A map of participating communities in the Manistee Regional Fire Initiative:
Onekama Township, Filer Township, Stronach Township, and the City of Manistee.
Resources
We believe informed communities make better decisions. This page provides access to documents, data, and informational resources related to the Manistee Regional Fire Initiative (MRFI). Here, residents, stakeholders, and community members can learn more about the proposal, understand the information behind it, and stay informed throughout the process.
Whether you are looking for background information, budget details, funding information, or other supporting materials, these resources are available to help promote transparency, access to information, and an informed public discussion.
You can also find more information on the FAQ page.
DRAFT DOCUMENTS
This Michigan Townships Association article from January of 2026 outlines how Michigan townships can structure and fund fire and EMS services, including partnerships, authorities, contracts, millages, special assessments, and fees. It also highlights the legal, financial, and community considerations involved in maintaining sustainable emergency services.
The NVFC-Volunteer-Fire-Service-Fact-Sheet.pdf provides an overview of volunteer firefighters' role in the United States, highlighting their contributions to emergency response and community safety. The fact sheet presents national statistics on volunteer fire service staffing, recruitment and retention challenges, training standards, and firefighter safety.
The Rural EMS Network Survey 3 pages.pdf is an executive summary that informs rural emergency medical services (EMS) agencies about staffing, operational challenges, service needs, and resource gaps. The document aims to identify priorities, improve rural EMS sustainability, and support planning efforts to strengthen emergency medical services in rural communities.