Volunteer firefighter numbers falling as calls for service increase; Toledo residents pushed out of real estate market as rental costs surge | Leading Edge

Asst. Fire Chief Mark Grove | Woodville Chief Deputy Rick Sluder | Ohio State Fire Marshal’s OfficeThere's a quiet crisis affecting fire protection in smalltowns and rural communities nationwide. Here in Ohio, nearly 70% of our nearly 1,200 firedepartments are staffed primarily by volunteer firefighters. But between 2018 and 2021, Ohio saw a 6.5% drop involunteers, even as calls for service rose 9%.Janek Schaller | Journalist | MidstoryWhile real estate surges in Toledo and home prices rise,many residents find themselves struggling — sometimes pushed to the brink ofhomelessness.