Local fire districts may have a closer fire academy to certify their recruits this year as Snohomish County districts are working together to form their own training academy.
South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue, which covers the Edmonds and Lynnwood area, is hosting the academy.
"However, it will be instructed by people from all over the county," said Arlington Fire Department Deputy Chief Dave Kraski.
In previous years there had been only one academy for the state.
"Previously, the primary place was the Washington State Fire Academy in North Bend [a small town in central King County]," said Kraski.
Although some alternatives existed, there was nothing available in the county.