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FireDepartment.net

Resources for fire departments

Grants, training, recruitment help and more from the statewide associations and state agencies that support Oregon and Washington fire departments, gathered by topic. Most are free or included with membership.

Grants, equipment and funding

On FireDepartment.net: Free volunteer application forms

Oregon

  • Surplus Property Program: Fire departments can donate surplus equipment or ask for free equipment and apparatus, run with OFCA, OFDDA and SDAO. — OVFA
  • Safety & Security Grant Program: 50/50 matching grant of up to $2,500 for SDIS members' projects that reduce property and liability losses; 2026-27 applications are due November 11, 2026 at 5 p.m. — SDAO
  • Scholarship and Grant Fund: Board members and employees of member districts can apply each month for help with SDAO, SDIS or approved outside training fees. — SDAO
  • Internship Grant Program: Matching grant of up to $3,000 per member district to hire a college student intern for a specific project; 2027 applications open in January. — SDAO
  • Wildfire Season Staffing Grant: Up to $35,000 per local fire agency to boost staffing during fire season; the page lists 2026 recipients. — OSFM
  • Smoke Alarm Installation Program for Fire Agencies: OSFM provides smoke alarms to fire agencies to install in homes without adequate protection; agencies need an FDID number and must report incidents. — OSFM
  • Volunteer Fire Capacity grants: Federally funded grants for rural fire agencies; check this page for the next application period. — ODF
  • Grants and incentives: Lists wildfire-related programs such as the Community Wildfire Defense Grant and Firewise USA. — ODF

Washington

Training, certification and conferences

Oregon

Washington

  • EVIP driver training: Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP 4.0) driver training, train-the-trainer classes with a 5-year instructor certification, and a directory of certified instructors. — WFC
  • Statewide training calendar: Calendar of classes, webinars and conferences from WFC and other fire agencies and trainers across Washington; agencies can submit their own events. — WFC
  • Annual Fire School & Conference: The 104th Annual Fire School & Conference starts May 20, 2027, with classes, hands-on training, a vendor show and an awards banquet; members get discounted registration. — WSFFA
  • Fire school scholarships: Application form for scholarships that cover Annual Fire School registration and housing. — WSFFA
  • Fire Prevention Institute: A yearly week-long fire prevention conference with the State Fire Marshal's Office, Washington Public Fire Educators and IAAI Washington Chapter, with code recertification hours (2026 was October 12-16 at Lake Chelan). — WSAFM
  • Monthly webinar series: 90-minute monthly webinars on International Fire Code topics, free for all staff of member agencies and sold to non-members. — WSAFM
  • Fire service certification (IFSAC and Pro Board): Lists all 21 certification levels with prerequisites, reference books and skill sheets, and how to get certificates, reciprocity or equivalency. — SFMO
  • Basic firefighter training reimbursement and free hazmat training: Program manual and forms for basic firefighter training reimbursement, plus free hazardous materials courses (Awareness through Technician and On-Scene Incident Command) for first responders. — SFMO
  • 2027 recruit academy: Weekday and weekend academies for Firefighter 1 and 2 and Hazmat Awareness and Operations; recruits must be sponsored by a fire department. — FTA
  • 2027 open enrollment course schedule: Dates for Driver/Operator, Fire Control, Fire Officer I-IV, Fire Instructor I-II, Hazmat Technician and Search and Rescue courses. — FTA
  • Co-op training and facility use request: Form for fire departments to book the academy's live-fire props and buildings for their own training. — FTA
  • 2026 IFSAC and Pro Board testing schedule: Testing dates at the academy, which students can add on to for $104 (written or practical only) or $185 (both). — FTA
  • Courses, academies and contacts: Main page for all academy programs, National Fire Academy classes, facilities and staff contacts. — FTA
  • Wildland fire academies: Free NWCG wildland firefighting courses (Firefighter Type 2 to Single Resource Boss) for Washington local, state, federal and tribal fire agencies. — DNR
  • Fire service scholarships: Yearly scholarships covering registration at the WFC Conference, the Fire Prevention Institute and the WSFFA Annual Fire School. — WSRB

Volunteer recruitment and retention

On FireDepartment.net: How to recruit more volunteers · Volunteer recruiter guide

Oregon

  • Meritorious Awards: How fire departments can nominate members and units for medals and citations given at the spring conference. — OFCA
  • A free one-year Active Member Scholarship for chief officers who have never been members, aimed at small volunteer and combination fire departments. More — OFCA
  • The Oregon Fire Service Meritorious Awards recognize fire service members and units, paid or volunteer, for courage, lifesaving acts and outstanding public safety programs. More — OFCA
  • The Oregon Fire Chiefs Foundation gives scholarships for leadership training and conferences and grants to local agencies that sponsor regional leadership development. More — OFCA
  • Holds a yearly roundtable for chiefs of volunteer, smaller career and combination fire departments. More — OFCA
  • Firefighter apprenticeship (BOLI listing): Contact details, wage and program standards for the Oregon State Fire Fighters JATC, which is accepting applications. — OSFFC
  • Apprenticeship sites announcement: Explains how the apprenticeship works (4,000 hours, EMT-Basic, paid training) and which fire departments host apprentices. — OSFFC
  • The Oregon State Fire Fighters Joint Apprentice Training Committee runs a state-registered, paid two-year firefighter apprenticeship with host fire departments, including EMT-Basic training and college coursework; BOLI lists it as accepting applications. More — OSFFC
  • Recruitment & Retention: Recruiting tools and help for agencies building a local volunteer recruitment campaign. — OVFA
  • OVFA brochure and dues: Programs, membership benefits and the 2026 dues table. — OVFA
  • Membership application: The 2026 application for fire agencies with volunteer firefighters or EMS providers. — OVFA
  • A "Why volunteer?" page explains what volunteer firefighters and EMTs do and the training involved, with contacts for finding a local fire department. — OVFA
  • Recruitment and retention help for fire agencies, including the 1-800-FIRELINE toll-free recruiting number, road signs and posters, help with local campaigns and information on length-of-service award programs. — OVFA
  • The Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund gives financial support to members and their families after accidental death, dismemberment, disability or financial hardship. — OVFA
  • Scholarships cover registration for the annual conference, and OVFA also offers training scholarships and training and equipment grants to member agencies. — OVFA
  • The annual conference recognizes the State Volunteer Firefighter of the Year and gives a Lifetime Achievement award. — OVFA
  • OVFA started work in 1981 on a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), a retirement fund for volunteer firefighters, which was created under a 1993 plan. — OVFA
  • LOSAP brochure: Describes the Length of Service Awards Program for volunteer firefighters. — OFDDA
  • OFDDA oversees the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), a retirement-type benefit for volunteer firefighters. More — OFDDA
  • The W. Bruce Williams Scholarship Fund pays tuition and travel for personnel of small rural fire districts (lowest 25% by assessed value) to attend conferences and training; membership is not required. More — OFDDA
  • Oregon Fire Service Conference scholarships cover conference registration and meals for up to five people from member districts. More — OFDDA
  • OFDDA gives 20-30-40-50 year service awards, a District of the Year award and an Innovative Safety Award (forms on the Forms page). More — OFDDA
  • The Board Member Recruitment Toolkit gives districts sample letters, brochures and packages to recruit people to run for or fill open board seats, plus orientation materials for new board members. More — SDAO
  • The SDAO Awards Program recognizes member districts and their board members, managers, employees and volunteers; winners are honored at the annual conference. More — SDAO
  • The Scholarship and Grant Fund pays training registration fees for board members and employees of member districts with little money for education. More — SDAO
  • The Fire Program trains and certifies over 12,000 career and volunteer firefighters, with entry-level classes such as NFPA Fire Fighter I and II delivered in each region at a fire agency's request. More — DPSST
  • The Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial at the Public Safety Academy honors career, volunteer, wildland and structural firefighters who died in the line of duty, with a ceremony every June. More — DPSST
  • The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant gives local fire agencies up to $35,000 to add firefighters during fire season, with priority for agencies with $2 million or less in yearly property tax income; 2026 awards were announced May 1. More — OSFM
  • The Golden Sparky Award recognizes a fire service member or fire agency for outstanding fire prevention or public education work; nominations open each spring. More — OSFM
  • OSFM put $3 million into the Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Program in 2023 to create pathways into the fire service, citing fewer career and volunteer firefighters entering the field. More — OSFM
  • Volunteer Fire Capacity grants, federally funded through the USDA Forest Service, help rural fire agencies and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations buy firefighting and safety equipment; 2026 applications ran March 6 to April 17, 2026. More — ODF
  • ODF hires seasonal wildland firefighters each year, with recruitment from late winter through early spring. More — ODF

Washington

  • Job board: Job postings from Washington fire departments. — WFC
  • The Recruitment & Retention Committee helps Washington fire departments recruit and keep volunteer firefighters and responders, shares successful practices and recommends benefits for volunteers. More — WFC
  • The "Become a Washington Fire Fighter" page explains basic qualifications, the CPAT physical test, apprenticeship, fire science and paramedic programs, and points to volunteering in rural departments as a way into the fire service. More — WSCFF
  • The WSCFF Burn Foundation invites fire service members to volunteer at Camp Eyabsut, on its Liaison Response Team for burn-injured firefighters, on burn unit visits, or on its board. More — WSCFF
  • The WSCFF Benevolent Fund awards yearly scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are dependents of WSCFF members and retirees; 2027 applications open December 15, 2026. More — WSCFF
  • Volunteer Firefighter license plate: How current and past volunteer firefighters apply for the plate, with the proof-of-service form and the Department of Licensing application. — WSFFA
  • WSFFA represents and serves Washington's volunteer firefighters, with individual and department memberships that include insurance, training discounts and purchasing discounts. More — WSFFA
  • The Volunteer Firefighter license plate recognizes people who have served as volunteer firefighters (one year current, or ten years past service), and its revenue funds the WSFFA Benevolent Fund. More — WSFFA
  • The Benevolent Fund pays line-of-duty death and catastrophic event benefits to members and funds National Fire Academy, fire school and outside training scholarships. More — WSFFA
  • The John Ostergaard and Ron Roy scholarships each cover Annual Fire School registration and housing (up to $700) for one person, and a WSRB-funded scholarship is also offered through the same form. More — WSFFA
  • Members are recognized with special awards at the annual conference awards banquet. More — WSFFA
  • The Basic Firefighter Training Program gives fire departments and fire protection districts money and resources to train firefighters to minimum safety standards, and its manual covers running volunteer recruit schools. More — SFMO
  • The State Fire Training Academy offers a Firefighter I recruit academy scholarship only for volunteer firefighters, who attend the weekend academy for three months. More — SFMO
  • Courses, academies and contacts: Main page for all academy programs, National Fire Academy classes, facilities and staff contacts. — FTA
  • The Firefighter I Recruit Academy Scholarship is only for volunteer firefighters and covers the weekend recruit academy (Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays for three months). More — FTA
  • Regional Direct Delivery brings Firefighter I training, regional recruit academies and one- or two-day block classes to rural volunteer fire departments. More — FTA
  • Volunteer firefighter payment FAQ: How volunteers on a mobilization get paid, what forms to send, pay dates, overtime and injury coverage. — Washington State Fire Service Resource Mobilization
  • Volunteer firefighters sent on a state mobilization are paid hourly by the State Patrol at the rates in the state wage guide and are covered by Washington L&I if injured; the volunteer FAQ explains the forms needed to get paid. More — Washington State Fire Service Resource Mobilization
  • Volunteer Fire Assistance grants (federal USDA Forest Service money) help fire districts that serve rural communities buy wildland PPE and equipment, including half-price gear from the DNR fire cache. More — DNR
  • House Bill 1168 grants fund operations, PPE, communications, computers and wildland training for rural and volunteer fire service agencies. More — DNR
  • DNR does not use volunteers itself but asks people to volunteer with their local fire department, which DNR supports with training and equipment. More — DNR
  • Reporting members and fees: How a department's local board of trustees reports volunteers each year and pays disability and pension fees. — BVFF
  • Benefits outline: A summary of relief and pension benefits for members. — BVFF
  • Relief coverage pays medical bills, disability pay, and death, funeral and survivor benefits for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers hurt or killed on duty. More — BVFF
  • An optional pension for volunteers, which the board says exists to keep members active longer; it vests after ten years of service and one payment. More — BVFF
  • Mental health and PTSD claims tied to volunteer fire or EMS service are covered and reported the same way as a physical injury, within 90 days. More — BVFF
  • WSRB-sponsored fire service scholarships pay registration for one fire chief at the WFC Conference, one fire professional at the Fire Prevention Institute, and two WSFFA members at the WSFFA Annual Fire School each year. More — WSRB

Insurance and protection class ratings

On FireDepartment.net: WSRB protection class explained

Oregon

  • OFDDA/SDIS trainings: Free training classes with Special Districts Insurance Services that count toward an insurance best-practices credit. — OFDDA
  • Safety & Security Grant Program: 50/50 matching grant of up to $2,500 for SDIS members' projects that reduce property and liability losses; 2026-27 applications are due November 11, 2026 at 5 p.m. — SDAO

Washington

Firefighter health, safety and benefits

Oregon

  • Oregon Safety & Health Section: A section for fire department health and safety officers that gives guidance on OR-OSHA rules and NFPA standards; a member chief's SDAO-member district can register one safety officer free. — OFCA
  • IAFF Center of Excellence: Information on the IAFF's behavioral health treatment center for IAFF members, with a 24/7 phone line (844-439-8445). — OSFFC
  • Relief Fund donations: Donate to the fund that helps volunteer firefighters and their families after injury or hardship. — OVFA
  • Public Safety Memorial Fund: Financial help for public safety officers permanently disabled in the line of duty and for families of officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. — DPSST
  • Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial: Memorial wall, list and stories of fallen firefighters, and the application to add a name. — DPSST

Washington

  • EVIP driver training: Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP 4.0) driver training, train-the-trainer classes with a 5-year instructor certification, and a directory of certified instructors. — WFC
  • SHARP safety program: Free safety calendar, sample SOPs, skills sheets and forms to help a fire department build an accident prevention program under WAC 296-305. — WFC
  • Line-of-duty death resources: Model Washington fire service line-of-duty death guidelines, notification protocols and benefit and survivor guides for career and volunteer firefighters. — WFC
  • Liaison Response Team and emergency housing: Burn Foundation liaisons support burn-injured firefighters, their families and departments, and families can stay free in a house near the Harborview Burn Unit. — WSCFF
  • PIIERS exposure reporting: A confidential system where firefighters and EMS personnel record exposures, injuries and traumas over their career and share reports with their doctor. — WSCFF
  • WSCFF Cancer Foundation: Support for active and retired fire service members facing a cancer diagnosis, including links to financial, L&I and behavioral health help. — WSCFF
  • Behavioral health: District behavioral health coordinators, peer support guidance and crisis resources, including the 988 lifeline. — WSCFF
  • Health and wellness: Mental health and cancer resources for volunteers, including how to file a PTSD or mental health claim with the Board for Volunteer Firefighters under RCW 41.24. — WSFFA
  • Washington Fallen Firefighter Memorial: The yearly memorial service for Washington firefighters who died in the line of duty, which WSFFA started in 1985. — WSFFA
  • Washington Fallen Firefighter Memorial: The memorial at the Fire Training Academy and the yearly memorial service (June 14, 2026, at the State Capitol in Olympia). — SFMO
  • Accident report card: The form departments use to report any on-duty injury, which must reach the board within 90 days. — BVFF
  • Reporting members and fees: How a department's local board of trustees reports volunteers each year and pays disability and pension fees. — BVFF
  • PP+ online reporting portal: Login, training videos and guides for the portal departments use to report members, fees and accidents. — BVFF
  • Benefits outline: A summary of relief and pension benefits for members. — BVFF
  • Forms: All board forms, including a letter departments can give local doctors and hospitals on how to bill the board instead of L&I. — BVFF

Mobilization, incident reporting and wildfire operations

On FireDepartment.net: Fire danger levels by county

Oregon

Washington

Fire prevention, codes and community risk reduction

Oregon

Washington

  • Public Fire Educators Section: A network of public fire and life safety educators from nearly 100 Washington fire departments that shares programs and offers low-cost training. — WFC
  • Burn Foundation smoke alarm grants and burn prevention: The WSCFF Burn Foundation teaches burn-injury prevention classes to fire departments and gives matching grants so fire departments can buy and install smoke alarms for residents. — WSCFF
  • Fire Prevention Institute: A yearly week-long fire prevention conference with the State Fire Marshal's Office, Washington Public Fire Educators and IAAI Washington Chapter, with code recertification hours (2026 was October 12-16 at Lake Chelan). — WSAFM
  • Statewide food truck inspection program: Food trucks inspected by one participating fire department are recognized by all participating departments, with inspection checklists in several languages and free inspection stickers for agencies. — WSAFM
  • Wildland-urban interface (WUI) guidance: Guidance for local fire marshals on DNR wildfire hazard maps and enforcing the WUI code under RCW 19.27.560. — WSAFM
  • Community risk assessment and reduction: Example community risk assessments from Washington and other fire departments, plus guides for doing your own. — WSAFM
  • Monthly webinar series: 90-minute monthly webinars on International Fire Code topics, free for all staff of member agencies and sold to non-members. — WSAFM
  • Fire Marshals Toolkit: Topic pages for fire marshals on energy storage and EVs, WUI, food trucks, mobile fueling and community risk reduction. — WSAFM
  • Community Risk Reduction resources: Explains community risk reduction and links to fire and life safety education materials for fire agencies and the public. — SFMO

Resources for community members · Fire service organizations by state

From each organization's own website; see each organization's page for its sources and the date we checked. Know of a statewide resource we're missing? Let us know.