NATCHEZ — The Adams County Volunteer Fire Association is looking for helping hands and a few generous donations.

Lake Montrose Volunteer Fire Department Chief Troy Whittington said volunteer firefighters give thousands of hours of free labor to the county and its citizens every year.

Even still, Whittington said the department is looking for residents who want to help assist when a building catches fire or disaster strikes.

Being a volunteer firefighter is not just about fighting fires, Whittington said.

“We offer other services, too,” Whittington said.

Some volunteers may be fighting the fire side-by-side with those who are paid to fight fires, but many are assisting in the fight by providing support.

“We drive trucks, hand out water to the firefighters, provide disaster relief and provide fire prevention services to residents” Whittington said. “When a major fire like the Prentiss Club happened, we helped man the Natchez fire stations while the (paid) firefighters were out fighting the fire.”

Those interested must be 18 years old or older.

“And that’s it,” Whittington said.

Currently, volunteer fire departments are averaging eight firefighters per emergency.

“We really need to be having 12 firefighters,” Whittington said. “We need more people to take the load to greatly improve our services.”

Whittington said the Adams County Volunteer Fire Association is also raising money to send five firefighters to Pensacola in April for training and networking with other firefighters — both paid and volunteer — from across the country, including members of the New York City Fire Department.

Whittington said groups will attend the Pensacola Firefighters Beach Challenge, which also includes a competition made up of an obstacle course of five firefighter challenges. Last year the Baton Rouge Fire Department won the event.

“Part of it is also networking. The event will also give us an opportunity to sit down one-on-one, learn and come back to implement what we learned,” Whittington said.

The group is also selling 3-inch square decals for $5 to help raise money.

Whittington said the group is one-fifth of the way toward their goal of $1,200 which will go to pay for the entry fee, hotel rooms and fuel.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can contact Whittington via email at lmvfd1@gmail.com.

Donations can be mailed to Adams County Volunteer Fire Association, 575 Kingston Road, Natchez, MS 39120.