RICHARDTON (AP) - As Bernie Staudinger watched her daughter's home burn three years ago, she also could see the emotions of rural firefighters battling the blaze.

"It was like it was their home and belongings they carried out," Staudinger said. "I even saw tears in some of their eyes when they found the cat in the home. They buried him so the family wouldn't have to deal with it."

Staudinger has planned a potluck on Sept. 24 to thank members of the rural fire departments of Richardton, Taylor, Hebron and Gladstone. It's slated for noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Richardton.

"This year, with all the firefighting going on, they have gone way beyond the call of duty," Staudinger said. "I'm hoping for a big turnout of people from all four communities and beyond."

She has invited several pastors to speak at the event, along with area fire chiefs, whose departments have handled more calls this summer because dry conditions.

"In a good year, we see only 15 fires for the whole year, while this year we responded to about 26 calls," Richardton Fire Chief Rod Aman said.

Gladstone Fire Chief Joe Wanner said his department got about 16 calls, which was well above average.

Hebron Fire Chief Grant Walth said his department responded to about 10 fire calls this summer - but it could have been worse.

"Lightning struck more between Glen Ullin and Richardton and bypassed us, so we were lucky," Walth said.

Taylor Fire Chief Kevin Zillich said his department had about 15 calls, said

Keeping the volunteer fire departments fully staffed is a challenge, the chiefs said. Hebron has 36 firefighters, Richardton 28, Taylor about 20 and Gladstone 22.

"Not a lot of people realize what it takes to be a firefighter," Staudinger said. "As a community, there have been fires where all four departments fight together."

Staudinger said firefighters have had to battle blazes through the night and go to work at their regular job the next morning.

She called that commitment "amazing."