"Does the Fire Department allow outdoor burning?"
An agency called "Puget Sound Clean Air Agency" (PSCAA) www.pscleanair.org regulates indoor and outdoor burning in the urban areas of King County. The Northshore Fire Department works closely with PSCAA to help enforce outdoor burning regulations. Outside of a PSCAA regulated burn ban, a small "cook fire" (for the preparation of food only, and no larger than 4 feet in diameter) is allowed as long as it is 30 feet from any building. The burning of yard debris, construction materials, or trash is not allowed at any time. For more information on indoor and outdoor burning restrictions, call PSCAA at (206) 343-8800.

"Does the Fire Department hold birthday parties for kids at the Stations?"
We don't hold parties at the stations, but you are welcome to schedule a tour at any one of our two fire stations. Call the Fire Administration Office at (425) 486-2784 to help determine which station you would like to tour and they can transfer you to the station for scheduling.

"What if I see a fire hydrant leaking? Is that something that I should call the Fire Department for?"
No, although the Fire Department uses them, they are maintained by the Utilities Maintenance, Water Department. The phone number that you should call is Northshore Utility 425-398-4400 www.nud.net during regular business hours.

"My doctor told me that I can go to the Fire Station and get my blood pressure checked, is that true?"
Yes, you can stop by any station, 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The stations have "blood pressure cards" that they can record your personal information on so that you can keep track of how your blood pressure is behaving, and it's also good information to share with your personal physician. This is a free customer service.

"I've been contacted by a group asking for donations to the Washington State Council of Firefighters (WSCFF). I want to know if that money goes directly to the Fire Departments?"
No, the money does not directly benefit the Fire District. Part of that money is used for lobbying issues in Olympia on behalf of Firefighters and their safety issues, and the other part of the money is paid to the company who does the soliciting on behalf of the WSCFF. If you have any complaints or would like more information, you may contact the WSCFF directly at 1-800-923-3473 OR 1-800-572-5762, or log onto their web site at www.wscff.org.

If you want to donate directly to the Northshore Fire Department, you may donate directly at our headquarters station located at 18030 73rd Ave. NE Kenmore, or you can send a donation to:

Northshore Fire Department 18030 73rd Ave. NE Kenmore, WA 98028.

"How do I find out about signing up for CPR and First Aid classes offered by the Fire Department?"
The Fire Department does offer First Aid classes and Adult Heartsaver CPR classes. Adult Heartsaver CPR is offered on the first Wednesday of each month. Child/Infant CPR is offered when we have enough requests for a full class. The CPR classes are free for residents of the district ( Kenmore and Lake Forest Park) and class time is from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Out of district participants have a fee of $25.00. The classes are located at the Headquarters Station, in Kenmore, in the Training room. The Northshore Fire Department also conducts CPR classes for businesses, fee required.  Payment is required at the time of the class, check only. To sign up for a class, please call Fire Administration at (425) 486-2784.

First Aid Classes are offered at the Headquarters station and is usually scheduled quarterly. The fee is $14.00 for residents in the district and $25.00 for people who live out of the district. This fee covers your materials for the class.  First Aid classes are scheduled when there are enough people signed up to make a full class. First Aid classes are generally held on a Saturday from 9am - 1pm. Payment is due by check, at the time of the class. To sign up for a class, please call Fire Administration at (425) 486-2784.

"If I need help from someone to change the batteries in my smoke detector, who should I call?"
The Northshore Fire Department has smoke detectors and batteries available for citizens of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park who are unable to afford smoke detectors or are unable to obtain one for any reason. Firefighters will come to your home and install the smoke detector for the individual, and will also provide batteries if the smoke detector is non-functional because of dead batteries. Remember: Smoke detectors must be maintained to work properly! Batteries should be checked once a month and replaced every year, and smoke detectors should be vacuumed regularly to remove dust and debris, which could cause the smoke detector to false alarm or not go off at all. If you have had your smoke detectors for more than ten years it is time to replace them. Smoke detectors don't last forever! If you have questions about smoke detector maintenance, call the Fire Prevention Officer at 425-486-2784.

"Are your class rooms available to the public?"
The Northshore Fire Department Training Room is available for limited public use. Please contact Administration for the application to use the room at 425-486-2784.

"Does the Northshore Fire Department service Lake Forest Park?"
The Northshore Fire Department serves the communities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.

"Where can I get a building permit?"
Contact your city's building department.

"What is the difference between an Aid Unit vs. Medic Unit vs. Ambulance?"
Emergency medical services are delivered in a layered or tiered response. The first units to respond are fire engines, or aid units staffed with firefighter/EMT's from the fire stations. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the paramedics (Shoreline Fire Medic One Unit staffed with firefighter/paramedics) are either requested by the fire apparatus/aid unit, or are dispatched at the same time. Medic Units, with paramedics, perform Advanced Life Support (ALS), in addition to Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency medicine that the firefighters provide. ALS includes physician level procedures such as endotrachial intubation, intravenous fluid and drug therapy, cardiac defibrillation and advanced emergency trauma treatment.

The Northshore Fire Department does not transport the sick and injured to local hospitals, we utilize private ambulances (American Medical Response - AMR, and Rural Metro) for transporting patients to facilities. These are not fire department resources, but private companies.

On some occasions our units will transport based on availability of the Ambulances or severity of the injuries. By maintaining our personnel and apparatus in our community, it allows for fire department resources to be available for other fire/medical emergencies.

"Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?"
Call Fire Prevention at (425) 486-2784 or check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers.

"How can I become a firefighter?"
Northshore Fire Department is a partner in the Regional Fire Recruitment Consortium and this consortium currently contracts with PublicSafetyTesting.com to conduct the written and physical testing components. Detailed information can be obtained by viewing their website or by calling toll-free 1-866-HIRE-911. www.publicsafetytesting.com

"Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?"
Fire Department units are dispatched according to the information provided to the 9-1-1 emergency dispatcher. Northshore Fire Department has developed response plans based upon the resources that could be necessary for each type of event. Although not every resource is used on every alarm, the potential for use remains high and thus having the resource immediately available is an important factor in having a successful outcome for the emergency event. Our department's philosophy is to have our firefighters arrive at the location as soon as possible. Therefore, we respond the closest unit(s) available. The first arriving vehicle may be an engine, an aid car, a rescue truck or a command staff vehicle. The first arriving crew will set up a plan of action and communicate this plan to any other responding units.

Although the arrival of multiple fire department vehicles for a "simple" incident may seem excessive, we must be prepared for the worst. Assuming the call is "simple" can have devastating results if that is not the case. The bottom line is, by responding the appropriate resources based upon the potential need, the citizens who need assistance will be better served in their time of need.

"When are the Fire Board of Commissioner meetings conducted?"
The Fire Board of Commissioners conduct regularly scheduled meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held in the training room at the headquarters fire station (#51) in Kenmore (18030 73rd Ave. NE).

FIREWORKS FAQ's

I live in Kenmore. What are the laws regarding fireworks?
The sale, possession, and discharge of all personal fireworks are banned in the city of Kenmore. Kenmore joins a growing number of cities in the State that ban the sale and discharge of fireworks.

I live in Lake Forest Park. What are the laws regarding fireworks?
The sale, possession, and discharge of all personal fireworks are banned in the city of Lake Forest Park. The city of Lake Forest Park banned the sale and discharge of fireworks in 1993.

What is the penalty if the fireworks ordinance is violated?
Any person in violation of Kenmore or Lake Forest Park's ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine if convicted.

What can I do about someone who sells or discharges fireworks within the city limits of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park?
Any complaints regarding possession, sales or discharge of illegal fireworks should be referred to your local police department. Fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported to the fire department by calling 9-1-1.

Is there any other information about fireworks that I should be aware of?
Parents/guardians should be aware that actions by children under the age of 18 are the legal responsibility of the parent/guardian. Misuse of fireworks causing death, injury, or property loss could incur civil liability.

What about pets and fireworks?
The Humane Society encourages pet owners to keep their pets indoors and make sure their animals have identification tags in case they run away. Pets may refuse to eat, become hyperactive, or run away from home because of the noise from fireworks.

What other cities in Washington State ban fireworks?
To see a list of these cities, go to http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/mediakit/law.htm.

Are there statistics available about the injuries and damages caused by fireworks?
For the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office 2004 Fireworks Statistical Report, go to http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/mediakit/04rpt.pdf.

Is there anywhere where I can legally discharge fireworks?
There are cities that allow restricted use of fireworks. It is important to check with the city in question regarding the specific restrictions relating to the possession, sale and discharge of fireworks. To view a list of these cities, go to http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/mediakit/law.htm.

Northshore Fire Departments offers the following FIREWORKS SAFETY GUIDELINES for jurisdictions where it is legal to use fireworks.

• Always have a responsible adult present.
• Do not alter or experiment with fireworks - treat them with respect!
• Read and follow label directions.
• Use only legal fireworks purchased from reliable retailers licensed by the State of Washington.
• Light fireworks only outdoors, away from buildings, houses, dry fields and wooded areas.
• Never use fireworks in a crowd or throw them at people, pets, or moving vehicles.
• Light one item at a time, move away quickly and keep a safe distance away.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hand!
• Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby - soak used fireworks and "duds" in water before discarding them. Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors. Be sure they have identification tags in case they run away.

"How do I report a fire hazard?"
If the hazard has an immediate threat to life or property, call 911. If the hazard is not an immediate threat, contact our administrative headquarters at (425) 486-2784 to report the situation.