(WKYT) – Rising diesel prices are increasing costs for the Nancy Fire Department, a rural department that relies on volunteers.
Diesel fuel is priced well over $5 a gallon and climbing. Nearly all of the department’s fire trucks run on diesel.
“Everything we got runs on diesel except 2. You’re looking at anywhere from $1200 to $1500 a month for just fuel,” Chief Roger Rainwater, of the Nancy Fire Department, said.
That is double what the department spent a few months ago. Regular gasoline is not a viable option for fire trucks, according to Rainwater.
“Diesel seems like you get more mileage than regular gas. Back years ago we used to have gas engines you go out on a fire scene seems like you use more gas than diesel does. Even though diesel does use a lot of gas pumping,” Rainwater said.
Impact on volunteers
The higher costs also affect firefighters, who spend money out of their own pockets to drive to fire scenes. Volunteers are not paid, and many drive trucks that use a lot of gas to transport their turnout gear and other equipment.
“They are going to have to come up with a way to pay volunteers,” Rainwater said.
Despite the increased cost, Rainwater said not responding to calls is not an option.
“We to respond to anything. It doesn’t matter if you stub your toe, we’re going,” Rainwater said.
Rainwater said electric fire trucks would not be feasible for the department because trucks have to sit and run during a fire or emergency call.