Decline in Volunteer Firefighters Nationwide

When the National Fire Protection Association released its latest figures on the number of firefighters in the United States in October of 2011, an alarm went off in the volunteer sector. That's because the number of volunteer firefighters was at its lowest since 1991.

This is cause for concern, but just how much concern?  If this trend continues, the volunteer service may reach a crisis state.  Another figure that jumps out of the report concerns the number of firefighters per 1,000 residents they protect. For both career and volunteer fire departments, 2010 marks the lowest rate since NFPA began collecting data in 1986. 

An article published in the New York Times this past weekend points out that the increased costs of providing Emergency Medical Services with reduced or no reimbursement is straining many fire departments.  Providing Emergency Medical Services is expensive but nationwide the call for Emergency Medical Services is the most common fire department response.

Causes of the decline in volunteer firefighters include changes in society; longer commutes, two-income households, year-round sports, loss of jobs in smaller communities, new residents who may not know that they are served by volunteers, declining tax bases, increased training requirements, an aging population and the lure of career firefighting positions in larger communities.

Facts from the National Volunteer Fire Council:

• Volunteers comprise 71% of firefighters in the United States.

Of the total estimated 1,148,100 volunteer and paid firefighters across the country, 812,150 are volunteer.

• Communities served by volunteer firefighters depend on them to be their first line of defense for many types of emergencies.

Volunteer firefighters are summoned to a wide array of emergencies across the country every day including fires, emergency medical incidents, terrorist events, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies, high-angle and confined space emergencies, and other general public service calls. The public relies on the volunteer emergency services to be their first line of defense in these emergencies. Volunteers spend an enormous amount of time training to prepare for these emergencies.

• The majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer.

Of the total 30,165 fire departments in the country, 20,857 are all volunteer; 5,099 are mostly volunteer; 1,752 are mostly career; and 2,457 are all career.

How can you help?

Call your local volunteer fire department and volunteer your time.

If you are a resident of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District call 303-697-4413.