Fire Safety Tips for Floating Homes' Docks

December 2025 - We all love the charm of our floating home community, but unique living arrangements require unique safety measures. Recently, Captain Brian E. Boulay of Seattle Fire Department Engine Company 22—which serves Eastlake and Portage Bay—visited our dock to provide a safety consultation.

Captain Boulay shared critical advice on how we can help first responders help us during a fire or medical emergency. These are practical steps that every dock around the lake should implement immediately.

PART 1: Making the Dock Safe (For Dock Reps & Boards)

• Install "Dock Length" Signage: Every dock should have a red sign (approximately 9" x 12") prominently placed at the street-side entrance. This sign must state the total length of the dock in feet.

  • Why? This allows the engine crew to immediately calculate exactly how much hose to pull from the truck to reach the furthest home. Guessing takes time they don't have.

• Ensure Non-Slip Surfaces: Seattle rain makes wooden docks incredibly slippery. It is vital to have non-slip material on all stairs and main dock pathways—whether that is outdoor carpet, grit strips, or traction mats.

  • Why? Firefighters move fast while carrying very heavy equipment. A slip-and-fall on a slick dock can injure a first responder and delay critical help getting to your home.

• Provide Gate Access Codes: Ensure your local fire station has the current access code to your dock's security gate.

  • Why? In an emergency, seconds count. If they do not have the code, they will forcibly breach the gate to get in, causing costly damage to the entry.

• Clear the Decks (Limit Decor): We all love our potted plants and dock decor, but we must ensure there is a wide, clear path for travel. Avoid narrowing walkways with heavy shrubs or large pots.

  • Why? Firefighters wear bulky "turnout" gear and carry large medical and suppression equipment. They need unobstructed room to maneuver quickly without tripping or getting snagged.

• Mark Gas Shut-Offs: If your dock has gas lines, residents and dock reps need to know exactly where the main valves are located.

  • Why? In the event of a fire, shutting off the gas supply is often the first priority to prevent an explosion or fueling the flames.

• Verify Dock Stability and Flotation: Ensure your dock’s structure and flotation are sufficient to handle significant weight.

  • Why? A full response team can involve 12 firefighters plus their heavy equipment all standing on the dock at once. The dock must have enough buoyancy to support that concentrated load without listing or sinking.

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PART 2: Making Your Floating Home Safe (For Residents)

• Smoke Detectors are Mandatory: It goes without saying, but ensure you have working smoke detectors installed throughout the house, not just in one area. Check the batteries regularly.

• Strategic Fire Extinguisher Placement: Do not bury your fire extinguisher in a utility closet or under a sink where you have to move toward a fire to get it.

  • The Rule: Place extinguishers "in route to the exit." You want to be able to grab it while you are moving toward safety/the door.

• Close Doors to Contain Fire: If a fire breaks out and you must evacuate, shut the doors behind you as you leave specific rooms and the house itself.

  • Why? Closing doors cuts off the oxygen flow and can significantly slow the spread of the fire, giving the fire department more time to save your home.

• Clearly Visible House Numbers: Ensure your individual house number is clearly visible from the dock walkway.

  • Why? This is critical for medical emergencies. Paramedics need to identify the correct home instantly without running up and down the dock checking numbers.

A Note of Thanks A special thank you to Captain Boulay and the crew at Engine Company 22 for their service and for taking the time to help us keep our floating neighborhoods safe. Please take a moment to walk your dock and check your home this week to see how your setup measures up to these guidelines. For Seattle fire newsletters, click here.