Thank you to the many folks out there who purchased our raffle tickets to benefit Kingston’s Fourth of July celebration.

The firefighters added a $500 donation to the proceeds from more than 400 chances and we were able to boost the fund by nearly $1,000. The first raffle winner was the McMullen Family of Kingston, who chose a birthday party at the fire station as their prize.

The second raffle winner was the Gallagher/Zapf Family, also of Kingston. We welcomed Taffy, Aaron, Finnegan and Indigo aboard our engine to lead the parade. Once we’d finished our ceremonial run down State Route 104, the family members took their seats on the patio at Nancy’s Green Garden where they watched the rest of the parade while enjoying a gourmet lunch.

Thanks also to Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce’s Linda Fyfe, Nancy Martin of Nancy’s Green Garden and Susan Rodgers of Cleo’s Landing for partnering with us on this very fun fundraiser.

Burning banned

An outdoor burn ban is in effect until at least Sept. 30. Under the ban, all outdoor burning permits are suspended and most outdoor fires are prohibited. Cooking fires in contained barbecue units as well as recreational fires are allowed and don’t require permits.

Recreational fires must be in a designated fire pit and more than 25 feet away from any structures. Only dry, seasoned wood or charcoal can be burned, and the fire can be no larger than three feet in diameter.

We remind everyone that no outdoor fires are ever allowed in county parks and may also be prohibited on some community beaches.

Getting carried away

Don’t get carried away by the strong currents at some area beaches. Earlier this summer, a Bainbridge Island teen had to be rescued off of Point No Point when the treacherous currents proved more powerful than his swimming abilities.

Lifesavers for loan

Life jacket loaners are now also available at the Port of Kingston marina, and we’re grateful to our partners at the port for making these vital safety devices available there.

Life jackets are also available to borrow or to own at the Paul T. Nichol Headquarters Fire Station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE near Kingston.

Seat checks

Free child car seat checks are at the Paul T. Nichol Headquarters Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. The next will be Aug. 14.

You can save children’s lives by becoming a certified child passenger safety technician. A 32-hour course is scheduled for Silverdale on Sept. 13–16. For more information, contact Michéle Laboda at (360) 297-3619.

Our CPR and first aid training program is on hiatus during the summer. Watch this space for the dates and times of classes planned for September.

Keep up with North Kitsap Fire and Rescue on Facebook (North Kitsap Fire and Rescue — official page) and Twitter (@NKFandR).