Yukon communities seek volunteer firefighters
Pelly Crossing and Carcross in greatest need of recruits
Rural Yukon needs volunteer firefighters, says the territory's fire marshal.
Of the territory's 23 fire departments, all but Whitehorse's are run by volunteers and each of them needs new recruits.
About 300 men and women are volunteer firefighters in Yukon. Fire marshal Dennis Berry says it takes a special type of person to be a firefighter.
"Volunteer firefighting is all about teamwork," he said. "You need to be a team player and be able to follow direction. And of course we are looking for people who are enthusiastic about becoming a volunteer firefighter. It can be hard work. It's rewarding work, but it's going to be hard."
Volunteer firefighters are given CPR training. They also get training in truck air brakes.
Pelly Crossing and Carcross are currently in greatest need of recruits.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story included incorrect information. Volunteer firefighters don't get insurance breaks, people in communities served by them do. Also, Pelly Crossing and Carcross are in the greatest need of volunteers, not Carmacks.Nov 20, 2013 12:54 PM CT