Fire Department · Career
Raleigh Fire Department
Raleigh, NC · Wake County
The Raleigh Fire Department protects North Carolina's capital, staffing more than 600 firefighters who respond to roughly 50,000 calls each year. The department has served the community for over 100 years.
Operations are organized into companies staffed by line personnel and split across three rotating platoons (A, B, and C). New firefighters are assigned to one of the city's 28 fire stations after completing the academy.
The department frames its work around its stated values of Family, Respect, and Service, and positions itself as an industry leader focused on training, health and safety, and community engagement.
MissionTo serve the City of Raleigh with the highest level of customer service through excellence in public safety and community engagement.
Raleigh hires firefighters in academy classes; no prior firefighting experience is required. Candidates apply through the city's NEOGOV / GovernmentJobs portal during an open application window, then move through a physical agility test, a written aptitude exam, an oral interview, and contingent background, medical, and psychological screening.
Successful candidates complete the Fire Academy at the Keeter Fire Training Center, where recruits must maintain a minimum 70% average and earn their North Carolina certifications before being assigned to a station.
Requirements
- Be 18 or older by the time the application closes
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Corrected vision of at least 20/30 in both eyes
- Valid driver's license
- Able to meet the physical and mental demands of the position
- No prior firefighting experience necessary
Hiring process
- Submit an application via the NEOGOV website with all required documents and the supplemental questionnaire completed
- Pass the Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Pass the Candidate Written Aptitude Test (no retesting offered)
- Complete an oral interview
- Pass contingent requirements: criminal and driving background checks, substance test, medical exam, and psychological evaluation
- Complete Fire Academy training at the Keeter Fire Training Center with a minimum 70% average
Recruits train at the Keeter Fire Training Center and must maintain a minimum 70% average. Graduates earn N.C. EMT, N.C. Firefighter I and II, and N.C. HazMat Level 1 certifications.
What are the basic requirements to become a Raleigh firefighter?
You must be at least 18 by the time the application closes, have a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a valid driver's license, and have corrected vision of at least 20/30 in both eyes. No prior firefighting experience is required.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the city's NEOGOV portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/raleighnc, including all required documents and a supplemental questionnaire.
When can I apply?
Applications for Fire Academy 59 and Fire Academy 60 open July 1, 2026, and the application period closes July 31, 2026.
What is the hiring process?
After applying, candidates pass a Physical Agility Test, a written aptitude test, and an oral interview, then clear background, driving, substance, medical, and psychological screening before entering the Fire Academy.
What does the Fire Academy cover?
The academy at the Keeter Fire Training Center includes EMS instruction and live-fire simulations. Recruits must maintain a minimum 70% average and graduate with N.C. EMT, Firefighter I and II, and HazMat Level 1 certifications.
What schedule do Raleigh firefighters work?
Line firefighters work 24-hour shifts beginning at 8 a.m., on a rotating schedule across three platoons (A, B, and C).