WILLSBORO, N.Y. -
In January dozens of firefighters helped to put out a massive house fire in Willsboro, New York.
The job was done with departments made up of volunteers.
But Moriah 1st Assistant Chief David Decker says it's getting harder to fight fires in Essex County.
"A lot of departments are losing quite a few members. They're half strength or three-quarters," said Decker.
A dwindling force is hard for Decker, who's been a volunteer firefighter for nearly four decades.
"You feel worthy when you do something like that," said Decker.
The Empire State as a whole is hurting for volunteers.
A decade ago state leaders say there were 110,000 today there are 25,000 fewer people volunteering their time to help save lives.
To change that, the state is launching a campaign called, "is there a fire in you?"
It not only tells people about the volunteer shortage, it also talks about the incentives, including college scholarships and a $200 dollar tax credit.
But Decker isn't sure if it will work because he says people change their mind once they discover how much time is involved.
"Just to start off basic firefighter 1 is close to 100 hours," said Decker.
Although it's a lot he says having volunteers is crucial putting out fires like these in the future without increasing your taxes.
