VFD in Oklahoma Needs Donations to Buy Fuel

The Keystone Volunteer Fire Department of Sand Springs, Oklahoma is in need of donations to buy fuel. Their usual surplus has been exhausted due to the current wildfire issues that affect their area and many counties in the state of Oklahoma. The amount of fuel that usually sustains this department for two months has been depleted in only two weeks according to reports from Fox 23 News in Tulsa. The Keystone Fire Department and its volunteer crew have been working continuously to fight the wildfires in their area and been available to support their fellow departments as these threats spread. Dry conditions and high winds make things difficult, but lack of fuel for their trucks and other departments could cause more problems if not addressed. The department receives an operational grant once a year and also depends on donations to survive. To donate funds and show support for this department, please call the Keystone Fire Department at 1-918-363-8261.

NC Firefighter Dies Responding to Incident

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Web site, Firefighter David Hunsinger Jr. of the Tar Heel (NC) Rural Volunteer Fire Department died of injuries he sustained from an accident that occurred while he was responding to a brush fire call in his personal vehicle. He was 24. Hunsinger is the son of the department's fire chief.

Read more HERE.

PA Fire Department to Propose New $15.8M Equipment Replacement Policy

A new report on firefighter equipment and safety from Patch.com out of Pennsylvania:

The Lower Merion Township Fire Department plans to ask the Board of Commissioners to adopt a new 20-year $15.8-million fire apparatus replacement policy for its six volunteer companies in the coming April cycle. The previous equipment replacement policy expired in late 2010.

The policy, outlined by township Fire Chief Charles McGarvey at the board's March 2 meeting, establishes a time-line for the purchase of three new pieces of equipment for each of the township's six companies by 2030. The final cost, adjusted for five percent annual inflation, would be paid for with monies from the township's Capital Projects Fund created through the sale of general obligation bonds.

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McGarvey added that new equipment doesn't only maximize the ability of the volunteer force to do their job, but helps recruitment and retention for the individual companies. The scarcity of firemen is a problem in municipalities across the state.

Read the whole thing HERE.