Fire chief outlines automatic‑aid map with Barrow County to improve coverage

Chief Whiting described a proposed intergovernmental automatic‑aid agreement with Barrow County intended to address strain from newly annexed subdivisions. Under the plan, in designated zones the county will send one engine while Winder will leave one engine in service at its station; the chief said the plan is intended to maintain local coverage so crews can respond to simultaneous calls. The chief explained the list of covered calls is narrow and focused on higher‑severity incidents: structure fires, vehicle collisions with injuries, vehicle fires, train derailments in specific areas, active‑shooter situations and schools — not routine medical calls or alarms.