Macon County terminates contract with Burningtown volunteer fire department and contracts with neighboring volunteer department

The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Sept. 9 to terminate the county’s contract with the Burningtown Volunteer Fire Department and to enter into a contract with an alternative volunteer department to provide fire protection and emergency response for the area. Commissioners cited concerns about leadership, training and the department’s ability to meet required practical-scene standards during recent inspections and practical exercises.

Commissioners reported that a North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal unannounced inspection took place Aug. 26 and that Burningtown passed the formal “9s” inspection that day. However, multiple commissioners and county staff described a practical-scene water-supply exercise in which they observed what they characterized as a lack of leadership on a fire scene, inconsistent assignment of responsibilities, and difficulty meeting the state’s practical-flow expectations used to evaluate rural water supply capability. County officials told the board the county contract requires a minimum protection-class rating (previously discussed in contract as class 7) and that practical performance and leadership on scene factored into concerns about consistent service capability.

Commissioner Bridal said he and others spent time with department volunteers and praised them as committed community members, but said the county could not ignore observed leadership and readiness gaps. Burningtown leaders urged that if the contract were terminated the board should ensure continued protection for the community and discussed property ownership, equipment registration and outstanding debt. A Burningtown board member said trucks and property are owned by the incorporated board and that the board would not leave members liable for significant outstanding debt; county staff pointed to contract language indicating that, in dissolution, assets may be assigned to a successor provider serving the department’s primary service area and that the board and county should work together to protect the community’s coverage.

Commissioner Bridal moved, and Commissioner Antoine seconded, a motion to terminate the county contract with the Burningtown Volunteer Fire Department and enter into an agreement with the alternative volunteer department. The motion passed 5-0. Commissioners asked the Burningtown board to meet and to provide documentation next Monday that would address obligations for debt and leases; commissioners said they wanted to ensure continuity of service and to coordinate equipment and ownership transfers in a way that protects the community.

What this means: The county will move forward with contracting another volunteer department to provide protection for the Burningtown area. County officials said volunteers from Burningtown could apply to serve under the successor department’s structure. The county and local boards agreed to meet to coordinate asset transfers and to ensure no coverage gap occurs while maintaining clarity on outstanding debts and ownership of equipment.

Next steps: County staff asked the Burningtown board to meet and provide a written letter absolving the county board of existing debts and lease obligations for department property; the county will coordinate a successor contract and work with volunteer leaders to maintain emergency coverage for the community.