NC H355

Office of the State Fire Marshal must conduct a comprehensive study on firefighting in rural North Carolina, examining trends, problems, and opportunities facing rural fire departments

Study scope includes volunteer recruitment and retention, funding and resource allocation, mutual aid agreements, firefighter physical and mental health, public education, and long-term sustainability

At least three public hearings required across Western, Central, and Eastern North Carolina, plus a minimum 90-day public comment period for stakeholder input

Stakeholders to be engaged include rural fire chiefs, firefighters, statewide firefighter organizations, and rural community leaders

Final report with legislative recommendations due to the General Assembly by March 1, 2027