Grill often helps extinguish bigger fires

LEXINGTON - In volunteer fire departments across Georgia, sparking a barbecue pit can be almost as important as fighting fires. <br> <br> Barbecues raise much-needed money for equipment and training, said Salem Volunteer Fire Department Chief Carl Young. That money can nearly double the annual income used to operate the department. <br> <br> ``Our firefighters have to meet the same training criteria as paid, career firefighters,&#39;&#39; said Oconee County Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton. ``The only difference between our firefighters and career firefighters is that our guys don&#39;t get paid.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Municipal fire departments are made up of career firefighters who are paid a salary. <br> <br> In addition to cookouts, raffles and charity events also help pay for the maintenance, purchase and operation of equipment. <br> <br> Young said his department gets $4,500 a year from Oglethorpe County and $3,000 from fund-raisers. <br> <br> ``We do not (fight fires) to make money,&#39;&#39; Young said. ``The people who do this do it from the heart. They do it because they want to protect the people of their community.&#39;&#39;