Jackson County Fire District 5 raises money through 'Fund the First' after Almeda Fire losses

The fire department lost a station and has suffered substantial damage because of the Almeda Fire.

Central medford high rst."

Newswatch 12's leah thompson explains the damage the fire caused to the department and how you can help.

Jackson county fire district 5 is facing heavy losses because of the almeda fire.

Station 3 is destroyed.

The fire district headquarters is damaged.

A fire engine, vehicles and firefighting gear damaged and also destroyed.

Chief we suffered loss just like the community did.

Chief hanley set up a fund the first account to start bringing in money.

It's a new way for first responders to raise money.

Chief just so we can serve the community because as these people were displaced they are moving back in now.

So they will be in shelters they will be in temporary housing so we still have to provide fire protection for those people.

Robert at fund the first we developed the first and only verified crowd funding platform for our first responders and military.

Robert garland works at the new york police department.

He is the ceo of fund the first.

He says this is a safe way for people to donate.

You will know exactly who your money is going to.

Robert well if something like this everyone is going to relate to this.

A fire department was wiped out because of these fires and now they can't necceassarily support the people that support them, the fire department says the losses also include a 50 percent reduction in funding.

This will impact employees and volunteers.

People that donate to ther fund the first account will help maintain fire protection in an area devstated but sitll in the midst of a dangerous fire season.

Chief it's heartbreaking our folks grew up in this community.

They have deep roots with their family and friends that were affected.

These