03/29/2026
Mutual aid plays a critical role whenever there is a fire in our district. When the public sees multiple departments responding, it is because those additional resources are needed to ensure the incident is handled safely, effectively, and as quickly as possible. Low staffing is an issue facing both paid and volunteer fire departments across the country, and having adequate manpower and equipment available helps ensure our community receives the level of service it deserves.
In addition, the Tyler Mountain Fire Department follows a closest-unit response model, utilizing the nearest available departments, whether paid or volunteer. We believe this standard helps provide the quickest possible assistance to both our community and our firefighters. Our district covers more than 25 square miles and includes a wide variety of terrain, neighborhoods, and roadways. Because of this, the district is also divided into response zones so that the most appropriate departments can be dispatched to different areas, again ensuring the fastest possible response.
Any reported structure fire within our district automatically receives four fire stations on the initial dispatch. Volunteer departments are exactly that—volunteer. Our firefighters have full-time jobs and other responsibilities, which means staffing can vary depending on the time of day. By dispatching our department along with three additional stations on all building fires, we help ensure that the community receives prompt assistance and that our firefighters have the support they need to operate safely.
Current mutual aid assignments in our fire district (including all side streets and neighborhoods off the listed roadways):
New Goff Mountain Road, Goff Mountain Road, Cross Lanes Drive, and Big Tyler Road
• Tyler Mountain
• Nitro
• Institute
• Poca
Washington Street West and Big Tyler Road past Rocky Fork
• Tyler Mountain
• Nitro
• Institute
• Dunbar
Rocky Fork, Fishers Branch, and Poca River Road
• Tyler Mountain
• Nitro
• Institute
• Sissonville
We appreciate the assistance from these departments very much and take great pride in the working relationships that have developed over the years. This is all done in the best interest of our community and that is our #1 priority!
