Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative

Be the Spark: Volunteer Firefighting for a Safer Lookout Mountain

The Wanderland Cooperative empowers everyday heroes to protect our wildlands and communities.

About the Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative

At Wanderland Society, we believe in the power of community, resilience, and protecting the places we call home. That's why we've established the Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative – a vital program under our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Located in the heart of the Lookout Mountain region, Wanderland Society is committed to supporting the unsung heroes of our communities: volunteer firefighters. Across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, the threat of wildfire in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas continues to grow, placing increased demand on these dedicated individuals. Our Cooperative was born from the recognition of their critical role and the urgent need for regional cooperation, advocacy, wellness, and recruitment programming.

We serve as a hub for support, development, and recognition, providing non-departmental services and collaboration opportunities to bolster local volunteer fire departments. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower, train, and champion the volunteer firefighters who keep our communities safe, fostering a stronger, more prepared tri-state area.

Are You Ready to Be a Local Hero

  • Have you ever felt the call to serve, to protect your community, or to make a real difference? Here in the Lookout Mountain tri-state region (Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee), our volunteer firefighters are the backbone of safety, and there's a place for you on the team. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, deeply connected to your community, or simply driven to serve, your journey to becoming a vital part of emergency response can start right here.

    The Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative is here to light your path. We understand that stepping into a new role can feel daunting, especially one as important as firefighting. That's why we provide the support, training, and resources you need to get started and thrive, even if you have no prior experience. We're dedicated to helping curious, willing, and service-driven individuals like you find their purpose and feel fully supported every step of the way.

    What We Offer You:

    • Recruitment & Retention
      We connect passionate community members with local volunteer fire departments across the tri-state area. We create recruitment campaigns and offer meaningful support to help volunteers stay active, trained, and engaged.

    • Training at Wanderland
      Our 72-acre campground becomes a training ground. Firefighters gather here for skill-building retreats, scenario training, and team development—guided by experienced instructors and department leaders.

    • Wellness for First Responders
      Through our mobile medical and behavioral health partnerships, we offer:

      • Physical fitness assessments

      • Mental health check-ins

      • Peer support programming
        All hosted in the peaceful, natural environment of Wanderland.

    • Advocacy & Public Education
      We host community events and regional summits focused on:

      • Fire prevention awareness

      • Environmental stewardship in WUI zones

      • Volunteer recognition & storytelling

      • Engagement with local and state legislators

    You don't need to be an expert to start; you just need the willingness to learn and a heart for service. We're here to help you become an everyday hero for a safer Lookout Mountain.

  • Partnering for a Stronger Community: For Local Volunteer Fire Departments

    At the Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative, we understand the incredible dedication and challenges faced by our local volunteer fire departments. You are on the front lines, and your commitment to community safety is unwavering. We recognize the growing demands on your resources, from staffing shortages to the need for ongoing training and vital wellness support.

    The Cooperative is here to serve as a supportive, non-departmental partner, offering resources and coordination efforts designed to complement your invaluable work, not complicate it. We respect your department's autonomy and internal procedures, aiming to reduce administrative burden while amplifying your capacity to serve.

    How Wanderland Supports Your Department:

    • Volunteer Recruitment: Receive referrals of prospective volunteers from our online intake portal, who are curious and ready to serve.

    • Enhanced Training Opportunities: Collaborate on or utilize our 72-acre mountain property for training retreats and readiness programs.

    • Critical Wellness Support: Partner with us to provide wellness screenings and behavioral health check-ins for your firefighters through licensed providers.

    • Community Engagement & Prevention: Collaborate on public outreach and educational programming on fire prevention and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) safety.

    • Firefighter Recognition: Access facilitated community-building and recognition events for your firefighters and their families.

    We are committed to fostering regional cooperation and strengthening the volunteer fire service across the tri-state Lookout Mountain area. We invite you to explore how a partnership with Wanderland can help your department thrive.

Our Programs & Support: Empowering Our Firefighters and Communities

The Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative is built on a foundation of comprehensive support, designed to strengthen the volunteer fire service and enhance community safety across the tri-state Lookout Mountain region. Our programs are tailored to meet the evolving needs of both new recruits and established departments.

Key Initiatives and Services:

  • Recruitment and Retention Support: We actively support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Through our online intake portal, we refer volunteer prospects to local departments, helping to address staffing needs.

  • Training and Readiness Programs: We host training sessions, physical fitness events, and readiness programs in partnership with local fire departments. Our 72-acre mountain property provides an ideal setting for these essential retreats and exercises.

  • Wellness and Behavioral Health Support: We organize wellness screenings and behavioral health check-ins through licensed providers. Our focus includes coordinating regional collaborations and serving as a hub for firefighter wellness.

  • Public Education and Fire Safety: We provide public education on fire safety and risk mitigation, especially in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. We aim to inform families and individuals on how to understand fire risks and protect their homes.

  • Advocacy and Collaboration: We advocate for the interests of volunteer firefighters before local and regional governing bodies. We also coordinate regional collaborations, fostering a network of support and development.

  • Community Building and Recognition: We facilitate community-building and recognition events for firefighters and their families. These events are designed to acknowledge their invaluable service and strengthen bonds within the fire service community.

Through these programs, the Cooperative is dedicated to empowering volunteer firefighters and fostering a more resilient and fire-safe Lookout Mountain region.

A Safer Community Starts With All of Us: Get Involved

The Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative isn't just for firefighters; it's a program that strengthens the safety and resilience of our entire Lookout Mountain community. We believe that everyone has a role to play in fire prevention, preparedness, and supporting those who bravely protect our homes and wildlands.

By understanding fire risks and engaging with our educational programs, you become a vital part of the solution. Your participation, advocacy, or support directly contributes to a safer environment for families, neighbors, and the natural beauty we all cherish.

How You Can Make a Difference:

  • Learn & Prepare: Participate in our public outreach and educational programming on fire prevention and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) safety. Understanding how to protect your property and family is the first step.

  • Become a Volunteer: Feel inspired to serve? We can help you explore the path to becoming a volunteer firefighter. No experience necessary – just a willingness to learn and a heart for service.

  • Support Our Mission: Whether through advocating for volunteer firefighters, attending community events, or considering a donation, your support helps us continue to provide essential resources and expand our impact across the region.

  • Spread the Word: Share information about the Cooperative with friends, family, and neighbors. The more our community understands and engages, the stronger we become.

Together, we can build a more resilient and fire-ready Lookout Mountain. Join us in protecting our shared home.

Connect With Us: Let's Build a Safer Lookout Mountain Together

Whether you're ready to explore becoming a volunteer firefighter, represent a local fire department seeking partnership, or are a wellness provider, grantmaker, or community member eager to support our mission, we want to hear from you. The Wanderland Community Volunteer Fire Cooperative is built on collaboration, and your interest fuels our collective impact.

Get in Touch:

  • For Prospective Volunteer Firefighters: Ready to learn more about joining the ranks of local heroes? We can guide you through the process and connect you with departments in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

  • For Local Volunteer Fire Departments: Explore how the Cooperative can support your department with recruitment, training, wellness, and community engagement. Let's work together to strengthen our regional fire service.

  • For Wellness & Medical Partners: Interested in collaborating on health screenings or behavioral health support programs for our firefighters? We welcome your expertise.

  • For Grantmakers, Donors & Public Sector Stakeholders: Learn more about our organized, impactful, and mission-aligned program and how your support can drive significant change in wildfire preparedness and community resilience.