Almost All Big Cabin Firefighters Resign

The town of Big Cabin is without their all-volunteer fire department after half of the firefighters resigned over a dispute between the department and the town.

The Big Cabin fire chief said his firefighters wanted an agreement for Vinita's firefighters to help during structure fires, but he said the Big Cabin town board voted against it.

For now, fire trucks inside the Big Cabin Fire Department will not be going anywhere. Firefighters said they need at least six to respond to calls.

"I think we all did it to try and get the point across that we all care about the community, and we have their best interest at mind and safety," said Fire Chief Zachary Rinehart.

Rinehart said his resignation as well as the assistant fire chief and one other firefighter will go into effect January 31, leaving the department with just one volunteer if nothing is done.

"We had a structure fire a couple weeks ago. From the time we got the page until the time Vinita arrived, or Vinita went in route, was 12 minutes. That 12 minutes can be crucial life or death," said Rinehart.

Firefighter Kevin Oakley said he's not resigning and is staying out of the dispute. He said he just wants to fight fires and help people.

"I'm here for the guy going down I-44 that crashes into the wall. I'm here for the guy out there on Highway 69 that has some kind of emergency, a car catches on fire, or whatever - I'm here for this town when their stove catches on fire," said Oakley.

He said while there is no fire department, three other area departments about ten miles from the town are helping with coverage. Oakley said he has five other volunteers ready to step up. He said the town board just needs to approve the new members so they can start responding to calls again.

"Hopefully we can get that done pretty quick and be back rolling and ready to fight fire again," said Oakley.

News On 6 reached out to the Mayor of Big Cabin, who is also the Chairman of the town board, but has not yet heard back.

If the chairman or any other board members decide to comment, this news story will be updated with the statement or statements.