Department History:
After a series of structure fires and one fatality left homeowners devastated. Concerned citizens organized together and formed the first volunteer fire department in the interior of Alaska. The North Star Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the community since January 1975. The service area has grown progressively and now encompasses 110 square miles and protects a population of approximately 25,000 people. Today NSVFD provides first responder medical assistace, fire protection, and assistance in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
Occupancy:
The area is primarily residential with a variety of light commercial business. The small businesses are primarily private bush airfields, welding shops, auto, truck, and general repair shops, restaurants, craft shops, one large grocery store, and three elementary schools, two of them public. Zoning is unrestricted. There is a significant urban/wildland interface problem with brush and grassland fires during the summer months. NSVFD also provides contract fire prevention and suppression services to two public elementary schools located outside the fire service area in areas with no other fire protection services.
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