There are 740 square miles in Douglas County and it is nearly 60 miles from one tip to another. Two mountain ranges divide the county in thirds and yet, no matter where people live, they can count on their fire services.
The April 3 fire at the Topaz Lodge could have been a disaster. Located near the far southern tip of the county, the lodge was as far from the county's main population centers as anywhere.
Yet within minutes of discovering a fire in the attic of the lodge, career and volunteer firefighters were on the scene.
Instead of having to rebuild the casino, something that could last through the critical summer season, the lodge should only be closed for two months.
Firefighters' efforts not only protected property in this case, but the livelihoods of 150 people. As the south county's largest private employer, the lodge is critical to the economy of the area.
Having an experienced and capable fire department is critical to our continued prosperity as a community.
There are lots of ways we can show support for our fire departments, ranging from joining as a volunteer, to donating money and doing our part to prevent fires in and around our homes.
Any contribution to our fire departments is a wise investment in the future of our county.
