What type of volunteers primarily make up the fire department involved at the local level?

In many local fire departments, particularly in smaller communities or rural areas, the majority of firefighters are volunteers. This volunteer base is crucial for providing essential emergency services when full-time paid staff may not be available or for supplementing the workforce during large incidents. Volunteers are often members of the community who commit their time and efforts to train and respond to fires and emergencies, ensuring that their local fire department can effectively serve the needs of the populace.

Paid staff and career firefighters generally represent a smaller portion of the firefighting workforce, often found in larger urban areas where the demand for continuous emergency services necessitates full-time personnel. Interns are typically students or trainees who are not yet fully qualified and do not compose the majority of the firefighting force. Thus, the role of volunteers is especially vital in local fire departments, making them the predominant group contributing to firefighting and emergency response efforts.