Snohomish County Fire District 1 reached 90 percent of Mountlake Terrace emergencies within eight minutes in 2011, meeting the standard for response time outlined in the interlocal agreement between the district and the city, according to a report presented by Fire District 1 on April 30. Response time is calculated from the time the SNOCOM dispatch center receives a 911 call, and stops when a fire and/or EMS unit first arrives on site.

City officials, including Mayor Jerry Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Laura Sonmore and City Manager John Caulfield, met with Fire District 1 representatives April 30 for an annual review of fire and emergency medical services for Mountlake Terrace.

The City of Mountlake Terrace, which has no fire department of its own, resides within Fire District 1 and contracts with the district for fire and EMS service.

The report also showed that the fire district achieved a cardiac arrest survival rate of 62.5 percent in 2011, which is well above the national average of 10 percent.

“The city’s relationship with the fire district continues to be very strong,” said Caulfield. “While the fire district is a separate municipal agency, we view the fire district and the services they provide as an extension of the city.”

The partnership between Mountlake Terrace and Fire District 1 “demonstrates the benefits that can be gained through fire service regionalization,” Caulfield added. “By working together, we’ve been able to improve efficiency and service. We’re also able to provide a wider range of programs to the public.”

The annual review, a requirement of the long-term contract agreement with Fire District 1, can be viewed on the city website.