Fire Department · Career
Asheville Fire Department
Asheville, NC · Buncombe County
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Department careers page ↗The Asheville Fire Department (AFD) is charged with protecting the lives, property, and environment of everyone within the city of Asheville. The department has held national accreditation since 2005 and carries an ISO Public Protection Classification of 1, the highest rating available, reflecting sustained investment in training, staffing, and equipment.
AFD operates out of 13 fire stations spread across the city and its surrounding response areas, running a mix of engines, ladder trucks, quints, a rescue company, a tanker, and safety/support units. Beyond emergency response, the department runs community-facing programs including fire safety education, smoke alarm installation, child passenger safety seat assistance, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, and a Resource and Engagement Support Team (REST). The Fire Marshal's Division separately handles fire code inspections (on annual, biennial, or triennial cycles depending on occupancy risk), vacant/abandoned building compliance, citation enforcement, and incident report requests.
The department is led by Fire Chief Mike Cayse, supported by a Deputy Chief and Assistant Chiefs over Operations, Support Services, and Emergency Management. AFD recruits firefighter trainees through periodic academy classes, most recently the 102nd Academy.
MissionProtect the lives, property, and environment of all people within Asheville by preventing the occurrence and minimizing the adverse effects of fires, accidents, and all other emergencies.
AFD hires Firefighter Trainees into periodic academy classes (most recently the 102nd Academy). Academy length depends on the candidate's existing certifications, and pay steps up after graduation.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum age 18 with a valid driver's license
- Excellent physical condition; must pass the Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Pass a written exam, interview, background check, and drug/alcohol screening
Hiring process
- Submit application during the open recruitment window
- Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Written exam
- Interviews
- Physical exam and uniform sizing
- Verbal job offer
- Official offer and academy start
Benefits
Health, dental, and life insurance; 401(k); tuition reimbursement; 35 days of annual leave; certification pay supplements of 5% for qualifying credentials.
Academy duration varies by prior certification: 12 weeks for candidates already certified in firefighting, EMT, and technical rescue; 18 weeks for firefighting + EMT certification; 25 weeks for applicants with no prior experience.
How many fire stations does Asheville Fire Department operate?
AFD operates 13 fire stations across the city and surrounding response areas.
What is AFD's ISO rating?
Asheville Fire Department holds an ISO Public Protection Classification of 1, the highest rating available, and has been nationally accredited since 2005.
What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter trainee?
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license, be in excellent physical condition, and pass the Physical Agility Test, written exam, background check, and drug/alcohol screening.
How long is the firefighter academy?
Academy length depends on existing certifications: 12 weeks for those already certified in firefighting, EMT, and technical rescue; 18 weeks for firefighting plus EMT certification; and 25 weeks for applicants without prior experience.
What does a firefighter trainee earn during and after the academy?
Trainees start at $44,276.18 per year during the academy and move to $50,309.74 per year after graduation, with 5% supplements available for qualifying certifications.