Two new Douglas County fire districts were created Wednesday by a resolution approved by county commissioners.

Currently Marion Township is served by the Osage County Fire Station, said County Administrator Craig Weinaug. However, many homes in the area would be more quickly served in emergency situations by fire stations from either Clinton or Willow Springs townships.

The two new fire districts, Fire District No. 4 and Fire District No. 5, will split northern and southern portions of Marion Township and contract closer fire stations to service the areas, Weinaug said. A western portion of the area will remained covered by Osage County.

Although the new districts have been created, Douglas County must still work with Clinton and Willow Springs townships to draft contracts defining their responsibilities, Weinaug said. Those contracts will not come into effect until Jan. 1, 2016. Until that time Marion Township will remain covered by Osage County.