Volunteer fire department

A massive blaze leads Chile to reconsider its all-volunteer firefighting system

Chile’s firefighters have proudly worked as unpaid volunteers since the 19th century. But this month’s devastating fire in Valparaiso has led many to question whether the country should move to a paid force.Chile’s firefighters have proudly worked as unpaid volunteers since the 19th century. But this month’s devastating fire in Valparaiso has led many to question whether the country should move to a paid force.