Ruston Fire Chief details May 18 structure fire, volunteers’ role and funding concerns

Fire Chief Allen briefed the Council on recent activity and resources. He said the department responded to 10 calls last month and 14 so far in the current month, and that volunteer personnel contributed 1,636 hours of service. The department recently obtained 14 rolls of 1¾-inch hose with an estimated value of $2,800 and vehicle extrication equipment valued at roughly $2,500 at no cost to the City.

Chief Allen described the May 18 structure fire response: the department was dispatched at about 6:21 a.m. and arrived within minutes; because of the fire’s severity, Tacoma Fire Department assistance was requested, though Ruston firefighters knocked down the blaze before Tacoma units arrived. Councilmembers thanked volunteers for rapid response and acknowledged the personal and financial burdens of volunteer firefighting.

Councilmember Jennifer Jensen said the department’s approximately $300,000 annual budget is "very low for a fire department," and urged further discussion of sustainable funding options, noting recent state legislation that could expand funding for small cities. The Council discussed regional approaches to fire service funding and whether automated camera revenue could help offset public safety costs in the future.