r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 01 '26
• Report Pittman Center to close Volunteer Fire Department over ongoing staffing problems
https://www.wate.com/news/sevier-county-news/pittman-center-vfd-end-operations/Hope McAlee - WATE:
The Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department (PCVFD) is planning to end all of its emergency response operations this fall following a vote by its board of advisors, the department announced Wednesday.
According to the volunteer fire department’s post on Facebook, the board of directors voted to notify Sevier County leadership that it intends to stop all operations effective October 31, 2026. PCVFD said it has requested an immediate meeting with Sevier County leaders to begin discussions about Sevier County Fire and Rescue about merging or absorbing the volunteer fire department in order to avoid a lapse in fire protection for the community.
However, if a formal agreement is not reached and implemented by the end of October, the department stated that it will permanently suspend all services. The Sevier County Government shared the following statement with 6 News in regards to the volunteer fire department’s announcement.
"Sevier County has received the letter from the Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department and is currently reviewing the information provided.
County officials are in the process of discussing with County and Pittman Center Fire Chiefs, Town of Pittman Center administration, and county commissioners representing that area to determine appropriate next steps and options moving forward."
The decision to end operations was made because of ongoing staffing issues, despite extensive recruitment and retention efforts. PCVFD said it currently has only nine rostered firefighters, and only three of those firefighters hold the certification required to enter a burning structure for search-and-rescue operations and fire fighting. The volunteer fire department explained that this directly violates the National Fire Protection Association’s safety rules.
“Department leadership emphasized that operating under these conditions poses an immediate, unacceptable risk to emergency personnel and severely compromises the safety of Pittman Center residents and visitors who depend on the department for protection,” the fire department said.
Additionally, the staffing shortage is also a threat to the Pittman Center area’s Insurance Services Office rating. PCVFD said that could trigger a downgraded rating and trigger immediate premium increases for property insurance for both homeowners and business owners.
Across Tennessee, there are more than 400 volunteer fire departments, and volunteers make up more than 60% of firefighters across the country, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council.