They can be sitting down to dinner with their families, enjoying some time with friends or settling into their warm beds after a hard day's work.

But when a fire call comes in, volunteer firefighters don't hesitate to respond.Now, American Fire Company No. 1 in Lansford, Diligence Fire Company No. 1 in Summit Hill and Hauto Volunteer Fire Department in Nesquehoning are asking for help from the residents they serve.Neighbor support is crucial to help keep firefighters safe as they protect lives, homes and businesses.All you have to do is tuck a check into an envelope that was mailed to you as part of the fire companies' annual fund drives and return it to them.Annual fund drives pay for about half of a company's annual budget for advanced training, lifesaving equipment, maintaining their vehicles and basic operating costs. The remaining costs are mostly the responsibility of the volunteers.Meaning these dedicated members volunteer their time to not only fight fires and train, but serve as cooks for monthly breakfasts or wing nights, cashiers at plant or bake sales or grant writers for state or federal grant opportunities throughout the year to guarantee residents can sleep well, knowing that if their home catches fire, someone will be there to answer their call for help.LansfordAmerican Fire Company No. 1 serves the borough of Lansford.The fire company is currently kicking off its annual fund drive and residents should be receiving a letter in the upcoming week.According to the brochure, in 2015, the fire company responded to 168 calls ranging from dwelling fires to crash scenes. Volunteers logged 8,193 man hours responding to calls, completing necessary training, doing community service, fulfilling administrative duties and fundraising.They are asking residents to give whatever they feel comfortable giving. The money raised will then be used to continue operations of the 122-year-old fire company, as well as complete a building expansion project that is already in the works."We ask that you support our dedicated members by ensuring that they have up-to-date and reliable equipment to use, in order to give you the best and most reliable service possible," the brochure states.In addition, volunteers are always needed and welcomed. The fire company needs people to help with administrative duties and fundraising, as well as firefighting.To learn how to volunteer, call Dan Puksar as 570-645-7171.Donations can be sent to American Fire Company No. 1, P.O. Box 6, Lansford, PA 18232-0006.HautoHauto Volunteer Fire Department is one of three fire companies that serve the town of Nesquehoning. The other two companies will host fund drives later in the year.Last year, only a handful of residents donated to the company's annual drive and, according to the brochure, "while grateful for the support they received, volunteers hope that more people will help the cause this year."In 2015, Hauto Volunteer Fire Department responded to 126 emergencies.Donations go toward maintaining the firehouse, equipment and vehicles, as well as providing training for the volunteers.They ask for a donation as little as $25, which breaks down to 7 cents a day. This is only a fraction of the cost associated with equipping just one volunteer firefighter.The brochure states that to properly equip just one Hauto volunteer firefighter, it costs $10,225."In times of crisis, we respond," the brochure states. "We are grateful to those who have generously supported our fund drives in the past but we sincerely need the support of all of you. … Please show your support by donating this year."Donations can be sent to Hauto Volunteer Fire Department, 205 Stock St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240.To become a member of the department, call the fire station at 570-645-3355.Summit HillDiligence Fire Company No. 1 has been serving the residents of Summit Hill since 1897.The company's annual fund drive is currently underway and needs help to keep the volunteers prepared and safe as they respond to emergencies.The cost to operate a fire company reaches into the millions, the brochure states.For example, four new vehicles would cost a fire company approximately $1.9 million. That doesn't include maintenance, firefighting gear, training courses, hose and other equipment necessary to fight fires. Those additional costs push budgets up by over a quarter-million dollars or more in some cases.But the cost for saving lives far outweighs the expenses required for preparation.Most recently, volunteers from around the Panther Valley battled a triplex fire in the borough, where two families lost their homes.According to the brochure, donations from residents and businesses, "enable us to provide the safest, most efficient, and the most professional firefighting and rescue services."To send a donation, residents should fill out the form sent to them by the fire company. Donations can be mailed to Diligence Fire Company No. 1, P.O. Box 114, Summit Hill, PA 18250.Volunteers are also wanted in various capacities. To learn more information about volunteering, call the fire company at 570-645-2831 between 7 and 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday.