The Snoqualmie Fire Department is recruiting volunteers and encouraging people of all genders to apply.

The department is experiencing a high amount of turnover this year. Lt. Jake Fouts said the department is seeing low turnout for volunteer numbers and the trend is similar to what stations across the state are seeing.

He reasons it could be “working professionals that don’t have enough time in the day to give to work, family and other outside commitments.”

Some reasons why someone might want to volunteer at the department are the station’s above national average for the male-to-female ratio, along with EMT training and firefighter training that’s provided to volunteers.

Those interested must be 21 years of age or older and live within a 15-minute drive of Snoqualmie city limits.

A needed physical ability test, written general knowledge exam and interviews will happen at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 SE Snoqualmie Parkway, when it’s convenient for applicants.

The initial training can range from 160 to 380 hours, depending on which certification levels the volunteer would like to get. After training volunteers are asked to pull at least two 10 to 12 hour shifts per month. Those shifts can be worked during the daytime or nighttime.

For more information go online to http://www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us/156/Volunteer.