Due to its location on the western most edge of McDonald County, Tiff City's Fire Department responds to calls primarily in McDonald County, but also in Ottawa and Deleware counties in Oklahoma.
In fact, a portion of their main station spills into the other state. The department capitalizes on the location by making use of services offered by both states as well as collecting membership dues from Missouri and sales tax revenue from Oklahoma.
The department has 10 volunteers who are tasked with covering a 40-square-mile area that averages 900 calls per year.
This year they have acquired two new vehicles: A pumper donated by the city of Goodman and a rescue vehicle purchased from Pryor, Okla.. This new rescue vehicle replaces the re-purposed ambulance that is now in use.
Every month, volunteers meet for either a work or training night where they practice emergency responses and safety procedures.
Currently, the department is in the process of applying for a grant through the Missouri Department of Conservation to help fund the installation of a water storage tank in Station 1. This will enable pumpers to refill on-site rather than going to a creek.
"For the last three years, we've been able to get a small grant from (the Missouri Department of Conservation), so we stand a pretty good chance," said Assistant Chief Richard Huston.
Due to the excess vegetation drying out in the summer months, the department would like to remind residents to be cautious of starting a grass fire. Do not burn trash in the late afternoon or during high winds and try to keep brush short if at all possible.
General News on 10/10/2015