Burnet Fire Department faces staffing shortages and response failures in Burlington oversight

The Macon County Commissioners meeting held on May 9, 2025, focused heavily on the ongoing challenges faced by the Burnet Fire Department, particularly concerning staffing shortages and compliance with state reporting requirements. The discussions revealed significant operational issues that have led to a decline in service effectiveness, prompting the consideration of collaboration with the nearby Cali Fire and Rescue.

Key points from the meeting included a report indicating that Burnet Fire Department had fallen below the required minimum of 19 members and had failed to submit quarterly reports to the state. This situation has raised concerns about the department's ability to respond adequately to emergencies. In light of these challenges, the commissioners discussed the possibility of allowing Cali Fire and Rescue to take over medical response calls, as they have already been assisting with fire calls.

The meeting highlighted specific incidents where Burnet failed to respond to medical emergencies, which has led to discussions about the potential for merging operations with Cali Fire. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, with commissioners expressing the need for a swift resolution to ensure public safety and compliance with state regulations.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the communication issues that have plagued the fire departments, with reports of missed pages and inadequate radio systems contributing to the response failures. The commissioners stressed the importance of improving communication to prevent future incidents.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the need for a collaborative approach between Burnet and Cali Fire departments. The commissioners urged both departments to meet and develop a plan for merging operations, with a follow-up expected in the coming months to assess progress and ensure that the community's safety needs are met effectively. The urgency of the situation was clear, as the potential for service disruption loomed if the issues were not addressed promptly.