The Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) warns it may lose 24/7 emergency coverage if Montgomery County removes all career staff under a proposed budget cut, citing a lack of volunteers to provide full-time service. The County Council is scheduled to vote on the issue on Wednesday, May 7.
According to HVFD,”The Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD), which has served northern Montgomery County for nearly 100 years is at risk of losing its 24/7 emergency coverage due to a proposed Montgomery County budget cut and the station is fighting back with a campaign to save their station.
On Monday, May 5, the Montgomery County Council is scheduled to vote on whether to remove all career firefighter and paramedic staff from the Hyattstown station, leaving it to be staffed entirely by volunteers. While the HVFD remains deeply committed to serving the community, the station does not currently have enough volunteers to provide full-time coverage, according to HVFD Chief Jeff Gross.
“Our fire station sits along major commuter corridors like I-270 and Route 355 and serves a large, rural area with no fire hydrants,” Gross said. “Removing career staff will leave the community vulnerable—especially since we simply do not have enough volunteers to guarantee 24/7 coverage.”
If the paid staff are removed, response times to fires, medical emergencies, and serious vehicle accidents could increase significantly. Emergency calls would have to be handled by neighboring stations in Clarksburg or Urbana—adding six minutes or more to response times in critical situations.
Hyattstown is also uniquely vulnerable due to its lack of fire hydrants. HVFD apparatus are specially designed to bring large quantities of water to the scene—equipment not readily available at other nearby stations. The department also operates a rescue engine outfitted for technical rescues and auto extrications, especially important given the number of serious crashes along I-270 and MD-355.
Removing career staffing from the Hyattstown station could also result in an increase to local homeowners’ fire insurance ISO rating, potentially raising insurance premiums for many in the area.
This is not just a staffing issue—it’s a public safety concern with real implications for families, commuters, and property owners in the UpCounty.
Residents who are concerned about the future of emergency services in our area are encouraged to learn more at https://www.saveourstationhvfd.com/. There, you can sign a petition, contact your elected officials, and find details on how to attend the County Council budget meeting on Monday, where this critical vote will take place.”