Sun River area residents will soon be paying a little extra money, but in return will receive better fire protection.

Folks who live or own a business in the Sun River area will start paying an annual fire fee of $75 next year.

Cascade County Commissioners approved the fee last night after a public hearing. The funds will go towards improving equipment for the volunteer department. Sun River has had to rely on other volunteer departments to help them fight fires.

Commissioner Bill Salina said that improving the Sun River department benefits more than just those residents, noting, "I think by making one area stronger, it makes all the areas stronger. And we had people from different fire districts in support of this not just from the Sun River Fire Department."

(November 9, 2009) Sun River area residents can learn tonight why their volunteer fire department is seeking more money, as a public hearing will be held about collecting a fire district service fee.

The volunteer department is looking to replace old gear to make it safer for firefighters. Since 1963 the department has relied solely on fundraisers. Other volunteer departments started collecting a fire service fee decades ago.

The Sun River fee would be $75 per year for each home or business owner; it could bring in about $30,000 per year for the department, and could position the agency to receive federal matching grants.

The public hearing will be Monday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Sun River Middle School.

(October 26, 2009) Sun River residents are some of the few in Cascade County that don't have to pay for fire protection; their volunteer fire department has relied solely on fundraisers. But the department is increasing its force and looking to improve service.

Once or twice a week volunteer firefighters in Sun River suit up for an emergency - but their gear doesn't meet standards, and their air bottles and breathing air packs are outdated.

Andrew Carlsson, president of the Sun River Volunteer Fire Department, noted, "It will still protect our fireman from a lot of heat, but it is outdated - we're not able to go inside."

They rely on other volunteer departments nearby to help handle fires; that means that Sun River firefighters are stuck fighting outside, like grass fires.

This force has grown quickly recently; a couple of years ago there were just a few volunteers, but then a house fire prompted folks to step up to help, and the department now has 16 volunteers.

Carlsson noted, "We have plenty of help. Now we need to get them protected." They applied for federal grants to help with the purchase of new gear, but grant approval requires local residents to pay a little.

Since 1963 this volunteer department has relied on fundraisers, while other fire districts started collecting fire service fees decades ago.

Now Sun River is asking folks for money to help the department suit up, and in the future could help buy a new truck to handle all emergencies.  One of the biggest benefits, said Carlsson, is that, "Our big change will be that we will be able to perform the initial attack. We won't be relying on our neighboring departments." .

Residents are being asked for $75 per year, which could result in a total of $30,000 for the department. Carlsson said that it's a bargain, comparing the $75 fee to one tank of fuel in a pickup truck - but offering peace of mind and increased safety for both people and property.

Cascade County Commissioners plan to hold a public hearing about the fire service fee on November 9th; the meeting was originally scheduled for October, but was postponed due to notification issues.

Sun River is located approximately 20 miles west/northwest of Great Falls.