OROFINO - With above-average temperatures throughout the Inland Northwest over the weekend, most people were out doing whatever they could to soak up the sun. The levee paths were full of runners, walkers and riders while the rivers were populated with boaters.

But not everyone was taking time off to enjoy Mother Nature's glory. Volunteer firefighters from all over the region gave up their leisure time to prepare for those dire situations when they are needed the most.

200 men and women from all over Idaho strapped on heavy fire-retardant suits and oxygen tanks and practiced life-saving measures in Orofino Saturday. They were all students at the 2nd Annual Volunteer Firefighter Academy.

"It's a real good opportunity to get them basic training and advanced training,” said Don Gardner, Clearwater County Emergency Manager.

Training exercises are critical for volunteer fire departments because often, in smaller communities, they are the only ones around for miles.

"If we only had paid departments, the nearest paid department to Orofino is Lewiston,” said Gardner. “That's a hair over 44 miles away. The apartment building would have be burned down by the time that would have happened."

The training included lessons in breaking through roofs with axes and chainsaws and navigating smoke-filled homes. But more importantly, Saturday's exercises taught the group how to save lives, homes and how to prevent losing one of their own.

“It's one job that has a high risk level,” he said. “We need to be able to provide them with the tools they need to be safe, not take unnecessary risks. Basically, we want them back."

Most volunteer firefighters have full time jobs. When the alarm goes off, they must decide how to answer the call.

Gardner talked about why these men and women give up their time and sometimes security with nothing in return.

“Some of us do it because we want to learn how to protect our own families,” said Gardner. “Some do it as a community participation. Some, well, we don't know. But, they do it because they love to."