How to Become a
Volunteer Firefighter
The ultimate guide to joining your local volunteer fire department and serving your community
View All Career GuidesVolunteer Firefighting by the Numbers
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Why Volunteer?
Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of the American fire service. According to the , of the 29,452 fire departments in the United States, over 18,800 are all-volunteer and another 5,300 are mostly volunteer. In rural communities especially, volunteers are often the only emergency responders available.
Becoming a volunteer firefighter means joining a team that responds to structure fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, natural disasters, and community safety events. The estimates that volunteers save communities $46.9 billion annually. It's one of the most impactful ways to serve your community — and you don't need to quit your day job to do it.
Flexible Schedule
Most departments require just 4–8 hours per week, with on-call shifts and duty nights arranged around your existing work schedule.
Free Training
Departments provide or arrange all required training at no cost to you — including Firefighter I/II, EMT, CPR, and Hazmat certifications.
Career Launchpad
More than half of volunteer firefighters use their experience as a stepping stone to a career in the fire service, gaining certifications and references.
Real Impact
Volunteers save their communities an estimated $46.9 billion per year in emergency services that would otherwise require paid staff.
Basic Requirements
Requirements vary by department and state, but most volunteer fire departments share these common standards:
Age
- • Minimum age 18 for full membership
- • Junior firefighter programs available ages 14–17
- • No maximum age limit in most departments
Education & Licensing
- • High school diploma or GED (preferred)
- • Valid driver's license
- • U.S. residency (citizenship requirements vary)
Physical & Medical
- • Good physical health and fitness
- • Medical examination ( standard)
- • Drug screening
- • Vision and hearing within acceptable range
Background & Character
- • Background check (criminal history)
- • Clean driving record
- • No felony convictions
- • Live within the department's response district (often preferred)
Step-by-Step: How to Join
The typical timeline from application to active duty is 3–6 months. Here's what to expect:
Find Your Local Department
Visit USFireDept.com to search 32,000+ fire departments by location. You can also use the NVFC's portal, which lists departments actively seeking volunteers. Many departments post recruitment information on their websites, social media, or at community events.
Submit Your Application
Contact the department or walk into the station. Most have a simple application form. Some departments accept applications year-round, while others recruit in cycles. Express your interest, ask questions, and attend an open house or ride-along if offered.
Interview & Screening
Most departments conduct an informal interview with the fire chief or membership committee. You'll undergo a background check and drug screening. Some departments require a physical/medical exam. Many also have a membership vote among existing members.
Probationary Period
New members typically enter a probationary period (3–12 months) where you shadow experienced firefighters, attend training sessions, and learn department protocols. You'll receive your gear and begin responding to calls alongside veteran members.
Complete Required Training
Your department will enroll you in certification courses (see Training section below). Training is provided at no cost to you. Once certified, you become a fully active member of the department.
Training & Certifications
All volunteer firefighters must complete state-mandated training. The minimum is a 110-hour course certified under , though most states require more. Training is provided free of charge by the department or through regional fire academies.
Firefighter I ()
RequiredCore firefighting skills: fire behavior, building construction, hose operations, ladder operations, ventilation, search and rescue, and use of personal protective equipment. Approximately 110–150 hours of classroom and hands-on training.
Firefighter II (NFPA 1001)
RecommendedAdvanced skills building on Firefighter I: fire cause and origin, fire suppression tactics, pre-incident planning, and additional rescue techniques. Adds approximately 80–120 hours of training.
CPR / First Aid
RequiredBasic life support skills including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, AED use, bleeding control, and basic first aid. Typically 8–16 hours. Recertification required every 1–2 years.
EMT Certification
Often RequiredEmergency Medical Technician — Basic certification. Approximately 150–170 hours. Since 70% of fire department calls are medical emergencies, many departments require or strongly encourage EMT certification. Some volunteers go on to earn paramedic certification.
Hazmat Awareness & Operations
RequiredRecognition and response to hazardous materials incidents. Awareness level teaches identification and notification; Operations level covers defensive actions. Typically 24–40 hours combined.
Physical Fitness
While many volunteer departments don't require a formal physical ability test for entry, firefighting is physically demanding work. Some departments use the or a modified version. Regardless, you should be prepared for:
CPAT: 8 Events in 10:20
Candidates wear a 50-lb weighted vest simulating PPE. All eight events must be completed in sequence within 10 minutes, 20 seconds.
Tip: Even if your department doesn't require the CPAT, maintaining firefighter-level fitness is essential for your safety and the safety of your crew. Many departments provide fitness facilities and wellness programs for their members.
Time Commitment
Most volunteer departments use one of these scheduling models:
- ✓Duty nights/weekends: Volunteers sign up for specific nights or weekends to staff the station
- ✓On-call/pager system: Carry a pager or use a smartphone app and respond from home when a call comes in from dispatch
- ✓Flexible response: Respond when available — no one expects 100% response from volunteers
Additionally, expect monthly business meetings, regular training drills (weekly or bi-weekly), and occasional community events like fire prevention week, open houses, and fundraisers.
Benefits & Incentives
While volunteer firefighters are not paid a salary, many departments and states offer meaningful benefits and incentives:
LOSAP — Length of Service Award Program
LOSAP is a tax-deferred retirement benefit (similar to a 457 plan) available in many states for active volunteer firefighters. Contributions are made by the municipality into individual accounts based on years of service and activity points.
The current is $600/year, though legislation has been introduced to raise this to $12,000/year (No Tax on LOSAP Act, 2025). Programs vary significantly by state and municipality.
State Tax Incentives
Maryland
Up to after 3 years of active volunteer service
New York
LOSAP payments exempt from state taxes; $20/month per year of service
Pennsylvania
for active volunteers in many municipalities
Many Other States
Income tax deductions, property tax reductions, vehicle registration discounts, and college tuition assistance
Additional Benefits
State-by-State Guide
Requirements, training hours, and benefits vary significantly by state. Here's how some of the largest volunteer fire service states compare:
New York
90,000+ VolunteersOver 1,700 volunteer fire departments outside NYC. New York requires a minimum 99 hours for Interior Firefighter certification through the . The state exempts LOSAP payments from state income tax and awards $20/month for each year of active service. Many counties offer property tax credits up to $500. Strong junior firefighter programs available from age 16.
Pennsylvania
Strong Vol. TraditionOne of the nation's largest volunteer fire service states. The oversees a real estate tax credit program where municipalities can rebate up to 100% of real estate taxes for active volunteers. Some municipalities also offer earned income tax credits. Junior firefighter programs start at age 14. Minimum 178 hours for Firefighter I.
Maryland
Best Tax BenefitsMaryland offers some of the strongest incentives in the country: up to $7,000 state income tax credit after 3 years of active service. County-funded LOSAP programs provide monthly retirement payments after 25+ years of service. The state also offers scholarship programs and free professional development training for volunteers.
Texas
~80,000 VolunteersApproximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters protect Texas's vast rural areas. The state offers property tax exemptions for active volunteers and LOSAP retirement benefits through participating municipalities. The sets certification standards. Wildland firefighting training is particularly important given the state's fire risk.
North Carolina
247 Hours Min.North Carolina has some of the highest training requirements in the nation: the ISO 580G Training Certificate requires a minimum of 247 hours. The state offers pension benefits through the NC Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System for eligible volunteers.
California
Wildland FocusCalifornia's volunteer fire service includes traditional departments and volunteer programs focused on wildland firefighting. The state offers Volunteer Fire Capacity grants to help rural departments with equipment and training. Given year-round fire risk, wildland certification is often required in addition to structural firefighting training.
New Jersey
LOSAP + StipendsNew Jersey fire districts are required to report volunteer incentive programs including LOSAP, stipends, and other benefits. LOSAP contributions can reach up to $6,000/year adjusted for inflation. The state mandates Firefighter I certification through the .
Note: Requirements change frequently. Always contact your local department or state fire commission for the most current standards. Search for departments in your area on our state-by-state directory.
Training Hours: State Comparison
NFPA 1001 sets the national baseline, but states adopt their own minimums. When a state incorporates NFPA standards into its codes, compliance becomes mandatory. Here's how training hours compare:
Training is typically spread over 6–9 months attending class 2–3 days per week, so it's manageable alongside a full-time job.
Junior Firefighter Programs (Ages 14–17)
Too young to be a full member? Many departments run junior firefighter or cadet programs that introduce teens to the fire service. These programs are an excellent way to build skills, discipline, and community connections — and they create a direct pipeline into full volunteer or career firefighting at age 18.
Requirements
- • Ages 14–17 (varies by state and department)
- • Good academic standing (typically “C” average or better)
- • Written parental/guardian consent
- • Minimum 4 hours per month participation
- • Background check may be required
What Juniors Can Do
- • Attend training on fire suppression, EMS, rescue
- • Learn equipment operation and maintenance
- • Participate in community events and fire prevention
- • Assist with station duties and fundraising
- • Earn certifications (CPR, First Aid)
Age-Based Activity Restrictions
Ages 14–15: Prohibited from riding on fire apparatus to emergency scenes. Activities limited to training, equipment cleaning, and station duties.
Ages 16–17: May respond to scenes in some states. At fire scenes, limited to first aid and exterior clean-up duties only after the officer in charge declares the fire under control. Cannot enter burning structures.
Age 18: Eligible for full active membership and interior firefighting duties upon completion of required certifications.
The NVFC coordinates the , which provides resources, standards, and recognition for junior firefighter programs nationwide.
Equipment & Gear
Volunteer fire departments provide all essential personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost. You will be issued:
A full set of PPE costs $3,000–$5,000+ per firefighter. Departments fund this through municipal budgets, grants such as program, and fundraising. Browse fire equipment companies in our Equipment Directory.
From Volunteer to Career Firefighter
More than half of volunteer firefighters are building experience toward a career in the fire service. Volunteering for 1–2 years before applying to career positions demonstrates commitment, provides hands-on training, and builds a network of professional references.
Ready to explore career firefighting? Read our complete guide: How to Become a Firefighter in 2026. You can also browse current openings on our Job Board and prepare with our Practice Exams.
The Volunteer Crisis
The volunteer fire service faces a growing recruitment and retention crisis. According to , since 1984 the number of volunteer firefighters has decreased by 25%, while the U.S. population has grown by 40%. Understanding these challenges is important:
This is exactly why your service matters. Every new volunteer helps keep a department operational and their community safe. The fire service needs you — regardless of your gender, age, or background.
Sources & References
- • (department counts, volunteer statistics, demographics)
- • (workforce trends 1984–2020)
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- • recruitment portal
- • (Operational Training Guide)
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- • (federal tax treatment of volunteer compensation)
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- • — Volunteer Firefighter Tax Incentive Program
- • — Volunteer Firefighters' and Ambulance Workers' Credit
- • — Membership Benefits
- • — Volunteer Firefighter & EMS Incentives
- • — Firefighter Training Certificate (580G) Program
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Find a volunteer fire department near you and take the first step. Your community is waiting.