LANCASTER, Pa. — Volunteer firefighters are feeling the pinch after an eventful Fourth of July weekend. 

Whereas crews had been taking time away from their households to guard the neighborhood, elevated gasoline costs had been additionally taking bites out of their wallets.

“Our volunteers are utilizing their very own gasoline to reply from house to right here, or our fireplace police to direct visitors on the scene of an accident,” mentioned Captain Ben Watson with the Hempfield Hearth Division.

Watson says his firefighters had 10 calls in a two-hour span in the course of the Fourth of July weekend, attributable to extreme climate. He says the elevated gasoline costs add an additional burden for volunteers.

“Folks have tighter budgets, and so they produce other payments they should pay,” mentioned Watson. “With the rise in costs it’s arduous for some folks.”

To be able to assist ease the ache, The Exterior Firm is freely giving gasoline reward playing cards to native firefighters. Fuel playing cards will likely be despatched to the Backyard Spot/New Holland Hearth Rescue, Hempfield Hearth Division, and Manheim Township Hearth Rescue.

James King, the Senior Venture Supervisor with The Exterior Firm, says the gesture is a manner of claiming thanks to native firefighters.

“After they’re volunteering, going back-and-forth to get on these fireplace vehicles to make these calls and save folks, that’s all their cash popping out of their pockets,” mentioned King.

About 30 firefighters will likely be getting gasoline playing cards from The Exterior Firm. All of them prolonged their gratitude for the donation.

“They had been very grateful to obtain that telephone name that we had been going to be giving these to native fireplace departments,” mentioned King.

“Every little thing helps, any little factor, we’re very appreciative,” mentioned Watson.

The hearth departments anticipate to obtain their gasoline playing cards tomorrow morning.