High Gas Prices Putting Financial Strain On Fire Stations
High Gas Prices Putting Financial Strain On Fire Stations Save Email Print
Posted: 8:09 PM Nov 10, 2007
Last Updated: 8:19 PM Nov 10, 2007
Reporter: Dara Rees
Email Address: dara.rees@wymtnews.com

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Chances are, like many people, you're feeling the pinch in your wallet with the sky-rocketing price of gas. It's at or above three dollars a gallon at many stations throughout Eastern Kentucky and expected to get higher. But could it affect the way firefighters respond to your home if it was on fire?

It may seem bad now, but with experts predicting we could see prices as high as $4 dollars per gallon. One volunteer fire department says they've taken a hard hit with the rising gas prices, and could see some difficulty serving the community.

The Keavy Fire Department typically fights about 90 fires per year in and around the community but Firefighter Ronnie Bales says the price of gas could affect that service.

"It could mean that we may not respond as much equipment. We may eventually have to take some equipment plumb out of service. In order to operate with smaller numbers," Bales said.

And that has some Keavy residents worried about their safety.

"It's scary you know. I've got five kids and if something did happen, I don't want my children to die or anything because gas is $3 dollars per gallon," said Keavy resident Sherri Scott.

While everyone is feeling the strain, Bales says the high prices could affect the volunteer fire fighters personally, especially those with a long commute to the station.

"It also could affect your personnel response, because they're responding, it's costing money out of their pockets," he said.

The largest fire truck here at the fire department holds about 70 gallons of gasoline, but Bales jokes about the fuel efficiency.

"It's great. It's about six to seven miles per gallon and some of them may not be that good," Bales said.

Bales says other fire departments in the area have held raffles and other events hoping to bring in a bit of extra cash for their department. He hopes the fire department will never need to cut back their efforts to serve the community, but is unsure what the future brings.

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Posted by: Kevin Location: Lawton, OK on May 21, 2008 at 08:37 PM
My co-worker and I have begun to log every time we see a fire truck (sometimes two!) parked at Wataburger, Brahms, Popeye's etc, etc. It's absolutely insane that the city officials are allowing this to happen!!! We can't even get city finance summer programs for single mother's who work full time, yet, our tax dollars are being burnt up and down the burger joints of West Lawton!! Obscene!

Posted by: Rob Location: London on Nov 12, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Yes we are worried!!!! We do not drive the vehicles up and down the road all the time.And maybe when we are we are responding to a call that is not quite the emergency...but let's just bash the fireman.So,Bil when your house is on fire.......I hope they have the money for fuel!!!

Posted by: Bill on Nov 12, 2007 at 07:18 AM
They must not be too worred when you see dems riding up and down the rds in the fire dept.s vehicles.By the way why are not our fire depts. fully funded and maned.

Posted by: jody Location: pikeville on Nov 12, 2007 at 01:01 AM
what is actually causing the gas prices? president bush says america's is driving to much? i dont think so its no different now than it was before he went into office. they ( oil companys and politicians) know we have to it due to work and everything so we have to pay whatever they set it at. someone needs to get some back bone and do something about it now not 3 mths or a yr from now. if not i can for see the next great depression coming on? what do you think. let your voices be heard now

Posted by: Janet Location: London on Nov 11, 2007 at 09:01 PM
I think it is ridiculous for gas prices to be so high. Everyone knows that gas prices go up higher during holidays. Personally I think that the oil companies are greedy and don't care about anything but making more money. Poor people have a hard enough time surviving, but do you think those big companies care? I don't think so!!

Posted by: Mark Location: Keavy on Nov 11, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Raise the yearly fee from 20.00$ to 30.00 or 40.00$ per household. The extra money to be used and placed in a fund for gasoline. Part of this could also be used for a mileage reimbursement for the fire fighters. Keeping my family safe is a priority. Mark

Posted by: homer Location: martin on Nov 11, 2007 at 07:50 AM
if these drivers turn engins off after each run it wouldnt take as much fuel to orprate ive seen these run for hours just setting ideling

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