Public Record Request

What Is a Public Records Request?

A public records request allows you to obtain existing documents or records related to the operations and services of South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), members of the public have the right to request access to public records held by government agencies.
Requests must be for identifiable records that already exist at the time the request is submitted. Requests that ask general questions, seek explanations, or request information rather than records are not considered valid public records requests under state law.
Examples of public records may include, but are not limited to:

  • Incident reports
  • Personal medical records from incidents
  • Policies & procedures
  • Meeting records
  • Administrative documents

How to Make a Request

Requests may be submitted online, in-person at our admin office, or by e-mail.
Online requests are processed through NextRequest, a platform that makes public access to official records easier.
Please allow up to 5 business days for processing. Avoid submitting multiple records to prevent duplicates. For any questions, email PublicRecordsRequest@skfr.org or call the SFKR admin office during normal business hours at (360) 871-2411.

What you should provide

Please describe your records request with as much subject-matter specificity as possible to help us accurately identify the records you are seeking. Including detailed information allows us to conduct a more efficient search and provide a faster response.

When applicable, please include:

  • Type of record(s) requested
  • Specific date or date range
  • Full name(s)
  • Date(s) of birth
  • Full address(es) or parcel number(s)
  • Report or reference number(s)

Providing this information helps reduce search time and ensures we locate the most relevant records.

Medical Records Requests:
If you are requesting patient medical records, in addition the submitting a public records request form, a HIPAA-compliant, Authorization to Release Patient Health Information Form must also be submitted. To process this kind of request, please submit the additional information:

  • A fully completed and signed Patient Authorization Form (signed by the patient or their legal representative)
  • A copy of a valid photo ID
  • If you are acting on behalf of the patient, legal documentation granting access (such as a Power of Attorney or letter of representation)

Medical records cannot be released without this documentation.

Note: Requests for “any and all” records may result in a large volume of documents, including records you may not need, and typically require additional time to search, review, and process. If you are seeking a specific type of record or would like certain records prioritized, please clearly indicate this in your request.

Fees

Inspection by requester at the District’s business office No fee
Container or envelope used to mail paper or other types of copies Actual costs incurred by the District
Postage and/or delivery charges Actual costs incurred by the District
Photocopy of paper records, or printed (paper) copies of electronic records (applies if requester asks for paper copies) 15 cents per page
Electronic copy of scanned paper records (applies if paper copies must be scanned in order to produce in electronic format) 10 cents per page
Every 4th Electronic file or attachment uploaded to an email, cloud storage service, or other electronic delivery system. 5 cents for each 4 electronic files or attachments
Files and attachments loaded and delivered on a digital storage medium. 10 cents per gigabyte
Digital Storage Media (includes cost of medium, mailer, and postage) Actual costs incurred by the District
Outside Vendor Actual costs incurred by the District

Additional Notes:

  • Two-sided document equals 2 pages
  • If copy fees are less than $25.00, there is no charge.
  • A 10% deposit may be required per RCW 42.56.120.
Submit Public Record Request Here