The volunteer fire and rescue departments in Fairfax County are an integral part of the fire and rescue service. They contribute vital personnel and material resources to protect the community and save taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

Members of the 12 volunteer departments operate side-by-side with the career personnel of the FCFRD to protect life and property. In Fiscal Year 2008, volunteers logged over 180,000 hours of service to the community, including over 62,000 operational hours, 83,000 administrative hours, and 34,000 training hours.

The volunteer departments also contribute materially to the fire and rescue system. Altogether, volunteer departments contribute 11 fire stations (and assistance in operating 2 more), 21 fire engines, 2 fire trucks, 32 ambulances/medic units, 4 brush trucks, 4 heavy rescue vehicles, 5 canteen units, 21 utility vehicles, and other life-saving equipment (e.g., rescue rafts). These contributions are worth over $50 million. Volunteer departments are also important civic organizations, providing a link between the community and the fire and rescue system and an avenue for citizens to become directly involved in serving their community.