OMAK, Wash. - More than 3,000 people called and emailed in response to the state's request for volunteer help with wildfires.
Dozens of volunteers showed up to a training session in Omak on Saturday as they prepare to help firefighters on the front lines.
"I don't like standing around," said 22-year-old Zac Yamery, who has been itching to do something since the logging company he works for suspended operations as the Okanogan Complex fires exploded in size.
"I just want to get this stuff over with, get back to normal life," he said.
The Department of Natural Resources put out the help-wanted ad this week, when it became clear that state crews were overwhelmed with work.
Yamery could be out there with firefighters as soon as next week, helping run heavy equipment, driving trucks, and supporting firefighters who are exhausted and stretched thin.
"It's just how this community is, we like to work together, and help each other out, and try to get through it," he said, after learning how to use an emergency fire shelter.
Volunteers will get paid for their time, a DNR spokesperson said, though pay rates were not available, Saturday.
Deployment to a wildfire will depend on the availability of professional firefighting staff to escort and direct the volunteers.
