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Macon County terminates Burningtown-Iotla fire contract, moves to contract with Cowee VFD
Summary
Following an inspection and commissioners’ site observations of leadership concerns, the Macon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to terminate its contract with Burningtown-Iotla Volunteer Fire Department and enter into a contract with Cowee Volunteer Fire Department.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted on Sept. 9 to terminate its contract with the Burningtown-Iotla Volunteer Fire Department and enter into a contract with the Cowee Volunteer Fire Department.
County Manager Warren Cabe reported the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted an unannounced inspection on Aug. 26 and that Burningtown-Iotla passed that inspection. Commissioners Randy Breeden and Antoine said they observed a serious lack of leadership during a recent fire-scene setup, and Commissioner Breeden brought those concerns to the board.
Burningtown-Iotla Chief Kenneth McCaskill provided an update on department training and membership before the motion to terminate was moved by Commissioner Breeden and seconded by Commissioner Antoine. The board recorded a unanimous vote to terminate the existing contract and establish a contract with Cowee Volunteer Fire Department.
The minutes record no further details about the transition timeline, contractual terms with Cowee, or continuity-of-service measures; the county manager indicated that discussions and next steps would continue. The board’s motion and the recorded unanimous vote are entered into the meeting minutes.
