Some of the first responders to the Sand Fire were from Williams Fire Protection Authority In Colusa County.
It’s a small department. There are 40 men and 34 women volunteers. At this time of year, they’re putting in long hours, and in some cases, locally, no pay. There are 40,000 firefighters in California and one-third are volunteers.
More are needed.
Each summer, it takes an army of firefighters to battle wildfires.
“It’s a way to give back to the community and it was something I really wanted to do,” said volunteer firefighter Ashley Roschetzky.
Last year, Roschetzky decided her job as a parts rep wasn’t enough and decided to join the Williams Fire Protection Authority.
“Williams is a small community and we have each other’s backs,” she said.
There are 39 firefighters; five are paid and the rest volunteer. So no pay, and they have to commit to up to 200 hours of training.
Firefighters trained Monday in some of Woodland’s overgrown city lots.
“They are out here beside every paid pro doing the exact same job,” said Williams Fire Chief Jeff Gilbert.