North Kitsap Fire & Rescue News

Kids’ Day at the Fairgrounds

In its 21st year, this free event for the whole family will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 10 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and will include safety information for kids and families, firefighting demonstrations, live entertainment, car extrications, lots of fire engines, prizes, refreshments and great fun! 

Look out

for Burn Bans

As the weather warms up, the risk of wildland fires will increase. Improperly-extinguished or unattended outdoor fires are the leading cause of brush and forest fires so when sustained dry weather raises fire danger, local fire officials will temporarily ban the practice. Check to see if a burn ban is in effect by calling our automated Outdoor Burning Information Line at (360) 297-4888. Remember … all outdoor fires (even campfires) require a free permit which is available at any of our staffed fire stations.

Helmet and life jacket sale a success!

We marked the beginning of the summer recreation season with enthusiasm, fitting nearly 20 life jackets and 20 bike helmets in less than four hours May 13. The “Splash Into Safety” event was designed to celebrate National Safe Kids Week. Missed that opportunity to get custom-fit, low-cost helmets ($7) and life jackets ($12)?  No problem!  They’re always available by appointment at our Kingston headquarters station. Call us at (360) 297-3619 or e-mail to laboda@nkfr.org

Recruit Academy graduation

Nineteen recruits, students of Olympic College’s “Firefighters in Training” Program, will cap off their nine-week firefighting training academy during a ceremony at the Bremer Student Center on the Bremerton campus at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 3. The students will begin emergency medical technician training the following week and, after completing that course, will join one of the five sponsoring fire departments to gain “on the job” experience. All are volunteering their time in exchange for valuable training that will help them compete for career firefighter positions.

Leave fireworks to the professionals

This year, we’re once again urging citizens to celebrate a safer Fourth of July by enjoying public displays. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the toll exacted by private fireworks falls most heavily on children. In 2003, 9,300 people were treated in hospitals for fireworks-related injuries. Children comprised 45 percent of the victims, with those between 5 and 9 suffering the highest injury rate. Private fireworks are also responsible for a significant number of brush and structure fires every year. Once again, we’re putting our “money where our mouth is” on this issue. For every family that agrees to refrain from private fireworks purchase or use, our firefighters will donate $5 of their own money toward the Kingston public fireworks display. To participate, use the form that appears here, visit any of our staffed fire stations or go to our website at www.nkfr.org. Thank you for joining us in this effort to ensure a safer holiday for everyone.

Classes 

A First Aid class is offered 5:30-10:30 p.m. June 5 at Susie’s Daycare; Adult, Child and Infant CPR class 5:30-10:30 p.m. at NKF&R Headquarters station on Miller Bay Road.

Tuition for each class is $10 per person, and reservations are required. To sign up, e-mail to laboda@nkfr.org or call (360) 297-3619.

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