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.
Typically, volunteer firemen live or work in the neighborhood they answer emergency calls from, and most shared departments require residents within the community or a certain distance of the community they serve. Depending on the department, volunteer firefighters may respond around the clock to any dispatched emergencies or be assigned to specific shifts. Response to incidents may be required during handovers, or a regular run percentage may be needed to keep their active status on a shared or volunteer department.