What’s at Risk?

Our Station Could Close: Without career staffing, the Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department will be unable to operate 24/7 — putting the future of the station itself in jeopardy.

1. Minutes Matter: In an emergency, response times could increase by six minutes or more — and even longer during peak traffic. Those minutes can be the difference between life and death.

2. Unique Challenges Require Specialized Response: The Hyattstown service area has no fire hydrants. Our HVFD engines are specially equipped to carry large volumes of water — a capability nearby stations don't have.

3. Higher Property Insurance Costs: Without the HVFD, the area's Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating will worsen, potentially raising homeowners’ insurance premiums.

4. Unequal Return on Your Tax Dollars: UpCounty residents pay the same taxes as the rest of Montgomery County but are now at risk of losing critical emergency services to support other parts of the county.