{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","title":"Melissa in the Morning: Connecticut Fire Proposal","description":"Connecticut is facing a shortage of volunteer firefighters, with more than 60 percent of the state’s fire departments relying on volunteers. Officials say staffing gaps are creating concerns about daytime response, especially in rural communities. The state is now examining fire protection statewide, with new local plans required beginning in 2027. We spoke to Comptroller Sean Scanlon who conducted a 2025 examination highlighting these issues.","author_name":"WICC The Voice of Connecticut","author_url":"https://audioboom.com/channels/4994425-wicc-the-voice-of-connecticut","provider_name":"Audioboom","provider_url":"https://audioboom.com","width":480,"height":95,"thumbnail_url":"https://audioboom.com/i/43859822/600x600/c","thumbnail_width":600,"thumbnail_height":600,"html":""}