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1. How do I recycle or dispose of old smoke detectors?

Please refer to the guidelines and information provided by the Benton County Waste Disposal website.

2. How do I dispose of an old or expired fire extinguisher?

Contact your local waste collection service provider for current recommendations for disposal or, visit the Benton County Household Hazardous Waste website.

3. How do I dispose of expired medications?

Medicines and medical waste present unique challenges for solid waste disposal. Since many medicines are either still active or have active byproducts, flushing is generally not advised.
There are options such as drug take-back programs through some pharmacy's. There is also a disposal receptacle located at the Kennewick Police Department at 211 W. 6th Ave.

4. How do I dispose of used needles/sharps?

There are a variety of retailers (Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, etc) that sell needle clipping and storage devices such as BD Safe-Clip.

5. How do I dispose of hazardous/flammable materials?

Contact your local waste collection service provider for current recommendations for disposal or, visit the Benton County Household Hazardous Waste website.

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1. How do I contact the Benton County Fire Marshal?

Fire Marshal's Office Phone Number: 509-735-3500

Benton County Fire Marshal Website

2. What does EMS mean?

EMS stands for Emergency Medical Services.

3. How do I know how far I am from a fire hydrant or fire station?

Please use the search features set up in our interactive Fire Station & Hydrant Locator map.

4. Where do I find apparatus turning radius specifications?

Kennewick Administrative Code 8-21-080 details the Fire Apparatus Turning Radius Specifications.

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1. How do I request a copy of a fire incident report?

Use the Records Request Center Portal to submit a public records request for a fire incident report (excluding EMS records), track the status of your request, and view other frequently asked questions about obtaining records.

To submit a request for EMS reports and/or medical records please visit this link for information about that process as these are not a public record.

2. When are fire incident reports available?

Most fire incident reports are available for release within two weeks after the incident.

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1. Should I purchase a Residential Knox Box for myself or my family member?

The Kennewick Fire Department highly recommends the use of Residential Knox Boxes for use at homes where the occupant may not be able to open the door to first responders after calling 9-1-1.

Additional information regarding Residential Knox Boxes

2. How do I place an order for a Commercial or Residential Knox Box?

Knox Box orders can be placed online at the Knox Box website, www.knoxbox.com. Please be sure to select the correct jurisdiction for proper keying. If ordering for a City of Kennewick property, select the Kennewick Fire Department, you will see the department's custom patch displayed.

3. Which models are approved for Commercial use by the Kennewick Fire Department?

Frequently used models approved by the Kennewick Fire Department include: - 3200 Series Hinged Door Surface Mount - 3502 Single Lock Knox Key Switch - 3700 Series Knox Padlock - 4400 Series Recess Mounted (Recessed mounting kit required - Part #4470)

4. Which models are approved for Residential use in Kennewick?

Frequently used models approved for Residential use by the Kennewick Fire Department include: 

• Homebox
• Residential Door Hanger Model 
• Residential Surface Mount Model

Additional information regarding Residential Knox Boxes

5. I just ordered my Residential Knox Box, what's my next step?

1. Please call the Fire Prevention Division Office at (509) 585-4302 and we will happily schedule a time to come out and place the key into your new box and lock it for you.
2. If you have a medical alert service, after the new box has been installed, you will need to notify them that you now have a Knox box so they can relay that information to the dispatcher when they are calling 9-1-1 on your behalf. This will assist the responding crew to be prepared to look for one upon their arrival.

6. How do I get the keys updated when locks are re-keyed?

To schedule someone to meet with you to update the keys in your Knox Box, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at (509) 585-4302.

7. Where should a Knox Box be installed?

A Commercial Knox Box should be installed near the annunciator panel and/or zone map at approximately five feet up from the floor.

A Residential Knox Box, these high-security key safes allow first responders to quickly enter your home without forced entry. Therefore, keys and medical cards should be stored at the entrance of your home in order to avoid potential delay and damage to property in response to emergencies. 

8. Does the Knox Box have to be monitored?

No, the Knox Box is recommended not to be monitored to minimize false alarms.

9. Who do I contact with more questions?

Contact the Knox Box website or the Fire Prevention Division at 509-585-4302.

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1. Fire Protection System Permits - What is Required & How to Apply

The Fire Department requires permits to add, modify or remove fire protection systems - prior to beginning work in these areas.

Some examples are: 

• adding/removing/relocating devices on all fire sprinkler, alarm or hood suppression systems
• replacing a fire alarm control panel
• changing the communication devices or other components on a fire alarm control panel
• demolition of non-required systems, etc.

Permit requirements for individual permit types can be found at our Fire Protection System Permits Page where you can select the tab for the permit type you are inquiring about for specific application criteria. When you are ready to submit your application, visit the Self Service Portal. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for permit application processing and plan review. The current fee schedule can be found here.

Fire Permit page.

2. Fire Protection Systems - Inspection Info & Criteria

• All work shall remain uncovered, visible and accessible for inspection. 
• Fire inspections are conducted from the ground level. 
• All work that requires a fire permit, also requires an inspection of that work.
• Installation contractor is required to be onsite for the duration of the requested inspection.
• Fire Protection System inspections must be scheduled by the installation contractor; they can be requested using this Fire Inspection Request Form. 
  • These inspections can only be requested by the contractor that pulled the permit. 
    • Exception: When a number of fire protection systems are being finaled that are tied together, the fire alarm contractor shall coordinate the scheduled date/time with the other fire protection installers to ensure everyone's work is complete and ready for final inspection at one time. 
• Inspection requests must be submitted by the previous business day at 4:00pm using this web form, or call 509-585-4352 to schedule by phone but allow two business days notice.
  

Fire Inspection Request Form

3. Fireworks Display Permits - What is Required & How to Apply

A permit is required for fireworks displays, there is no fee required for a fireworks display permit at this time. Permit applications can be filed online via the Self Service Portal.

Application for permits for a public display of fireworks shall be made in writing at least 15 days in advance of the display. (KMC 15.30.240)

The applicant for a permit for a public display of fireworks shall file with the Fire Department a copy of a public liability and property damage insurance policy providing coverage with minimum limits as specified in RCW 70.77.295; however, the holder of a general license from the chief of the Washington State Patrol, through the director of fire protection, and upon compliance with RCW 70.77.355, shall be excused from compliance with this subsection. (KMC 15.30.280)