What type of emergencies does the Seattle Fire Department respond to outside of fires?

The Seattle Fire Department responds to a wide range of emergencies beyond just fires. Among these, medical emergencies are a primary concern, as they play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance to individuals experiencing health crises, such as cardiac arrests, traumas, and other urgent medical conditions. Additionally, hazardous materials incidents are significant, as they require specialized training and equipment to manage dangerous substances that could pose threats to public safety. Rescue operations encompass various scenarios, including extrication from vehicle accidents, water rescues, and other situations where individuals may be trapped or in distress.

While animal control issues, natural disasters, and community service requests are areas of concern, they do not typically fall under the primary emergency response functions of the fire department. The focus for fire departments is to ensure that they are prepared to handle life-threatening situations and events that require immediate response to protect the health and safety of the community.