County Fire provides firefighting and medical services to the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Volunteer reserve firefighters are professionally trained and work with CAL FIRE. 

Volunteering as a reserve firefighter lets you serve the community and can give you experience to become a professional firefighter.  

Duties 

Volunteer reserve firefighters respond to:  

  • Structure and wildland fires  
  • Emergency medical incidents  
  • Natural disasters  
  • Hazardous materials incidents  
  • Rope-based or water rescues  
  • General public service calls  

  See complete job description for Volunteer Reserve Firefighter.  

Locations  

We assign volunteer reserve firefighters to a training station for at least the first three months in the program. After that, you may serve at any County Fire stations that have the capacity to take on reserves.   

Types of positions and stipends

There are two classifications. Stipends are not a wage. Reserves may get a maximum of 6 stipends per month.

Restricted Volunteer Reserve Firefighter (Restricted Reserve)

This is the entry point. Restricted Reserves work at least two 12-hour day shifts per month. They assist with:

  • Medical aids
  • Traffic collisions
  • Structural fire protection
  • Vegetation fire response
  • Fire engine support functions
  • Overhaul operations 

Restricted Reserves are engaged in observational and supportive roles to career firefighters.

Stipend

Restricted Reserves get a $192 stipend per 12-hour shift worked.

Full Volunteer Reserve Firefighter (Full Reserve)

The Full Reserve must have their California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certification. Full Reserves will work three 24-hour shifts. They perform all duties, delivering the same life-saving services as career personnel at fire stations and on emergency calls. Full Reserves work with career staff to supplement the minimum CAL FIRE/County Fire staffing standards.

Stipend

Full Reserves get a $384 stipend per 24-hour shift worked.

Required training and certification

You must:  

  • Meet all minimum qualifications before you apply.   
  • Meet all program requirements within 18 months of being in the program.   
  • Pass background and medical examination. 

Minimum qualifications  

Program requirements 

You must get all the certifications listed below within 18 months in the program.  

  • Rescue Awareness Training and Certification 
    All courses must follow the curriculums set by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  
     Complete at least one:  
    • Confined Space Rescue Awareness (7 hours) 
    • Confined Space Rescue Technician (40 hours) 
    • San Diego Miramar College Fire Technology & Emergency Medical Technician: Course FIPT 322B Confined Space Awareness (8 hours) 
    • Southwestern College Emergency Medical Technician: Course FS 161 Confined Space Awareness  
  • Fire Protection Organization and Structure Fire Training and Certification 
    • California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 certification 
  • Hazardous Materials Training and Certification 
    The course is 16 hours. Maintaining the certification requires an annual 8-hour refresher. The certification must meet the standards established by the California Specialized Training Institute.  
      Choose one:  
    • San Diego Miramar College Fire Technology & Emergency Medical Technician: Course FIPT 323B Hazardous Materials/WMD Operations 
    • Southwestern College Fire Science Program: Course FS 110 Hazardous Materials  
    • EMSTA College: Course Hazmat FRO – First Responder Operations Training  
    • California Specialized Training Institute: Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations  

Volunteers from other states  

If you were a volunteer firefighter in another state, you still need to meet all the necessary requirements to start in the program.

If you completed an IFSAC or Pro Board-certified academy in another state, that fulfills the manipulative skills requirement. If you do not have this training you must take the necessary classes or attend a California-accredited academy.  

How to apply  

Meet minimum qualifications  

You must meet all minimum qualifications at the time you apply. 

How we contact you  

We send all notifications by email. Make sure your account allows emails from @sdcounty.ca.gov.  

Application and onboarding  

We accept online applications during certain cycles. When you apply, make sure you can attend all dates for:  

  • Interview  
  • Orientation  
  • 5 days of CAL FIRE 4064 training.  

Upcoming application cycles

All dates tentative and may change.

2026-1

  • Application due date: January 11, 2026
  • Interview date: January 20, 2026
  • Administrative orientation: March 17, 2026
  • 4064 CAL FIRE training, 5 days: March 23 to 27, 2026

2026-2

  • Application due date: June 7, 2026
  • Interview date: June 16, 2026
  • Administrative orientation: August 25, 2026
  • 4064 CAL FIRE training, 5 days: September 7 to 11, 2026
Go to application

It usually takes three to four months from the application due date to the CAL FIRE 4064 training.   

Path to careers 

Firefighters 

Many former volunteers get hired as paid firefighters by other agencies. The County Fire Volunteer Reserve Firefighter Program is a great opportunity for people to get training and experience in fire service. It does not guarantee a future job. 

Paramedics 

If you want to become a certified EMT/paramedic, contact County Emergency Medical Services. 

Hours spent at County Fire may cover requirements for paramedic school, but it depends on the school. Check with a CAL FIRE training officer to see if your hours will be eligible. 

Paramedic school has a very heavy workload. We advise you not try to go to paramedic school and serve as a volunteer firefighter at the same time.

Page last updated 09/28/2025