Many Small Towns In Desperate Need Of Volunteer Firefighters

The video discusses the critical role of volunteer firefighters in small towns, where they make up 91% of the workforce due to limited budgets. In contrast, larger towns have more paid firefighters. Challenges include recruiting new and younger volunteers, as the number of calls has tripled while volunteer numbers remain stagnant. The role of firefighters is shifting towards providing medical aid, especially in smaller towns with fewer hospitals. Community support through donations and fundraisers is vital for these departments.

What percentage of firefighters are volunteers in towns with fewer than 10,000 people?

What challenges do volunteer fire departments face in recent years?

How has the age distribution of firefighters changed over the last 30 years?

What are some non-traditional ways to recruit firefighters mentioned in the text?

What is the primary reason for the increase in the number of paid firefighters?