Generally, live-in programs are designed to increase staffing at the fire department while providing the live-in firefighter benefits as an incentive. Most of these programs are geared toward college students attending a nearby school and provide a set of standards to which the member must agree in exchange for a place to reside. If the firehouse environment is attractive to a potential live-in member, that person will spend most of his day at the firehouse if it provides a positive atmosphere, sufficient privacy, and quarters.

Many live-in programs allow you to live for free or very inexpensively. Don't base this decision only on the economics, although the significance of this advantage cannot be overlooked.