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Nationwide Volunteer Firefighter Numbers Plummet, Raising Safety Concerns

3/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Volunteer firefighting nationwide declined from 827,000 in 2008 to 635,000 in 2023, raising safety concerns.
The decline has coincided with closures of some fire departments, notably in New York at a 40-year low.
Ralph Raymond, a volunteer firefighter, says residents may face longer wait times for fire response.
New York fire officials seek state law changes to provide nominal compensation to volunteers and recruit more people.

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Story summary

Volunteer firefighting nationwide declined from 827,000 in 2008 to 635,000 in 2023, raising safety concerns.
The decline has coincided with closures of some fire departments, notably in New York at a 40-year low.
Ralph Raymond, a volunteer firefighter, says residents may face longer wait times for fire response.
New York fire officials seek state law changes to provide nominal compensation to volunteers and recruit more people.