A fire affects more than just the immediate occupants of the home.

Neighbors are often left with questions — questions that South King Fire and Rescue wants to answer.

SKFR has restarted its After the Fire program, which in recent years had fallen by the wayside. The program is a question-and-answer session with neighborhoods that have recently suffered a fire.

“For me, it’s definitely a rewarding time to reach a group of people,” spokeswoman Kendra Kay said. “It’s a time to change their behaviors and prevent fires from happening. If I can prevent a neighbor from going through this again, then it’s worth it.”

In the past few weeks, SKFR has held two After the Fire programs: One for a fatal apartment fire on March 7 in the 31000 block of 3rd Place Southwest, and another for a March 30 fire that destroyed a family home near the intersection of 305th Place South and 38th Avenue South.

Neighbors are given an opportunity to speak with an education officer as well as a battalion chief, firefighters from the first incoming engine and fire investigators.

The educators are there to help families plan for prevention of fires in their own homes, including discussions on smoke detectors and escape plans.

The events have had varying responses.

One event held two weeks ago regarding the house fire had about 20 people attend, Kay said. However, the event last week had only two people attend.

“We’re really really pleased with both, though,” Kay said.

Questions from the events included what started the fire. Kay noted that answering questions about a fire’s cause is not the point of the After the Fire events; the point is preventing more fires. Other questions from residents include what kind of smoke detectors to get and where to put them, how older kids can get out of house on their own as well as feedback from the community to the fire department on how the department is doing.

Before a meeting, fire personnel blanket a neighborhood with fliers and talk to residents at home to get the word out.

SKFR will host an After the Fire program after any fatal fire as well as any fire where a family is displaced from their home due to substantial damage.

For more information, visit southkingfire.org

Smoke alarms

• South King Fire and Rescue recommends at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement, especially near bedrooms.

• Battery-operated smoke detectors should be tested once a month.

• Change the batteries in smoke detectors once a year.

• You are qualified to receive a free smoke alarm if you are a resident of Des Moines or Federal Way; own and live in your own home; are living on a low income; are a senior citizen; or are disabled. For more information, call (253) 946-7337.