SHAVER LAKE, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — If you’ve driven through Shaver Lake, you’ve likely passed the small volunteer fire station that stands as a lifeline for this mountain community. For many visitors, those volunteers have been the first to respond in times of need.
“Most of our calls are for people who come up here to recreate, whether they’re camping or renting an Airbnb. That’s our largest client base,” said Fire Chief Steve McQuillan.
But for the residents who call Shaver Lake home, the department’s 27 volunteers are essential.
“We have a lot of seniors here who have medical issues on a regular basis, and that’s what we need to be here for,” McQuillan said.
Every volunteer knows what they’re signing up for: a commitment to protect a community they love.
“This is where I live. I want to be here to serve my friends and my family,” said Shawn Lee, a resident and volunteer firefighter.
The volunteers come from all walks of life-law, teaching, finance, medicine-and most balance full-time or part-time jobs with emergency calls. While the work is rewarding, McQuillan says it’s also demanding.
The Creek Fire in 2020 was one of the toughest challenges they’ve faced.
“Not only did it devastate our community in Shaver, the Pine Ridge community-it took two-thirds of the homes, including ours,” said volunteer Janet Parr.
“If it hadn’t been for all the tremendous work of the volunteers and outside agencies, this town would be gone,” Janet said.
Five years later, the department responds to more than 200 calls a year and says the need for better equipment and facilities is greater than ever. Two new fire engines barely fit inside the current station, and plans are underway for a new building on nearby land-a project McQuillan calls “long overdue.”
The department is asking for community support to make that happen. Donations can be made directly to the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department to help fund the new station.
