La Rosita, TX (KRGV) — High diesel prices are putting pressure on the La Rosita Volunteer Fire Department as it spends more to keep its trucks on the road, according to the department.

Firefighters start the day by checking their trucks and equipment before the next call comes in. Every response adds another fuel cost the department cannot avoid.

"Especially with our trucks, most of them are all diesel which take up quite a bit," Volunteer Firefighter Nancy Rangel said.

The department does not just respond in La Rosita. It also travels outside the area when crews need help.

"It was this previous month we had to go a lot towards the San Isidro area. We had to go help out with grass fires and such. The cost did add up a bit because of the travel distance, traveling distance," Rangel said.

The department says it has responded to about 60 calls since August. It handled 34 calls in September, its busiest month.

"We have to refuel every two days, three days, just depending on how much we have left in our tanks," Rangel said.

Diesel in the area now averages $5.33 a gallon. The department's larger engine holds about 100 gallons, so filling it costs $533.

Data obtained by Channel 5 News shows the fire department spent $15,000 on fuel in 2025. So far this year, that number has climbed to $23,000.

Starr County Precinct One Commissioner Kiko Perez says rising operating costs including fuel are why Starr County increased the fire department's overall 2026 budget by about 10%.

Grants help the department pay for equipment. That lets the department use more of its own money for fuel and other expenses.

"And since it's so expensive, the grants really take a weight off of our shoulders and we're able to purchase those items that we need, leaving our budget for our fuel cost, which has gone up," Rangel said.

If the department needs more funding to keep emergency services running, the county says it will consider its options through the budget process.

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