SEVIER COUNTY, Tennessee (WATE) – All that remains of Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department Tank Truck 111 is molten metal, a horn and an air cylinder after it was destroyed in the Wears Fire Valley.

“It’s a big pressure for us. The county gives us money every year that we can rely on for our budget needs and $248,000 to replace a truck was not in the budget,” the chief said. Stephen Whaley.

Now Whaley and his crew are hoping to bridge the gap between their insurance payment and the lack of funding for a replacement truck.

“Over the past two years, fire truck prices have more than tripled, so the same truck we bought several years ago now costs over $100,000 more for the same truck,” he said. he declared.

Northview Kodak firefighters are in a similar situation. They lost their beloved Engine 44 in the wildfire last month.

“We had insurance and different things, but it’s just not enough to replace everything that was lost during the fire that day,” said firefighter Daniel Willis.

To cover their losses, the two fire departments will host fundraising dinners with auctions.

“We received articles from Dale Earnhardt Sr. as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” Willis said. “So we’re going to have some really neat items there. In fact, Robert Tino reached out and donated a beautiful print that is not only signed, but also personally signed on the back.

The Sevier County Fire Department will also have some cool items at their auction, including an old half-ton Chevy that’s been repaired like new.

“A member of our community came and donated it. He saw we had a need,” Whaley said. “He didn’t need the vehicle. It’s actually a very nice truck. He gave it to us. Several businesses in the area have donated things ranging from guided fishing trips to spa days.

Whaley reports county chiefs are doing all they can to help fire departments that have suffered a loss, but anything not budgeted for will have to come straight out of a department’s pockets.

He added: “Our community here steps up whenever they see a need and they always step up to help us fill it.”

The Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser is taking place on May 14 from 8:00 a.m.. at their station (149 Industrial Park Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862). A pancake breakfast will be served and tickets are $5. If you would like to donate an item for their silent auction, send them a message on their Facebook page.

As for the Northview Kodak Fire fundraiser, it will take place May 21 at Northview Middle School (3295 Douglas Dam Road, Kodak, TN 37764). Events begin at 4:00 p.m. To donate an item or to find out more about fundraising, call (865) 548-1965.