Thank you for your interest in helping to deal with the far-reaching impact of wildfires in Washington. There are many ways you can contribute.

Although DNR does not hire volunteers, local fire departments play an important role in the fight against wildfires and providing your volunteer assistance may increase their ability to respond. These local agencies are often the first on the scene. DNR works with these valuable local and/or volunteer departments to provide training and equipment. If you aren't able to play a hands-on role with your local fire department then consider assisting with fundraising or other support activities throughout the year. 

 

Veterans may also consider an unaffiliated organization, Team Rubicon, which organizes veterans for disaster response. In addition, local service organizations often provide valuable, organized assistance to communities and those serving on the fire during large-scale community disasters, such a wildfires. Check with your local office of emergency management to find out what organization may fill this role in your community and then work with them to help prepare.

 

If you enjoy interacting with people and spending time outdoors, our Forest Watch volunteers help educate DNR-managed forestland visitors about how to best recreate in state forests, including information about campfire safety and burn bans. Or, organize a project to help your neighborhood become Firewise.   

When communities are impacted by wildfire a part of the local response includes providing for those who have been evacuated. Those able to offer financial or material donations to local communities may be able to do so through the processes put in place by their county’s emergency management office. 

Each year, DNR works ahead of the fire season to improve its access to professional
equipment and services for fire suppression through pre-season agreements and call down lists. These agreements are 'Call When Needed' (not mandatory use contracts) that allow the agency to quickly pull in outside resources as needed. While not a true "volunteer" scenario, we do ask that equipment and service providers consider this opportunity to serve the public, even if it's outside their normal scope of business. 

If you are willing and able to commit time beyond that of a volunteer, each January DNR begins recruiting for hundreds of wildland firefighter positions. No experience or tools are necessary as DNR provides protective gear and intensive training for new recruits each spring, before the wildfire season begins.