A new name for newly merged fire districts east of Everett

MONROE — A newly combined fire district has a new name.

Its called Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, and it serves more than 162,000 residents across 140 square miles, from Mill Creek and Lake Stevens, to Monroe and beyond.

More than 80% of voters approved the merger in the 2019 August primary election between Snohomish County Fire District 7 and District 8 in Lake Stevens. They’re geographically separated by Fire District 4, but leaders with both districts believed joining forces would create a stronger team.

Renaming the district has been underway since the beginning of merger discussions, and included a series of internal and external surveys. District board commissioners approved the new name at their June 11 board meeting, and was effective starting Saturday.

“Although the district’s name has changed, the dedication to providing the highest level of service has not,” a news release says. The merger has already improved service, according to the news release, most notably in firefighter training, administrative efficiencies and, “importantly, an increase in the fire district’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies like COVID-19.”