Fire Fatigue for Volunteers

After weeks of fighting fires and working full time jobs, some Northwest Arkansas volunteers are feeling the effects from a fire fatigue. Dry and windy conditions across Northwest Arkansas have made fighting fires intense. Richard Wynne, Assistant Fire Chief Avoca: "As far as the month goes this has probably been a record setter." Chief Wynne says his 17 man crew usually runs 25 calls a month. Within the 1st two weeks of January they`ve already exceeded that amount. Last week, some fought 7 fires in just 7 days. Wynne: "Its pretty tiring on your body and on your lifestyle. Physically its demanding." Two thirds of Avoca`s volunteer department work other full time jobs. Most are fire fighters in larger neighboring cities. But they also have families. So volunteering becomes a balance between helping others and spending time with those closest to them. Dusty Qualos, Avoca Fire Fighter: "Its hectic, especially having a little boy and a wife. You may have something planned. You may be on your way into town but if you`ve got a fire, you`ve got to go." And the Avoca Fire Department will continue to make runs because they say it could mean life or death. Fire fatigue has become a reality but its not something these volunteers will allow to get in the way.