Spokane needs volunteer firefighters. Over the past few years, the number of volunteers has dropped drastically, and with fire season seeming to get worse every year, now is the time to help.
Seven out of ten firefighters that you meet are volunteers, but that number is going down. The volunteer fire council says since 2016, volunteer numbers are at their lowest ever.
"I just kept seeing the signs everywhere, ‘we need your help, please volunteer'," Emily Walston, volunteer firefighter, said.
Three years ago, Walston took a leap of faith and started volunteering with Fire District 10 in Airway Heights. She’s never looked back.
"Why wouldn't you want to learn how to drive a big rig like this and learn how to save the day," Walston said.
Serving the West Plains, Walston has learned how to fight structure fires, wildland fires, and respond to medical calls.
"We work as a team to get through some of the worst situations you can imagine," Walston said.