BATH, S.D. (AP) - An unincorporated community in northeastern South Dakota may lose its volunteer fire department because it is unable to recruit enough firefighters.
The Bath Fire Department has petitioned to become a satellite station of the nearby Groton Fire Department. That means the Bath fire hall would remain open and provide fire protection to the community, but it would be under the command of the Groton Fire Department.
The Groton Daily Independent reports that the petition came after the Bath Fire Department was unable to recruit the 15 volunteers required by law for a fire department.
The Day and Brown County Commissioners must still approve the petition.
Bath Township Board Supervisor Jim Whitman says community leaders would like to keep the fire department open, but without volunteers it's not possible.
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