(Osgood, IN) – The Osgood Volunteer Fire Department has issued a public notice informing residents of Osgood and Center Township of updated charges for certain fire department responses, following approval by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
The updated fee schedule is authorized under Indiana Code 36-8-12-16, which allows fire departments to recover costs associated with specific emergency responses and requires those costs to be publicly disclosed. Fire officials said the notice is intended to ensure transparency and public awareness, as required by state law.
Under the statute, a “call for service” includes a broad range of emergency responses, including structure fires, vehicle fires, wildland fires, rescue operations such as vehicle extrication, hazardous materials incidents, gas leaks, and fire alarm activations.
According to the department, the approved charges include:
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Initial response (fire apparatus): $500 per vehicle
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Initial response (command vehicle): $200 per vehicle
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On-scene fire apparatus: $400 per vehicle, per hour
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On-scene command vehicle: $200 per vehicle, per hour
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Expendable materials and cleanup agents: actual cost
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Debris, chemical cleanup, and disposal: actual cost
Fire officials noted that, consistent with past practice, insurance providers are billed when applicable, rather than individual property owners paying directly out of pocket. Indiana law permits departments to seek reimbursement for response-related costs, but does not allow charges for services that are otherwise prohibited under statute.
The notice applies only to responses within the department’s service area and does not change how emergency calls are handled. Fire officials emphasized that the department will continue to respond to emergencies as needed, regardless of billing considerations.
Residents with questions about the updated charges or the billing process may contact the Osgood Volunteer Fire Department at 812-689-4142 or via email at fire@osgoodindiana.org.
