CKFR planning for fire station needs – Opinion, Kitsap Sun
I’m a firefighter with Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue. I want to encourage our residents to learn more about the plan to improve our community’s fire stations. These projects are designed to reduce response times and provide a healthier work environment for our firefighters.
Our part of the county has grown rapidly. Many of our old fire stations are not located near population centers. This means it can take longer to reach you when you have an emergency.
Our fire stations also have safety issues. None are up to current seismic standards and most would collapse in an earthquake. Many lack effective diesel exhaust removal systems and decontamination areas to reduce firefighter exposure to cancer-causing materials and infectious diseases.
The District is considering asking voters to approve a bond to fund facility improvements in 2020. The net cost in taxes to property owners would be less than they paid the District in 2019. I hope you’ll take time to learn more about the measure by visiting our website (ckfrdev721.wpengine.com/bond-proposal/) or attending a public meeting this spring.
Lt. Kara Putnam, Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue
