They're the ones who are there when you need them most but these days, volunteer firefighters say recruiting is getting tougher.

According to the state, of Wisconsin's 870 fire departments --- 800 are served by volunteer firefighters and some local volunteer fire departments say they could use some help.

Around midday Friday, firefighters from Fall Creek and Augusta were called out to a shed fire just outside fall creek, and on weekdays it can be hard to find volunteers who can leave their jobs to fight fires.

The neighbor who called in this shed fire said fire crews arrived on the scene in just a little more than 10 minutes. Bob Jenkins, a lieutenant with the Fall Creek Fire Department says fighting fires on weekdays can be more difficult due to a lack of volunteers. He said during the week volunteers have their normal jobs to contend with as well.

"Our response time is any call, it's the same amount it's just a matter of who we can get and when we can get them," says Jenkins.

The need for volunteer firefighters is a national problem. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council there are about 95,500 fewer volunteers under the age of 40 in 2008 than 1987. That means many departments have to also depend on neighboring departments.

"It was Augusta, fall creek, and township at this one and we would have gone deeper in our pockets for Altoona or Township," says Jenkins.

Jenkins said between both the departments they had a very capable crew on the scene and the fire was under control quickly but the shed is a total loss.

"It was a pretty quick response by both departments." Unfortunately fire crews were not only fighting the fire but sub-zero wind chills.

"With our gear we keep and stay warm as long as we don't get too wet and change out our gloves. Keep hydrated also. As people get tired we do rehab where the EMS will check them over and make sure they sit and get some nourishment," says Jenkins.

Fall Creek says it could use four or five more volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer firefighter all you have to do is contact your local fire department.