Fire Department · Career
Baton Rouge Fire Department
Baton Rouge, LA · East Baton Rouge Parish County
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Department careers page ↗The Baton Rouge Fire Department (BRFD) protects Louisiana's capital city, tracing its origins to the 1825 "Baton Rouge Bucket Company." It is a full-service career department organized into divisions including Fire Suppression, Hazardous Materials, Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Training, Communications, and a Public Information Office.
BRFD holds a distinguished place in the fire service as the first department in the nation to achieve a Class 1 rating, a mark of top-tier fire protection it has maintained for more than four decades.
The department is led by Fire Chief Michael Kimble and operates out of administrative offices at 8011 Merle Gustafson Drive, serving the residents of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.
BRFD hires entry-level firefighters through the Louisiana civil service process: candidates first take the firefighter exam through the Office of State Examiner, then submit a department application with supporting documents to brfdapps@brla.gov. Selection includes the civil service exam, a Wonderlic cognitive test, an 11-event physical ability test, interviews, medical and psychological screening, drug testing, and a background check. New hires attend the academy for Firefighter I and Hazmat Awareness certifications, then complete a supervised probationary period and earn EMT certification.
Experienced candidates who already hold Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Awareness/Operations, and EMT certifications (IFSAC or Pro Board) may qualify for the Fast-Track Firefighter Program, an abbreviated academy that speeds entry into the department. Applications for both paths are accepted on a rolling basis.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- Age 18 to 35
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Pass the civil service exam, Wonderlic cognitive test, and MMPI2 personality assessment
- Pass the physical ability test, medical exam, drug screening, and background check
- Obtain EMT certification to become a certified firefighter
Hiring process
- Apply for the firefighter exam through the Office of State Examiner
- Submit a BRFD application with required documents to brfdapps@brla.gov
- Complete the Wonderlic test and 11-event physical ability test
- Participate in interviews
- Attend the academy for Firefighter I and Hazmat Awareness certifications
- Complete a supervised probationary period under Captain supervision
- Obtain EMT certification to become a certified firefighter
New recruits attend the academy for Firefighter I and Hazmat Awareness certifications. Candidates who already hold Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Awareness/Operations, and EMT (IFSAC or Pro Board) may qualify for the Fast-Track abbreviated academy.
What are the basic requirements to become a Baton Rouge firefighter?
You must be a U.S. citizen between 18 and 35 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license, and pass the civil service exam, Wonderlic test, physical ability test, medical exam, drug screen, and background check.
How do I apply?
First take the firefighter exam through the Office of State Examiner, then submit your BRFD application with the required documents by email to brfdapps@brla.gov, or mail/drop it off at 8011 Merle Gustafson Drive, Baton Rouge.
What is the starting salary?
Starting salary is $39,517 per year. After one year of service and earning EMT certification, it rises to $47,904, which includes $7,200 in Louisiana state supplemental pay.
Do I need to be an EMT before I'm hired?
No. EMT certification is required to become a fully certified firefighter, and you obtain it as part of the process, but prior EMT certification is a preferred qualification.
Is there a faster path for experienced firefighters?
Yes. The Fast-Track Firefighter Program offers an abbreviated academy for candidates who already hold Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Awareness/Operations, and EMT certifications (IFSAC or Pro Board).
When can I apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can submit at any time.