Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Receives Fire Prevention and Safety Grant

We are pleased to announce CKFR just received a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security to create a targeted kitchen fire safety and fire extinguisher program. The goal of the grant is to reduce injuries and property loss due to cooking fires. By educating our community about ways to be safe in the kitchen and how to effectively use a fire extinguisher in the event of a small cooking fire we all benefit.

Big fires start as small fires. Statistics obtained through the Kitsap County Fire Marshal's Office show that over the past five years, 100 percent of the fire deaths in Kitsap County occurred in the home…. the place where people usually feel the safest. All too often, CKFR crews respond to cooking fires that could have been snuffed out in the early stages with a lid or fire extinguisher, if only the occupant had known how to confidently operate the extinguisher.

A survey conducted in the Central Kitsap area showed that many adult residents have not yet received training on how to react and handle fires in the home. This includes having a practiced fire escape plan, and how and when to use a fire extinguisher.

This 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant award provides CKFR with funds ($14,169) to purchase a simulated live-fire extinguisher training system to help train the members of the Central Kitsap community on how to properly and confidently use a fire extinguisher. CKFR recognizes that actively reaching out to our community and providing them with injury prevention skills and abilities is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate our commitment to the reduction of injuries and property loss.

CKFR is working to schedule fire extinguisher training events throughout the District. Organizations interested in setting-up a kitchen fire safety/fire extinguisher training class is encouraged to call 360.447.3550.

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