Nevada firefighters work hard, day and night, to keep fires in the state under control. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in 2021, the state of Nevada saw an average of 1.5 deaths and 8 injuries per 1,000 fires, while the national average was at 2.3 deaths and 7.2 injuries.

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The state is not just prone to standard residential and structural fires, but it is also highly affected by wildfires, especially in recent years. 1,970 firefighters were working in Nevada as of May 2022, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to join their ranks, read this article for more information.

Steps to Become a Firefighter in Nevada

To become a firefighter in Nevada, you need to follow several steps and meet specific requirements. Here is a detailed outline based on information from reliable sources:

Check Eligibility Criteria
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Have no criminal record.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Meet employment prerequisites including background checks, pre-employment physical and drug screening, and psychological evaluation.
Obtain Required Certifications
  • Acquire Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
  • Take other necessary tests to certify your skills and abilities.
Physical Fitness
  • Pass rigorous physical fitness tests to demonstrate fitness for the profession.
Educational and Training Programs
  • Join a firefighter training academy for formal education.
  • Learn, apply, and evolve through work experience.
  • Training facilities and colleges in Nevada, like the College of Southern Nevada, the Clark County Fire Dept Training Center, and the Truckee Meadows Community College, offer courses and certifications relevant to firefighting.
  • The Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno provides a Wildland Fire Training Program in partnership with the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) and FEMA, offering credits towards a Fire Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Written and Oral Examinations
  • As part of the selection process, you will likely need to pass a written examination to showcase your comprehension skills and an oral board interview.
Regional Specifics
  • Different regions in Nevada might have additional specific requirements. For instance, the Las Vegas and Reno Fire Departments have particular qualifications and training expectations.
Southern Nevada Fire Recruitment Service
  • Departments like Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City use the Southern Nevada Fire Recruitment service for their hiring process.

Salary of Firefighters in Nevada

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters in Nevada earned:

  • Annual Mean Salary: $61,150.
  • Annual Median Salary: $60,680.

The table below shows starting salaries for firefighters for two Nevada fire departments:

DepartmentPositionSalary
Las Vegas Fire and RescueFirefighter (FCB 74)60,808.54 per year
North Las Vegas Fire DepartmentFirefighter56,978.50, per year

Career Outlook for Firefighters in Nevada

O*Net Online predicts that firefighters in Nevada will enjoy an impressive increase of 15% in job opportunities between 2020 and 2030.

Firefighters Training Academies in Nevada

Certified firefighter training academies in Nevada that offer education and training for new recruits include:

Northern Nevada Fire and Rescue Academy (Reno)

  • Provides comprehensive training in firefighting techniques and emergency response.

Truckee Meadows Community College (Reno)

  • Offers a range of firefighting courses and a Wildland Fire Training Program in partnership with the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) and FEMA. They also offer credits towards a Fire Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree for Firefighter 1 students.

College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas)

  • Conducts a Fire Fighting Certificate course in partnership with the Nevada State Fire Marshal, helping students obtain their Firefighter 1 Certificate.

Clark County Fire Department Training Center (Las Vegas)

  • Provides training for new recruits to an entry-level standard in-line with the NFPA, including a course that spans 14 to 16 weeks covering various firefighting essentials.

University of Nevada, Reno (Carlin)

  • Offers educational programs in fire science and related fields.

Great Basin College (Elko)

  • Provides fire science education and training.

These academies and colleges offer structured and comprehensive training programs, equipping new firefighters with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in firefighting.

References:
1)Nevada Employment Trends: 33-2011.00 – Firefighters: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/33-2011.00?st=NV
2)Nevada Fire Loss and Fire Department Profile: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/states/nevada.html
3)Firefighters: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes332011.htm
4)Join NLVFD | City of North Las Vegas: https://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/residents/join-nlvfd

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