The Metropolitan King County Council this week approved an ordinance authorizing three fire districts to conduct limited fire prevention inspections in unincorporated areas on behalf of the King County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The districts include South King Fire and Rescue in Federal Way and Mountain View Fire and Rescue in unincorporated South King County.
“I am pleased that South King County has been chosen as the next area to expand a successful pilot program that saves time and taxpayer money,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, the sponsor of the ordinance. “With these agreements, local fire departments can quickly and resourcefully manage the inspections of commercial buildings at much lower cost to building owners.”
The pilot program was launched last fall in two fire districts as a response to downsizing in the Fire Marshal’s Office and has since been expanded to five other fire departments. Through the program, local fire departments are able to inspect a limited number of commercial buildings in a timely manner while building stronger relationships in the communities they serve.
“Everyone wins when we use existing resources and funds more efficiently,” said von Reichbauer. “I have no doubt that South King Fire and Rescue and Mountain View Fire and Rescue will continue the good work of this program by delivering thorough and cost-effective inspections within their fire districts.”