Spencer Fire Department In Need Of Volunteer Firefighters

After a major fire destroyed a home Sunday in Spencer, firefighters admit they could use more help.

"Lack of resources and manpower. We were unable to do what we wanted to do," said Spencer Fire Cpt. Wade Porter on why it 45 minutes to knock out the house fire yesterday afternoon.

Several neighboring fire departments helped Spencer firefighters, who initially responded with two men.

7/28/2013 Related Story: Firefighters Douse House Fire In Spencer

"Ideally, initially we would like to get to the scene with four men getting off of an apparatus," Chief Robert Taylor said.

Four men per responding apparatus is a guideline set forth when determining insurance rates. News 9 has discovered Spencer has seven paid firefighters on staff, but only one volunteer.

By comparison, the Choctaw Fire Department also has seven paid positions and 23 volunteers.

A sign outside the Choctaw Fire Department station on N.E. 23rd says it's also looking for more volunteers.

"We've always kind of depend on Volunteers here," said Spencer Fire Chief Robert Taylor, who is now looking for addition help.

"We need trained quality people knowing it's something bigger than themselves," said Taylor about possible volunteer candidates.

Taylor says each volunteer must undergo eight hours of training to become a volunteer firefighter and 24 hours of training each month to maintain their volunteer status.

You can pick up a volunteer firefighter application at the Spencer Fire Department on N.E. 36th.