The idea that the Veguita and La Joya fire departments may be closed seems of immense concern to us. Both communities are rather isolated — particularly La Joya — and it seems as though, by the time the nearest fire departments could get to blazes there, it would probably be way too late.

The state fire marshal’s office needs to take this into consideration before making a decision. Luckily, there may be enough time to do something about it. There will be fire hall meetings at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Veguita and at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, in La Joya.

We’d encourage every resident of those areas to attend and make his or her feelings known. One can only wonder what the effect will be on the insurance rating of those communities and how much more money residents would wind up paying for homeowners policies.

In the long run, the answer probably is for more residents of those areas to step forward and volunteer to help out. Volunteer fire departments have a wonderful way of bringing communities together, of making people get out of the house and work as a group.

We urge each and every member of those communities to take an evening away from home and make sure the state government knows how you feel about this very real possibility.

This could hit you where it really hurts — possibly paying more for insurance or perhaps even losing your home.

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.