Firefighters and fire departments perform a critical service in our communities, including responding to medical emergencies and helping mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

But more than 70 percent of fire departments are staffed by volunteers, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Volunteer fire departments are having to contend with dips in volunteerism and heightened standards for fire and emergency response teams.

All the while, climate emergencies are becoming more frequent and dangerous.

We discuss volunteer fire departments, and the demands and future of volunteer firefighting.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy