— from Chief Kevin O’Brien —
Temporary Fire Inspector R.J. Myers
As a courtesy to the community of Orcas Island, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (OIFR) will be providing a pilot program of complimentary fire safety inspections to island businesses at no charge. Fire safety inspections reduce fire risk and help to keep the community safe and “in business.”
Inspector R.J. Myers who is temporarily employed by OIFR, will soon be making the rounds in Eastsound and other areas on Orcas offering fire safety inspections on a voluntary basis at no cost to businesses. To schedule an inspection, he will contact businesses by phone, email, or simply knock on your door. He will be happy to schedule a time that works best for you, or you can contact him at (360) 376-2331.
An effective Fire Safety Inspection program can help to maintain lower insurance premiums. This October, Orcas Island will be evaluated by the organization that provides rate information to insurance companies, the Washington Survey and Ratings Bureau (WSRB). The WSRB audits the operations, water systems, dispatch, and fire safety inspection programs for all fire departments in the State of Washington and issues a base rating to each department that most insurance companies use to set premiums. The rating scale spans one through ten. Lower ratings indicate lower fire loss potential, which typically yield reduced insurance premiums for your home and business. Our last WSRB evaluation was completed in 1988 and our current rating is six which is exceptionally good for a community like Orcas Island.
It is important to note that fire safety inspections are a function of a Fire Marshal program which, by state law, falls under the authority of San Juan County. Very soon, San Juan County plans to hire a new Fire Marshal to accomplish fire safety inspections, plan reviews, and investigations. Similar to the previous program in San Juan County, businesses should expect to be charged for fire safety inspections.
Complimentary OIFR inspections by R.J. Myers are a temporary pilot program sponsored by Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.
If you have any questions, please send me an email at kobrien@orcasfire.org or call 360-376-2331.
