DNR seeks volunteers to fight fires

For the first time in state history, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is asking citizens to volunteer their time and equipment to fight the dozens of fires burning across the state. Dispatch centers have been inundated with offers of assistance, according to a DNR press release. “If people want to help, we’d like them to contact our coordinators so we can work on getting them safely and appropriately involved,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. People can contact one of two coordination centers beginning Friday at 7 a.m. and give information about their training. “Red Card” firefighters and “Blue Card” heavy equipment operators are preferred. Training sessions will be held for those not currently qualified to work on a fire line. People can call in or email their information for review. The first center will be at Omak City Hall at 2 Ash Street N; (360) 826-2546 or CRC.Omak@gmail.com. The second center will be at the WSDOT office at 440 N. Highway 395 in Colville; (509) 675-7847, CRC.Colville@gmail.com.