What percentage of volunteer firefighters serve in departments that protect populations fewer than 25,000?

The correct answer reflects the significant role that volunteer firefighters play in smaller communities. Approximately 95% of volunteers are dedicated to departments servicing populations under 25,000, highlighting the reliance of smaller towns and rural areas on these volunteer forces for fire protection and emergency response.

This high percentage illustrates not only the volunteer fire service's commitment to community safety but also the challenges these departments face, such as limited funding, equipment, and personnel compared to their larger urban counterparts. In many cases, these volunteer departments are the primary responders, which means they are crucial for ensuring fire safety and emergency management in less populated areas where paid fire services might not be feasible due to budget constraints. This statistic underscores the importance of volunteers in the fabric of community emergency services.