To prevent loss of life and property caused by fire and/or explosions, to enforce the provisions of legally adopted fire codes, ordinances and nationally recognized standards. Fire Prevention includes all fire service activity that reduces the threat of fire. The Fire Prevention Division focuses on plans review and inspections, which include engineering and code enforcement, and public fire safety education.
Plans reviews and new construction inspections are conducted by the Assistant Fire Marshals for the cities of Carnation, Issaquah, North Bend, and Sammamish. Within these cities, annual fire safety inspections are conducted by the local engine companies.
High profile businesses and family developments now reside in EF&R's service area: Microsoft, Boeing, Costco, Issaquah Highlands, Nintendo, Genie Lift, and several large senior housing complexes represent the many commercial and residential developments rising up within the 190 square miles of EF&R.
EF&R services expanded in 2012 under an inter-local agreement with King County to include inspections and issuance of Annual Operating Permits in unincorporated King County. This work is done by the Assistant Fire Marshals.
Determining Occupant Load / Capacity under the Governor's Re-Opening Plan
Under the Governor’s Re-opening plan, certain businesses can re-open, but at reduced capacity. For businesses with a posted occupant load, or a certificate of occupancy that stipulates occupant load, that should be used as the basis to determine the reduced capacity per the order. Many businesses do not have a posted occupant load and are trying to determine what their occupant load is to comply with the reduced capacity requirements of the Governor’s Plan.
The Determining Occupant Load / Capacity document can be used as a reference tool, to assist with your determining your (unofficial) occupant load. The official occupant load has been provided by your local Building Department and can be usually found on your occupancy permit for your business. Please visit the King County website for the complete Phased Occupancy Requirements. If you need additional help, please visit the online occupant load estimator. You can also contact the Fire Prevention Division for additional assistance.
Fire Protection System Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance
All fire protection systems in Eastside Fire & Rescue are required by the International Fire Code (IFC) to be inspected tested and maintained on regular intervals. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the system will operate properly in the event of an incident, ensuring a safe environment by minimizing the risk of life and property loss.
Eastside Fire & Rescue has contracted with BRYCER, LLC to help manage the fire protections systems inspection, testing and maintenance program. All contractors who perform inspection, testing and maintenance services of fire protection systems are required to electronically submit all compliant and non-compliant reports to the Compliance Engine.
Fire Protections Systems electronically tracked by Eastside Fire & Rescue include:
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Fire Alarm systems
Commercial kitchen hood suppression systems
Standpipes systems
Active smoke control systems
Fire pumps
Spray booth/industrial systems
Emergency & standby generators
Special hazard suppression/clean-agent systems
Emergency responder radio coverage system. (DAS/BDA)