The tradition of local volunteer firefighters will eventually have to be replaced with paid fire protection, according to state Sen. Frank Farry, a 33-year volunteer firefighter himself.

Rising costs and firefighter shortages mean local companies are having trouble offering their volunteer services, writes Matthew Rink for Phillyburbs.com.

“The cost of services and goods has changed drastically over the years and has reached a point where an agency can no longer barbecue their way to a new fire truck or ambulance,” said Radnor Fire Company Executive Director Brian Zimmerman.

Zimmerman was testifying at a May 5 state House Democratic Policy Committee hearing in Radnor.

Sen. Farry, who represents parts of Bucks County, said demands and costs of the fire volunteer are increasing but fewer people are signing up.

“We are really running a small business, and it requires a 24/7 state of readiness,” said Farry.

If crews continue to shrink, fire companies will be asking if it’s even safe to fight the fires.

Some companies have already merged or become regionalized.

If volunteers can’t be found, paid fire service and an increase in property taxes will result, Farry said.

About 90 percent of Pennsylvania’s registered fire companies are volunteers.

Read more about the dilemma with volunteer firefighters at Phillyburbs.com.