Washington County has agreed to pay for an unexpected expense for the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department, kwhi.com reported.

Commissioners Tuesday voted to reimburse the department in the amount of $38,830 to replace a fire truck engine, the report said. This came after a commissioner workshop last week where it was discovered that insurance did not take care of the cost for the engine.  

A county official said this is an emergency situation for the community and surrounding areas, and that it is “crucial” to have the vehicle running properly, according to the report. 

A commissioner said expenses like this cannot be budgeted for, but the interlocal agreement the county has with the volunteer fire departments allows for these purchases, the report said.

“Thank you Washington County commissioners for the help, greatly appreciated… and Great job Captain Dustin Brown for Representing the Chappell Hill Vol. Fire Dept. At the meeting!” the fire department posted on Facebook.

Owen-Salt Creek Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of a 2023 Kenworth Tanker-Pumper recently, CrothersvilleTimes.com reported. The $450,000 firefighting apparatus can hold 3,500 gallons of water and pump at a rate of 500 gallons per minute, the report said.

The rural fire department protects property in Owen and Salt Creek Townships of western Jackson County representing the largest fire territory— over 97 square miles— in the county. The fire department covers an area from south of US 50 north to the Brown County line in northwest Jackson County, according to the report.

The Backus Fire Department was awarded a $10,000 grant for turnout gear ahead of the Feb. 6 regular city council meeting, according to an emailed meeting summary from City Clerk Ann Swanson, pineandlakes.com reported.

The fire department has been fundraising and filing for grants in search of funds to help replace turnout gear the last few years, the report said.

Fire department safety equipment all has a mandated expiration date due to accumulation of chemicals from smoke and wear and tear from extreme environments, but the cost of outfitting each firefighter is thousands of dollars, leading the department to seek help replacing a large amount of gear, according to the report.

The Avinger (TX) Fire Department posted the following on Facebook Wednesday:

“Update to the crash this morning in Marion County involving (Gray) first responders fire department … they flipped their fire truck multiple times and victims had to be cut out of it … prayers for all involved.”

In a reply to a comment on the post, the fire department said: “Thank ya’ll all for the prayers! I’m hearing he’s going to be OK.”