Thank you for supporting South Beach Regional Fire Authority.

Daily emergency operations are funded by two levies for fire and EMS, totaling $2 per $1,000 of assessed property value. These funds often aren’t enough to maintain service levels, which is why voters approved a $0.77 excess levy in 2023. The fire authority allowed the excess levy to expire in 2025 because it was considering a bond for a new fire station.

Public safety and firefighter health are driving the need for a modern station.

The current Westport facility, built in 1972, was never intended as a fire station. It lacks space, operational efficiency, and modern safety features. The building is in a flood and tsunami zone, does not meet earthquake standards, and is not ADA compliant. Its layout can delay an emergency response—for example, sleeping quarters for firefighters are far from apparatus bays. The station also lacks diesel exhaust removal and decontamination systems to reduce exposure to carcinogens, a leading cause of firefighter deaths.

 We have acquired a building to renovate into a fire station. 

To address these needs, SBRFA purchased a building in the Englewood area that can be renovated into a modern fire station at lower cost than new construction. The site is closer to the center of the fire authority’s response area, outside flood and tsunami zones, and near highway-speed roads. It is across from the firefighter training facility and has room for modern health and safety systems. 

Renovating a building into a fire station costs less than building a new one.

The Board of Fire Commissioners is considering asking voters for a bond in the August 4, 2026, primary election to fund the renovations. The 25-year bond would cost $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed property value, approximately $10.79 per month for a $350,000 home. A bond ensures second homeowners, who are not full-time residents, share the cost fairly and helps maintain the fire authority’s risk rating, which affects homeowner insurance premiums.

Fire Chief Daryl Brown and Assistant Chief Dave Uhler are available to answer questions at daryl.brown@sbrfa.org or david.uhler@sbrfa.org  or 360-268-9832.

Thank you for considering our request.