Fire Department Management and Liability Issues

See accompanying model documents below.

This content conveys general information. Do not use it as a substitute for legal advice. Any attorney general opinions cited are available from the League’s Research staff.

Outlines the structure of city volunteer or paid-on-call fire departments and their basic management challenges in personnel, finances, and facility safety. Discusses optional organization as a consolidated department, powers of volunteer fire relief association members contrasted with city fire department employees and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire protection rating system. Addresses common issues of voting for fire department membership, electing a fire chief, use of beer or alcohol in the fire hall, and contracts for fire service.

Use these models with the discussion on “Fire Department Management and Liability Issues”:

• Alcohol and Drug Use and Firefighter Response, LMC model policy (doc)
• City – Town Fire Service, LMC model contract (doc)
• Fees for Fire Services Under Contract, LMC model ordinance (doc)
• Fees for Fire Services within the City, LMC model ordinance (doc)
• Memorandum on NFPA Staffing Standards, LMC model form (doc)
• Number of Firefighters and Fire Response Policy, LMC model resolution (doc)
• Social Media and Digital Images for Fire and EMS, LMC model policy (doc)
• Zero Tolerance Firefighter Response, LMC model policy (doc)