Norwich council probes fire budget as city pushes unified command and plans alerting upgrade Councilors pressed city leaders on a consolidated volunteer-fire funding line, a lawsuit with four volunteer companies and a planned station alerting system the city estimates could cost $400,000–$500,000 while the capital plan currently shows a $100,000 placeholder.

Norwich City Council is grappling with a pressing fire budget crisis that could reshape volunteer services and fix a failing alert system, with costs soaring up to $500,000.

Get the details

#NorwichNewLondonCounty #CT #VolunteerFirefighters #CitizenPortal #PublicSafetyBudget #EmergencyServices

Ad hoc committee adopts revised fire coordinator job description, narrows duties and sets certification timeline Sumner County volunteer fire ad hoc committee on March 24 revised and adopted a fire coordinator job description that emphasizes coordination, relationship building and grant work, removed or narrowed several inspection/training bullets, and required a Fire Inspector I certification within 12 months.

Sumner County's volunteer fire department has revamped the fire coordinator role to focus on coordination and grant-seeking, setting the stage for enhanced efficiency and funding opportunities.

Learn more here

#SumnerCounty #TN #VolunteerFirefighters #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Firefighting departments close in some US states amid lack of volunteers About 65% of US firefighters are volunteers, as New York state says number has fallen to lowest level in 40 years

About 65% of American #firefighters are volunteers, serving in their free time alongside their regular jobs. In 2008 there were 827,000 volunteers nationwide, but that figure dropped to 635,000 in 2023, the last year data is available. #Volunteerfirefighters
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

More people showing interest in volunteer firefighting in Greater Sudbury: City ‘This growth is largely attributable to expanded outreach, particularly through social media and targeted advertising’.

The City of #GreaterSudbury has just hired 28 new #VolunteerFirefighters. City staff will report next wk that interest seems to be increasing, after a few difficult years. In 2025, the fire service saw a 20% increase in the number of applications it received.
www.thesudburystar.com/news/more-pe...

Committee advances film-production incentives, firefighter tax credit and other measures; National Guard scholarship carried over The House Ways and Means: Education Committee reported several bills favorably by voice vote — including a student-debt conformity item, a film-production incentive package, and a permanent volunteer-firefighter tax credit — and carried over a National Guard scholarship overhaul pending further work with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Big changes are on the horizon for Alabama's education and entertainment sectors, with new bills proposing student debt relief, film production incentives, and permanent tax credits for volunteer firefighters!

Get the details

#AL #VolunteerFirefighters #TaxCredits #FilmProduction

Senate committee advances bill to establish two wildland fire modules, supporters seek PIO funding The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced House Bill 36 to establish two statewide wildland fire modules, with the governor's office and fire chiefs urging the addition of a public information officer and an administrative position not funded in the bill.

Wyoming is taking a proactive stance against wildfires by advancing a bill to establish two wildland fire modules, but will it be enough to tackle the looming fire threat?

Click to read more!

#WY #VolunteerFirefighters #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety

Norwich residents denounce shutdown of Yantic volunteer fire company, demand restoration and transparency Dozens of residents urged Norwich City Council to restore the Yantic Fire Engine Company and criticized city managers and the paid fire chief for removing apparatus without clear public justification; speakers cited safety, training, petitions and costs tied to overtime.

Norwich residents are rallying to restore the Yantic Fire Engine Company after city officials abruptly removed critical apparatus, sparking fears for community safety and igniting a petition with over 2,000 signatures.

Click to read more!

#NorwichNewLondonCounty #CT #VolunteerFirefighters

Surry County sets $100,000 base for volunteer fire departments, moves Franklin and Banner Town into contracts After public comment and extended debate, the Surry County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 16 to include 17 volunteer response districts under a revised funding matrix, offer contracts to Franklin and Banner Town volunteer departments and set a flat $100,000 base allocation for each volunteer department.

Surry County's Board of Commissioners just approved a game-changing $100,000 funding boost for each of its 17 volunteer fire departments, igniting a crucial debate on resource allocation and community safety!

Click to read more!

#SurryCounty #NC #FundingReform #VolunteerFirefighters

Friendly Fire Chief urges Newberry County to fund master plan, coordinator and paid staff to shore up volunteers Joe Palmer presented an assessment showing 264 volunteer firefighters and long apparatus response times for structural fires; he urged a county fire coordinator, a training officer, a master plan and possible millage (estimated 5–9 mills) to address staffing and equipment shortfalls.

Newberry County's volunteer fire services are in jeopardy, with alarming response times and staffing gaps that could put lives at risk—Joe Palmer has a bold plan to fix it.

Learn more here

#NewberryCounty #SC #VolunteerFirefighters #CitizenPortal #NewberryCountyFireServices #EmergencyResponse

Local Fire Chief Discusses High Costs for Rebuilding Fire Station on Montague Island Fire Chief addresses high bids and insurance hikes impacting fire station reconstruction plans.

The future of Pointe-Aux-Chenes' fire station hangs in the balance as community members confront rising costs and dwindling volunteer numbers.

Learn more here!

#TerrebonneParish #LA #CommunityInvestment #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #TerrebonneParishFireServices #VolunteerFirefighters

#NFLD Government will give a $500 one-time #honorarium to #volunteerfirefighters and #groundsearchandrescue members who gave of their time and skill.

Local fire departments and ground SAR teams will get a one-time honorarium of $10,000.

Concow Fire Station Advocates Urge County to Allocate Fire Engine for Immediate Response Advocates stress need for fire engine at Station 38 to improve emergency response times.

Urgent pleas for a fire engine at Fire Station 38 highlight critical community needs for faster emergency responses in the Concow Basin.

Click to read more!

#ButteCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #ButteCountyFireSafety #VolunteerFirefighters #EmergencyResponse #CommunitySafety

Jackson's nearly 100-year-old, all-volunteer fire department thrives on tradition JACKSON, Ala. (WKRG) — Jackson Fire Department Chief John Brown said for many in this town, the fire department isn't just another vital city service — it is, but it's also part of the fabric of the community. "People from all walks of life--guys who work at our mills, to insurance pimps like me. You [...]

WKRG News 5:Alabama News Beacon. #FireDepartment #CommunityService #VolunteerFirefighters

City Council Discusses Fire Service Integration and Volunteer Firefighter Morale Issues City reviews fire service changes while addressing volunteer firefighter concerns and safety improvements.

Norwich City Council is tackling vital issues, from enhancing public safety in the fire department to reviewing surplus properties—what does it mean for you?

Read the full story

#NorwichNewLondonCounty #CT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NorwichCommunity #VolunteerFirefighters #CommunityServices

Delaware County Board Opposes OSHA Fire Brigade Standard Amendments Amid Recruitment Crisis Delaware County leaders call for moratorium on OSHA fire standard changes due to financial burden.

Delaware County officials are sounding the alarm over proposed OSHA fire brigade changes that could financially cripple local volunteer fire departments already grappling with recruitment challenges.

Click to read more!

#DelawareCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #VolunteerFirefighters

Manitoba premier shoots back at U.S. lawmakers over smoke complaint | CBC News Manitoba's premier shot back on Thursday at six U.S. lawmakers who recently complained about Canadian wildfire smoke travelling south, which they said was making it difficult for some Americans to enj...

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew responds to the Republican letter about wildfire smoke.
#ClimateChange #CanadaStrong #VolunteerFirefighters

www.cbc.ca/news/world/c...

Fire Department outlines funding needs for equipment and services in rural district Rural fire department discusses funding for new equipment and potential tax rate increases.

In Alleghany County, local fire services face a funding crisis that could impact community safety, with costs for essential equipment soaring to over $300,000.

Learn more here

#AlleghanyCounty #NC #CommunitySafety #CitizenPortal #AlleghanyCountyFireServices #VolunteerFirefighters

City adds 34 firefighters to volunteer crews Applications up 20 per cent over last round of recruitment

The City of #GreaterSudbury has been working on increasing the number of #VolunteerFirefighters serving outlying communities. Staff said Tues they will be issuing 34 letters of employment. VFF training will begin in Aug, with a second group beginning next Jan.
www.thesudburystar.com/news/local-n...

Southern Humboldt Wildland Fire Preparedness Drill Scheduled for June 8 The Briceland Volunteer Fire Department announced that approximately 150 participants, including over 100 local volunteer firefighters, will take part in the annual Wildland Fire Preparedness Drill at…

Southern Humboldt Wildland Fire Preparedness Drill Scheduled for June 8 kymkemp.com/2025/06/06/southern-humb... #SoHumFireDrill
#WildlandFirePrep
#BricelandFire
#RT130
#Garberville
#VolunteerFirefighters

Humboldt County Fire Chiefs Association delivers 2023 annual report on volunteer efforts Fire Chiefs Association highlights over 98,000 volunteer hours and service improvements for 2023.

Humboldt County's volunteer firefighters logged an astounding 98,000 hours in 2023, but challenges remain as they strive for improved service delivery and coverage.

Click to read more!

#HumboldtCounty #CA #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #VolunteerFirefighters #EmergencyServices

Community Leaders Discuss Volunteer Firefighter Support and Funding Challenges Community leaders urge support for volunteer firefighters amid budget cuts and funding concerns.

Humboldt County is grappling with critical budget cuts that threaten volunteer firefighters and local fire services—community support has never been more crucial.

Learn more here

#HumboldtCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #VolunteerFirefighters

5/8 Volunteer crews are overwhelmed. Lac du Bonnet mayor Ken Lodge: 'We don't have the revenue to staff a permanent fire department. Training is extraordinarily expensive, and volunteers can't always leave their paid jobs to fight fires.'
#VolunteerFirefighters #Training

Today was spent on a joint pumper operations day. Bible Hill Fire & Emergency with Truro Fire Brigade members. Working together for the common good #volunteerfirefighters

Liberty County reviews $16000 payments to Riceboro Fire Department for call responses Commissioners question call response agreements and funding structure for Riceboro volunteer fire services

Liberty County is grappling with whether to continue funding a fire department that struggles to meet emergency response times, igniting a heated debate among commissioners.

Get the details!

#LibertyCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #VolunteerFirefighters #EmergencyResponse #LibertyCountyFireServices

A huge shout out to our fire volunteers who support our wildland suppression operations and provide crucial community support. They took part in training and preparation over the weekend. #volunteerfirefighters 🚒🧑🏻‍🚒💪🏼

Onslow County approves $150K property purchase near Onslow Pines Park County Board approves $150,000 purchase of 22.8 acres adjacent to Onslow Pines Park.

Onslow County is making a bold move to enhance community safety with a $150,000 property acquisition and historic funding for volunteer fire departments!

Click to read more!

#OnslowCounty #NC #VolunteerFirefighters #PublicSafety #CommunityWelfare #CitizenPortal

Harvest Volunteer Fire constructing new training center The Harvest Volunteer Fire Department is in the process of building a fire training center.

WHNT 19Alabama News Beacon #FireDepartment #VolunteerFirefighters #FireSafety

Georgia council reforms enhance firefighter representation and streamline board activities Georgia legislature amends council memberships and addresses inactivity issues across several boards.

Georgia is shaking up its governance with bold reforms that enhance volunteer firefighter representation and tackle long-standing council inactivity!

Learn more here

#GA #CitizenPortal #PublicGovernance #CommunityRepresentation #VolunteerFirefighters #GeorgiaCouncils

Fire Chief Groves updates recruitment efforts and firefighting equipment progress Chief Groves reports on new recruits and equipment for aircraft rescue firefighting by June

Grant County is gearing up for a busy fire season with new recruits joining the ranks and crucial firefighting equipment on the way!

Click to read more!

#GrantCounty #NM #GrantCountyEmergencyServices #VolunteerFirefighters #EmergencyResponse #CitizenPortal #CommunitySafety