We’re doing our part to support Kingston’s Fourth of July celebration by selling raffle tickets for two grand prizes: a deluxe parade package and one of our coveted birthday parties.

The deluxe parade package will include reserved convenient parking in downtown Kingston, transportation to the start of the parade route, two seats aboard our flagship engine as it leads Kingston’s Fourth of July Parade, transportation from the end of the parade route to Cup and Muffin where prime seating for viewing the balance of the parade will be reserved, and a delicious picnic lunch for four.

Our birthday parties, which are generally only available through charity auctions where they sell for as much as $500 each, are renowned for covering everything — from invitations and themed treat bags to party helmets and refreshments. They include  rides on a fire engine for all guests.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 during regular business hours at the headquarters station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston.  All proceeds will go to the Kingston Fourth of July Fund.

As the Fourth approaches, we also encourage residents to leave fireworks to the pros. Instead of purchasing private fireworks, we suggest contributing to the professionally-staged pyrotechnics displays.

Annual report

Look for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s 2010 Annual Report to be available at the Kingston and Little Boston libraries as well as on our website in June.

The report is full of facts about the district including an overview of the financial pressures that we’re experiencing, and statistics about our emergency responses as well as our activities between incidents.

Outdoor burning

Although I’m writing this column as a torrential rain falls outside, we have faith that summer will eventually arrive and with it, warm, dry weather.

Watch local newspapers as well NKF&R’s website and Facebook pages for notice of the annual outdoor burning ban as fire danger rises.

Until then, remember that permits are required for most outdoor fires and available free of charge at any of our staffed fire stations.

Kids day

Join firefighters and others interested in promoting children’s safety at Kids’ Day on June 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.

First Aid and CPR

We’ll be offering our last First Aid/CPR class of the summer on June 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the at the headquarters station.  Tuition is $40, and must be paid in advance to reserve space.  Look for classes to resume in the fall.

Free seat checks

Join us for our monthly child car seat check on June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the headquarters station.