Fire district seeks funds to match equipment grant

Sisters firefighters need help to provide better fire safety for lower-income residents.

Public contributions are being solicited by the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District to match grant funds for fire safety equipment. TUMS Corporation will match contributions up to $2,500 in a grant to the fire district to allow the district to buy smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, escape ladders and videos on how to effectively use fire extinguishers, according to Fire Marshal Dave Wheeler.

“In our routine visits to Sisters area residents, we see a high compliance with smoke detectors and other fire safety equipment in most homes,” Wheeler explained. “When we do not see these safety devices in place, it’s usually with low income-families who may lack the finances to buy these devices to protect themselves.”

If the district raises only $1,000 through contributions, they will receive another $1,000 from the TUMS Corporation. If they receive $2,500 in private contributions, they will receive that equal amount in a grant.

“This is the first time we have applied for this grant,” Wheeler said. “Under the terms of the grant, there can be no tax dollars involved. We hope the community will respond with contributions to help us help others.”

Cash contributions may be delivered to the Sisters Fire Hall at 301 S. Elm Street in Sisters or a check made payable to Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, with a memo note “TUMS Grant” and mailed to P.O. Box 1509, Sisters, OR 97759.