Departments see decline in firefighters

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County has had its share of fires this week, with one burning thousands of acres of woods.

During these major fires, multiple departments from different communities must respond.

“It’s not for the show or whatever everybody thinks it is, it’s something when you come out here and help somebody,” said volunteer firefighter William Ivey.

Ivey, like many volunteer firefighters balances fatherhood, a full-time job, and volunteering. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, volunteer firefighters make up 69% of firefighters in the country. The organization said the number of volunteers has declined by 12% since 1984.

Many communities in the Cape Fear rely on their volunteer departments. Officials say increases in training and demand, as well as flexibility with full-time jobs are keeping volunteers away. Volunteer fire chief Doug Todd said it’s not easy to keep up with the demands.

“There’s a lot of training demands that’s put on the volunteers as far as trying to get the hours they need, to be able to do what we need them to do,” Todd said.

Todd said changes in the economy have also impacted departments.

“Most businesses have a limited number of staff and they’re getting by with the number of people they need to be able to work, so it’s hard to let anybody off to come volunteer their time to go answer a call,” Todd said.

But for Ivey, it’s a labor of love putting in sometimes six or more hours a week.

“This is something you have to want to do, it’s tough, but you can do it,” Ivey said.

Todd said North Carolina is part of a pilot program through the National Volunteer Fire Council where people can learn more about volunteer departments in their community.

CLICK HERE to visit the National Volunteer Fire Council’s website.