OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - State House Democrats proposed a relief package Wednesday for rural firefighters whose resources have been stretched to the limit by wildfires that have buffeted the state over the last three months.

The package, with an estimated pricetag of about $40 million, will help "protect our prairies from further destruction," said House Minority Leader Jari Askins, D-Duncan.

Drought conditions have helped fuel wildfires that have scorched 414,000 acres, destroyed more than 250 homes and businesses and left two people dead in Oklahoma since Nov. 1.

“These wildfires have taxed the resources of firefighters throughout our state,” Askins said. The legislative proposals will help rural fire departments recoup their losses, replace equipment and get ready to battle more wildfires.

"Every corner of Oklahoma has been touched by this emergency," Askins said. "We believe that the rural firefighters have played an important role in protecting lives and property."

The package includes a $30 million proposal to replenish a rural fire defense fund used to finance the purchase of fire trucks which has received no funding in recent years.

The measure's author, Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo, said rural fire departments would borrow from the fund and repay the money over time. Other funds would be tapped to help rural firefighters purchase other kinds of equipment.

"We need to look at giving them the tools that they can have to take care of us in rural Oklahoma," Roan said.

Roan said the one-time appropriation would come from economic growth revenue to the state. Under Roan's bill, the fund would be renamed after George Barnes, considered the founder of Oklahoma's rural fire defense program.

Another measure would give rural firefighters the same employment rights that National Guard and military reserve forces have when called to active duty.

Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, said at least two volunteer firefighters have been fired and another resigned rather than be fired because of the time they have spent away from work fighting grass fires.

"We have recently seen some firefighters who have had to make the choice of going out and helping their neighbors or reporting for work," Morgan said.

Other provisions of the relief package include:

_ A total of $5 million from the constitutional Rainy Day reserve fund to help rural fire departments cope with their financial losses.

_ Doubling of annual rural fire department grants, from $2.5 million to $5 million.

_ Tax credits for families who have lost homes to wildfires.

_ Raising the cap on volunteers at rural fire departments from 25 to 30.

Rep. Dale Turner, D-Holdenville, said rural fire department budgets have been depleted due to wildfires, and some departments are having to borrow money from banks just to pay for gasoline.

Turner said wildfires have ravaged his southeastern Oklahoma district and even damaged his farm and threatened his home.

"I have to praise the firefighters from saving my hay and my cattle," Turner said.