South County Fire’s Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to move two firefighters and an ambulance to Mill Creek Fire Station 76. That station is now staffed with one firefighter/paramedic and four firefighter/EMTs – or emergency medical technicians.

This decision follows staffing changes made in July to improve response across South County Fire’s network of 15 fire stations, which serve 300,000 residents in southwest Snohomish County. Based on data including response times, unit reliability and traffic patterns, a medic unit was relocated from Station 76 to Martha Lake Station 21, and two additional paramedics were added to nearby stations – boosting the area’s total paramedics from five to seven.

In response to community concerns, the board has now restored staffing at Station 76 to levels in place when Mill Creek joined the regional fire authority.

“We understand the concerns and the community’s connection to their local station,” said Fire Chief Bob Eastman. “When you call 911, emergency units respond from wherever they are – often at the hospital, training or on another call. The closest available unit is always dispatched, and that may not be from the nearest fire station.”

Mill Creek is bordered by four other South County Fire stations: Silver Firs, Hilton Lake, Martha Lake and Mariner Fire Station. Some residents live closer to one of these stations than to Station 76 on the city’s west side.

The staffing changes at Station 76 took effect Wednesday and were already part of long-term planning. Data showed it had the second-highest need for an ambulance, just behind Station 21.

“We’re doing our very best to provide all 300,000 residents with the highest quality service possible,” Eastman said. “We will continue evolving to respond to our community’s needs while being as efficient as possible with your tax dollars.”