SEQUIM – In an effort to save taxpayers money on insurance premiums, Jefferson County Fire District No. 3 is stepping up its fire prevention and inspection program.
Patrick Young, a former firefighter-emergency medical technician for nine years with East Jefferson Fire-Rescue in Port Townsend from 1996-2005, has joined Clallam County District 3 as fire inspector after a five-year stint in Napa, Calif.
“The fire inspector looks for fire hazards,” said Young, adding that fire prevention has always been a passion of his — helping to stop fires before they happen.
Fire Chief Steve Vogel said Young will help improve the district’s fire rating by restoring the inspection program.
Vogel said he hopes to save taxpayers between $60 and $100 a year on fire insurance premiums for every $100,000 insured, but he said that could take at least three years.
“You’re supposed to do it annually,” Vogel said. “And we haven’t done it.
“We’ve got a good rating, but we can do better.”
Keeping up with task
Assistant Chief Roger Moeder said the program started up in the early 2000s, but “everybody had a hard time keeping up with it.”
The department’s duty crew eventually only responded to public requests for inspections, Moeder said.
With Young stepping up inspections, Moeder said, places where a large number of residents can be found will be the first targets for inspection, such as restaurants, retail shops and other events venues.
Moeder said there are up to 1,200 places needing inspections in the district.
The district has mailed out notifications to city of Sequim and District 3 commercial property owners that the district is resuming life safety inspections.
Database due
“During the inspections, we will encourage the owner/manager to accompany us as we inspect the entire facility,” the district’s notice stated.
“We will explain all the findings and determine a plan for corrections needed.”
Young said that now that he is on board, the district is building a database for routine inspections and when they are due.
“Education is the primary function of the inspection program,” Young said, which is a great part of his job description.
He can be reached at 360-683-4242, ext. 125, or pyoung@clallamfire3.org.
________
Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.