Why Rural Fire Departments Matter

Some days start normally.

Then, around noon, Tigger got a call that the place where he grew up was on fire.

Yep. Definitely an Oh $hit Day.

We arrived about 30 minutes later to find more than 40 friends, neighbors, and members of the Volunteer Rural Fire Department already fighting the blaze. One building was lost, a couple of others were damaged, and thankfully, the old farmhouse was spared.

With the wind changing directions, it could have been so much worse.

Tigger’s dad, being Dad, immediately found the bright side.

“Well, I guess we don’t have to tear down that old building anymore.”

Problem solved. Sort of.

What really stood out wasn’t just the fire. It was the response.

Neighbors showed up. Firefighters showed up. Equipment showed up. People offered trucks, water, machinery, manpower and whatever else might be needed. And they did it for a family that lives about 30 miles away.

That’s rural America.

When something goes wrong, people don’t always wait to be asked. They just show up.

And we can’t thank the New Salem Rural Fire Department firefighters and our neighbors enough.

Then came the question: How did the fire start?

A bird.

That’s right. An avian saboteur.

The feathered little menace landed on a transformer, created an electrical arc, and apparently decided the ranch needed a little remodeling. Whether it was the bird or a piece of hot metal that hit the ground, the result was the same: buildings burned and a new family story was born.

So, remember folks, check if you are under a burn ban.

Apparently, somebody needs to explain that to the birds.

Rural Fire Departments Need Rural America

The humor helps us tell the story, but there’s a much more serious point behind it.

Rural fire departments are the people who show up when a grass fire jumps a fence, a combine catches fire, lightning starts a pasture blaze, or—apparently—a bird decides to conduct electrical experiments.

And many of the people answering those calls are farmers, ranchers, landowners and other community members who volunteer their time.

Across the country, volunteer firefighters play an enormous role in protecting rural communities. National Fire Protection Association data shows volunteer firefighter numbers have fallen dramatically—from roughly 898,000 in the 1980s to about 635,000 in recent years, a decline of more than 29%.

At the same time, the threat isn’t getting smaller.

The U.S. Forest Service estimates that millions of acres of livestock grazing and pasture land burn each year. And recent wildfire seasons have shown just how quickly conditions can turn dangerous across the West.

That creates a difficult equation:

More fire risk. Fewer volunteers. More pressure on the people who remain.

Supporting the People Who Protect Rural Land

Rural fire departments are generally funded through a combination of local government support, state funding mechanisms, grants, insurance-related revenue and public donations.

But firefighting isn’t cheap.

A single response can cost thousands of dollars, and a major incident can quickly climb into the tens of thousands—or more.

That’s why supporting your local rural fire department matters.

You don’t necessarily have to become a firefighter. You can donate. Attend the fundraiser. Buy a ticket to the fire department’s annual event. Bid on the silent auction. Help with a fundraiser. Or simply ask your local department what they need.

Every bit helps.

And there’s another reason this matters for those of us who hunt, fish and spend time on private land.

Good Relationships Keep Gates Open

Hunters depend heavily on relationships with farmers, ranchers and landowners.

Those relationships aren’t built by knocking on a door five minutes before opening morning and asking, “Can I hunt your place?”

They’re built over time.

You show respect for the property. 

You follow the rules. 

You don’t leave gates open. 

You don’t drive where you’re not supposed to. 

You pick up your trash. 

You say thank you.

And sometimes, supporting the rural community that provides hunting access means supporting the people who protect that community.

Rural landowners are often the same people volunteering at the fire department, donating equipment, hosting fundraisers, fighting grass fires and helping their neighbors.

When hunters contribute to those communities—not just by asking for access, but by becoming part of the community around that access—it strengthens relationships.

And strong relationships can help keep those gates open.

The Takeaway

That fire at the ranch could have been much worse.

Instead, firefighters and neighbors arrived quickly, worked together and protected what they could.

We got a reminder of something rural America already knows:

When things go bad, your neighbors matter.

So support your local rural fire department!

If you hunt, fish or enjoy access to private land, support the farmers, ranchers and landowners who make those opportunities possible, too.

And if you happen to see a bird sitting on a transformer…

Maybe suggest it find another perch.

References:

https://www.farmprogress.com/tv-and-radio/wildfires-scorch-7-5-million-acres-across-western-u-s-

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/by-the-numbers

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.

With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land.

United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day.

To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.