Fire stations are where firefighters train, eat, sleep and live while preparing for emergency calls. After responding to fires, medical responses, hazmat incidents and rescues, firefighters return to the stations to decontaminate, clean equipment and prepare for the next call.
The need for fire station improvements is why South County Fire voters will see a fire and emergency medical services construction bond on the November ballot. The measure would:
- Replace six aging fire stations that no longer meet modern safety and operational standards.
- Renovate and seismically upgrade four existing fire stations.
- Construct four new fire stations to meet growing service demands and maintain response times.
- Upgrade other essential facilities that directly support emergency response and readiness.
“Fire stations impact long-term health of firefighters, injury risk and operational readiness,” said Fire Chief Shaughn Maxwell.
An independent facilities assessment started in 2016 found that nearly half of South County Fire’s 15 fire stations could be inoperable after a major earthquake. Several stations also lack modern safety features that limit firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens, like diesel exhaust, and fail to meet current operational needs.
If approved, the bond is estimated to cost about $11.32 per month for a home valued at $700,000, considered average for South County Fire’s service area — a rate of approximately $0.194 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Find more information about the bond measure and request a presentation for your community group at www.southsnofire.org/bond.
South County Fire has extended the deadline for residents interested in serving on the voters’ pamphlet con committee. The committee will have a maximum of three members who will be appointed by the Board of Fire Commissioners to provide statements in opposition to the bond ballot measure to appear in the voters’ pamphlet.
To apply, submit a brief statement of interest by mail or email to: Board Executive Assistant Melissa Blankenship, South County Fire, 12425 Meridian Ave. S, Everett WA 98208 or mblankenship@southsnofire.org. Committee members must reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of South County Fire.
All applications must be received by South County Fire no later than 5 p.m. on July 20, 2026
South County Fire
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
