Eglon

We’ve been seeking a cost-effective solution to the rating technicality that may raise fire insurance premiums in Eglon. Currently, we’re working with a property owner to site an engine within five miles of the neighborhood. With volunteer firefighters at two stations every day (Miller Bay and Hansville) within five miles of the proposed engine site, we believe that this idea will meet the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau requirements.

It’s important to note that this engine would respond from the site rarely as the Eglon community generates less than 20 calls per year. Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development has been very responsive to our proposal, understanding that many homeowners could experience significant rate hikes without this fix.

Still, while the concept looks promising, we can’t say that the problem is solved until we’ve successfully completed the permitting process and formally requested a return to Eglon’s former and favorable insurance rating. For more information on this issue, see our Web site at www.nkfr.org.

Lights and sirens

Now you see them, now you don’t. Several citizens have inquired recently about this issue, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to explain.

When our personnel are dispatched to true emergencies, our rigs respond as quickly as possible. They sound sirens and fire up flashing lights. Hopefully, these warning devices provide civilian drivers with notice of their approach and time to pull over to let the rescuers pass. We avoid using these tools, however, because we know that moving fast along our narrow roadways is dangerous for us as well as for you.

But, when lives or property are at stake, we want to get there as quickly as we can. Sometimes, after starting out with lights and sirens, we receive further information (from the first unit on scene or dispatchers) that the responding resource isn’t needed or the situation isn’t as critical as previously thought. In those cases, we immediately revert to the safest mode possible, slow to the speed limit and shut down the warning devices. We may even turn around and return to the station. We understand that such maneuvers may look odd to observers. Now, we hope you’ll understand why sometimes you see us with lights and sirens, and the next minute you don’t.

Sept. 11 breakfast

As is our annual tradition, we’ll be hosting a benefit breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at our headquarters fire station. The sumptuous meal, generously donated by the Suquamish Clearwater Casino, which will be served free of charge − but gifts to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society will be accepted. This organization is doing important work to assist troops and their families. Please join us in support of their vital efforts, and enjoy a fine meal with your neighbors!

Upcoming classes

Adult First Aid, 6-10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25; Adult, Child and Infant CPR, 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. Each class costs $20 per student, and reservations are required. To sign up, call (360) 297-3619 or e-mail to laboda@nkfr.org

Child car seat checks

Every month, on the second Saturday, join us at the headquarters fire station for child car seat checks from 9 a.m. to noon. This month, we’ll be checking seats Sept. 9.

Michèle Laboda is Community Services Specialist for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Contact her at laboda@nkfr.org or (360) 297-3619 ext. 14.