Residents mull new fire district in canyon

Volunteer firefighters in Lenore are actively considering the formation of a new rural fire district to enhance fire coverage as the Big Canyon Fire District faces resource challenges this winter. The county's recent decision to reclaim half of the shared fire station space for its road department has left the fire district with only one operational engine. This prompted discussions on the potential advantages of establishing a new district, including improved insurance access for residents and lower costs for homeowners. Support from the community has been evident, with offers of land for a new fire station following an informational meeting held on November 11. The Big Canyon Fire District operates on a $30,000 annual budget and has no paid staff, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.

The county has pledged to return the space to the fire district next spring and plans to construct a new shed for its equipment. As more people move into the area, concerns about fire risks are increasing, with the population along the Clearwater reportedly quadrupling in the last decade. Local leaders stress the importance of volunteer fire departments in preparing for the increasingly severe fire seasons expected in the coming years.