Several St. Lawrence County fire departments are joining a nationwide effort to increase the number of volunteer firefighters.

DeKalb Junction, Edwards, Heuvelton, Hopkinton-Fort Jackson, Madrid and Start Lake departments are participating in the third annual “RecruitNY” weekend.

Departments will open their doors and fire truck bays to local residents April 27 and April 28 to coincide with National Volunteer Week and the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.

Fire departments will hold recruitment drives at their respective firehouses. RecruitNY is designed to help increase volunteer membership, which has suffered due to various factors including the stagnant economy.

Firefighters will hold tours of their hall and vehicles, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide visitor activities.

Members will discuss the volunteer requirements and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to join their fire department.

For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form.

The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc. via http://recruitny.org/resources.php to help a firehouse hold a recruitment open house.

For area residents looking for more information, or to find out if your fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org or contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website.