

We wish you the best of luck with your retirement Driver/Engineer Wirkkala.


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Residential fire in north Seattle Monday

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Photo by John Odegard

Just after 4pm on Monday September 4, 2023 Seattle firefighters responded to a residential fire in the 2000 block of NE 130th St in the Olympic Hills neighborhood of NE Seattle

Upon arrival, the detached garage was fully engulfed in flames and the fire had already spread to the single-story house.

Photo by John Odegard

Crews fought the fire defensively from the exterior and searched survivable spaces within the back of the home for possible occupants. 

A man who lived in the home was able to make it out safely, with escort of fire personnel. 

Photo by John Odegard

Approximately 40 minutes after arrival on scene, the fire was put under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


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Call before you dig

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Gas leak on 1st NE
Photo by Wes Brandon

Shoreline fire responded to a gas leak on 1st NE near the Shoreline Center after a backhoe fractured a residential gas line. PSE arrived on scene promptly and secured the fractured line.

This area is in the high density zoning for the 185th station area, so it may have been a developer in charge of the project,

However, if individual property owners with rented backhoes are doing the digging, dialing 811 "Call before you dig" will get you to the Washington Utility Notification Center to help you locate your buried utility lines.

The 811 number is staffed 24/7.


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Just in time for Labor Day weekend - burn ban downgraded to allow recreational fires

Saturday, September 2, 2023

With increased moisture, and projected weather conditions, the burn ban has been modified to allow recreational fires. 

Recreational fires are limited to cooking, ceremonial, or pleasure purposes only.

Recreational fires shall be less than three feet in diameter and two feet high and shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials. 

Recreational fires shall be always monitored and must have a water source readily available; at a minimum, a charged water hose or a five-gallon bucket of water. 

Please consult your Fire Department for additional information and required permits.

Outdoor burning of yard debris (residential burning) is still prohibited at this time under the Stage 1 Burn Ban. Burning of garbage, other prohibited items and using a burn barrels is prohibited at all times.


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Fire at Nile Sunday afternoon quickly extinguished

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Fire at Nile. Photo courtesy South County Fire

South County firefighters, assisted by Shoreline Fire, quickly extinguished a fire in the clubhouse at the Nile Country Club in Mountlake Terrace on NE 205th / 246th SW / SR 104 this afternoon, Sunday August 27, 2023.

Fire at Nile. Photo courtesy South County Fire

Damage is estimated at $60,000 and was limited to the exterior of the kitchen area of the building. 



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Landlord / Tenant Fire Safety

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Olympia – According to a Washington housing data report, there are over 3 million housing units in the state of Washington. Of those, more than 1 million are rentals. Renters make up 36% of the housing market in our state.

In 2022, Washington State reported over 8,000 fire incidents in residential properties. As a landlord or a renter, it is important to be familiar with the requirements of RCW 43.44.110, which speaks to smoke detection devices in dwelling units.

The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) urges landlords and renters to be familiar with fire alarm requirements:
  • Rental units must have working smoke alarms.
  • Check with local fire or building departments for information about state laws and local ordinances on smoke alarm installation and maintenance.
  • Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are installed in the rental unit prior to the tenant occupying the space.
  • Renters must maintain the smoke alarms in operable condition, following the smoke alarm manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Ensure that smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside of each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home or unit. This includes any basements.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
  • Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old from manufacturing date.
  • Make sure rental agreements include the maintenance of smoke alarms.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.


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Shoreline Fire crew assisting at the Gray Fire at Medical Lake in Spokane country

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Shoreline crew doing whatever it takes at the Gray Fire
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire sent their
brush truck with three members and one of our engines with four members to the Gray Fire in Medical Lake.

They have been on site since Monday, August 21, 2023. They are doing everything from structural protection, cutting fire lines, to taking care of animals.


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Vacant building fire on Aurora Ave N in Seattle

Monday, August 21, 2023

Fire in vacant structure 120th and Aurora
Photo by Bruce Miller
By Kristin Tinsley, Seattle Fire

SEATTLE – Seattle firefighters were dispatched to a fire in a vacant structure around 10:30am on August 20, 2023. Fire apparatus responding to the scene could see black smoke billowing from the structure blocks away prior to arriving.

The building was well-involved before fire crews arrived
Photo by Bruce Miller

Engine 24 from the Bitter Lake neighborhood arrived first and reported flames visible from the exterior and heavy fire and high heat conditions throughout the structure. The fire had reached the void space and the building quickly became well-involved in fire.

Crews declared a defensive attack for the derelict building
Photo by Bruce Miller

Battalion 6 arrived at the incident location and declared a defensive fire attack due to derelict building conditions and the amount of fire present. Fire engines quickly connected to hydrants to establish a water supply and ladder trucks set up for ladder pipe operations. Firefighters also deployed hand lines to hit the fire from all angles on the exterior.

Approximately 30 minutes into the incident, the roof began to collapse, and incident command extended the collapse zone around the incident to protect members of the public and firefighters. Due to the extent of fire damage, the building was unable to be searched for possible victims.

Neighbors were warned of smoke exposure
Photo by Bruce Miller

An AlertSeattle emergency alert was issued to neighbors to warn of smoke exposure if windows and doors were not kept closed. The smoke added to already unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke making it to the region Sunday morning. Just after 2pm, all lanes of Aurora Ave N were reopened to vehicles.

At the height of the incident, SFD had 10 fire engines and four ladder trucks on scene, and various support and command vehicles. Fire investigators responded to the scene and have begun the investigation into how the fire started. The SFD has requested the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to the site to conduct a building evaluation.

The building, at 12020 Aurora Ave N, was the former home of the Mekong Village restaurant and the emission testing, COVID test site.

Updated with building location 8-21-2023

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Badge pinning ceremony at Shoreline Fire

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Shoreline Fire held a badge pinning ceremony this week to celebrate newly promoted personnel. as follows:
  • In Fire Prevention, Deputy Fire Marshal Tim Schwartz and Deputy Fire Marshal Russ Holmes.
  • In Suppression, our new Lieutenants are Jonni Hill and Cameron Eickelmann
  • In the Medic ranks, Nate Etherington, Cody Barwell and Geoff Olson (not pictured)
"These promotions are due to steadfast dedication and hard work! Congratulations"


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King County BURN BAN Stage 2 - no outdoor recreational fires

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

STAGE 2 BURN BAN IN EFFECT: Any outdoor recreational fires are prohibited in King County. This includes burning of yard debris, fire pits, camp fires, and chimeneas.

This means any outdoor fire such as a backyard fire pit or campfire using firewood is PROHIBITED.

Propane and charcoal grills; natural gas or propane appliances like patio warmers; and wood pellet smokers are allowed.

For more information go to www.kingcounty.gov/fire



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Chief Matt Cowan: Shoreline Fire assessment advanced to Class 2

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Chief Matt Cowan, Shoreline Fire
From Fire Chief Matt Cowan

Everyone, I am pleased to share some great news. The Washington State Rating Bureau (WSRB) just determined that we have improved from a Class 3 to Class 2!

The WSRB is an independent organization that assesses fire departments around the State on their overall performance for insurance companies. 

They evaluate four major areas of fire department operations such as:
  1. Water Supply:  Evaluates the capacity, distribution and maintenance of water systems and fire hydrants.
  2. Fire Department: Evaluates the fire department, including fire stations, apparatus, equipment, personnel and their training. 
  3. Emergency Communications: Evaluates the emergency communication system used to dispatch the fire department. 
  4. Fire Safety Control: Evaluates the fire code enforcement and fire safety education activities in the community.
 
There are many sub-categories under these areas with a percentage score of compliance for each.  Overall there are 65 different, specific, elements being evaluated.

The rankings for fire departments range from Class 1 (the best) to a Class 10 (minimal fire protection).  

Through the hard work of our personnel, especially over the past five years, we have made improvements in many of the areas that allowed us to improve to a Community Protection Class 2. 


We join the 15 other fire departments in the State at Class 2 (the chart has not been updated to reflect Seattle rising from a 2 to a 1 earlier this year). 

This puts us in the top 2.4% of fire departments in the State and will be in effect for all three cities that Shoreline Fire protects; Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore. 

This also may positively affect your insurance rates. Homeowners may or may not see a drop in pricing depending on their carrier, but commercial property owners will almost definitely realize a savings. So please contact your agents to determine if you can save some money. Thanks for your support!  
 
Chief Matt Cowan
Shoreline Fire


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Shoreline firefighters at West Anderson Fire in Cheney

Friday, August 4, 2023


Shoreline Fire's Brush 161 crew is on the West Anderson Fire in Cheney, WA. 
They are expected to be gone a few more days. 


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Shoreline Fire: "sorry we didn't get to your NNO party"

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

 
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

--but something came up

It’s National Night Out and we have been so busy! Our apologies to all the block parties we were trying to get to! But, emergencies are happening!


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Lake Forest Park receives new Radio System from the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN)

Sunday, July 30, 2023

State of the art radios for 
Lake Forest Park
The Lake Forest Park Police Department has received Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) radios for all staff members in the police, public works, and emergency management departments. 

This significant development means that every officer now possesses a state-of-the-art radio, and patrol cars have been equipped with new radios as well. The digital system will be fully operational beginning on August 1.

The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) is an emergency radio system approved by King County voters and utilized for dispatch and communication among various King County agencies, including fire, law enforcement, and more. 

Initiated in 2014, the process of replacing our outdated radio system has taken nearly a decade, and we are elated to have finally received our radios.

This cutting-edge radio system operates on a simulcast 800 MHz trunked radio system, employing advanced P25 Phase II digital technology. It utilizes an extensive network of 61 radio sites to transmit signals to over 18,000 portable (hand-held), mobile (vehicle), and control station (desktop) radios, as well as dispatch center consoles within the service area. The PSERN Operator is responsible for the maintenance and operation of this network.

In the past, Lake Forest Park was utilizing portable radios that were over 20 years old and plagued with numerous issues and recurring problems over the years. 

Consequently, we are overjoyed to bid farewell to those outdated radios and welcome the new ones. This long-awaited upgrade has been a welcome sight, and we are excited about the positive changes it will bring.


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Participants get Community Preparedness training at NEMCo workshop

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Instructors Dan Singley and Robin McKenzie
demonstrate the proper application
of a tourniquet to workshop attendees.
By Patrick Ducey
NEMCo CERT Volunteer

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) held a Community Preparedness Workshop at Shoreline Fire Station 51 in Kenmore. 

This three-hour class is part of a program to help citizens in our area become more resilient and better prepared to handle emergencies on their own when first responder resources may be overwhelmed for a week or two after an initial incident.

Attendees at the workshop learned about the ACT (Antidote, CPR, Tourniquet) program, which teaches life-saving skills they can do before an ambulance arrives. 

NEMCo Instructor Dan Singley provides training on the
new ‘ACT to Save a Life’ approach to CPR and First Aid
There was also a presentation on the hazards we face in our community and in our home, as well as the simple yet effective steps citizens can take to prepare for a disaster. 

Each participant received a Resource Guide and various checklists to provide more detailed guidance to assist them in preparing and handling emergencies in their community. 

After the classroom portion, participants went out to the fire training ground and did a hands-on exercise highlighting the proper way for putting out a small fire with a fire extinguisher.

NEMCo Instructor Patrick Ducey teaches workshop attendees how to effectively use
a fire extinguisher on small fires
NEMCo offers numerous other training courses, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which is a much longer class that goes more in depth into emergency management and preparedness activities. 

NEMCo also has a RACES team for those interested in the deployment of amateur (ham) radio to support responders during emergencies.

If you missed this opportunity, NEMCo is planning to offer another free Community Preparedness Workshop later in the year. 

NEMCo is staffed by a full-time Emergency Manager and a corps of volunteers who donate their time to help our community become more prepared to handle themselves in emergencies. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare for a disaster, visit the NEMCo website

Photos courtesy NEMCo


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Fireworks ruled out as cause of fatal Mountlake Terrace townhouse fire

Friday, July 28, 2023

Photo courtesy MLTNews.com

According to reporting in MLTNews.com, fireworks have been ruled out as the cause of the townhouse fire on July 3, 2023 which killed a mother and daughter and left three apartments damaged.

The fire took place while the fireworks show at Lake Ballinger, sponsored by the cities of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace, was happening in the vicinity, but there was no evidence of fireworks at the apartment fire.

The investigation continues.


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Fire Wednesday in Northcrest Park reported by a runner

Friday, July 21, 2023

Photo by Christopher Webb

A fire Wednesday July 19, 2023 in Northcrest Park (827 NE 170th St, Shoreline, WA 98155) in the Ridgecrest neighborhood of Shoreline was apparently started by fireworks.
 
Fortunately, it was spotted almost immediately by neighbor Christopher Webb whose running route goes through the park. He called 911 and then stayed to direct Shoreline Fire Department to the location. He observed their work, took a photo -- and then continued his run!

Photo by Christopher Webb
The fire was located south of the play equipment.
 
Because of the immediate reporting, the fire was quickly extinguished.


Update: Runner / photographer Christopher Webb was the hero of the day.


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Three new paramedics for Shoreline Medic One

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Paramedic Training class #49 graduation!

Cody Bakewell, Geoff Olson and Nate Etherington

Congratulations and welcome back to shift! You worked very hard and represented Shoreline Medic One very well.


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No longer probies - seven Shoreline firefighters complete their probationary year

Completed their probationary year with Shoreline Fire
Photos courtesy Shoreline Fire

These men are no longer probies!
They have completed their probationary year with Shoreline Fire.
  • FF Ralston
  • FF Wildman
  • FF Rich
  • FF Devedjian
  • FF Martensen
  • FF Culbertson
  • FF Guttu (not pictured)

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