Whitefish Fire Service Area

Public Feedback

Comments from the public comment period at the WFSA Board Meeting on 5/19/2020.

See Comments

In May 2020, the WFSA Board heard public comment on a proposed switch to volunteer fire service rather than using the City of Whitefish fire service. Public feedback was overwhelmingly against volunteer firefighters. In addition to public comments at the meeting, the WFSA Board received hundreds of letters and emails opposing volunteers. Relevant public comment excerpts are included below. This public feedback against volunteers is part of why the WFSA Board is working to add six paid firefighters for the City of Whitefish.

We want better services and we want to pay for them!

The one thing I want to spend more money for.

Unmanned stations don't run calls.

You need a lot of volunteers and we can't find any.

I was Volunteer Fire Chief: It's unrealistic to think you can staff a station with all volunteers.

Cfalls Vlntr Chief: We need WF's fast (paid) response, you won't find volunteers, response time is vital.

We are ok paying more for better service.

Paid firefighters are expensive & they're worth it.

Volunteers won't respond fast enough.

Volunteers will endanger lives. We need fast response.

Need fast response, no Volunteers, use Station 22.

Prices need to be fair. Why do all houses pay the same?

We need to become a Fire District for fairness.

The WFSA is the most complicated area.

Read the public record of the former Fire District petition.

Read the former proposal

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for the WFSA Newsletter to stay up-to-date with Meeting Reminders, Agendas, and official Meeting Minutes delivered to your inbox.

Used only for meeting notices. You may unsubscribe at any time.