Shortly after Fire Prevention Week concluded in the fall of 2006, Rushville Firefighters Local 1734 began an effort to raise funds to purchase a new smoke house.

The smoke house currently used locally was loaned to the Rushville department by the Everton Volunteer Fire Department a number of years ago. According to local firefighters the structure no longer serves its primary function.

Each fall shortly after school resumes, school children get a hands-on look and learn valuable information from the mobile house that could possibly save them in the event of a fire at their own homes.

“Simply put, we have outgrown the valuable teaching tool we currently have. A limited number of students can be in the two-story structure at one time,” Rushville firefighter Mike Buckley said.

His sentiments echoed by others in the 16-man department.

During the fall of 2007 the Greensburg Fire Department loaned its smoke house to Rushville. The newer teaching tool is being sought locally. According to Aaron Vanatta, the cost of the valuable tool is roughly $36,000. During the past 18 months, the RFD has raised roughly one-third of that total.

“This weekend we are going to kick off a fund raising drive. The event will begin Thursday and continue through Saturday,” Vanatta said.

The firefighter went on to say that those in a position to assist are asked to stop by the fire station at 120 North Perkins Street, Rushville. The event also will serve as a means for residents to get a first hand look of the station and the equipment used, recent repairs and upgrades to the facility and meet the firefighters. The Everton department purchased a new smoke house in 2003 and has let the RFD use the old one.

According to Buckley and Vanatta, the time to purchase one locally is at hand.

A Rush County Community Foundation grant was received and donators can also contribute the fund at Mainsource Bank.

“We opened the bank account in hopes that those in the community who are willing and able would have a location to make additional donations to the fund,” Buckley said.

Firefighters feel that although the price tag is steep for the smoke house, if the instruction gained by youngsters saves just one life it will be worth the cost.

The model being sought has space for 15 students in a learning environment and can be used as a hands-on fire safety tool to teach safety and injury prevention. The single-story house would also be more easily transported than the two-story model currently being used.

It is hoped that the funds can be raised and the new smoke house will be made available to students in early 2009.