Public Health

Health

On-duty medic and fire units now staff Seattle sporting events and concerts, leaving coverage gaps

A KUOW investigation found that the Seattle Fire Department diverted on-duty staff to work special events 147 times between November 2023 and November 2024, leaving fewer units to respond to emergencies citywide.

Health

King County gives away lockboxes to keep guns from being stolen, accidentally fired

King County public health officials hope homes in the area will be a little safer after the county gave away thousands of firearm lockboxes.

The grim reason fentanyl deaths are falling in King County

Fatal fentanyl overdoses may have reached a peak in Washington state. But that's not all good news.

Environment

Five more Seattle libraries to become extreme-heat refuges

Cold cash from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping Seattle cool its libraries.

Health

A Seattle hot dog with everything — but not all the permits

Mobile food are popping up at more Seattle parks and beaches this summer - but many aren’t supposed to be open.

Environment

Bremerton treats Kitsap Lake to tackle toxic algae

Ever heard of lanthanum? The city of Bremerton plans to use a powdered form of lanthanum to lower levels of phosphorus in the city’s only lake, Kitsap Lake.

Health

E-bike fires are sparking trouble in Seattle. Here's how to use them safely

Seattle’s streets have become home to hundreds of electronic bikes and scooters in recent years, with a growing number of commuters and hobbyists relying on them to get around. As usage of these lithium-ion battery powered devices grows, so has the number of fires in connection with them. That’s prompted the Seattle Fire Department to urge caution when using and storing the devices.

Health

E-bike head trauma soars as helmet use falls, study finds

A new study shows that nearly 8,000 e-bike riders sought hospital care for head injuries in 2022. It's a huge increase and the majority of the injured riders were not wearing helmets.

Health

Syphilis cases are 'skyrocketing' in King County. Who’s most at risk?

Recently released data from the CDC shows syphilis cases are at a 74-year high in the United States. The surge in infections has Public Health – Seattle and King County concerned about the rising local epidemic.