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

Ceremony to honor citizens who saved a man's life

Wednesday, October 10, 2012


On Tuesday, October 16 at 5pm, the Northshore Fire Department will be honoring several local citizens for their recent life-saving actions. 

On September 15, 2012, a man collapsed at St. Edward’s State Park. A few people nearby witnessed the collapse, went to his aid, realized that he was not breathing and had no pulse and initiated CPR. Park staff members were notified and came to their assistance with an AED (automatic external defibrillator). Their combined efforts were successful and the man is home after a short hospital stay.

This is an example of a great success in many ways: a group of citizens was willing to help a stranger in need; the American Heart Association has recently been promoting “chest compressions only” CPR for a witnessed collapse (this was utilized for this event); and the proliferation of public AED’s was critical in the successful outcome of this event. All of these factors came together and resulted in the saving of a life.

The ceremony will be held at the headquarters of the Northshore Fire Department, 7220 NE 181st St., Kenmore.



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Structure fire in Kenmore caused by bathroom fan

Thursday, June 28, 2012


Ceiling studs and toasted insulation at Kenmore house fire
Photo courtesy Northshore Fire


The Northshore Fire Department was dispatched at 3:23a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 to a house fire at the 19600 block of NE 65th.   One of the occupants was awakened by the smell of smoke and discovered fire in an upstairs bathroom. He quickly attempted to extinguish the fire and then all five occupants evacuated the house and called 911 to report the fire. 

Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames coming from the roof of the home and made a rapid interior attack. The fire was under control in approximately 10 minutes.  The Northshore firefighters were assisted by personnel from the Shoreline Fire Department and Bothell Fire Department.

The Northshore Fire Department Fire Marshal determined the fire to be accidental and was caused by an electrical malfunction of a bathroom fan. The fire damage is estimated to be $10,000. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries.

Working smoke alarms save lives. Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly.



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Family fun in Lake Forest Park on Sunday June 3

Friday, June 1, 2012

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Mobile home fire in Kenmore - homeowner awakened by smoke alarm

Friday, May 25, 2012



The Northshore Fire Department was dispatched at 10:27a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2012, to a structure fire in a mobile home located in the 7300 block of NE 175 Street.  

The homeowner was asleep when she was awakened by the sound of her smoke alarm.  She saw smoke and flames coming from the spare bedroom, exited through the back door and immediately called 911.  Due to the early notification of the smoke alarm and the quick actions of the homeowner, the Northshore firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the fire very rapidly.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the mobile home.  They attacked the fire offensively by entering through the front door and they were able to contain the damage to a small area in the bedroom/office. The fire was under control in approximately 5 minutes.  

The Northshore Fire Marshal discovered that the homeowner had left a lit candle on a table when she took a nap.  The fire was determined to be accidental and the estimated fire damage is $5,000.00.  There were no firefighter or civilian injuries.

In 2011, the Northshore Fire Department completed a community risk reduction program in the mobile home parks located in the fire district.  Fire department staff and volunteers went door-to-door installing new smoke alarms where needed and ensuring that all existing smoke alarms were operating properly.

Test your smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and install new smoke alarms every ten years.  This homeowner owes her life to having a working smoke alarm.





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Head-on traffic accident in Kenmore Monday morning

Monday, May 7, 2012


The Northshore Fire Department was dispatched to a two car head-on traffic accident at the 7500 block of NE Bothell Way in Kenmore at 10:33am on Monday, May 7, 2012.

Witnesses stated that a vehicle travelling eastbound on Bothell Way crossed the centerline and struck a westbound vehicle head-on.  Fire personnel used extrication tools to remove occupants from the two vehicles.  One occupant was in critical condition and transported to Harborview Hospital.  Another occupant was in serious condition and transported to Evergreen Hospital.  

Two other vehicles were involved but no additional injuries were reported.

The King County Major Accident Response and Reconstruction (MARR) unit responded to the scene and their investigation blocked all westbound lanes of traffic on Bothell Way at the 7500 block for approximately 3 hours.

The Northshore firefighters were assisted by personnel from Shoreline and Bothell Fire Departments.



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Northshore Fire receives State Farm grant

Monday, January 9, 2012

The Northshore Fire Department received a grant for $5,876 from State Farm Insurance to fund an elementary school safety program in Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. 

The grant will provide essential funds for the 2012-2013 school year. Over the last five years fire and life safety information has been presented to nearly 8,000 students. 

The Northshore and Shoreline School Districts have provided strong support for this program from the beginning.

The fire department visits each kindergarten, first, third and sixth grade classrooms in all five elementary schools in Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. The students are provided with age appropriate information on a wide variety of fire and life safety topics. They also receive a folder filled with valuable information for themselves and their families. 

“Most home fires are caused by the actions of people living in the home,” said Fire Marshal Jeff LaFlam, “Our goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of home fires by educating these kids and their families about fire safety.”

State Farm Insurance, a national leader in the support of home safety, has generously funded this program since its inception in 2007.



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Kenmore resident donates new defibrillator to Northshore Fire

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Margaret Harmon, center, donated a defibrillator to Northshore Fire

On November 23, 2011, the Northshore Fire Department received a new automatic external defibrillator (AED). The new AED was provided to the fire department as a donation from Kenmore resident, Margaret Harmon. 

Ms. Harmon recently retired from Physio Control in Redmond after working there for 30 years. Physio Control is a manufacturer of defibrillator units and has a program that provides a new AED to retiring employees to donate to the agency or charity of their choice.

AED’s are used to provide an electrical shock to the heart, typically following a heart attack or similar event in order to re-establish a normal heart rhythm. The unit will be placed in the new headquarters fire station in Kenmore, located at 7220 NE 181st Street. 

“We have citizens come in periodically with heart related problems”, said Deputy Chief Jim Torpin, “This will provide us immediate access to life saving technology right in the lobby of the fire station”.

The Northshore Fire Department and the citizens that it serves are very fortunate and eternally grateful to Ms. Harmon and Physio Control for this generous donation.


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Northshore Fire Commissioners election night results

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

On election night, November 8, 2011, challenger Eric Adman is leading incumbent Don Ellis for a Commissioner position in the Northshore Fire District (King County District #16).

With 26.7% of the votes counted, Adman holds a lead of 458 votes.


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Northshore Fire Receives National Award for Station Design

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New fire station.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.

Fire Chief magazine announced that the Northshore Fire Department’s new headquarters fire station located at 7220 NE 181st Street in Kenmore received the bronze award in their 11th annual Station Style Fire Station Design Awards. The program recognizes outstanding architecture and design from fire departments nationwide. This year there were 37 applicants in the “career” category, 

“This is a very competitive process”, said Janet Wilmoth Editorial Director of Fire Chief magazine, “you should be very proud to be in the top three of this category.” 

The competition was judged by a panel that included four fire chiefs, one firefighter/architect and three architects. The design of the Northshore station was led by Brian Harris and Forest Hooker from TCA Architecture and Planning with input from department employees and the building construction committee.

Training tower.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.

The station is located on a 2.5 acre site that includes a 55-foot high, 5-level training tower. The main building houses five main components; Public Meeting Area, Administration, Training, Fire Prevention and Emergency Response Operations. The design allows the autonomy of each area while facilitating easy interface between them. The project employed a high-performance building approach with high-efficiency systems, natural lighting, and a selection of sustainable yet durable finishes. Art work is incorporated into the lobby which is open to the public and provides access to a large community meeting space and department services. With emergency response prioritized, the design successfully bridges the complex programmatic requirements of the department with the needs of the community.

The project required years of planning and design work before a shovel of dirt was turned on the nearly two years of construction.
“We are fortunate to have a very supportive community,” said Fire Chief Tom Weathers, “this building was designed to support life safety and emergency response services and to serve as a hub of the community for decades to come.” 

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Northshore Fire Department serves over 1,000 at Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Commissioners Ron Gehrke, Dave Maehrern and Jim Harvey, Firefighters Local #2459 President
flip pancakes at the Northshore Fire Department Open House. Photo by Terri Jones.

The Northshore Fire Department hosted an Open House and Pancake Breakfast on October 15, 2011 to celebrate the new headquarters fire station located at 7220 NE 181st Street. 

A thousand people toured the station and ate pancakes.
Photo by Terri Jones.
The Fire Chief, Fire Commissioners, Fire Marshal and firefighters flipped pancakes for over 1,000 people. The long awaited Open House included self-guided tours of the new station.

The new station.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.
Northshore Fire training tower. Photo by Jerry Pickard.

“This is a beautiful building. I live across the street and have watched the station being built from the ground up,” said Tim Crabtree. “We enjoy watching the firefighters train at the drill tower,” said Tim’s wife, Lynne.

City of Lake Forest Park table.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.
The crowd took advantage of information available at booths from the Cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park, the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), and Evergreen Health Care. 

A child listens to a 911 simulation.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.

State Farm Insurance brought their interactive 911 simulator so kids could practice calling 911.


Towne Centre Hardware sold fire related goods.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.

Lake Forest Park Towne Centre Ace Hardware sold carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

Kitchen fire training area.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.
The event wouldn’t have been possible without volunteers from the Firefighters Local #2459, the Inglemoor High School Key Club and the Northshore Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).



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Stay Safe on Halloween

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Halloween is a fun and festive time of the year. The Northshore Fire Department wants it to be a safe one as well, and offers the following safety tips.

COSTUMES:

Costumes should be bright, reflective, and short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Make sure that shoes fit well.  Consider non-toxic makeup as safer alternative to masks since masks can limit or block eyesight. Decorative hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.  Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL
  • Children should trick or treat in their own neighborhood on well lit streets and be accompanied by their parents or other responsible adults.
  • For older children going alone, plan and review the route, and agree on a specific time for returning home.
  • Supply flashlights for all children and their escorts.
  • Only visit homes that have the porch light or Halloween lights on. Don’t accept treats from people in vehicles, or get into anyone’s car.
  • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
  • Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
    • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
    • Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
    • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
    • Remain on well-lit streets. Always walk on the sidewalk and cross streets at cross-intersections. Never cross between parked cars. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
    • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!

HOME SAFE HOME:

Make sure the porch and other outdoor lights work and replace burned-out bulbs.Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treaters.  

Inspect all treats for any kind of tampering before eating, and do not eat treats that have open wrappers. Call the police and report any suspicious treats.


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It’s Fire Prevention Week. “Protect Your Family from Fire!”

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

From the Northshore Fire Department

What’s the best way to protect your family from fire? Be ahead of the game, of course. With more than 360,000 home fires reported in the United States in 2009, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), your best defense is a good offense. 

That’s why the Northshore Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA October 9-15, 2011, to let our community know: “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” This year’s campaign focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires -- cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials. Additionally, it urges people to protect their homes and families with life-saving technology and planning.

In 2009, 2,565 people died in home fires. Nearly all of these deaths could have been prevented by taking a few simple precautions like having working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan. Fire is a dangerous opponent, but by anticipating the hazards, you are much less likely to be one of the nearly 13,000 people injured in home fires each year.

The Northshore Fire Department offers the following tips for protecting your home and family from fire:
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
  • Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
  • Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
  • If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.
  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

“Preventing home fires is always our number one priority, but that is not always possible,” Community Educator Terri Jones states, “Residents need to provide the best protection to keep their homes and families safe in the event of a fire. This can be achieved by developing an escape plan which you practice regularly and equipping homes with life-saving technologies like smoke alarms and home fire sprinklers.”

The following tips will help keep your family safe if there is a fire in your home:
  1. Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).
  2. Interconnect all smoke alarms in the home so when one sounds, they all sound.
  3. Test smoke alarms at least monthly and replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond when tested.
  4. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to respond if the smoke alarm sounds.
  5. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible ways out. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
  6. If you are building or remodeling your home, consider installing home fire sprinklers.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week visit NFPA’s website. Information about fire sprinklers can be found here 


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Northshore Fire Department honors firefighters for 30 years service

Monday, August 22, 2011

Battalion Chief Douglas Knight
The Northshore Fire Department is honoring two of its firefighters for "30 years of outstanding service to the Department and community."

Douglas Knight, a graduate of Bothell High School, began his career with the Northshore Fire Department in 1972 as a volunteer and was hired full time in 1981. 

Knight was promoted to Lieutenant in 1984 and has served in various officer ranks until being promoted to Battalion Chief in 2001. 

For many years, Knight oversaw the fleet program that included maintaining the emergency apparatus and developing specifications for new equipment purchases.

Firefighter Tim Wooldridge
Tim Wooldridge grew up in Kenmore and graduated from Inglemoor High School. 

Wooldridge, whose father started his volunteer service with the department in 1958, chose to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in the fire service. 

Wooldridge started as a volunteer with the department in 1979, and was hired full time in 1981.

"It is a privilege to recognize these two employees for their dedication and valuable contribution to the Department and the community."



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Lake Forest Park structure fire

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

On August 15, 2011 at 7:39 pm, the Northshore Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in a detached garage in the 3000 block of NE 181 Street. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from a three car garage. The fire was quickly extinguished and was contained to the garage.

The homeowner, who was outside, heard popping sounds coming from the garage, saw the fire, and called 911. There were no civilian and firefighter injuries. Damage to the building and contents is estimated at $60,000.

The King County Fire Investigator determined the fire was caused by improper wiring.

The Northshore Fire Department recommends using qualified electricians for all wiring and other electrical needs around your home and business. In addition, extension cords should be in good condition and only be for temporary uses.



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Carelessly discarded cigarette starts fire at LFP apartment building

Thursday, July 28, 2011

From the Northshore Fire Department

LAKE FOREST PARK - At 3:23 a.m. Thursday, July 28, the Northshore Fire Department responded to the report of a fire in a multi-family structure in the 14800 block of Bothell Way NE. Upon arrival, firefighters observed occupants evacuating the building as a result of a pulled fire alarm box. Adjacent to the main entry, firefighters observed smoke emitting from an exterior wall. Firefighters opened the wall and extinguished the fire. All occupants evacuated safely, and there were no firefighter injuries.

A King County Fire Investigator determined the cause to be a discarded cigarette in the planter area near the wall, which ignited a small bark fire that extended to the exterior wall. Fire damage was limited to the exterior wall.

Carelessly discarded cigarettes, cigars, matches or other burning objects may cause fires that have the potential to create serious life-threatening situations. The Northshore Fire Department advises that if you smoke in or outside your residence use sturdy ashtrays. Discard cigarette butts, matches and other smoking materials in metal containers filled with dirt, sand or water to insure that they won’t start a fire. Another way to help reduce the risk of fire is by rinsing a cigarette butt or spent match with water before discarding.


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Northshore Fire - new station opens in Kenmore

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The station number lights up at night on the new Kenmore fire station.  Photo by Jerry Pickard.

Firefighters were still unpacking boxes when ShorelineAreaNews photographer Jerry Pickard took these photos of the new station.


Photo by Jerry Pickard.

Construction took two years, but NSFD spokesperson Terri Jones says that "the result is a station that serves many organizational needs as well as facilitates prompt response to emergencies."

Photo by Jerry Pickard.

The station has public meeting areas and art pieces created by Seattle artist Gloria Bornstein. The Emergency Operations Center can serve both local and regional needs.

Photo by Jerry Pickard.

Firefighters are delighted with the large engine bays, which give crews space to move around without interfering with each other.

Training tower photo by Jerry Pickard.

The state of the art training tower includes a live fire burn prop.

An Open House will be scheduled for the public later in the year.


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Kenmore structure fire determined accidental

Friday, July 1, 2011

On June 25, 2011, at 10:15 p.m., the Northshore Fire Department responded to the report of a fire above the garage of a single-family residence in the 15000 block of 86th Avenue NE. 

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the homeowner had attempted to extinguish the fire using a garden hose. The fire extended into the attic space above the garage requiring firefighters to gain access by cutting a hole in the roof and the side of the house to extinguish the fire. Damage to the home is moderate.

The King County Fire Investigator determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, due to a recently installed low voltage exterior lighting system. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

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Structure Fire in Lake Forest Park Catches House Next Door on Fire

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

LAKE FOREST PARK, WA - At 9:55 p.m. on Monday, June 20th, the Northshore Fire Department was dispatched to reports of two houses on fire in the 18600 block of 22nd Place NE. A second alarm was requested as firefighters were in route. 

Upon arrival, firefighters reported that the garage of a two-story home, and a car parked in front of the garage were fully involved. Explosions were coming from the car parked outside, and from the car inside the garage. The fire broke through a side garage window, and the radiant heat from the fire ignited the house next door, sending flames up the side of the house and into the roof eaves; firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. The fully involved garage and car fire were knocked down in approximately 20 minutes. Firefighters were on scene for 4½ hours.

The home’s smoke alarm had activated. The occupants of both homes safely evacuated, and all occupants and pets were uninjured. There were no reported firefighter injuries.

The fire severely damaged the garage, extended into the attic and caused smoke damage throughout the house. The neighboring home sustained exterior fire damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the King County Fire Investigation Unit.

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Structure Fire in Kenmore caused by improperly disposed wood refinishing rags

KENMORE - At 9:43 p.m. on Saturday, June 18th, the Northshore Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 8400 block of NE Bothell Way. Firefighters discovered large amounts of dark smoke coming from an open door of a two-story, single-family residence. A small fire in the garage was located and quickly extinguished.

The occupant discovered the fire, safely evacuated and called 911. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire damage was limited to the garage with smoke damage throughout the structure.

A King County Fire Investigator determined the cause as accidental due to the improper disposal of oily refinishing rags. The rags burst into flames as a result of spontaneous combustion, a slow process that can take several hours of decomposition/oxidation with heat building up to a point of ignition.

It is important to follow directions and handle rags contaminated with wood finishing products carefully. Placement of the rags in a container of water after use is a recommended practice to avoid spontaneous ignition.

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Northshore Fire Department launches interactive educational tool to teach children fire safety and emergency preparedness

Saturday, June 18, 2011

From left: Kelly Hill, Fireman’s Fund Insurance; Tom Weathers, Fire Chief;
Carl Lovsted and Dean Young, Lovsted-Worthington Insurance.

The Northshore Fire Department, with the benefit of a $5,524 grant from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and Lovsted-Worthington Insurance, purchased an interactive educational game to teach children about fire safety and emergency preparedness. 

At a June 10th media event, Kenmore Elementary 4th graders demonstrated the interactive game using Audience Response Pads, a device that records and tabulates their responses to the questions. Whether a question is answered correctly or incorrectly, the player is shown a summary for the correct answer that reinforces what they learned. When using the Audience Response Pads, the software has the ability to quantify the number of children who participate in the challenges and the percentage of correct answers for each question. This is a valuable evaluation tool that helps the department improve their public fire education programs and messaging to the public.

The software includes four different interactive game formats that allows for the variation of skill and knowledge level for the subject matter being taught. The game’s question and answer format is a great tool for educating adults as well on topics such as residential fire sprinklers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, seasonal safety and much more. Other applications for the software are for in-house and public training programs. 

The interactive program will also be available on the Northshore Fire Department’s website providing the ability to reach a wider audience.

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