Seattle Fire Department to Conduct Live-Fire Training in Northgate on November 17 and 19

Residents of Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood may notice smoke coming from a vacant residential building next week as the Seattle Fire Department conducts live-fire training exercises.

The training is scheduled for November 17 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at a vacant residential complex on 1st Avenue NE, between NE Northgate Way and NE 112th Street.

The exercises are designed to give new firefighters practical experience responding to realistic fire situations under controlled conditions, working alongside experienced officers and training personnel.

According to the Seattle Fire Department, crews will conduct four to six training exercises throughout each day. Each exercise is expected to last approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Residents can expect to see smoke coming from the building during the controlled burns.

Fire officials emphasize that the structure has been prepared specifically for training. Carpets, plastics and toxic synthetic materials have been removed, and required asbestos abatement has been completed. Only controlled wood fires will be used, with safety personnel supervising the exercises.

The training will follow regulations established by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Officials say the smoke produced during the exercises is comparable to smoke from a residential fireplace. Much of the visible emissions after the fires are extinguished will be steam.

Possible temporary water discoloration

The use of nearby fire hydrants may stir up sediment in water pipes, potentially causing tap water in the surrounding area to appear discolored.

If this happens, residents should run cold water for approximately three minutes. Avoid using hot water. If the discoloration does not disappear, wait one to two hours before checking again using a bathtub or shower faucet.

The water typically clears on its own within two to eight hours. If the problem persists, residents should contact Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800.

Residents are welcome to watch

Community members are welcome to observe the training from a safe location. Live-fire exercises generally begin around 9 a.m. and continue until approximately 3 p.m., with a break from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fire department personnel will also be present before and after the exercises for preparation and cleanup.

The Seattle Fire Department thanks Northgate residents for their patience and understanding while firefighters complete this important training.

For additional information, residents can contact the department’s public information office at sfdpio@seattle.gov.