Most volunteer firefighters live or work in the community they respond to fire dispatches in, and most combination departments require residency within the community or a certain distance of the community, in which they serve. Depending on the department, volunteer firefighters may respond 24/7 to any dispatched incidents or be split into response shifts. Response to incidents may be required during transitions, or a periodic run percentage may be required to maintain active status on a combination or volunteer department.
Most volunteer firemen live or work in the area they answer emergency calls from, and most joint departments require residency within the community or a specific distance of the community they serve. Depending on the department, volunteer firefighters may respond 24/7 to any dispatched emergencies or be divided into response shifts. Response to incidents may be required during handovers, or a periodic run percentage may be necessary to maintain active status on a joint or volunteer department.