The director shall appoint, in such number and localities as he deems wise, public-spirited citizens to act as voluntary firewardens, who may receive payment for their services from the counties or from private sources. They shall promptly report all fires and take immediate and active steps toward their extinguishment, report any violation of forest fire laws, assist in apprehending and convicting offenders, and perform such other duties as the director may direct. Any United States Forest Service employee within this state, if he accepts the duties and responsibilities of a firewarden, may be appointed a voluntary firewarden, and shall have all the powers given to firewardens by this article.
Such firewardens do not have authority to obligate the state for the payment of any money, unless specifically so authorized by the director.