Become a volunteer firefighter
Many fire departments, especially in rural areas, depend on volunteers to answer calls. You do not need experience to start. Departments train the people they accept.
Why volunteer
Volunteers help their neighbors on the worst day of their lives, learn skills that last, and join a team that depends on them.
A strong fire department also saves the whole community money. ISO (the Insurance Services Office) rates each community's fire protection with a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10, where 1 is best. Many insurance companies use that rating to price homeowners insurance, so the better the score, the less homeowners usually pay.
The fire department counts for half of the score: how many firefighters respond, how quickly they get there and how close the stations are, along with their training and equipment. Water supply and 911 dispatch make up the rest. Homes more than 5 road miles from a fire station usually get the lowest rating, 10. When a volunteer department cannot get enough people to a fire, the community's rating, and what its residents pay for insurance, can suffer.
How it works
- Learn what it involves. Read what it is like and look at the roles, including ones that never go near a fire.
- Check the requirements and the time. See typical requirements and training and the time commitment.
- Find a department near you. Departments only accept volunteers who can reach their stations quickly. Look up the departments in your county in the directory.
- Apply. Each department runs its own process, usually an application, an interview, a background check and then training.
Common questions
Is it paid? How old do I have to be? Can I volunteer without fighting fires? See the answers to common questions.