Fire protection districts (Districts) are established to provide fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services  to protect life and property.  Districts are formed through a petition from the residents of a proposed district, a public hearing, and three-fifths voter approval.
 
The affairs of a District are managed by a board of elected fire commissioners initially composed of three commissioners.  Three-member boards of commissioners may be increased from three to five or seven commissioners through a resolution or petition signed by 10 percent of voters which is submitted to the county legislative authority.  After the resolution is submitted, the county legislative authority must call a special election proposing an increase from three members to five or seven members.  A majority of voters must approve the increase.

A District board of commissioners with five members may increase from five to seven members if approved by a majority of voters.