How much do volunteer firefighters have to work?

Volunteer firefighter and wondering about responding to fires and my job.?

• I work for the government as a mechanic, but i also am a volunteer firefighter. My question is if i get a fire call can i leave work to respond to the call? I work eight miles from the station and its just down the highway from me. Could i be terminated if i go to a fire? It would be really crappy if somebodies house is burning down and all the firefighters are like can't get there till five when i'm off.

• Answer:

  Well I know for a fact in PA that you cannot leave for a call or you could face repercussions at work. However you can be late to work if the call runs past your work start time BUT you need to get a excuse slip signed and dated by a line officer. No one can force you not to leave, but if you do understand they can punish you for it. Check with your state Fire Commissioner's office or whoever is in charge of the fire services as a whole for your state.