In a recent government meeting, Liberty County officials discussed critical issues surrounding fire services, particularly in the city of Midway. The meeting highlighted the reliance on tankers for firefighting in areas lacking fire hydrants, with fire chief emphasizing the challenges posed by existing infrastructure limitations.

The chief noted that while new subdivisions can be mandated to include fire hydrants, existing areas remain difficult to address due to regulatory constraints. He also pointed out a significant increase in fire truck costs, which have risen by 64% from 2020 to 2024, complicating budgetary decisions for the fire department.

Concerns were raised regarding the Midway Fire Department's compliance with state standards, as staffing shortages and low response rates have put the department at risk of losing its state certification. Liberty County Fire has been stepping in to handle calls that the Midway department has been unable to respond to, including structure fires and medical emergencies.

The mayor of Midway has initiated discussions with county officials to explore potential solutions for improving fire service delivery in the city, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the pressing challenges faced by the local fire department. The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide further data on public safety calls and fire response metrics, underscoring the ongoing efforts to enhance fire safety in Liberty County.