Which of the following is a true statement about volunteer fire departments?

Volunteer fire departments primarily rely on on-call members to respond to emergencies. This means that the personnel are not always at the fire station but are available to respond when an alarm sounds. These firefighters often have other jobs or commitments, and they come to the station when needed, which allows the department to operate within budgetary constraints while still providing vital emergency services.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the nature of volunteer fire departments. For example, the claim about being permanently staffed 24/7 is more characteristic of career fire departments, which prevent any gaps in coverage. The notion that they operate without any need for supervision disregards the structure and oversight typically required to maintain safety and effectiveness in operations. Lastly, the suggestion that volunteer fire departments only serve urban areas overlooks the fact that many volunteer fire departments are crucial to rural and suburban communities, where they often serve as the primary emergency response units. Understanding these distinctions is vital for recognizing the unique role of volunteer fire departments in emergency services.