Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue Announces Adjustment to Voluntary Donation Amount

February 1, 2026 — Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue announce today an adjustment to its annual voluntary donation request for residents within the fire district. Beginning this year, the requested donation will increase from $70 to $100 per year, payable either as a single payment or in two equal installments.

This adjustment is driven by continued growth in emergency call volume and is essential to the department’s ability to add two full-time firefighters, significantly strengthening emergency response during critical daytime hours. Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue currently responds to more than 2,600 calls for service annually, with call volume increasing by an average of 3% each year.

The additional firefighters will be assigned to weekday shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when call volume is highest. This added staffing will improve response times, enhance firefighter safety, and increase overall service reliability for residents and businesses throughout the district.

This marks the first increase in more than 12 years and reflects growing service demands and the need for consistent, reliable staffing. While Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue receives local government funding, the department relies heavily on direct community support to sustain critical operations and staffing. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax-deductible and remain vital to maintaining the high standard of safety the community expects.

The donation increase does not apply to homes and businesses within the City of Lakesite, where fire protection funding is already included in city property taxes.

“We do not make this decision lightly, and we understand the financial pressures our residents face,” said Mel Newby, Chairman of the Board. “This increase allows us to invest directly in staffing during peak call volume. Adding full-time firefighters during the day ensures we can respond quickly, safely, and effectively when our community needs us most.”

Even with this adjustment, Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue continues to request one of the lowest annual voluntary donation amounts in Hamilton County, where some districts request more than $200 per residence, often with additional fees for extra structures.

As always, Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue responds to every call for help regardless of donation status, providing the same high level of service to all residents.

Residents with questions about the donation request or payment options are encouraged to contact Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue at chairman@dallasbayfd.com.

About Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue

Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue provides fire suppression and EMS first responder services to residents of unincorporated Hamilton County and the City of Lakesite, Tennessee. The district covers 46 square miles, including 18 contiguous miles of the Tennessee River. With an ISO Public Protection Classification of 2, district residents benefit from some of the most affordable homeowner’s insurance premiums available.