Fire Department

No, new recruits will complete their EMT certification during the Fire Academy.

All candidates accepted to academy will attend the entire 21-week process, including the EMT Basic training portion.

Public Safety Testing offers study materials for the written test, available for purchase on their website. Visit their information center for additional information on the CPAT.

The City of Spokane has canceled the Fire Academy for 2024. Recruitment for the 2025 academy is anticipated, with dates expected to be announced in Q4 of 2024. We are not accepting applications. If you are currently on the eligible list, that list is still valid and will be used during the next hiring cycle.

The Fire Academy lasts 21 weeks, including the EMT portion.

The hiring process typically takes about 5 to 6 months from the interview stage to the start of the academy.

The requirements are the same for all candidates, regardless of residency.

You will need to be present for your interview, physical exam, and drug test. If you are offered a conditional job offer, you will be moved forward to the physical exam and drug test. The Fire Department will work with the selected candidates to get these scheduled for a date and time that works for them.

Yes, once you begin the Fire Academy, you will be a paid employee of the City of Spokane.

Professional attire is recommended for the written test, and athletic wear is appropriate for the physical portion.

You will receive notice 1-2 months prior to the beginning of the academy.

You may retake the test and submit new scores if you have not yet applied to the City of Spokane. Once you submit your application, you cannot provide new scores for one year. The City accepts applications once every 365 days.

To qualify, attach your DD-214 member 2 or 4 forms to your application on governmentjobs.com.

The City of Spokane has 369 firefighters and 16 fire stations. We respond to approximately 52,000 calls for service a year.

As of October 2024, the Spokane Fire Department has 355 employees.

UNIFORMED: 330

Gender

• Male: 319
• Female: 11

Race

• White: 288
• Hispanic/Latino: 11
• Black/African-American: 2
• Native American/American Indian: 3
• Multi-Ethnic: 11
• Asian: 2
• Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander: 4
• Other/Not Indicated: 9

NON-UNIFORMED: 25

Gender

• Male: 16
• Female: 9

Race

• White: 22
• Multi-Ethnic: 2
• Asian: 1

*Updated October 10, 2024

After the Fire Academy, firefighters work one 24-hour shift, followed by 72 hours off.

Yes, sometimes the City of Spokane will waive the testing fees. If that happens, it will be posted on the Public Safety Testing website.

If you have used cannabis within the last 365 days, you will not qualify for the position.

The Spokane Fire Department does not have a specific policy regarding tattoos.

No, all new recruits are required to complete the certification process during the City of Spokane Fire Academy, regardless of their previous certification status.