The South Beach Regional Fire Authority — the merging of fire districts 3, 5, 11 and 14 with the Westport Fire Department approved by voters in August — became official at a meeting Monday at the Westport City Council chambers.

Art Cole, the former South Beach Fire and Emergency Medical Services director, was chosen as the interim fire chief of the South Beach Regional Fire Authority at the meeting. Dave McLellan, Tom Bearden, Sam Schlegel, Fred Schroeder and Robert Parnell were selected to represent the five area jurisdictions which make up the response area of the new South Beach Regional Fire Authority, with Schroeder serving as chairman.

Chief Cole said the transition will be seamless and there should be no visible changes in response times or fire and EMS capabilities. The formation of the Regional Fire Authority will help keep costs at a minimum and allow for future growth with increased capability and increased firefighter support, enhancing the safety of all residents and visitors the South Beach, according to a statement from Chuck Wallace, deputy director of Grays Harbor County Emergency Management.