What type of fire department is seeing an increase in numbers due to recent trends?

Combination departments are indeed experiencing an increase in numbers due to recent trends in the fire service. These departments blend both career and volunteer firefighters, allowing for greater operational flexibility and resource management. This model has become more appealing as communities strive to maintain adequate fire protection while managing budget constraints.

As fire service needs evolve, many areas find that a combination approach allows them to ensure comprehensive coverage. This can enable a quicker response due to the presence of both full-time personnel and volunteers, especially in rural or semi-urban regions where a solely career department may not be feasible. The effectiveness and adaptability of combination departments make them an attractive option for municipalities looking to enhance service delivery without incurring the higher costs typically associated with a fully career fire department.

In contrast, volunteer departments alone may struggle to attract and retain members due to the time commitment involved, while career departments can be cost-prohibitive for some communities. Private fire services typically cater to specific needs and are not designed to serve public interests in the same capacity as combination departments.