In 2022, there were a total of 13,964 fire calls in Ulster County, which is lower than last year. However, fire calls in different districts may vary from low to very busy.

Matthew Kneeter, the 1st Assistant Fire Chief in Milton District #1, explains that their department had roughly 169 fire calls in 2022. This report is higher than in the previous two years which has gradually grown over time.

Director of Emergency Services for Ulster County, Everett Ericksen, explains what the process is like investigating fire calls. “Each fire by law needs to be investigated by the fire chief or…needs to designate someone to investigate that fire.”

In Ulster County, the fire chief designates the Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit to find out the origin of the fire.

Disparity varies on different factors in a county. This includes town population, different living conditions, the commercialization in one area over another and tourism during the different seasons.

Mike Gaffney, Deputy Director of Emergency Services/Fire Coordinator for Ulster County, explains that mother nature was a challenge in 2022. “Just this year alone we had three major events between a wildfire, tornado and an ice storm. And you’ll also see that generates a high call volume.”

Another concern was the low amount of reequipments coming to volunteer in the fire districts. This is either due to multiple job commitments for family needs, or the amount of time needed to train as a volunteer firefighter.

“Some people might get a little concerned about the amount of training that is involved. But they have to realize that it’s a dangerous job that they’re stepping into” Gaffney explains.

In total, 129 hours is needed for training to become a volunteer firefighter. Basic Exterior is 79 hours, and Interior Firefighting Operations is 50 hours. When starting at entry level, volunteers take a course called Firefighter 1.

At the end of 2022, both Marbletown and Atwood fire districts had to cease operations due to a low number of members in a local community to continue responding. They still have fire protection from other communities close to the area.

Everett explains the importance of training to provide service to their communities. “…They’re dealing with a natural disaster in their own community that directly affects them, and they’re away from their loved ones to go help others.”

In total, they are 48 fire departments in Ulster County. One is career and 47 others are non-career departments.

Fire districts vary in terms of how many members are involved in firefighting. Some departments have as few as 10 members, while others have around 75 to 80 members. “There are standards out there that you should have many members responding to this type of emergency. And then other departments need to group together to get those numbers to respond” Everett explains.

In Milton District #1, Kneeter notes there are 15 firefighters in their department, and most of them are needed when fire call is reported.

Wherever you may live in Ulster, Gaffney says, there’s a place for you.

“If interested in volunteering/joining your local fire department, stop at your local fire station whenever you see someone or vehicles there. Additionally, many fire departments are heavily involved in community events” Gaffney saiys. “Feel free to walk up to the firefighters and inquire about what the commitment would be to become a member. They would love to chat with you about becoming a volunteer. Firefighting is just not about stretching hose lines into burning buildings, there are other jobs and people are needed. There really is a job for everyone.”