Washita County, OK — Cloud Chief Fire Department of Cordell, OK has received a donation of emergency drinking water from Anheuser-Busch to help keep its firefighters hydrated during wildfire response efforts. The donation, made in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), will provide critical hydration to first responders working long hours in extreme conditions.
On July 1, 2026, more than 2,300 cans of emergency drinking water were delivered by Anheuser-Busch's local wholesaler partner. The donation will help ensure firefighters have access to clean, safe drinking water while responding to wildfires and other emergencies where proper hydration is essential for safety and performance.
The Cloud Chief Fire Department covers 100 square miles of rural Washita County, Oklahoma, with an annual call volume of 40 to 60 calls, the majority of which are wildland fires. The department also responds to surrounding communities through mutual aid agreements and as part of the Washita County Task Force.
"Extended emergency responses, especially during wildfire season, place significant physical demands on our firefighters," said Chief Cook. "Having access to emergency drinking water helps protect their health, maintain their endurance, and keep them mission-ready when our community needs them most. We're grateful to Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council for providing resources that directly support firefighter safety and operational readiness."
Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of supporting disaster relief efforts dating back to 1906. Each year, its breweries in Cartersville, Georgia, and Fort Collins, Colorado, periodically pause beer production to produce emergency drinking water for times of need. Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 100 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to communities impacted by or preparing for disasters.
With an increased focus on disaster preparedness, Anheuser-Busch partnered with the NVFC in 2019. Together with its wholesaler partners, the company has supported volunteer fire departments with nearly 12 million cans of emergency drinking water through more than 3,700 deliveries across nearly all 50 states.
The NVFC is the leading nonprofit association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services across the United States, with a mission to support volunteer responders and the communities they serve.
To learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program, visit www.nvfc.org/water.
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