KNIGHTDALE, N.C. — The Knightdale Volunteer Fire Department is normally fighting fires, but now it is fighting for its existence as accusations of financial mismanagement and broken promises came to a head on Friday.

A recent audit revealed, among other findings, that the fire department brought the chief three cars in six years, did not account for private donations and failed to donate proper amounts to employees' retirement funds.

Wake County officials and the town of Knightdale, which gives the fire department about $1 million a year, are looking at taking away the funding and establishing a town-owned fire department. Opinion on the issue was mixed as several people spoke out about the issue on Friday.

"It concerns me that we may lose a valuable asset to the community," said state Rep. Sam Ellis (R-Wake).

"The county has to consider all of its options as we move forward," said Wake County Manager David Cooke.

The Wake County commissioners and the Knightdale Town Council both have meetings on Jan. 7, and they could decide then to pull their funding of the fire department.