Through efforts of education and prevention, local fire departments are responding to fewer burning buildings than thirty years ago.   According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire responses by municipal fire departments are less than a third than they were in 1977.  Gary Vandertie, a 35 year veteran of the Southern Door Fire Department explains the difference in the response calls over the years. 

 Less flammable materials are credited with the decrease in reported fires as well.  Vandertie says the Southern Door Fire Department has 50 volunteers including Emergency Medical Responders with training scheduled twice a month.  He says firefighters who have to enter burning buildings with inner packs must have over 100 hours of training and certification.