Volunteers with a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were trained in January for everything from first-aid and “disaster psychology” to proper storage of household chemicals ahead of a disaster.

A home in a cul de sac at East 16th Court and Nevada Street was a total loss to fire Wednesday evening, and the lone occupant escaped to safety. A neighboring house, which was vacant, suffered damage as well and firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof and ceiling to vent it, said Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Division Chief Rob Torrey.

A nationwide, longstanding drop in volunteerism across all interests has so impacted the fire service that federal grants have been awarded to boost volunteer firefighter rosters. Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue has begun its second four-year grant-funded position aimed at increasing volunteerism.