Fire Districts Talk Shared Protection

Sat., Nov. 14, 1998

By Angie Gaddy angieg@spokesman.com

Spokane Valley Fire District 1 is looking to District 9 for help providing fire protection to some neighborhoods north of the Spokane River.

The two districts are discussing a plan that could send District 9 fire crews to emergencies in Pasadena Park or Northwood. At present, both neighborhoods are within Valley Fire’s coverage area.

But with the increase in train traffic on the Union Pacific Railroad’s line through Millwood, which sometimes delays traffic on Argonne Road, and the planned two-year Argonne Road bridge construction project, Valley Fire wants Fire District 9 to be the first to respond to emergencies north of the river.

If agreed upon, the plan could go into effect by April.

Valley Fire would still serve the area, but in some cases first response to an emergency call might come from District 9’ station at Bigelow Gulch Road and Jensen Road, said Valley Fire Chief Pat Humphries.

“What we’re trying to do is work on a plan to assist both fire departments,” Humphries said.

Fire District 9, meanwhile, wants Valley Fire to provide backup response to the area south of Bigelow Gulch Road, said District 9 Chief Bob Anderson.

Since District 9 reaches as far north as Mt. Spokane Road, help sometimes now must come from as far as Mead or the Foothills area. In many cases, Valley Fire could be at a fire scene quicker, he said.

“This is a win-win situation for residents in the area,” he said.

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