West Thurston Fire Chief Rob Smith said more than half of the agency’s firefighters will be laid off and three fire stations will be shut down if two levies end up failing to pass. The department ran two levies in the November elections. With 1,500 votes to still be processed by Thurston County, neither of the measures has the necessary 60 percent majority to pass.  “It’s devastating, financially devastating to the fire department,” said Smith.  Smith said 16 of his department’s 30 employees have been told their positions will be eliminated in August 2023. Three of the department's five stations, ones in Maytown, Scott Lake, and Rochester are set to close indefinitely on Dec. 1.  Smith said the closures and layoffs will increase response times.  “That is going to lead to some impact on life-saving efforts, property conservation,” said Smith. “It’s going to be difficult and concerning.”  Smith said closing the stations could cause insurance rates to rise in neighborhoods that may face longer response times. READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/failed-west-thurston-fire-levies-layoffs-station-closures/281-28b06e80-1bf1-4665-97ae-2019f7257bb2