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Macon County creates unified Fire and Rescue Commission; Burningtown‑Iotla department remains under review
Summary
The board unanimously approved a revised resolution merging the county's fire and rescue commissions into a single Macon County Fire and Rescue Commission with specified membership and certification standards; Burningtown‑Iotla Fire & Rescue reported progress but remains under review after previous probation.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners on May 13 approved a revised resolution that dissolves the separate Macon County Fire Commission and Rescue Commission and establishes a single Macon County Fire and Rescue Commission to oversee standards, certification and coordination of fire and rescue services.
Fire and Rescue Commission Chairman Dustin Pendergrass presented the changes, which the board adopted unanimously. The resolution (included as Attachment 1 to the minutes) cites G.S. 153A-232 in describing the board's authority to organize and maintain fire and rescue services. It sets membership rules — one county commissioner liaison, two representatives from each recognized department (the chief may appoint representatives), and ex officio seats for the county fire marshal, emergency management director, EMS coordinator and county forest ranger — and requires the commission to adopt rules and minimum standards for certification and annual inspections.
The resolution also outlines certification criteria such as incorporation as a North Carolina nonprofit, active membership and training standards, equipment and insurance requirements, record-keeping and participation in mutual aid agreements. The commission may decertify a department that fails to remedy deficiencies after written notice and a 30-day cure period; appeals are to the Board of Commissioners.
During related discussion, Burningtown‑Iotla Fire and Rescue (BIFD) Board Chairman Mike Yacks said the department had been placed on probation earlier for missed reports and low membership but now reports 22 active members, renewed training programs and on-time reporting. Fire Marshal Jimmy Teem said Cowee Volunteer Fire and Rescue has been assigned to respond to fire calls and may be added to medical calls because BIFD's response to medical calls has been inconsistent. Manager Cabe said he will set a timeframe for BIFD to return for further discussion and noted possible mutual liability concerns related to contract performance.
The board took no funding action on a proposed fire safety trailer (quoted cost $342,135); Pendergrass described the trailer as an educational resource for schools and community events and the board deferred any purchase decision.
The resolution and the BIFD update set a framework for stronger county oversight of fire and rescue services and establish a process for certification, inspection and, if needed, decertification of local departments.
