FAIR OAKS, Okla.- One Green Country community could lose its entire fire protection this summer.
Chiefs at Oak Grove say they've been able to respond to all of Fair Oaks emergencies for more than 20 years free of charge.
Now they can't afford to cover both communities. That means residents could be left without any first responders starting July 1.
“Surely that's not the case, I hope not,” said Fair Oaks resident Ted Riddle.
Riddle has lived in Fair Oaks and watched Oak Grove Fire in action for three decades.
“I remember before they were here...wildfires were wet towels and shovels,” said riddle.
That could be the reality again for Fair Oaks residents. They've received free fire protection for years from the 25 volunteers at Oak Grove. But now the community has grown, and just a few weeks ago, they received notice that the fire department can't afford the load.
“Unfortunately, it's come down to money, as everything does,” said Oak Grove Assistant Chief Paul Summers. “We're getting an increase in run volume and call volume in our area which adds an increase in expenses.”
Summers says money isn't the only concern. They're worried about the people in Oak Grove.
“There's a lot of businesses that run along admiral that are playing a big toll on our ISO rating causing it to increase, which would cause everyone's insurance payments on their houses and property to increase,” he said.
Residents say they hope Fair Oaks board can move fast and work with oak grove until they're ready to be on their own.
“This is my home, and i know my neighbors feel the same way. They belong here,” said Riddle. “We gotta work together to solve it.”
Fair Oaks established their fire protection district three years ago. The ultimate goal is to get the town its’ own department.
Oak Grove Fire says they're willing to help with that transition as much as they can with the resources they have.
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