Decision Delayed To Pull Fire Service From Thousands In Wagoner County

Emily Baucum, News On 6

COWETA, Oklahoma -- With almost all of Oklahoma under a burn ban, thousands of people in Wagoner County have learned that they'll keep their fire coverage.

The city of Coweta considered a proposal to only cover city residents.  It's a move that would leave 4,500 people without service.

A proposal by the city manager grants fire service to those residents until September 30 of next year.

Coweta's been debating this decision for more than a year.

City leaders say the fire department simply doesn't have the manpower or resources to continue coverage outside of Coweta.

The proposal does delay significant decisions.

Right now, people in rural areas can pay a subscription fee for city fire coverage but the city council will decide later this year if that continues.

It also puts off grassroots plans by citizens to create their own fire department to protect Wagoner County east of Coweta.

04/02/2011 Related Story: Wagoner County Businessman Fights To Keep Fire Coverage