Brunswick County fire departments explain 15% fire fee increaseCalabash Fire Truck (Photo: Peyton Furtado)BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Fire departments across Brunswick County are explaining why residents will see a 15% increase in fire fees this year, saying the additional funding is needed to keep up with rising costs, growing communities and increasing demand for emergency services. The county’s fire fee system is based on the heated square footage of a property and funds fire protection within each district. While state legislation allowed departments to request increases of up to 25% this year, both Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue and Calabash Fire Department said they chose to request a smaller 15% increase. In a statement, Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Chief Bill Lathrop said the decision followed discussions by the district’s Fire Fee Committee, which includes representatives from the fire department, local government and the community. Meanwhile, the Calabash Fire Department said rapid growth in southern Brunswick County played a significant role in its request.