North Bench Fire Dept. residents: Are you protected?

Saturday, Jan. 25 was the North Bench Volunteer Fire Department’s annual meeting.

We are lucky to have eight wonderfully dedicated fire fighters protecting the vast amount of land from Bonners Ferry city limits up to parts of the Canadian Border.

I was amazed to find out that only 60 percent of the residents actual pay the minimum fee of $75 a year. That’s 480 homes that do not support our local volunteer fire department!

Because they don’t have full support, they are considering becoming a taxing district. Do you really want another tax added to your property taxes?

Isn’t it worth paying the nominal $75 a year?

Another amazing fact I found out was that our North Bench Volunteer Fire Department assists all fire departments in the area, including our closest fire department, Bonners Ferry City Fire Department.

However, because of taxing districts issues, fire departments within taxing districts cannot come to the aid of North Bench unless our county sheriff calls on them to assist.

There are two other volunteer fire departments that can come and assist without issue, however, on average, it takes them 45 minutes to arrive at the scene of the fire! Not very comforting!

You may not be aware, but there are some home owner insurance policies that will not pay on a claim unless this fee has been paid.

Another consequence that came up during the meeting was if the North Bench Fire Department is called out to put out a fire and the homeowner did not pay their fee previously, they will bill you the full expense for fighting the fire.

They assured us that the bill will be exponentially greater than the $75 fee.

If you think you are in the Three mile, North Bench Fire District and have not received your $75 invoice, please contact them. There was one resident at the meeting who said he has never received a bill from them.

I know this community cares about one another and supports the community in numerous ways. I’m hoping this letter enlightens the residents within the North Bench District so that these dear volunteers have the supplies, tools and trucks available to protect our homes and businesses in our greatest time of need.

Lynda Fioravanti

Bonners Ferry