Frequently asked questions
You can follow this link and fill out an application. Or stop by any of our three stations and pick up an application.
Summerfield does not have any fire hydrants. We practice what is called rural water operations if your house catches on fire. We have tankers at each of our three stations that bring water to your home if it is on fire. Once one tanker runs out of water they must go to a designated water point (ponds, lake, or creeks) and fill up then return to continue supplying water.
Full-time crews work a 24 hours shift, they must prepare and eat most meals at the station. At times they eat together as a group. Once most of their daily duties are complete a crew and one of the fire trucks will make a quick trip to the store to purchase meals for the shift, which is paid for out of the firefighters own pocket. All crews must remain in service and available to respond to emergencies, even while out to the grocery store.
Summerfield was founded in 1951, when the general statute permitted tax rates of only $0.10 or less. Later, in the 1960s and 1970s, other departments in Guilford County were established, coinciding with a change in the statute that allowed these departments a tax rate of $0.15 or less. As volunteer numbers have diminished, the need for more paid staff has increased, leading to higher operational costs. To support these departments, Guilford County enables the creation of Individual Fire Department Service Districts, allowing them to exceed the $0.10 limit. In practice, this results in a single tax rate of $0.131. While it may seem complex, this structure is essential for maintaining efficient operations and ensuring the safety of Summerfield's residents.
