Public Records Request from the District.

Washington law requires state and local agencies to make public records available to the public. This law, the Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56, supports the public's right to be informed about what their government is doing.

The Act also lists certain public records that do not have to be disclosed. These exemptions are intended to prevent unreasonable invasions of personal privacy or the use of public records for personal or commercial gain. Release of public records is governed by RCW 42.56 and RCW 70.02 as well as by federal privacy laws.

The Act also requires that the public records requested are "identifiable." Your public records disclosure request must include a reasonable description that would allow us to locate the records. A general question or a request for information is not a public disclosure request. 

Please note that in accordance with these laws, not all District records are subject to disclosure and the District has the ability to impose a reasonable fee to recover the cost associated with fulfilling a public records request.

Our goal is to provide citizens with full access to public records in a timely manner, within our capacity to do so, and while fulfilling our legal obligations to protect confidential information. Once we have received your records request, we will respond within five business days. The time required to actually fulfill a request depends on the number and complexity of retrieving the records requested. In order to provide records in a timely manner, please provide as much detail as possible when requesting records.

Any request for ambulance billing or medical records can be obtain by calling our billing company, Systems Designs West at 800-585-5242 or 360-394-7020. 

Records Requests:

Medical Information Protection: The Fire District has a legal obligation to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and with RCW 70.02, Medical Records – Health Care Information Access and Disclosure. These statutes are what limit the disclosures of Personal Health Information (PHI). In accordance with these statutes, the District will make reasonable efforts to protect PHI by only disclosing only the minimal amount of PHI necessary to accomplish the intended purpose of the disclosure.

Patients: To request a copy of your report, you must provide photo identification in person.

Attorneys and Other Agencies: To request a report on behalf of a client, submit a written request on letterhead along with the District’s Public Records Request form and authorization to release medical information signed by your client.

All Other Public Records: For all other records, such as meeting minutes, fire reports, financial documents, email, etc. complete the District’s Public Records Request form and submit via one of the methods described below.

Submit Public Records Requests:

 - In person at: Station 210, 1304 Dale Ave, Benton City, WA 99320

 - Via mail to: Benton County District 2, P.O. Box 719, Benton City, WA 99320

 - Via FAX at: 509-588-4343

 - Or scan and email to: Records Request 

 - Or use online District’s Public Records Request form below

Request Inquiries

To inquire about the status of a record request call 509-588-3212 or email Records@bcfpd2.org