In accordance with State law, existing homes, apartments, condominiums, and other multi-family units must be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms no later than January 1, 2013.
Carbon Monoxide Detector State Law (PDF 325k)
A Message from the Kirkland Bureau of Fire Prevention
The Kirkland Bureau of Fire Prevention currently has 4 staff members: The Fire Marshal, one Assistant Fire Marshal, one Deputy Fire Marshal, and one Fire Inspector/Investigator.
The Fire Investigation Team is also part of the Fire Prevention Bureau. Headed by the Fire Marshal, the Fire Investigation Team consists of 7 investigators (5 from the Fire Department and 2 from the Police Department). We are also in the process of training 2 new fire investigators.
Our mission is to create a safe environment for our residents and our business community. We strive to prevent injury and loss of life and property through the following activities:
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Plan review and permit issuance for new construction and fire protection systems
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Inspections of new construction and fire protection systems
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Issuance of operational permits for activities regulated by the International Fire Code
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Annual fire safety inspections in existing buildings
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Investigation of fires to determine origin and cause
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Code and policy development and interpretation
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Publication of operating policies and fire safety information bulletins
Fire Plan Review of New Construction
Fire Prevention personnel check plans to determine compliance with the International Fire and Building Codes as well as all local codes, ordinances, standards and regulations. This includes plan review of building sites for adequate fire department access, hydrant locations, and adequate fire flow, as well as fire protection systems such as fire sprinkler and alarm systems. With Fire and Building in the same department, Fire Prevention personnel work closely with the Kirkland Building Services Division, as well as other City Departments, to ensure comprehensive and consistent enforcement of the International Codes and the Kirkland Municipal Code.
Fire Inspections of New Construction
Once permits are issued, fire prevention personnel perform inspections to ensure that the required fire protection features are installed correctly and as designed. Just as during the plan review process, we work cooperatively with the Building Division and other City departments such as Public Works to ensure a seamless inspection process for the developers and contractors.
Issuance of Operational (IFC) Permits
Some activities have the potential to create a hazard to the public, and therefore require an Operational Permit to be issued. Typically, operational permits are required for fireworks displays, tents, bonfires, and other hazardous activities.
Annual Fire Safety Inspection Program
Fire Prevention Bureau personnel are responsible for managing the annual fire safety inspections program for existing buildings. You will see firefighters as well as fire inspectors conducting these inspections, in order to discover and correct any conditions liable to cause a fire or life safety hazard.
Fire Investigations
The Fire Prevention Bureau is mandated to conduct fire investigations to determine origin and cause of all fires which occur within the City of Kirkland. Fire Investigators work closely with the Kirkland Police Department in the event that a fire is suspicious or is determined to be arson.
Code and Policy Development and Publication
The Fire Marshal is responsible for developing and publishing policies related to established fire prevention goals. These policies are technical in nature and geared towards assisting developers and contractors in site and system design. In addition, the Fire Marshal is responsible for code and policy interpretations. The Fire Marshal also coordinates with Fire Marshals in neighboring jurisdictions so that, as much as possible, code interpretations and requirements are standardized throughout the region.
Fire Safety Information Bulletins
Information bulletins consist of fire safety information which business owners or the general public may find helpful.
Please feel free to contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 425-587-3650 if you have any fire safety concerns or comments. We are here to help.