Fire Alarm Will Sound For Builders

Anyone building a home or structure outside a fire-protection district will receive specific notification from Spokane County at the time they apply for a building permit.

Building Director Jim Manson said the county already has put in place the policy of notifying permit applicants as a result of a New Year’s fire that destroyed a home in the Seven Mile area.

The home was outside a fire district and firefighters from the city and Fire District No. 9 refused to respond.

“If they aren’t in a fire district we know that and we want them to know that,” said Manson.

Manson also will issue those people information on how to protect against wildfires.

It’s estimated that a few hundred people live outside fire districts in the county. And because they might not have built their home, they might not know about the situation.

Meanwhile, the county is exploring other ways to protect the structures.

Manson suggests the petition process for coming into a fire district may be made easier or there may be ways for property owners to contract with a department for service.

Public Works Director Dennis Scott said the county also might mail information to all those living in unprotected areas or act as a liaison between fire districts and those seeking protection.

The county is soliciting ideas from fire chiefs on what to do.

“We can’t tell the fire districts what to do, but maybe we can do something,” said Scott.