South Whatcom Fire Authority Volunteer / Emergency Response
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SWFA recruits the best possible individuals to join our organization and accepts applications for non-trained firefighters once per year for our firefighter academy and EMT class.
Our recruitment periods begin in March for the following Fall firefighter training academy. To become a member, each recruit must pass a cognitive exam, a physical assessment test and an oral board interview. All volunteer applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old, and possess a high school diploma or GED by time of appointment.
Successful applicants then must go through drug screening, criminal and driving background checks, and an occupational medical exam. The entire recruiting process takes about 70-90 days to complete.
If you have any further questions, please contact us: 360-676-8080 or info@swrfa.org
Our entry-level volunteer hiring process is currently CLOSED.
Please see information below on becoming a volunteer firefighter with SWFA.
If you have a current EMT or structural firefighting certification and are interested in joining, please contact us at apply@swrfa.org to find out about lateral firefighter opportunities year-round.
*OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN EARLY 2026 FOR OUR NEXT RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY.*
RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM
We encourage prospective applicants to schedule a ride-along with us to get an inside look at day-to-day fire station life, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions of our members.
To schedule a ride-along, visit our Ride Along Program page.
If you have any further questions, please contact us: 360-676-8080 or info@swrfa.org