City leaders in Camas are researching a plan to create a regional fire authority that would respond to fires and emergencies within southeastern Clark County.
The district would need to be approved by voters. It could include Camas, Washougal and an area currently managed by East County Fire & Rescue.
The firefighters' union has been pushing the City of Camas to hire additional firefighters after a fire that broke out at a Prune Hill home on Valentine's Day.
Union officials said the city fire engines are improperly staffed with only two firefighters. Washington State safety protocol recommends four.
Camas Mayor Pro Tem, Don Chaney, said a regional fire authority or municipal fire district could collectively solve the staffing issue and serve the region better. He said the city does not have the budget to spend millions of dollars to hire firefighters.
"We're looking at ways to make it more efficient," Chaney said.