Here’s How to Support Volunteer Firefighters in Southwest Oklahoma

When the Rush Fire broke out the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 24, some of the very first firefighters to respond were local volunteer firefighters. Although the battle to contain the Rush Fire recently transferred over to federal control, volunteer firefighters still spent several days keeping the wildfire at bay.

Over 30 local fire stations responded to the Rush Fire over the weekend. Most worked long hours to contain the fire before federal response teams came to take over. Now that volunteer firefighters are back to their normal operations, Comanche County Emergency Management is taking the time while firefighters are still in the spotlight to encourage support for volunteer fire departments.

READ MORE: Rush Fire Has Burned Over 12,000 Acres of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Volunteer fire departments are made up of just that: volunteers. The people who sign up to be volunteer fire fighters have other daily jobs but are always on call to help their community whenever they're needed. According to Comanche County Emergency Management, these volunteers often respond to calls without critical resources that are needed to protect lives and property.

Comanche County Emergency Management encourages donations to volunteer fire departments.

On its official Facebook page, Comanche County Emergency Management outlined ways people can support local volunteer fire departments. One of the best ways to support volunteer fire departments is by making monetary donations. Comanche County Emergency management stated that "every donation goes directly toward essential needs like fuel for fire trucks, necessary supplies, and advanced equipment that keep both firefighters and residents safe."

The best way to make donations to local volunteer fire departments is by contacting the local volunteer fire department directly. For a full list of Oklahoma's volunteer fire departments, check out the State of Oklahoma's Fire Department Directory.