F.A.Q.

Q: Does the fire department allow outdoor burning?
A: An agency called “Puget Sound Clean Air Agency” (PSCAA) 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. 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 or visit them on the web at www.pscleanair.org

Q: Does the fire department hold birthday parties or tours for kids at the stations?
A: We don’t hold parties at the stations, but you are welcome to schedule a station tour. To schedule a tour please call the Fire Administration Office at 425 354 1780.

Q: Does the fire department rescue cats from trees?
A: No, the fire department does not respond to these requests. The Northshore Fire Department exists to assist the public in the protection of life and property by minimizing the impact of fire and medical emergencies, and potential disasters. Because we understand that pets are very important to you we recommend you call the following for assistance or try the yellow pages under “tree service.”

PAWS www.paws.org
Humane Society www.hsus.org
Dan Kraus 425 806 3845

Q: What if I see a fire hydrant leaking? Is that something I should call the fire department to report?
A: No, the hydrants are maintained by the utilities maintenance water department. You can reach them during regular business hours at (425) 398-4400.

Q: My doctor told me that I can go to the fire station and get my blood pressure checked, is that true?
A: Yes, you can stop by any station, 7 days a week, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The stations have complimentary “blood pressure cards” to give you a record of your blood pressure checks.

Q: I have been contacted by a group asking for donations to the Washington Sate Council of Firefighters (WSCFF). I want to know if that money goes directly to the fire departments.
A: 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. The other portion 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 1-800-572-5762, or visit them online at www.wscff.org.

If you want to donate directly to the Northshore Fire Department, you may bring in your donation or mail it to our headquarters station at the location below:

7220 NE 181st ST
Kenmore, WA 98028

All monies collected from donations are placed in a fund that directly assists in the purchase of emergency medical supplies, or is used for public CPR supplies.

Q: How do I find out about signing up for CPR and First Aid Classes?
A: The fire department offers First Aid classes, private CPR classes, and adult CPR classes.

Adult CPR classes are offered the first Wednesday of every month at the main headquarters station starting at 6:30pm. The cost for the CPR class is $25  per person. Private classes are available for businesses for a fee. To schedule a private class or for fee information, contact the Fire Administration office.

First Aid classes are offered quarterly, please call the Fire Administration Office for dates and times.  The cost for the First Aid class is $25 per person. To register for any of our classes or to obtain further information, contact our Fire Administration office at 425 354 1780, or sign up on line.

Q: Is your training room available to the public?
A: The training room is available for nonprofit community- oriented functions at the discretion of the Fire Chief. To check availability please contact our Fire Administration Office at 425 354 1780.

Q: What communities does the Northshore Fire Department service?
A:The Northshore Fire Department services the communities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.

Q: Where can I get a building permit?
A: All building permits are obtained through your city’s building department.

Q: What is the difference between an Aid Unit, Medic Unit, and Ambulance?
A: Emergency medical services are delivered in a layered or tiered response. The first units to respond are fire engines or aid units staffed with firefighters/EMT’s from the fire stations. Depending on the nature of the emergency, 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 the 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 for transporting patients to facilities.

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.

Q: Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that does not work?
A: You can contact our Fire Prevention department at 425 354 1780 or check the Yellow Pages under fire extinguishers.

Q: How can I become a firefighter?
A: Northshore Fire Department is a partner in the Regional Fire Recruitment Consortium which currently contracts with the National Testing Network  to conduct the written and physical testing components. Detailed information can be obtained by viewing their web site at www.NationalTestingNetwork.com or by calling (425) 423-9922.

Q: Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
A: 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 so having the resource immediately available is an important factor in having a successful outcome for the emergency event. The philosophy of the department is to have our firefighters arrive at the location as soon as possible; therefore, we respond with 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.

Q: When are the Fire Board of Commissioner meetings conducted?
A: The Fire Board of Commissioners conduct regularly scheduled meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The meetings begin at 5:00pm and are held in the training room at the headquarters station at 7220 NE 181st Street in Kenmore.

Fireworks are banned in the cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. See our Fire Prevention Pages for more fireworks information.