Firefighters Rescue Two Window Washers in Bellevue
Crews used rope rescue and drones to bring two workers stranded on a high-rise's 39th floor back to the ground.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Emergency Response
Firefighters rescued two window washers stranded on the 39th floor of a downtown Bellevue high-rise on Friday evening. Both workers were brought to safety after technical rope rescue crews and drone operators worked in darkness and high winds.
Why it matters
The rescue highlights the specialized equipment and coordination required to reach workers hundreds of feet above ground in Bellevue's downtown core. Residents and drivers in the area also experienced traffic disruptions while the operation was underway.
The rescue was documented through a Bellevue Fire Department social media post issued around 5 p.m. Friday, with the workers positioned about 532 feet above ground. Details on the workers' injuries and the cause of the stranding were not provided.
The players
Bellevue Fire Department
The municipal fire agency responsible for emergency response in Bellevue, Washington, which led the technical rope rescue operation.
Redmond Fire Department
The fire agency serving the city of Redmond, Washington, which sent firefighters to assist in the Bellevue rescue.
Bellevue Police Department
The municipal police agency for Bellevue, Washington, which provided a drone to support the rescue effort.
The details
Technical rope rescue crews from Bellevue Fire Department and Redmond Fire Department firefighters worked alongside a drone provided by the Bellevue Police Department to reach the two window washers. Traffic in the area was redirected while the rescue unfolded in darkness and high winds.
Timeline
Friday evening: Two window washers rescued from the 39th floor of the building at 555 108th Ave NE.
Around 5 p.m. Friday: Bellevue Fire Department posted about the rescue on social media.
Seasonal Patterns
Rescues of exterior building workers at heights like this one depend on the same technical rope teams that respond to other vertical emergencies in the Puget Sound region. The operation shows how municipal fire departments in the Eastside area coordinate such responses across city lines.
Residents working at height or near downtown high-rises should follow posted site safety requirements and watch for emergency staging areas during active responses. Drivers near 108th Avenue NE should expect possible traffic redirections while crews operate.
The takeaway
Rescues like this one depend on coordinated teams and equipment that most people never see, so knowing the local emergency response routes can help during an incident. Staying clear of active rescue zones keeps both responders and the public safe.
Further reading
For more on how local crews handle incidents like this, see Emergency Response in Bellevue.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX13 News | Seattle & Western Washington | Formerly Q13 News.
