Merger of fire districts OK’d

Voters in the Ridgefield and La Center areas showed trust in their fire officials Tuesday, with nearly 86 percent saying yes to legally merging Fire District 12 into Battle Ground’s Fire District 11.

That cemented the earlier decision by both districts’ commissioners to consolidate into Clark County Fire & Rescue. The joint system has been in operation for several months.

“We’re very pleased,” said Larry Bartel, who was District 12’s chief for about 23 years. “We took a little poll and no one guessed that high.”

Bartel now serves as deputy chief of support services for CCF&R. The chief is Dennis Mason.

The decision means there is one legal entity now. Officials said they decided to consolidate to become more efficient and avoid costs of administrative duplication.

Pooled resources and a federal grant have meant more firefighters are being sent to fires, accidents and medical emergencies, Bartel said. Last month, he said the change had allowed for eight new firefighter positions.

The consolidated district, with six fire stations, protects about 47,000 people in an area of 120 square miles.

John Branton: 360-735-4513, john.branton@columbian.com.