YACHATS – The Yachats Rural Fire Protection District and South Lincoln Ambulance are hosting an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for people interested in becoming volunteers.

The district and ambulance service currently operate with only two volunteers but a professional staff of six full-time firefighters/paramedics.

With the tagline – “Be the hero our neighborhood needs” – volunteers are being sought to expand firefighter and emergency medical technician programs.

The district along with the ambulance service offers training and real-world experience alongside experienced staff, the fire district said in announcing the effort. In addition to firefighting, the agency is a transport and advanced life support provider. Other opportunities include technical rescue and wildland firefighting.

“Come talk to us,” the agency said in a release. “We can probably find a way to accommodate your volunteer needs as well as ours …We’re not just firefighters; we’re paramedics, EMT’s, mechanics, leaders, and friends. We train hard, we serve harder, and we build bonds that last a lifetime.”

The fire department said volunteers from outside the area are welcome. The district’s station is modern, well-equipped and able to accommodate volunteers who want to sleep at the station while serving.

Applications will be available and light snacks served. The station is located at 2056 U.S. Highway 101. For more information call 541-547-3266.