Whitefish Fire Service Area launches effort to become fire district

The Whitefish Fire Service Area (WFSA), a Flathead County Board, is petitioning to transition from a Fire Service Area to a Fire District — a move they say is aimed at giving local residents more direct control over their fire protection services. 

The WFSA encompasses approximately 75 square miles of unincorporated land surrounding the city of Whitefish.  

Currently, the rates within the fire service area are determined by the Flathead County Commissioners. If approved, the switch to a Fire District would transfer that authority directly to voters within the service area. 

With the transition is a shift in the funding model. The current flat-rate system would be replaced by a mill levy, which the WFSA Board believes is a fairer approach that ensures all property owners contribute equitably based on property value. 

“This change empowers our community,” said DC Haas, executive director of WFSA. “It gives residents a real voice in how their fire services are managed today, and it opens the door to improvements in the future. 

“It’s about local control and better service,” he added. “We understand that we need additional firefighters and stations. The public should be able to vote on the level of service they expect.” 

The switch to a fire district will not affect the level of fire service residents currently receive. Fire protection operations will remain unchanged, with the same high standard of coverage in place, contracted with the city of Whitefish Fire Department. 

To make the transition, the WFSA must gather in-person petition signatures from residents of the WFSA that represent at least 40% of the population and 40% of the property value. Signatures can be collected at any WFSA event, and homeowner associations or other local groups can schedule private meetings with the executive director to ask questions and sign the petition. 

For more information, upcoming event details, or to request a meeting, visit www.whitefishfireservicearea.org. 

For questions, information on how to sign the petition, and media requests, please contact: DC Haas, executive director, Whitefish Fire Service Area Board, at [email protected] or 406-212-5659