The Edmonds Fire Department (EFD) was dispatched to 102 calls in and around Edmonds the week of Aug. 18-24, which brings this year’s call volume to 3,358. Medical crews evaluated 61 patients; fire crews responded to 41 incidents.
Emergency response takes priority
Two local agencies were disappointed Saturday morning, Aug. 23, when the Edmonds Fire Department did not show up as planned for their annual events. Stevens Hospital lacked the fire engine and aid unit it expected for its Healthy Families Community Event, and The Woodway Town Fair had no fire engine to lead the kid’s bike parade.
Unfortunately, a house fire on Aug. 23 thwarted all plans to participate in anything other than fire combat and medical aid.
The fire started in the basement of the 87-year-old structure and traveled fast to the first and second floors. Old-style construction methods did not include built-in horizontal fire stops now required by modern construction codes. Thirty-two firefighters aggressively fought the fire in the 214th block of 84th Avenue West, but extensive heat, smoke and burning floor supports forced the crews outside to take a defensive position.
Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion at Stevens Hospital and an occupant was evaluated for smoke inhalation.
EFD was on-scene for over 24 hours, keeping a constant fire watch and investigating the fire’s cause. The property was released back to the homeowner late Sunday afternoon; however the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Lynnwood Fire Department, South County Fire District 1, Edmonds Police Department, Edmonds Public Works Department, Support Seven and the American Red Cross provided additional assistance.
When EFD commits to participate in a community function, it is always with forewarning: responders are on-duty crews and may need to exit immediately. Fire and aid units are positioned to allow for unobstructed departure without delay.
The department acknowledges the understanding of Stevens Hospital and the Town of Woodway and — to the extent possible — plans to be on hand for their events next year.
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