Fire District 8 recruiting volunteer wildland firefighters

Spokane County Fire District 8 is recruiting volunteers to assist with the upcoming wildfire season.

The Volunteer Wildland Firefighter Program will train local residents to help the district respond to wildfires within the district.

Volunteer firefighters receive a nominal reimbursement for their response and training, and are eligible for a pension. Wildland firefighters who are sent to large, multiagency fires may be eligible for significantly more reimbursement.

“Each year, wildland fires threaten the homes and property of the citizens of Fire District 8. This is a great program for the person that may not be able to commit to all of the training required of our structural firefighters and EMTs, but still wants to fight fire and help make a difference in their community,” said Deputy Chief Tony Nielsen.

Trainees will commit to one evening and three weekend day training sessions for a total of approximately 32 hours. All training and equipment is provided free.

Spokane County Fire District 8 covers 110 square miles south of the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley and serves the communities of Moran Prairie, Glenrose, Valleyford, Mica, Ponderosa and Saltese.

Persons interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the district’s administrative offices for an application packet at 926-6699, or visit the district’s Web site at www.scfd8.org.