WHYY
By
Although there is a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters, it is pronounced in Pennsylvania, according to Steve Hirsch, chairman of the National Volunteer Firefighting Council. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)
Even before the pandemic, Pennsylvania was facing an extreme shortage of volunteer firefighters. According to a state legislative report, there were 300,000 volunteers during the 1970s. By 2018, that number had dwindled to 38,000.
“Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen a decline in the number of volunteer firefighters on a national basis. … And, of course, it seems like it’s very pronounced in Pennsylvania,” said Steve Hirsch, chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council.