Lead the parade
Help NKF&R firefighters support Kingston’s Fourth of July Celebration by making your donation to that cause through us. For every dollar donated, you’ll get a chance to win either a deluxe Fourth of July Parade package, or one of our famous birthday parties.
The parade package includes reserved parking for one car and special seating for four at a prime location in downtown Kingston, two seats aboard our flagship fire engine as it leads the parade, and refreshments.
This is an opportunity to enjoy our local celebration in style. We donate a limited number of our birthday parties to local charity auctions where these sought-after packages often sell for more than $500 each. Included are invitations, fire-themed decorations, party helmets, fire-themed treat bags, firefighter games, cake, ice cream and — for the birthday girl or boy — a ride in the fire engine.
Make your donation at our headquarters fire station during regular business hours, or call me at 360-297-3619 to make alternate arrangements for your tickets. You’ll be entered into the drawing which will be held at 5 p.m. on July 3 at Tiny Town.
Smoke alarm blitz
On-duty crews teamed up with off-duty firefighters and volunteered their time and building management skills to install new smoke alarms and provide fire safety education to occupants of the 40 units of Kingston’s Colonial Heights Apartments in June. The smoke alarms were provided through a federal grant won by the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association that has resulted in nearly 3,000 new smoke alarms installed in nearly 1,000 homes around the region.
NKF&R’s firefighters have been willing to invest their time on the project because they know that, second only to sprinkler systems, working smoke alarms are the best way to save lives from fire. Make sure you have enough alarms to protect you and your family. There should be at least one on every level of the home, at least one outside every sleeping area and one in every bedroom. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, they’re no longer reliable and should be replaced. We can help at your home, too. Call us to schedule an appointment for your smoke alarm installation.
Hansville BBQ
Once again, NKF&R personnel had a great time cooking and serving lunch for the Hansville neighbors. And thanks to the generosity of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2819, who purchased the burgers and buns. More than 40 folks enjoyed the firefighters’ grill skills as well as a fascinating presentation on the Oso landslide. We hope to cook again for this group in October. Meanwhile, firefighters are looking forward to hosting more neighborhood BBQs later in the summer. Watch this space for a schedule in the August edition!
Cooking fires on the rise in the north end
Kitchen fires are on the rise around Kitsap County, with local departments responding to as many as 10 such incidents during the past month alone. Most of the incidents occurred when people left the room while cooking atop the stove.
To prevent similar incidents, remain in the kitchen when cooking. Store other combustible items away from the stove. Wear tight-fitting clothing to avoid catching a sleeve on fire. And, keep a lid handy — in cooking fires, it works much better than baking soda or, even, a fire extinguisher. If fire breaks out, simply place the lid atop the pan to quickly squelch the flames.
Seat check
Make sure your kids are riding as safely as possible by attending the monthly child car seat check at our headquarters fire station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston. It’s the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
