Potential Fire Station and Equipment Bond

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Background

SETFA has maintained its fire stations for more than 30 years. However, growth, increasing call volumes (up 30% in four years), infrastructure deficiencies, and outdated building systems are affecting public safety and the health and safety of firefighters.

In 2025, the Board of Fire Commissioners adopted a Capital Facilities Plan identifying four stations in need of renovation and three fire engines that have aged, or are aging, out of service.

Daily emergency services are funded through a fire levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Large capital projects—such as fire stations and fire engines—typically require voter-approved bonds because their cost exceeds the annual operating budget.

Apparatus Replacement

Three fire engines currently in service are 34, 29, and 21 years old and will need to be replaced. As apparatus ages, maintenance costs increase and parts can become harder to obtain.

Modern fire engines are also larger because of updated safety standards, equipment capacity, and operational design. In some cases, existing apparatus bays were not built to accommodate these larger vehicles. Fire engines represent significant investments for taxpayers and must be protected from weather and damage when not in service.

Station Renovations

Stations identified in the Capital Facilities Plan for potential renovation are located in Yelm, Rainier, Lake Lawrence, and McIntosh. Renovating these four stations is projected to cost less than constructing a single new station.

Two stations — Lake Lawrence and McIntosh — are not currently staffed because the aging facilities lack adequate space and firefighter living quarters. Emergency units must respond to those areas from staffed stations in Yelm and Rainier, which can increase response times and temporarily reduce coverage in other parts of the district. If future renovations allow these facilities to support firefighter living quarters and operational needs, they could support staffed crews.

Potential station improvements could include:

• Bringing buildings up to current ADA and seismic safety codes
• Expanding apparatus bays to accommodate modern fire engines
• Relocating or adding sleeping quarters closer to apparatus bays to support faster response
• Adding space that could allow some stations to support staffed crews

Firefighter Health and Safety

Firefighters are regularly exposed to carcinogens and other hazardous materials during emergency responses. Modern station design and building systems help reduce exposure inside fire stations.

Potential improvements could include:

• Upgrading diesel exhaust removal systems to reduce contaminants in station air
• Improving decontamination areas so firefighters can remove hazardous materials from equipment and protective gear after calls

Looking Ahead

SETFA is considering asking voters to approve a bond that would fund replacement of three fire engines and renovation of four fire stations. If proposed and approved by voters, the bond could last approximately 25 years and is currently estimated at about $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value — or about $8.33 per month ($100 per year) for a home assessed at $500,000.

Property owners may use the online bond calculator to estimate their individual cost based on their property’s assessed value.

Residents who have questions are welcome to contact Fire Chief Mark King at 360-458-2799 or chief1@setfa.org.

FAQs

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers and more information.