Clyde Park council says town lacks responding fire department after chief’s resignation

Mayor Sydney Wiley told the Clyde Park Town Council on Sept. 9 that Fire Chief Will Buniger has resigned and the town currently has no responding fire department. "The Town of Clyde Park does not have a responding fire department at this time," she said, and reported that neighboring departments and responders have been notified.

Wiley said she has contacted the Clyde Park Rural Fire Department, Wilsall and Greg Coleman and that Wilsall will be the primary backup responder for medical calls. She added that Zac Skogen, who provides EMS, will continue to respond to medical calls but will require backup from Wilsall.

Town Attorney John Hess was asked to prepare a written plan describing what consolidation with the Clyde Park Rural Fire Department would look like, including steps and transfer of equipment. Hess told the council the consolidation process must follow Montana Code Annotated requirements and that the Clyde Park Rural Fire Department board and the town council both must agree to proceed. The council discussed alternatives including building a new local department or contracting private fire services.

Mayor Wiley said a public hearing will be required to inform residents and get input before any formal consolidation or transfer of resources occurs. No formal vote on consolidation was taken at the Sept. 9 meeting; Hess will prepare the proposal and the council will schedule further discussion and public outreach.

Next steps: Attorney Hess will draft the consolidation/transfer plan and the council will set a public hearing to solicit resident input prior to any binding action.