Volunteer fire departments save lives and taxpayer money. But just how much does it cost to keep communities safe?

Here is a snapshot of approximate figures in a total annual budget for a volunteer fire department. Figures vary by the size of the department, number of apparatus and type of equipment used for firefighters.Insurances• Workers' compensation insurance: $15,000• Vehicle insurance: $16,000Total: $31,000Apparatus• Fuel: $6,000• Fund for vehicle replacement and maintenance: $120,000Total: $126,000Recurring fees• Heat: $10,000• Electric: $6,480• Sewage: $250• Water: $216• Phone: $340• TV/Internet: $588• Capital Improvement: $2,000Total: $19,874Equipment costs• Pants: $757• Coat: $1,070• Secondary pants: $169• Boots: $150• Gloves: $70• Hood: $52• Self-contained breathing apparatus: $6,000• Pager: $540Total: $8,808 per firefighterSource: John McArdle, president of the Carbon County Fire Chiefs Association