Fire Prevention

East Pierce Fire & Rescue 48

Fire Prevention Division

The Fire Prevention Division provides inspections and fire investigation within the cities of Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Milton, Sumner, and the Town of South Prairie.

The fire district is responsible for determining the origin and cause of all fires that occur within the cities of our jurisdiction. Investigations are conducted by East Pierce Fire & Rescue’s investigators or by the Pierce County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Code Enforcement

The East Pierce Fire & Rescue Fire Prevention Division works in partnership with the community to promote and maintain a fire-safe living and working environment. To accomplish this we focus primarily on the following tasks:

  • Administer fire inspections and other interpretive guidance to ensure compliance with the jurisdictionally-adopted municipal and fire codes of Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Milton, Sumner and South Prairie.
  • Work in conjunction with local businesses, neighborhood associations, residents and other agencies to identify and address fire safety concerns within the community.
  • Monitor public assemblies and community events to ensure safety of the attendees and enforce adequate access for fire and EMS services.

Washington State Building & Fire Code Amendments

Bonney Lake Municipal Code

City of Edgewood Municipal Code

City of Milton Municipal Code

City of Sumner Municipal Code

Pierce County Municipal Code

New Construction & Tenant Improvements

All new construction and tenant improvements/remodels permitted within the City of Milton Building Departments are reviewed by the Fire Prevention Division to ensure the proposed development meets applicable fire and life safety requirements. Improved fire codes and new construction plan review is one of the primary ways that the fire service has reduced the number of catastrophic fires and fire fatalities in the United States over the past 30 years.

City of Bonney Lake Permit Center

City of Edgewood Building Division

City of Milton Building Division

City of Sumner Permit Center

Pierce County Building and Land Services (unincorporated Pierce County)

Knox Box Rapid Entry Systems

The Knox Box Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and first responders. First Responders across North America use the Knox Box Rapid Entry System to prevent costly entry damage while protecting property and lives. When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, Knox products allow immediate entry for first responders into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Each Knox Box purchased by the property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by East Pierce Fire & Rescue.

In addition to key boxes and vaults, Knox padlocks and key switches operate with the same master key. There are many gated communities today that fire and police departments are delayed when responding to emergency calls. Increased property damage and total loss is a threat when property is not accessible. The Knox Rapid Entry System was developed to save property and lives.

Knox Product Ordering Information
Purchase your equipment directly at www.Knoxbox.com. From the “Products/Place Order” button, enter your zip code and select “East Pierce Fire & Rescue” from the results list. Select the Knox product that the Fire Prevention Division specified for you. Knox Corporation will automatically notify EPFR once your order is placed. Please contact EPFR’s Fire Prevention Division with questions.

Once Your Knox Product Arrives
Once you have the box mounted, EPFR will place the key in the box and secure it. Contact your designated fire prevention staff member (contact info at page bottom) at least 48 hours in advance, to schedule your key placement.

Other applications that may apply are gate locking padlocks, gate cylinder locks, gate electric key overrides, FDC caps, and elevator key boxes.

Submitting Reports

All fire protection systems in Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Milton, and Sumner are required by the fire code to be inspected, tested, and maintained on regular intervals. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the system will operate properly in the event of an incident to establish a safe environment by minimizing the risk of life and property loss.

East Pierce Fire & Rescue has contracted with BRYCER, LLC to help manage the fire protection system inspection, testing and maintenance program. All contractors who perform inspection, testing and maintenance services of fire protection systems are required to electronically submit all compliant and non-compliant reports to the department via www.TheComplianceEngine.com.

Fire Protections Systems electronically tracked by East Pierce Fire & Rescue include:

  • Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
  • Fire Alarm
  • Commercial kitchen hood suppression systems
  • Standpipes
  • Active smoke control systems
  • Fire pumps
  • Spray booth
  • Emergency generators
  • Special Suppression/clean-agent systems

Contractors are required to submit test results to East Pierce on behalf of their customers. Register with The Compliance Engine here.

Contact BRYCER, LLC for any training/support related questions at 1-855-279-2371 or email support@mybrycer.com.

Tier II Reports can be sent via email to bholt@eastpiercefire.org or fax to 253-863-1848.

View important burning requirements for residential and recreational fires.