District officials announced plan to waive fire inspection fees assessed to local businesses in the city of Battle Ground
BRUSH PRAIRIE — On the heels of Gov. Jay Inslee’s approval for Clark County to apply for Phase 2 reopening, Clark County Fire District 3 has announced its plan to waive fire inspection fees assessed to local businesses in the city of Battle Ground.
Fire and Life Safety Inspections of businesses are a cornerstone of the Fire Prevention program to identify and mitigate fire hazards before they become a risk to property and life. In addition, an effective inspection program improves a community’s insurance rating, which lowers insurance premiums for businesses and homeowners.
In order to operate an effective inspection program, a fee is charged to each business inspected. The fees offset costs, but do not fully fund the fire safety inspection program. The minimum fee is $150, which increases incrementally based on the size and type of business.
While many businesses are dealing with economic uncertainty, Fire District 3 is waiving the inspection fee. This does not apply to new construction or businesses involving hazardous materials.
Fire District 3 plans to coordinate inspections in concert with the phased reopening model set by the state. What does this mean to local businesses?
- Phase 1: Only essential fire inspections related to new construction and fire protection systems are being conducted by Fire District 3.
- Phase 2: Lower risk businesses will have the ability to conduct self-inspections, using forms and checklists created by Fire District 3.
- Phase 3: On site physical fire inspections will resume for all businesses. All associated fees will be waived for qualifying businesses.
- Phase 4: Inspections will continue and fees necessary to fund the fire prevention program will be reinstated.
“We are dedicated to the protection of lives, property, and the environment through fire prevention,” said Fire Marshal Chris Drone. “We recognize the importance of our local businesses, and are committed to helping them during these difficult economic times.”
More information about the Fire and Life Safety Inspections can be found at http://www.fire3.org/fire-marshal-s-office. Fire Marshal Chris Drone also is available to answer your questions at (360) 342-5086 or chrisdrone@fire3.org.
Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to 40,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Forty-eight full-time and 12 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 4,301 calls in 2019. Fire District 3 operates under a balanced budget and has passed all its financial and accountability audits by the state. More information on Fire District 3 can be found on its website www.fire3.org.
Information provided by Clark County Fire District 3.
