Marine Program - Leschi

About the Fireboat

The Leschi, built in 2007, is a 108-foot fireboat that can shoot 22,000 gallons of water per minute and travel at 14 knots. Features include a 55’ crane with a telescoping fire line and ladder, an infrared (thermal imaging) camera, and a medical treatment center. As a CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive) response vessel, the fireboat offers pressurized toxic-free areas with interlocked compartments that enable contaminated persons to enter from the outside, be decontaminated via shower and air, then enter the toxic free area.

Jensen Maritime Consultants, naval architects, designed the boat, and Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, WA built the vessel. Click here to view photos of construction.

In honor of the Chief of the Nisqually Tribe, the new vessel was named the Leschi. View Leschi fireboat naming ceremony photos.

Current Status

Docked on Elliott Bay at Fire Station 5, the Leschi has replaced the Chief Seattle as the City's primary saltwater firefighting vessel.

Milestones

• April 2007 - Dakota Creek Industries delivered the Leschi to Elliott Bay from Anacortes.
• February 2007 - Sea trials were completed.
• October 2006 - The boat was launched in mid-October.
• August 2006 - The boat modules were completely welded together, and the boat was assembled in the shipyard.
• May 2006 - The event announcing and blessing the name of the boat took place.
• December 2005 - Dakota Creek Industries was awarded a contract to build the boat.
• October 2005 - Design for the Leschi was completed.
• October 2004 - Jensen Maritime Consultants were selected as the naval architects.