VIDEO: Loudendale Volunteer Fire Department is one of the first lines of defense if there is ever an emergency in or around Kanawha State Forest. Low numbers of firefighters in the department has been an issue in the past but due to a surge in volunteers signing up, Chief William Eads said he believes they can serve the community much better than in prior years. “Having hardly any manpower up there was pretty rough. Those that work worked a lot,” Eads said. “Now we’ve got a bunch of younger people. We’ve got a bunch of new people so the workers are many so the work is few.” Less than a year ago the department had six volunteers covering the area, today they have over 20 firefighters ready to help when needed. With the increase in numbers it has left the department with a need for more equipment to make sure they can handle situations safely. Leading them to host fundraisers like the one held on Saturday to get the much needed equipment.
