Outside of the three paid fire department jurisdictions in Humboldt County, when you dial 911, you’re not calling a large, fully-staffed department. You’re calling on your neighbors.
And right now there simply aren’t enough people answering that call.
Scott Harris, Kneeland Fire captain serving the 128-square mile response area of the Kneeland Fire Protection District, has seen firsthand how the strong work of volunteer firefighters benefits our community.
Nationally, volunteers make up more than 60% of all firefighters and provide primary emergency services for half our country’s population. Similarly, here in Humboldt County, volunteers are the cornerstone of the rural emergency response system, says Harris.
Volunteer firefighters are often the first on scene during their neighbor’s worst day, but sadly our numbers nationally and locally have been declining for years.
When staffing is thin, response times can stretch longer, and every call becomes more dangerous, for both the public and the firefighters who show up.
Like many departments, Kneeland Fire urgently needs more firefighters. Volunteers don’t just extinguish structure and wildland fires; in fact, that’s the least of what they do. More often, they respond to non-fire incidents: medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, and all manner of other life-safety hazards.
Tens of thousands of hours are dedicated annually in Humboldt County by volunteers who represent over 30 local volunteer fire departments and fire companies. They cover huge response areas as diverse as our region, from urban municipalities to remote wilderness.
If you are over 18 years old, live in the Kneeland Fire Protection District (see map here), and physically capable of doing so, now is the time to step up.
You don’t need prior experience, just commitment, a willingness to train and a desire to serve your community when it matters most.
Being a first responder can be tough, no question, but it’s also one of the most vital, direct ways to give back to your community. If you want to make a meaningful civic contribution, then Kneeland Fire is where you can have an immediate impact.
Submit a volunteer application at kneelandfire.org.
This article appears in My Humboldt Life May 2026.