Did you know that of the roughly 1.1 million firefighters in America, 69% of them are volunteer? There are 12 local government fire departments in Plumas County, and every single one of them needs volunteers.

See the video below from the National Volunteer Fire Council for an overview of being a volunteer firefighter, from the perspective of actual members.

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Firefighting: Providing hands-on fire suppression & rescue services in the 'hot zone.'

Becoming a volunteer firefighter starts with contacting your local fire department. Generally each department requires you to be physically fit and in good health, at least 18 years old, and a resident of their community or nearby within a certain response distance. It's usually required to be a high school graduate, and you can not have any prior felony convictions on your record. 

You'll need to agree to complete the regional Quincy Fire Academy, held each spring. There are also other certifications that are required by federal, state, or OSHA regulations. In addition each department requires good attendance at weekly training drills, usually held 3-4 times a month on a weeknight for 2-3 hours.

Support Services, On Scene:

Some of our departments have scene support roles that do not require hands-on firefighting or rescue. Instead, you may help with supporting the firefighters through refilling air bottles, providing rehab services, food, and other tasks as needed depending on each incident. Contact your local fire department.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS): helping people who are injured or ill and requiring medical care in the field.

All firefighters in California, volunteer or paid, are required to complete emergency medical aid training called "Emergency Medical Responder" (EMR) at a minimum, and many choose to complete a higher level of training called Emergency Medical Technician (EMT.)

The vast majority of emergency calls handled by fire departments today throughout America are EMS or EMS related, such as motor vehicle accidents.
​Some of our fire departments have support members who would like to provide EMS only, and not the firefighting role. This is not always an option, so please check with your local fire department.

Administrative, Other Support

Your local department may need help in other ways, such as through providing a variety of non-emergency support including fund raising, maintenance, running a web site or social media services, publishing a newsletter, etc. Contact your local fire department for more information.

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Interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about how you can support your local fire department? Contact your nearest community FD below.

Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District
Chief Jack Rosevear, [email protected]

Bucks Lake Volunteer Fire Department
Chief David Beskeen, [email protected]

Graeagle Fire Protection District
Chief Ed Ward, (530) 836-1340; [email protected]
Assistant Chief Jim Stockdale; [email protected]

Greenhorn Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Tyson Rael,  [email protected]

Hamilton Branch Fire Protection District
Chief Bob Gray, [email protected]
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Indian Valley Fire Department (Greenville, Taylorsville, Genesee, Crescent Mills)
Chief Bob Orange, (530) 284-7224, [email protected]

La Porte Fire Protection District
Chief Steve Burroughs, (530) 990-2042; [email protected]

Long Valley Fire Department (Cromberg, Sloat)
Chief Megan McCrorey, (530) 836-2550 [email protected]

Meadow Valley Fire Department
Chief Lafe Alexander, (530) 283-2620; [email protected]
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Peninsula Fire Protection District
Chief Bob Gray, 530-259-2306, [email protected]

Plumas Eureka Fire Department
Chief Steve Munsen, [email protected]

Quincy Fire Protection District
Chief Frank Carey 530-283-0870; [email protected]

West Almanor Fire Department (also serves Prattville-Almanor)
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