The Seattle Fire Department has launched a large-scale internal disaster exercise running from September 21 through September 24 to evaluate city readiness for a catastrophic earthquake in the Puget Sound region.

The scenario simulates a major earthquake causing widespread infrastructure damage, building collapses, utility failures, and trapped victims across Seattle. Throughout the exercise, the department is evaluating its Incident Command System, field response tactics, Urban Search and Rescue capabilities, communications network, and coordination with regional emergency management agencies.

Members of the public can expect increased movement of fire apparatus, specialized rescue trucks, command vehicles, and emergency personnel around designated drill locations and training facilities. In addition, listeners monitoring public fire radio feeds or emergency scanners may hear intense reports concerning structural collapses, mass casualties, hazardous material spills, or trapped individuals. Officials stress that these broadcasts are strictly simulation reports for the drill.

In the event of a genuine disaster, official emergency alerts and citywide notifications will be distributed through AlertSeattle and official Seattle Fire Department social media channels