Donations, volunteers needed as volunteer fire departments anticipate busy fire season

VALENTINE, Neb. — Nebraska depends heavily on volunteer firefighters, with approximately 93 percent of departments across the state made up of volunteers. After a busy stretch of wildfires, some departments are now asking for community support. 

In the Valentine area, crews recently put themselves in harm’s way to protect homes and properties during the Anderson Bridge Fire.

But that level of response comes with significant costs.

“It costs a lot of money to put all of these fires out and protect people’s properties,” said John Harms, president of the Valentine Rural Fire Protection District.

Harms said a large portion of the department’s budget depends on donations.

“We have lots of gas expenses, and you always have breakdowns,” Harms said.

Maintaining reliable equipment is critical for emergency response, but Harms said aging vehicles can create additional challenges.

“New equipment helps keep breakdowns less. The older equipment you have, you’re going to have more problems and trouble getting out there to help people,” Harms said.

Beyond equipment needs, departments are also dealing with a shortage of volunteers. A 2023 Nebraska Public Media survey found that recruiting new members is the top issue facing fire departments statewide.

“Everybody anywhere always needs more volunteers, especially younger guys,” Harms said.

The need for volunteers could grow even more as dry conditions continue to fuel fire danger across the region. Crews remain active, responding to flare-ups as fires continue to burn within containment lines.

“It’s pretty dry. We’ve hardly had any snow this winter, and the moisture we do get comes with lots of wind,” Harms said.

You can mail donations to:

Valentine Rural Fire Protection District

224 S. Hall St.

Valentine, NE 69201