Benton County firefighters say they need more resources to keep up with a growing population, and they're asking for the public's help.
West Richland has grown by almost 25 percent since 2010, and call times have increased by about 60 percent. Firefighters say response times on the western side average about 16 minutes, and they'd like to get those down to around 6. They want voters to approve a bond to help fund a new fire station, and a couple new fire engines. If approved, it would cost residents 28 cents per $1,000 worth of property they own. It comes out to about $7 per month for the owner of a $300,000 house.
The new station would be built between West Richland and Benton City. The specific plot of land hasn't been chosen yet.