Firework fundraiser sees increased returns

The numbers are in for this summer’s fireworks over Keyhole, the Pine Haven Volunteer Fire Department’s largest annual fundraiser and Fire Chief Don Lancaster shared this and other news with the council at last Tuesday’s meeting.

Through donations via mail, the department made $7245; attendees put $8198.56 into the boots; and the town contributed $2500, bringing the total donations to $15,738.56. The fireworks cost $9000, leaving $9238.56 for department needs. This is a 38% increase from last year’s total of $4148.58.

This event enables the department to maintain a high quality of vehicles, pumps, training etc. to keep the area safe as well as personal protective equipment to keep the volunteers safe while facing the flames.

Pine Haven Fire Chief Don Lancaster is working with Crook County and the state of Wyoming on a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), gathering information about the concerns specific to the local areas covered by the department including the township and subdivisions and is sending the information on to these entities.

Implementation of the CWPP will help Pine Haven’s fire department qualify for federal grants to fund many projects like the Community Fire Wise Project, a wild fire protection plan the department has put into practice for the last couple of years. To this end, the department has been examining potential issues for the past few months and will have completed their evaluation by the end of August, said Lancaster.

The chief also reminds residents of the very real need to have their house numbers large and in a quickly apparent place and easily visible to ensure a quick response to emergency either night or day. He advises letters and numbers “at least six inches” in height.