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Silhouette of a firefighter standing before a large blaze, representing the 2026 volunteer firefighter shortage crisis in Ohio.

Volunteer firefighter crisis deepens in Ohio as recruitment falters

The volunteer firefighter crisis gripping Ohio has worsened as recruitment lags and emergency calls rise across the state, highlighting deep structural challenges in the traditionally volunteer-based firefighting model.  According to a new report, reported by WYSO, the volunteer firefighter crisis has drawn statewide concern, with nearly three-quarters of Ohio’s fire departments staffed by volunteers…

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