Ohio Fire Marshal Highlights Importance of Ohio Volunteer Firefighters, Impact of New Recruitment Portal During National Volunteer Week

COLUMBUS, Ohio - 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.

Approximately 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.

Following recommendations made in 2023 by the Governor's Volunteer Fire Service Task Force, the Division has taken a number of 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; and launching PSA 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 says 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. 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 continue to increase. 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."

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 shows the need for volunteer firefighters remains significant, including:

• 126 fire-related fatalities
• 29,500+ structure fires
• 12,400+ cooking-related fires
• 7,630+ vehicle fires
• 525+ fires involving heating equipment
• 425+ fires involving candles or other open flames
• 285+ 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."

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SOTS
Kevin Reardon (REAR-din), Ohio State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Commerce (Please note: This media may not play or download via all mobile devices. Newsrooms are encouraged to access media directly via computer.)

###

About the Division of State Fire Marshal

The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.