Kennewick Fire Department proposes strategy to reduce false fire alarm responses

The Kennewick City Council Workshop held on March 25, 2025, focused on addressing the issue of unnecessary fire alarm responses and improving the efficiency of the Kennewick Fire Department. The meeting began with a presentation highlighting the need to reduce or eliminate calls related to false fire alarms, which have been a persistent problem over the past five years.

The discussion emphasized the importance of commercial fire alarm systems, which are designed to provide early notification in the event of a fire. These systems work in conjunction with fire sprinkler systems and are crucial for ensuring timely responses to actual emergencies. However, the presentation pointed out that improperly maintained fire alarm systems lead to unnecessary responses, diverting resources from critical emergencies and fostering complacency among building occupants.

To tackle this issue, the Kennewick Fire Department has implemented a three-pronged approach aimed at reducing call volumes and improving response times. A significant change made in February 2022 involved updating the policy for responding to activated fire alarms. The department now dispatches a single response unit for these activations, which has proven effective in ensuring that the right number of resources are allocated. This modification has not only lowered the number of units dispatched but has also kept other units available for more urgent calls, thereby enhancing overall safety and efficiency.

The presentation concluded with a call for feedback from council members on the proposed strategies to further reduce the number of commercial fire alarms responded to each year. The council's engagement in this discussion is expected to shape future policies and improve the operational effectiveness of the fire department.

Overall, the workshop underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public safety while optimizing fire department resources, setting the stage for ongoing improvements in emergency response protocols.