Everett, Wash.
Published: Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Boost to Camano fire safety

Three projects are ready to begin next month to improve firefighting facilities on the island.

By Gale Fiege
Herald Writer

 CAMANO ISLAND -- Camano Island Fire and Rescue officials are hoping to break ground in early July on the fire district's new Madrona Fire Station, the remodel of the Country Club Fire Station and the new water tank at the Mabana Fire Station.

Funds from a voter-approved $10 million bond will improve firefighting facilities that were built 40 to 60 years ago, Fire Chief Mike Ganz said.

"In order to ensure our crews and apparatus are ready for service after an earthquake, it is essential to upgrade our facilities to meet current seismic standards," Ganz said.

The new Madrona Station, in the northwest corner of the island, will be built on W. Camano Drive. The location will improve response time for emergency crews, Assistant Chief Levon Yengoyan said.

The remodel of the Country Club Station includes seismic retrofit work.

A 45,000-gallon water tank and water tender will be added to the Mabana Station where the lack of water and the possibility of wildfires are major concerns, Yengoyan said.

The schedule for seismic upgrades and a remodel at the Terry's Corner Fire Station will be set after the work on the other stations begins. The bid process for the facilities work is ongoing and the winning bids are set to be announced soon, Yengoyan said.

The fire district relies on property tax revenue to employ its staff and fuel the fire trucks, but the facilities bond is for buildings and equipment. The changes are needed to keep up with a growing population on the island and increasing number of emergency calls, Ganz said.

"Over the last two years a substantial amount of work has been done to get these projects ready to build," Ganz said. "We're very excited to award these contracts and to get construction started."

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA