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Hazle chief: We have suspects in brush fires
Wednesday, 03 May 2006
www.standardspeaker.com
Hazle Township Fire officials are investigating three recent brush fires they’re calling arson.
Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Kostician said the fires were set deliberately.
“We have some individuals considered suspects in mind and they will be prosecuted
to the fullest,” Kostician said.
“We’re certain the fires are the work of an arsonist and those recent brush fires are
under investigation for arson,” Kostician reiterated.
Kostician pointed out the high cost of fighting a brush fire in addition to potential loss of life
and injuries to those fighting the fire, potential loss of wildlife and potential property damage.
Kostician went on to say that current gasoline prices are impacting fire departments
in a number of ways.
“We’re spending $1,400 per month to fill up fire apparatus and that isn’t counting
the fuel bills for our buildings,” Kostician said.
“We cover over 54 square miles surrounding Hazleton alone,” Kostician pointed out.
“High gas prices are hurting our annual fund drives, in fact we’re behind on fund-raising this year.”
The Hazle Township Fire Chief said his department answers over 800 calls a year.
“We answered 77 calls last month,” Kostician said.
The dry weather is causing residents to call the fire department when they smell smoke
or someone burning papers in the back yard according to Kostician.
“We answer all the calls but it costs money to keep gas tanks filled in our apparatus
right now,” Kostician said, “ every call is investigated.”
Kostician agreed, “ high gas prices are impacting everything including the fire departments
and because people have less money our fund drive is down.”
“Our fire department won’t be able to buy some equipment because donations are down
and the money we were setting aside for the equipment is being used
because of the high gas prices,” Kostician said.
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