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Further protection of our environment and the lives and property of citizens within the Whitefish Fire Service Area.
The Whitefish Fire Service Area is petitioning to become a Fire District. Learn more >
Why a Fire District?
Establishing a Fire District to Ensure Sustainable Funding
We need your support to convert to a Fire District.
Forming a fire district for better Emergency Service
The Whitefish Fire Service Area is seeking a petition to establish a Fire District. The new district would continue to contract fire services with the Whitefish Fire Department.
A fire district takes the funding model to the constituents of the district. The district would be funded by a mill rate, like other rural fire districts in Montana. We are asking for your signature to form this rural fire district.
Why Establish a Fire District?
Our fire service area is one of the last in the state. Most fire entities have moved to a district status.
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The public will be able to vote on the appropriate funding rate. Right now, the County Commissioners set our rate.
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The public will be able to vote on any rate increase they determine to be needed.
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A district funding model is used by every other fire entity in Western Montana. It established a mill rate for services provided.
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Currently, everyone in the fire service area pays the same flat rate fee. With a district, fire services would be based on a rate determined by the taxable value of your property.
Better, Faster Fire Service
What do our 88 square miles need?
The current fire service area is woefully underfunded, understaffed, and poorly equipped. This situation affects homeowner insurance rates, response times, and firefighter safety. We need to invest in our emergency infrastructure.
How much infrastructure do we need?
We realize the need for additional stations and fire service. Additional stations mean land, buildings, engines, and staffing. We have identified several areas where a station would serve the community the best.
Priorities Identified
The fire board understands the need for additional infrastructure; however, our current station needs a remodel to accommodate staffing. This proposed remodel needs funding. Our constituents will need to determine what level of emergency coverage they want.
How much will it cost me?
A Flat Rate structure is not common. Here's why:
Homes in the WFSA currently pay $180 a year. Fire district charges are based on a mill rate, or the table value of your property. We like this change because it means residents pay fair amounts for the amount of service their property would require in a fire-related emergency. We expect the new fire district would be established at a 14.2 mill rate, which would be approximately:
Property Value | Annual Rate |
|---|---|
$2,000,000 | 405.52 |
$1,000,000 | 202.76 |
$500,000 | 101.38 |
Common Questions
Will my fire service decrease with a switch to a fire district?
No, the goal is to increase your fire service and there is no possibility of decreased fire service. If we switch to a fire district, our current budget would remain the same. Our contract with the City of Whitefish would remain. After we become a Fire District, residents will directly vote on funding increases, which gives you a direct say in your fire service. We need these funding increases to get to an adequate level of fire service.
What about emergency medical services?
This organization does not play any role in your emergency medical services (ie. ambulances). Those services are funded through a different channel of the Flathead County government. As a result, a switch to a Fire District would not have a direct impact on emergency medical services. Trust us, we know this is confusing because fire and medical services respond from the same place! The difference is where the funding comes from and who says where the funding goes. We have no say over the money that funds emergency medical services.
Does it make a difference for me? The fire engines will never reach me in time.
The area we oversee for fire service is one of the largest in Montana. Right now, it has one active fire station (the City of Whitefish station). For an area of 88 square miles, it is woefully underequipped. We recognize this shortfall and the need for better fire service infrastructure. Switching to a Fire District will make it easier to secure the funds to provide better fire service so we can respond quicker to everyone in the area.
I can't afford my taxes already! Why would I want this?
We recognize the weight taxes can put on peoples' finances. First off, we recommend checking to see if your taxes will decrease under the mill rate system. For example, a property valued at $500,000 would see their taxes decrease from $180 to $101.38.
How long until we see improvements?
The WFSA Board is making improvements right now. In the summer of 2024, we purchased a brand-new fire engine for the City of Whitefish Fire Department based on Chief Hadley's needs. This truck will improve fire response to the WFSA and the City of Whitefish. Further improvements are funding-dependent. The WFSA Board expects improvements to come to fruition on 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year time frames.
Sign the Petition
For the petition to get on the ballot, we need to secure the signatures of 40% of the population of the Whitefish Fire Service Area (WFSA) and 40% of the property value of the WFSA. You must be a resident of the WFSA to sign the petition.
Sign the Petition at One of these Events
- April 2025 Whitefish Fire Service Area Board MeetingTue, Apr 15Whitefish
- May 2025 Whitefish Fire Service Area Board MeetingTue, May 20Whitefish
- June 2025 Whitefish Fire Service Area Board MeetingTue, Jun 17Whitefish
- July 2025 Whitefish Fire Service Area Board MeetingTue, Jul 15Whitefish
- August 2025 Whitefish Fire Service Area Board MeetingTue, Aug 19Whitefish
- September 2025 Whitefish Fire Service Area Board MeetingTue, Sep 16Whitefish
