Over the last two weeks, the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority has been receiving complaints of door-to-door salespeople stating that they work for, or are affiliated with the fire department.

The salespeople then offer homeowners a vent inspection/cleaning and other “fire and life safety” services. In addition, they have made inappropriate and personal comments to residents, implied that homeowners’ properties were at risk without their services, were seen trespassing on at least one property with an electric drill, and would not leave contact information to identify themselves once a homeowner refused their services, according to a Kent Fire Department media release on Wednesday.

The Kent Police Department has also received numerous reports of suspicious activities and contacts with these people.

Thanks in large part to the residents who were contacted by these salespeople, fire officials determined that the company involved is Red Services of Bellevue (countyred.com).

The Kent Fire Department RFA is not associated with this company and does not endorse any companies or products.

Fire officials contacted the owner of Red Services demanding that they cease falsely claiming affiliation with the Kent Fire Department RFA and that they consider retraining their staff in several areas of customer service.

Although none of the above activities are illegal according to Kent Police, further action may be taken by fire officials with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

Residents can continue to report any contacts with Red Services to Kent fire officials at 206-450-8400.