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Commission approves interlocal fire agreement with Big Water; agreement includes $7,500 annual compensation for certain highway EMS responses
Summary
King County approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with the town of Big Water to formalize structural fire protection response, including a $7,500 annual compensation provision for incidents where fire responds to vehicle EMS calls requiring extrication; county stressed the agreement does not legally obligate the town to respond.
The King County Commission voted Sept. 30 to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement with the town of Big Water to coordinate structural fire protection and highway incident response. The agreement includes an annual $7,500 compensation provision to cover instances when Big Water responds to vehicle EMS incidents that require fire personnel and equipment (for example, extrications using the Jaws of Life).
Mayor Schmucker of Big Water said the town wants to finalize compensation amounts and recommended further discussion with the town council and fire chief to confirm expenses already incurred. County staff said state law does not obligate the county to pay for responses on state highways, but the county is seeking to maintain cooperative mutual‑aid relationships and avoid service gaps.
The commission added clarifying language that the agreement does not compel Big Water to respond and that each jurisdiction would continue to make operational decisions. Commissioners and the sheriff discussed broader state statutory issues and signaled interest in urging clarifying changes to Title 17 at the state level so local entities are not left covering costs for state highway incidents.
The motion to approve the interlocal agreement as presented (noting the $7,500 compensation provision) passed unanimously; the agreement now goes to Big Water's legislative body for consideration.
