Flooding forces closure of SeaTac City Hall building Tuesday; council meetings canceled

SeaTac City Hall was closed to the public on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, following significant flooding caused by an activated fire sprinkler.

The flooding, which began around 5 p.m. on Monday, affected all three floors of the building.

The City said that the incident started when a fire sprinkler on the third floor activated, leading to the flooding of lobbies on each floor. The fire alarm system responded to the sprinkler activation, prompting SeaTac Police officers to evacuate the building. Puget Sound Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene.

Efforts by firefighters, police officers, and city facility staff managed to shut off the sprinkler system, but not before several inches of water spread through the first-floor lobby, courtroom, and City Council Chambers. The water also damaged the elevator and the fire alarm panel.

Currently, both the fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems are non-operational. City staff are maintaining a 24-hour fire watch until repairs are completed. Crews are actively working to repair the sprinkler system and fire alarm panel, while a cleanup and restoration company is on site with water extractors and drying equipment.

Due to the damage, City Hall staff are working from home until a full assessment can be made and a timeline for safely reopening can be established.

Tuesday night’s Council Study Session and Regular Council Meeting have been canceled.

• For Municipal Court customers, please contact the Court for direction.
• The SeaTac Police in-person customer service window will be closed but police services are still available. For police services, clink on this link.
• For those seeking permits, you can apply online at the following link.
• Tuesday night’s Council Study Session and Regular Council Meeting are cancelled.