Summer is the time for fires, which means extra work for fire departments. In many locations, there's a lot more to the fire department than fighting fires--they're often the first "first responders."

But the volunteeer fire department is a mainstay in many communities, still. It's a great example of people coming together for mutual benefit, apart from extensive involvement by government.

The Great Plains Public Policy Institute, based in South Dakota, offers examples of how people can help the fire department without holding a fire hose.