Excerpt from the report Summary: Data and easy-to-use procedures are presented to help local decisionmakers analyze alternative rural fire protection systems. Data are based on a ten-county area of northwestern Oklahoma and an example, using the procedure, is worked out for Ames, Oklahoma. The example demonstrated that Ames can expect 19 fires a year with an average firefighting system cost of $289 per fire. Applicable throughout most of the Great Plains, the procedure is also useful in other U.S. regions where conditions are similar. Blank forms are furnished to help decisionmakers estimate level of fire protection needed, capital and operating costs, and yearly costs. Alternative financial arrangements, training, and regulations are discussed.