The Sayre Fire Department is seeking new volunteer firemen.
As the active wildfire season is underway, the need is critical.
“We have a dedicated crew of thirteen,” Sayre Fire Department Chief Colter Sander said. “But, we are also years into a prolonged dry period, so we have had historic wildfires. We would like to have twenty people on the roster, so I just want to encourage anyone interested to go to city hall and fill out an application.”
The SFD not only services the community of Sayre, but also assists several surrounding communities. Sanders said that kind of mutual cooperation is vital to Beckham County.
“We are always happy to help our neighbors when we are willing, and they have always done the same for us,” Sanders explained. “We stay up all night for them, and they stay up all night for us. Each department does their best to help everyone while taking care of our own towns. And this work comes with a lot of satisfaction to serving your community and training that helps other areas.”
Sanders is concerned about western Oklahoma’s drought conditions. He said that the possibilities for wildfires is combustible.
“This takes a group effort from the community to prevent these fires. There are some fires that are unavoidable, but many of our biggest have started from people. If you are lighting a fire outside, pay attention to what the weather will be like for a few days — not just the day that you have the fire. Those stray embers may stay lit longer than you expect. It doesn’t take much wind to make that a real problem. If you are a smoker, please don’t throw out cigarettes. We have already had fires from that. If you are a welder, make sure you have a spotter out in the field with a pump can. It is going to be dry for a while,” Samders advised.
Sanders, who has been on the SFD since 2009, also cau-tioned on trailer safety.
“If you are hauling a trailer, please make sure no chains are dragging. We are a blue collar community with agriculture and oilfield work, so trailers have to be hauled to complete that work. I know working people never want to be the cause of that kind of fire, but it does happen. So, I just ask people to take the time to make sure that chains are not dragging,” he stated.
Sanders said that serving on the fire department can be rewarding for families.
“I grew up with my dad serving on the Sayre Fire Department. It was a good way to grow up. This is a way to serve and protect your community,” Sanders aid.
