Volunteer firefighters needed

In recognition of National Volunteer Week this week, April 19-25, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is highlighting the critical role that volunteer firefighters play in keeping Ohio communities safe and key steps that have been taken to address a steep decline in Ohio's volunteer fire service. About 70% of the state's nearly 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteers, however, the number of volunteers is dropping while calls for help are on the rise. For example, from 2018 to 2021, there was a 6.5% decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters. Meanwhile, from 2018 to 2020, there was a 9% increase in calls. The state of Ohio currently has about 8,350 certified volunteer firefighters. Easing efforts for volunteers Following recommendations made in 2023 by the governor's Volunteer Fire Service Task Force, the division has taken several steps to support the state's volunteer fire service. These include: • Making all training and classes offered at the Ohio Fire Academy free of charge for volunteer firefighters and departments • Hiring a volunteer fire service coordinator to support volunteer recruitment efforts statewide • Launching public service announcement campaigns to encourage Ohioans to step up and volunteer in their communities Another key step the division has taken to reverse the decline in the volunteer fire service was the launch of its Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Portal. This portal, available at com.ohio.gov/volunteer, is specially designed to more easily and directly connect Ohioans of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with volunteer opportunities at their local fire departments. Following the launch of the portal in August 2025, more than 1,200 Ohioans have already submitted inquiries to their local fire departments with more than 80 candidates having completed the process of joining the volunteer fire service. Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said these numbers demonstrate that the portal has helped to support a new, strong and growing pipeline of volunteer firefighters across Ohio. "Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of Ohio's fire service and our communities across the state," Reardon said. "While we're encouraged and energized by the response Ohioans have shown to the new recruitment portal, the need remains great as the number of fires and emergency calls continues to increase," he added. "This is especially true in rural areas where volunteer departments are often the first line of defense during emergencies. Given the significant need, we urge all Ohioans to consider how they might step up to serve their hometowns by visiting the portal and exploring the range of volunteer options available." By the numbers While volunteers are needed on the front lines in roles such as operating fire apparatus and responding to calls, individuals are also needed to fill other important volunteer roles, such as helping to coordinate community events, fundraising activities, social media engagement and more. Preliminary data for 2025 reported to the state fire marshal's fire prevention bureau by Ohio fire departments show the need for volunteer firefighters remains significant, including: • 126 fire-related fatalities • 29,500-plus structure fires • 12,400-plus cooking-related fires • 7,630-plus vehicle fires • 525-plus fires involving heating equipment • 425-plus fires involving candles or other open flames • 285-plus smoking-related fires "These numbers serve as a reminder of why recruitment, training and public education are so important," Reardon said. "Every firefighter, paid or volunteer, plays a vital role in reducing fire fatalities and protecting Ohio families."