On May 14, my wife had to call Snohomish County Fire District 7 because my mother-in-law had collapsed from a heart attack. Station 76 is only a few blocks away, but they were already on another call, so the emergency response to my house was delayed. Unfortunately, there was nothing anyone could’ve done for her.
But what if the normal response for her survival really mattered? Worse … what if it had been a child or an infant? Often, time is of the essence.
Mill Creek voters must decide soon whether to increase manning at Station 76 to reduce the possibility of this scenario. Is the welfare of your loved ones, especially your children, worth the assessment increase?
I can assure you the medical responses aren’t the only consideration here. Mill Creek developments are mostly wood sided homes with wood shake roofs. As a retired firefighter, I’ve seen a nearby fire jurisdiction with minimum manpower where I used to work lose an entire neighborhood. Most of you are aware of fire brands starting nearby structures from a fully involved house fire, but it’s the radiant heat that can really cause a fire to take off in neighborhoods. The heat is extreme!
It’s difficult for three firefighters with one line to extinguish a fully involved fire, cover the exposed nearby homes and conduct a rescue simultaneously. Time is of the essence here, too, and waiting for second-in fire companies could mean the difference between success and disaster.
The choice is yours in the upcoming election. Good, sensible fire protection or rolling the dice with your loved ones for a few bucks? It’s up to you. I know I’m voting for the extra manning.
Patrick Corbiere
Mill Creek
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
