LOCO, Okla_Lawn mowers,
turtles and fireworks may not sound like a logical combination, but to the Loco
Volunteer Fire Department, it means staying in business.
This weekend
the Loco Fire Department is holding their 6th Annual Fire Department Fundraiser,
featuring racing lawn mowers and turtles. Of course there will be a big
fireworks show to cap it off. With predictions of another hot summer ahead, the
Loco Fire Department in Stephens
County says fighting
fires may be difficult this summer and they need your help to see that they can
keep fighting fires.
Volunteer
firefighter Tucker Wilson says now more than ever the department is relying
heavily on funds. Because of last year's extreme fire season, the department
may not be able to function with out the races.
Last year's
heat and fires showed no mercy, especially not to the volunteer fire department
in Loco, which is why this year's fundraisers are so crucial.
"Without
money we can not come and put your house fire out or pasture out or whatever it
is that catches on fire without funds to buy equipment to go to training
classes we don't exist as a fire department."
The Loco VFD
has been using a pumper truck from 1978. Wilson
says money from this year's fundraiser would go to getting a more updated
pumper that will serve the community better.
"A pumper
is very critical on a house fire without a good pumper you can't safely enter
the structure you can't really control the fire. With a new, better pumper we
are more likely to save the house and if we have to make entry we can safely do
so."
A new pumper is
going to cost about $5,000, the rest of the money will go towards gas for the
trucks, utilities, fire gear and training classes for the men. With a big fire
season approaching Wilson
says money coming in is more important than ever.
"Fuel
loads are a lot higher than they've been in the past. We've got a lot of rain
this spring and depending on weather if it dries out and we get pretty good
winds we'll probably have a busy fire season."
They are hoping
to raise at least $10,000 this weekend. With that amount they will be able to
purchase a new pumper, gas for their trucks and keep their trucks serviced and
ready to respond.
The event will
be at the Old Loco Schoolhouse in the middle of town. It will start at 5 and races will begin
around 6. It is free and open to anyone who wants to come.
Also, anyone
can enter a turtle or a lawn mower in the races. Of course, donations are welcome.
