Bainbridge Island Fire Department

03/26/2025

It looks like we may experience wild weather later today and into the evening. Please stay alert and heed all emergency warnings!

03/20/2025

In honor of Women’s History Month, today, we want to acknowledge the incredible women who help make the BIFD an exceptional Fire Department. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication inspire us every day. From leading projects, fostering teamwork, and providing excellent customer service and care, they are at the heart of everything we do.

We want to recognize their contributions to our Department and the community. You are appreciated and valued. Thank you for all that you do!

03/18/2025

Yesterday, as part of our driver certification process, some of our newest members went through the track day at the Bremerton Raceway. Members learned firsthand the abilities and limitations of our apparatus, including braking maneuvers, distances, and perception reaction times.

Only a few cones were harmed in the creation of making great first responders!

03/11/2025

You can save a life! Join us for our next CPR/AED class on Wednesday, March 26. Learn more and register for the free class at https://www.bifd.org/classes-and-registration

03/05/2025

Back by popular demand!

After a very popular presentation last year, Firefighter/EMT Terry "TJ" Burleson was asked to present again at Woodward Middle School's 2025 STEM Like ME! program. The program is designed to inspire students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers by connecting them with real-world STEM professionals who share similar backgrounds, essentially showing them that "STEM can look like me" by exposing them to relatable role models in the community. There is no doubt that TJ inspired many students at Woodward to consider a future in the fire service. Great job representing the BIFD, TJ!

03/03/2025

We have an immediate opening for a Human Resources Manager!

📢Bainbridge Island Fire Department, WA - is looking for a new Human Resources Manager!
To view the full position profile and to apply, please visit: https://prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3280

02/27/2025

This week we highlight our Fire Marshal, Jackie Purviance. Jackie has been with BIFD since 2019. She has been in public service since 1992. Before coming to work with us, Jackie worked for the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office. She has served on several state and local fire prevention boards and is certified in fire inspection, plan review, and fire investigation. Her office is located at our Headquarters Station 21 on Madison Ave. Here are some fun facts about Jackie:

1. What is something interesting about you that we might not know?
I have a degree in computer programming.

2. What brought you to the fire service?
I was exposed to the world of fire prevention early in my public service career. Working directly with fire prevention officers, I was intrigued with where our fire codes came from. I began studying anything I could get my hands on from historic fires to the effects of fire on building construction. Then a family member experienced a home fire. I knew then that I wanted to positively impact the community by teaching others about fire safety, working to identify and mitigate potential hazards to protect people and property.

3. What is one of your favorite hobbies?
I love hitching up the RV and hitting the road to go camping. My husband and I disconnect from everyday life, enjoy exploring the hidden gems of small towns, riding bikes, and hiking to places where we can take in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

02/25/2025

Part of what makes our island such a beautiful place to live is the trees; sometimes, those trees take down power lines. One of the most stressful calls we respond to is for downed utility wires. It is stressful because these are hazardous conditions for us and the public, who sometimes put themselves in harm's way. We appreciate it when citizens notice wires down and call about them, but once you have, please return to your house. Do not wait next to the power line. If the line is still energized, the electricity can travel an incredibly impressive distance through the ground and injure you. DO NOT drive your car over power lines or under trees that are hung up in power lines. If you come across a downed power or utility line, stay as far away from it as possible! Please follow these rules:
· Assume it is live.
· Never touch a downed power line or anything near it.
· Do not drive over down power lines.
· Should a power line fall on your car while driving, slowly move completely clear of it. If your car can't move away from the power line, stay in the car until help arrives.
· If a person or pet comes in contact with a power line, stay clear and call 911 immediately. Please do not touch them or the wire.

02/18/2025

Recently, BIFD hosted the 21st annual regional "Mega Code" CPR drill with the University of Washington/Harborview Paramedic Training program. This year's drill had over 120 participants, including the current Paramedic training class of 30 students and an additional 90+ from 16 regional agencies. 30 mock CPR scenarios were performed at our Headquarters Fire Station on Madison Avenue. In the scenarios, all participants run simulated CPR calls from beginning to end, concluding with arrival in the mock Emergency Department. The annual Mega Code training event provides our members invaluable experience running a cardiac arrest response.

02/11/2025

Why put it off when seats remain available for our February 17 CPR class? Learn more and register at https://www.bifd.org/classes-and-registration.

02/07/2025

Did you know that the BIFD was selected to participate in the ArtHeals (TM) project?ArtHeals is a rotating visual art exhibit that offers frontline healthcare workers a path to well-being through viewing visual art in their workplace. Learn more about the project at www.judithrayl.com/curation.
Today, we had the pleasure of meeting our next exhibiting artist, Lupe Carlos III, and his wife, Karen. Lupe’s calming photographic images will beautify the private side of Station 21 walls for the next 6 months. The Bainbridge Island Fire Department is honored and appreciative for being included in Judith Rayl's ArtHeals (TM) project!

02/03/2025

Not again! This morning we were called to a fire in a recycling bin in front of a residence. The crew quickly extinguished what was left of the burning material. The source of the fire was determined to be charcoal briquettes that were not fully decayed or extinguished before they were placed in the recycling bin.

Like the dumpster fire we had last week, this would have been avoided if the hot ash and BBQ charcoal had been disposed of properly. PLEASE follow these tips for safe disposal:

DO NOT discard your ashes or coals into any combustible container like a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic container.
DO put ashes or coals into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
DO pour water into the container to ensure the material is entirely extinguished and cool to the touch.
DO keep your ash container OUTSIDE the home, away from combustibles.

01/29/2025

This past Saturday evening, after a 17-day deployment to the California Palisades fire, our crew returned home safe and sound but very tired. Our officer in charge of the crew, LT Matt Phillips, shares his reflections on their deployment:

"This is likely a once-in-a-career event for most of us, given the relative closeness of the fires to such dense population areas. We are grateful to have had the support locally to assist in the Los Angeles, California fires. Many firefighters were ready and willing to answer that call. I can not overstate the positive impact out-of-state reinforcements had on local morale. At our last operational briefing, there were 5,337 personnel assigned to the Palisades incident. Each had the mission of stabilization and preventing any further loss. The destruction is truly massive and hard to reconcile when juxtaposed with the beautiful coastal bluffs and ocean views. Our team from Bainbridge Island worked hard to represent our community to the highest standards just as we do here at home."

Pictured L to R: Firefighter/EMTs Max Hale, Danny Sackett, Matt Williams and LT Matt Phillips

01/27/2025

Did you know that fireplace and wood stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite combustible materials for several days after a fire?

This morning, we responded to a preventable dumpster fire. The fire was caused by hot fireplace ashes discarded in a plastic bag along with other combustibles. Our crew was able to contain and stop the fire before it spread, but this had great potential to be much worse. Please make sure you dispose of the hot ash property. Follow these safety tips when disposing of fireplace ashes:

DO NOT discard your ashes into any combustible container like a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
DO put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
DO pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
DO keep your ash container OUTSIDE the home, away from combustibles.
DO teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

As always, please ensure you test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries when the chirping indicates a low battery, practice your family's home escape plan, and have your wood or coal-burning fireplace inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep.

01/16/2025

Our BIFD firefighters continue to be operating in Pacific Palisades. The team has been tasked to patrol around homes and commercial buildings for remaining hotspots, identify hazards, and be ready to assist with flare-ups and structure fires and extinguish any new fires that pop up. They also support homeowners who are slowly being allowed back into their neighborhoods. Yesterday, our crews helped a homeowner get into their safe, which was the only thing left from the fire.

Although tired, our crew is doing well and happy to report that progress is being made! If all continues to go well and as expected, they should return home by the end of the month.

Photo credit upper left and lower right photos: Richard Vogel/photo editor apnews.com

01/14/2025

Today, we launch our Member Highlight campaign, where you will get a fun introduction to the men and women serving our community. This week, we highlight Lt. Kyle Moerke. Kyle has been with the BIFD since 2010; he lives with his family in Snohomish. He is on B-shift, working from Station 21 on Madison Ave. Kyle serves as the Department's Health and Wellness Coordinator, a Peer Support Counselor, and a member of our Safety Committee. He also serves as Local 4034 Union Secretary/Treasurer. Here are some fun facts about Kyle:

1. What is something interesting about you we may not know?
My family and I have a dog named Bear. We love him very much, and he is a big part of our family, but I am 100% a cat person. I've always grown up with cats, and in college, I got my first cat, on my own, named Jack. He was a wonderful companion through my 20s and 30s. Unfortunately, we lost him several years ago, and I still miss him to this day.

2. What brought you to the fire service?
I entered the fire service in my senior year of high school through a technical program where I spent half of my day training with the local department and the other half at my school's campus. I knew I wanted to do physical trade work, but it wasn't until I got into that program that I knew the fire service was my career path. I grew up in a middle-class, service-type-driven household, which helped develop my work ethic. I graduated at the top of my class in that technical program. While I have educated myself and gained valuable experience in other fields, the fire service was always my goal.

3. What is the best meal you've ever had?
The best meal I ever had was a Jamaican BBQ from a vendor on the corner of Frenchman and Decatur Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA. In August of 2015, I was in NOLA for a friend's bachelor party, and I found a guy selling Jamaican BBQ from this trailered 500-gallon propane tank that had been converted into a smoker. The jerk ribs, dirty rice and beans, and smoked cabbage were so good I would wander off from my group of friends every night to get another taste. On our last night, I arrived at Frenchman Street a little too late and saw the trailer pulling away. Without hesitation, I took off in a full sprint! I chased him for 4 to 5 blocks, yelling and waving my arms. Fortunately for me, he saw me and pulled over. I bought my last plate of Jamaican BBQ and gave him a very large tip. That is a time and meal I will never forget.

01/11/2025

Early yesterday morning, Engine 25 and four of our members were deployed to the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles as part of a Kitsap County Strike Team. The crew arrived today and will be assisting local jurisdictions there. Watching what is happening in Los Angeles is hard, and we are proud to help.

BIFD will provide periodic updates on our crew while they are deployed. Official updates on the fire can be found here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire

01/09/2025

On Saturday, January 4th, 2025, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department responded to a two-alarm house fire at the north end of the island. Apparatus and crew members from the Poulsbo Fire Department, North Kitsap Fire and Rescue, Navy Region Northwest Fire & Emergency Services and Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue also responded. All occupants escaped without injury.

The most probable cause of the fire was a malfunction of a lithium-ion battery pack from an outdoor appliance. Though it has not been determined why the battery malfunctioned, here are a few tips to ensure safe use and storage of lithium-ion batteries in your homes.

In addition, please take a few minutes to go through and ensure all of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operable.

Storage: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The ideal storage temperature is usually between 68° and 77° F. When not in use for a long time, store batteries with a 50% charge and check them every three months.

Handling: Avoid dropping or puncturing batteries, as this can cause internal shorts and potential fires. Inspect batteries for signs of damage before use, such as bulging, cracking, leaking, or rising temperature.

Charging: Use the charger that came with the device, or a third-party charger designed for it. Only charge one device at a time and charge on a non-combustible surface. Overcharging can lead to overheating and thermal runaway.

Disposal: Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycle them at a local battery recycling center or follow your local regulations. Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous waste.

Fire safety: If a battery catches fire, follow the manufacturer's instructions for putting it out. This may include using an ABC dry chemical extinguisher, Class D fire extinguisher, dirt, or sand.

For additional information, please go to:
https://www.bifd.org/lithium-ion-battery-safety
https://www.nfpa.org/…/home-fire…/lithium-ion-batteries