South King Fire & Rescue is looking for a few handymen or women to join a Citizens Corp to help with the installation of smoke alarms.

South King serves Des Moines and Federal Way.

They are holding an Open House on July 24th at 6 p.m. to meet with prospective Citizen Installers. The department recently was the recipient of a federal grant that has purchased long-life smoke alarms to be distributed for FREE to the residents of the fire district.

However, staffing reductions and layoffs necessitate the need for help installing the smoke alarms to those that that are unable to accomplish this task themselves.

The smoke alarms have a sealed 10-year battery that is good for the life of the smoke alarm. Current smoke alarm recommendations include installation in every bedroom, outside any sleeping areas, and at least one on each floor.

A three bedroom single story home would require four smoke alarms including one for each bedroom and one in the hallway.

Any Fire District resident can call the department at 253-946-7347 to request these smoke alarms at no cost while supplies last.

Residents may install these themselves and report back to the fire department or the department can arrange installation for no cost.

Local Boy Scout Jackson Cahan is assisting SKFR in distributing and installing these alarms as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The Open House is an opportunity for the members of the community to help restore some services that have been curtailed due to recent budget woes. Assistant Chief Gordie Olson said “Fire Chief Al Church and our board of Fire Commissioners have tasked the remaining staff to find creative, efficient ways to provide added value to our community, and this is one of those ways”.

Residents can get information on how they can help with this project and meet with Eagle Scout Cahan to discuss this project at the open house.

The smoke alarms will also be on hand and available for distribution at this event. The open house will be at the Fire District Headquarters Station #62 - 31617 1st Ave S in Federal Way

To learn more about the fire department, visit them at www.southkingfire.org or on the South King Fire & Rescue Facebook page.