Volunteer Firefighters serve their communities by responding to fires and other emergencies. In some municipalities, Volunteer Firefighters also work as building inspectors or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). This position requires a great deal of teamwork, especially when fighting active fires. Often, Volunteer Firefighters use the position to gain experience to become professional firefighters.

Volunteer Firefighters usually work under the supervision of a fire chief or company officer. Most volunteer opportunities are found in municipal fire departments, but a Volunteer Firefighter may also work for a private or public ambulance service.



Volunteer Firefighter Duties and Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter are to assist people in distress, rescue fire victims and extinguish fires as quickly as possible. To accomplish these goals, a Volunteer Firefighter must perform a wide range of tasks. We reviewed several job listings to determine the primary duties of a Volunteer Firefighter.

Inspect Equipment

Communities rely on Volunteer Firefighters to inspect and maintain fire trucks, ladders, hoses and other fire-fighting equipment. Volunteer Firefighters regularly inspect their equipment for cracks, leaks, holes and other signs of damage. If a piece of equipment is damaged beyond repair, the Volunteer Firefighter submits a request for a replacement.

Administer First Aid

In addition to fighting fires, Volunteer Firefighters also respond to auto accidents and other emergencies. When responding to a fire or accident scene, a Volunteer Firefighter may have to administer CPR or perform other first-aid procedures. With special training, a Volunteer Firefighter may also perform basic life-support procedures.

Suppress Fires

A Volunteer Firefighter uses a variety of techniques to control and extinguish fires. Volunteer Firefighters use ladders, hydrants, hoses, fire extinguishers, and other tools to prevent fires from spreading. In some cases, a Volunteer Firefighter may have to enter a burning building to put out the flames or rescue fire victims.

Drive Emergency Vehicles

Volunteer Firefighters with the proper training may be called upon to drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Some Volunteer Firefighters use their own vehicles to respond to fires and accident scenes.

Investigate Fires

Volunteer Firefighters help determine the cause of each fire they extinguish. If a fire is the result of arson, a Volunteer Firefighter may be called to testify against the perpetrator in court.