Dangerous Buildings

Restoring dangerous buildings to safe and code compliant conditions is a top priority for the Seattle Fire Department.

There has been a surge of fires in vacant buildings in recent years. There were 77 fires in vacant buildings in 2021; 91 in 2022; and 130 in 2023. In 2023, fatalities occurred in three separate vacant building fires. Firefighters are at great risk when responding to fires in dangerous buildings. Communities and neighbors near dangerous buildings are also exposed to risk of a fire spreading from the dangerous building to their own property.

In 2024, the Seattle Mayor proposed emergency legislation that was adopted unanimously by the Seattle City Council, under leadership from the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, that provides the Fire Chief additional authority to take action to ensure that dangerous buildings are made safe or demolished. The City now has a new tool to protect neighbors, communities and firefighters. See also: Washington State Rating Bureau “Addressing the Exposure to Derelict Buildings”*

Report a problem with a vacant building in your neighborhood:

  • Make a property or building complaint about a vacant building (all complaints except if there is a fire-code specific violation): Make a Property or Building Complaint - SDCI | seattle.gov
  • Report drugs, trespassing or other illegal activity on property or a sidewalk outside of a building: call the Seattle Police Department at 9-1-1.
  • Report a violation of the fire code in a vacant building: request to open a Fire Code Complaint by contacting SFD_FMO_Reception@seattle.gov. Provide the address, a description of the fire code violation you believe you have observed, indicate if you would like to remain anonymous, and whether you would like to be contacted by our team.

Fire Department - Fire Prevention Division

Harold Scoggins, Fire Chief
Address: 220 3rd Ave S, 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: 220 3rd Ave S , Seattle, WA, 98104
Phone: (206) 386-1450
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The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has 33 fire stations located throughout the City. SFD deploys engine companies, ladder companies, and aid and medic units to mitigate loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters. The Department also has units for ...