That is according to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal.

Volunteer firefighters provide service in about 87% of the state.

Only a handful of departments statewide are paid.

But recruiting new volunteers is getting more and more difficult, as training requirements increase.

"Calls have increased, mandates have increased but the numbers are going down," said Sterling Lewis, West Virginia State Fire Marshal.

Lewis said as fire departments lose staffing, it could affect how much some state residents pay for homeowner's insurance.

A legislative interim committee is looking at the issue.