FOUNTAIN LAKE, Ark. – The Fountain Lake Fire Department is facing a significant staffing challenge following a leadership dispute that has led to a walkout of several volunteer firefighters.
According to reports from earlier this week, a decision by the department’s board to change leadership resulted in a dozen volunteers taking a leave of absence. The dispute centers on the removal of Fire Chief Harry Baker and an assistant chief, a move that sparked immediate backlash from the rank-and-file volunteers.
Currently, the department is operating with a reduced staff of approximately six volunteers to cover the district. Baker has since announced he was rehired as assistant chief, but tensions remain high between the volunteers and the board regarding operational management and bylaws.
Residents concerned about response times or interested in volunteering can contact Station #1 at 7146 Park Ave.
About Fountain Lake Network — Fountain Lake Network is a community news publication covering the Fountain Lake area of Garland County, Arkansas. The Fountain Lake community sits along the western shoreline of Lake Hamilton, southwest of Hot Springs, and encompasses the Fountain Lake School District, the Fountain Lake Volunteer Fire Department, several local churches, and residential neighborhoods developed around the lake.
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