Response to Request for Fire Services. Upon a Fire Department’s receipt of a request from another Party for Fire Services, the Fire Chief, the ranking officer on duty, or other officer as designated by the Fire Chief shall have the right to commit the requested Fire Fighters, other personnel, and Fire Apparatus to the assistance of the requesting Party. A Party shall provide Fire Services to any other Party upon request provided that the Fire Fighters and Fire Apparatus of the requested Party are not already engaged in providing Fire Services within the geographic boundaries of the requested Party, or elsewhere, in a manner precluding the extension of Fire Services to the requesting Party. A Party shall always have the right to maintain the operational capacity of its own jurisdiction. A Party which has withheld or refused or provide requested assistance under this Agreement shall immediately notify the requesting Party, and if requested, shall submit a written explanation for the refusal to the Association Board and requesting Party within ten (10) days of the refusal. A Party responding to a request for Fire Services shall not be required to maintain Fire Fighters or Fire Apparatus within the boundaries of the Party requesting Fire Services for a period longer than is necessary. Additional response guidelines may be established by the Association Board or by the Bylaws.
