SEATTLE, Wash. – Seattle Firefighters were dispatched to a well-involved fire at a local Marina located in the 1300 block of SW Spokane Street on Friday night at 2127 hours PST.
This incident was designated as “Spokane Command” by the Incident Commander.
The fire broke out from an unknown cause at the Jim Clark Marina located near Harbor Island in West Seattle with crews emptying out several Seattle fire stations.
Units dispatched were:
- Medical: Aid10, Aid14, Medic1.
- Battalion Chiefs: 5, 7.
- Command Staff: Deputy1, Safety2, Staff 10.
- Engine Companies: 10, 13, 27, 29, 32, 36, 5, 8, 30, 11.
- Marine Group: Fire Boats 4 and 5. Patrol 4 (Seattle PD), Marine 1, Rescue1.
- Ladder Trucks: L1, 3, 11.
- FIU: Marshal5.
- Firefighter REHAB: REHAB1 (Ladder 27, Seattle Fire Buff volunteers).
Fire operations included limited access, so firefighters were being shuttled around by both Seattle Fire Boats to access points on the dock. Due to the severity of the fire, the IC was concerned with putting too much weight on the docks and quickly pulled crews off. He also did not want them going too deep into boathouses, docks and boats putting themselves in harm’s way.
First due units reported that the fire was on a dock and heading towards the marina. Units found limited access and fire boats were being used as primary firefighting suppression resources.
Video Credit | Bryan Vlok (used with written permission)
Fire Boat 4 came around the water side through a railroad trestle (bridge goes over the water) and to the fire scene. Due to limited access by firefighters on the shore side, FB4 and crew were tasked with primary fire suppression activities. A masterstream was used at that moment to put water on the fire.
Eventually, when they were done – they were sent around to another side of the fire. Later, when firefighters were pulled off the dock – FB4 and crew stopped the masterstream and used handlines.
At the end of the fire incident they used their masterstream again but this time for a foam blanket over the fire damaged areas.
The train trestle that goes over the water was secured for crews to lay hose down to extend near the marina. This worked in their favor.
Units would soon be released from the scene, while a few remained to address the spot fires.
All-in-all, it was estimated at a loss of 1 boat (east side of fire) and 12 boats (including a houseboat and boathouse) on the west side. It was reported that a boat appeared to be drifting, eventually sank completely under water.
Though a foam blanket was being applied to the fire ravaged scene, some may be conducting “fire watch” throughout the night until they are relieved by other crews.
Fire History at this Marina
There was one previous fire that broke out at this marina on December 29, 2015 from an unknown cause, which burned two boats and damaged two more.
(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 2350 hours PST
