PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — With brush fires up a massive 700 percent, a Pierce County fire department is begging voters to pass a levy Tuesday.
Quick Facts:
- Brush fires up 700 percent this season
- Without levy, cuts may have to be made
- Proposition 1 would cost property owners $1.35 for every $1,000 of assessed property value
- Seven fire districts in Pierce County included in levy
Without it, some fire departments may have to make cuts.
The levy is actually for seven fire districts in Pierce County, but West Pierce Fire and Rescue is speaking out because of the massive increase in brush fires.
The levy would cost property owners $1.35 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
Fire departments are hoping images from fires and people who have seen the damage of the flames will fuel a yes vote.
Over the weekend, a grass fire scorched 67 acres in Puyallup.
“It's scary that it was that close, especially because you could see the smoke billowing up through the trees over there, but we found out somewhat pretty early that it was more going toward the north region," said neighbor Robert Hinds.
Hinds was fortunate, but other homes have been destroyed during this wildfire season.
The measure for the seven fire districts is Proposition 1 on the ballot.
Voter turnout in the county is about ten percent.