News photo by Josh Jambor The Alpena Township Fire Department continues to address a staffing shortage.

ALPENA – A press release was sent out last week by Alpena Township Fire Chief Tim Baker indicating a partial brownout was scheduled for February 15. Several hours later, an update was sent out cancelling the brownout.

That update said the following:

“A team effort by full-time staff, paid-on-call members, and the fire chief has made certain that Station One, the northside station, will be staffed at current levels of one per station eliminating the brownout Sunday into Monday morning.”

A brownout is a temporary, planned, or rotational shutdown of specific fire companies within a station, rather than closing the entire firehouse. Baker spoke with The News about the implications of a brownout.

“Fortunately, there was no need to put the Brownout planned for 2/15/26 in effect,” Baker said. “However, if ever a Brownout were in effect, the Township would continue to ensure uninterrupted emergency coverage having available Paid-on-Call personnel report to the Station affected by the Brownout and respond to the call.”

Agreements are in place with neighboring fire departments if a brownout must be implemented.

“There are agreements in place with neighboring departments to respond to the affected district under our existing MABAS agreements, as needed,” Baker explained. “This system is designed specifically to maintain reliable fire, EMS, and rescue services whenever staffing or resource limitations occur.”

The brownout is a result of ongoing staffing difficulties for the township fire department; Baker said the search for additional personnel is ongoing.

“The hiring process is moving forward,” Baker said. “We have candidates in various stages of evaluation, including interviews, background checks, and credential verification.”

The department is currently accepting applications, as they seek out qualified applicants.

“We continue to accept applications and are actively seeking qualified individuals who meet our operational and professional standards,” Baker added. “Our priority is to hire personnel who are not only certified and capable, but who will contribute positively to the department’s long‒term stability and culture.”

Baker is hopeful the department can avoid any additional brownout possibilities.

“Currently, we are working actively to minimize the likelihood of future brownouts,” Baker said. “Whether additional brownouts occur will depend on staffing levels, hiring progress, and our ability to maintain safe minimum staffing on each shift.”

Despite the department’s challenges finding qualified staff, the safety of the community remains a top priority.

“I want the community to know that their safety remains our highest priority,” Baker explained. “While staffing challenges may require a strategic approach, our firefighters, myself, and mutual‒aid partners continue to provide dependable emergency service twenty-four seven.”

Baker added.

“The support and understanding of the community mean a great deal to us, and we remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and delivering the level of service our residents expect and deserve.”

Alpena Township intends to seek a fire millage this year to help cover the rising costs of the department.