Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:18:28 GMT
Three people were inside this burning home but managed to get out safely.
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in East Bank in Kanawha County. A house on Walnut Street went up in flames around 5:15 a.m. Firefighters said two people were home at the time but managed to
Three escape massive fire in a home on Walnut Street in Kanawha County
BARBOURSVILLE, West Virginia -
A fire department in our area is struggling to survive, even as it continues to help others.
The Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department says people who live within city limits pay an annual fire fee which helps it offset its expenses.
However, people who live outside the city don't pay the fee, even though the fire department is responsible for fires in those areas.
Lt. Andrew Frazier says the department sends out voluntary donation forms every year to homes and businesses in those outlying areas asking for help, but that less than 40% of private residences and about 28 percent of businesses respond.
Firefighters say the department carries a Class 5 certification, and that homeowners and business owners receive reduced insurance premiums because of the protection the department provides.
Frazier says the department asks for 3 cents for every 100-square feet of property, and that based on that calculation, the department should have collected just over $122,000. Instead, it collected under $24,000.
The department needs money to pay for trucks, which can run a $250,000, lifesaving equipment like the jaws of life ($20,000 per set) and breathing equipment ($4,500 per unit).
The Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a open house event June 30, where the community is welcome to see where the money is being spent.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WOWK. All Rights Reserved.
