Volunteers offering free time at public agencies are typically not considered employees. Depending upon the agency, the volunteers may or may not be covered by their workers’ compensation. Fortunately, California volunteer firefighters who sustain injuries on duty can receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re a volunteer firefighter, you must report the incident to your supervisor or proper authorities within the fire department as soon as possible. If your injuries prevent you from attending your day job, California’s workers’ compensation program allows volunteer firefighters to collect compensation for their lost earnings from their regular work.