As the hot Texas summer months approach, the Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department is looking for a few dedicated individuals to help fight fires in the county.

The department averages a little over 20 firefighters regularly, but here lately the number of firefighters available during the day has decreased. Department Chief Charlie Malik said he wants to fill in those day hours with dedicated volunteers.

"The situation we’re facing more now than ever, even though our numbers are still around 20, so many of them are out of town (during the day). We’re getting less and less people that are around town on a regular basis," he said. "Evenings and nights are usually better whenever everybody gets off work and gets home. We’re not real bad off yet, we just don’t want to wait until it gets to the point that we’re really hurting."

There are virtually no requirements to become a volunteer. All the department asks for is able-bodied individuals who have time to devote to the job. To become a volunteer firefighter, contact Charlie Malik at 830-780-2666 in Karnes City.

Karnes City area residents interested in volunteering their time also can stop by one of the department’s weekly Monday meetings between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Karnes City Fire Station on Calvert Street.

Positions are on an unpaid volunteer basis, but Malik said the job has many perks.

"The big thing is the satisfaction of doing the job and helping people in the community," he said.

Malik also mentioned other volunteer fire departments in the county.

"Other departments are in the same boat," he said, urging residents around the county to volunteer in their area.

He also said continuing support from local businesses is a must.

"It’s very important that we have employers that are understanding," he said, referring to employees that need to leave their local place of business during company time to put fires out.