A growing problem that has hit North Central Montana communities especially hard.

It's the same story at nearly every volunteer department; fewer men and women are putting on the uniform as firefighters. In a business where seconds count, area chiefs say it's hampering their ability to respond to an emergency.

"If I'm in one of those communities where the numbers are thin, I'd be worried," said Gore Hill Volunteer Fire Rescue Department Assistant Chief Butch Wheedon.

"We're not able to get there and get the job done effectively right away," said Fort Shaw Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dave Anderson. "It takes us too long to get enough people to do everything."

The small community of Simms has been especially hard hit. There one of the area's oldest departments has shrunk to 16 members, though it's responsible for protecting a large area of about 100 square miles. Fire Chief Ed Wheeler says he's concerned the dwindling number of volunteers could be putting his town in danger.

"The excuse I get is I don't have time, or I'm never here," said Wheeler. "I turn around and tell them you may be the only one here."

In Simms firefighting isn't just a man's job, as four women are also active members of the department. To try to cover their staffing issues, Wheeler says they have teamed up with the neighboring Fort Shaw and Sun Prairie departments. But even with everyone's help, he says they can sometimes field only a handful of firefighters to a call.

Other area chiefs say the small communities along Highway 200 are not the only ones suffering. They say a lack of jobs and demands from a troubled economy are forcing more young people to move away from their rural communities.

Gore Hill Chief Jason Coy says the demands of being a volunteer fireman have made it difficult to recruit new members. He says it's a large time commitment and with so many people now having trouble just making ends meet, they might not have time anymore.