Fire Department · Career
North Charleston Fire Department
North Charleston, SC · Charleston County
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Department careers page ↗North Charleston Fire Department traces its roots to 1937, when the city's first single-station, single-engine department was formed out of an earlier volunteer outfit founded two years prior. The department went through a series of mergers and splits as North Charleston itself incorporated and grew — separating briefly into a city department and a fire district in 1972, then reuniting in 1996 as the department reached 10 stations. That growth has continued: NCFD now operates 13 stations (with a 14th added in 2024) across 79 square miles, protecting over 113,000 residents and visitors.
Today NCFD runs a three-shift, 48/96 suppression schedule out of those 13 stations, fielding 13 engines, 2 ladders, 2 towers, and 2 heavy rescues alongside EMT-certified medical response and a dedicated hazmat capability. Its location on the Charleston Harbor and Cooper/Ashley river system also gives it an active marine division — cross-staffed fireboats and rescue boats, plus participation in the regional Charleston County Maritime Incident Response Team — a specialty most inland departments don't need.
The department holds a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification, one of only about 260 in the country, and has been a CFAI-accredited agency since 2018 — one of just nine in South Carolina. Beyond emergency response, NCFD runs an active community-risk-reduction program with fire inspections, school-based prevention education, smoke-alarm installs, and car-seat safety checks.
MissionTo improve and protect the quality of life within our service area through education, prevention and emergency response.
NCFD hires through the City of North Charleston's HR office rather than a standalone fire-department portal. Candidates submit the city employment application, then sit for a written NFST exam (reading, math, listening comprehension) and the FPAT physical ability test — 13 job-simulation stations completed continuously in full weighted SCBA gear, no running allowed, under an 8:31 time cap. Applications are kept on file for a year and candidates are notified when the next testing cycle is scheduled. The department also hires laterally for experienced Captains and Fire Equipment Operator/Engineers on a periodic testing basis.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver's license
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Pass a reading comprehension exam
- Pass the FPAT (Fireground Physical Ability Test) in under 8 minutes 31 seconds
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug screening
Hiring process
- Complete the City of North Charleston employment application online or pick one up at HR, City Hall 3rd floor
- Application held on file for up to one year
- Notified when a testing cycle is scheduled
- Pass the National Firefighter Selection Test (NFST) written exam
- Pass the FPAT physical ability test
- Background check and drug screening
What are the basic requirements to become a firefighter with North Charleston Fire Department?
You must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or G.E.D., and you must pass a reading comprehension exam, a background check, drug screening, and the FPAT physical ability test.
What is the FPAT and how is it scored?
The Fireground Physical Ability Test is 13 job-simulation components performed continuously while wearing a 50-pound weighted SCBA, gloves, and helmet. Running is not allowed, and candidates must finish in under 8 minutes 31 seconds.
Does NCFD hire experienced firefighters laterally?
Yes. The department periodically runs lateral testing cycles for ranks like Captain and Fire Equipment Operator/Engineer for candidates coming from other departments.
What ISO rating does North Charleston Fire Department hold?
NCFD holds a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification, the highest rating available and one held by only about 260 of the roughly 46,200 fire departments nationwide.
What shift schedule do NCFD firefighters work?
Suppression personnel work a three-shift 48/96 schedule — 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off. Administrative, Fire Marshal, and Professional Development staff work a standard 40-hour week.