December 12, 2016
As a firefighter on the fire line during the Pinnacle Mountain Fire in upstate South Carolina, I was privileged to witness the amazing coordination and cooperation among local, state, and federal resources but in all my years as a firefighter, the outstanding contribution by so many VOLUNTEERS was unequaled.
From communities near the fire origin to cities, towns, and districts across South Carolina, responders came to assist in the wildland fire event. Whether their efforts involved protection of structures, providing fire coverage for the helicopter air support units, transporting water in fire tender vehicles for re-supplying forward fire line operations, or assisting in mop-up actions, many of these firefighters volunteered for duty.
And volunteers were not only present in the form of firefighters. The American Red Cross was on-site and there was a tremendous group effort in preparing, serving, and cleaning up after meals present daily.
Overseen by an individual who is state certified as a food safe preparer, volunteers and staff at the Table Rock Retreat and Conference Center, along with volunteers from the local community, nearby churches, and companies such as Duke Energy and Greenville Water System, began each work day as early as 4 AM.
Coming together to prepare and package lunch meals for use by the firefighters on the fire lines and structural protection groups; transitioning to preparing and serving breakfast, lunch for on-site overhead staff, and then an evening meal for returning fire crews, these volunteers embodied the “You Don’t Have to Fight the Fire to Help” campaign of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association.
Conceptually, the campaign addresses the multitude of tasks performed in the firehouse. Of a surety, firefighters and medical providers are needed but community based fire and medical protection agencies also seek individuals willing to fill a plethora of support roles. Human resource/personnel guidance, administrative tasks, public information and education roles, mechanics, grant writers, rehabilitation and traffic control teams, and yes-even cooks-can support the organization and operations of their local fire department.
Interested, have questions, want to help-visit your local volunteer/combination fire department or visit www.scvolunteerfire.org
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