Bellevue Fire Department serves the City of Bellevue, the fifth-largest city in Washington, from a network of fire stations east of Seattle. Roots trace to King County Fire Protection District 14, formed in 1942 as a volunteer organization; a fully professional department with full-time firefighters was established in 1965, when it answered 253 calls in its first year.

Today the department responds to nearly 25,000 incidents annually, about 60% of them medical in nature. It is recognized for one of the highest cardiac-arrest survival rates in the world.

Bellevue Fire is accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and holds a Class 2 rating from the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau, placing it in the top 1% of the more than 46,000 rated departments in the U.S. and among the top three in the state.

Missionprotect people, property, and the environment with courage, compassion, and commitment

How to get hired

Bellevue hires entry-level Firefighter/EMTs through the National Testing Network (NTN). No prior fire service experience or certifications are required to apply; candidates take a written exam and must pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Out-of-state applicants are welcome, and a Washington driver's license and ID are required after hire.

The process runs as a structured cycle: NTN scores feed a ranked candidate pool, followed by rapid virtual interviews, formal application and panel interviews, placement on the civil service eligibility list, background checks, fire chief interviews with conditional offers, and medical and psychological evaluations. Recruit Academy begins in January. Questions go to the Fire Training office.

Requirements

At least 18 years old at time of application
U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient with work authorization
High school diploma or GED
Valid Washington driver's license required at hire
Ability to read and speak English
Passing written exam and CPAT scores submitted through the National Testing Network

Hiring process

Submit written exam and CPAT scores through the National Testing Network (NTN)
Top-ranked candidates complete rapid virtual interviews
Selected candidates submit a formal application and attend an in-person panel interview
Passing candidates are placed on the civil service eligibility list
Background check followed by fire chief interviews and a conditional job offer
Pass medical exam and psychological evaluation for official offer
Attend Recruit Academy beginning in January (possible December pre-academy)

Recruit Academy begins in January, with a possible December pre-academy requirement. No prior fire service experience or certifications are required for entry-level positions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need fire experience or certifications to apply?

No. Entry-level Firefighter/EMT positions require no prior fire service experience or certifications. Candidates apply and test through the National Testing Network.

What are the minimum requirements to apply?

You must be at least 18 at application, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (or DACA recipient with work authorization), have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to read and speak English. A Washington driver's license is required at hire.

Can out-of-state applicants apply?

Yes. Out-of-state applicants may apply, but if hired you must obtain a Washington state ID within six months and hold a valid Washington driver's license.

How do I apply?

Submit your written exam and CPAT scores through the National Testing Network (NTN). CPAT scores from NTN, Public Safety Testing, or any accredited provider are accepted.

Are there volunteer firefighter positions?

No. Bellevue staffs full-time paid firefighters, so no volunteer firefighter positions are available. A Fire Explorer program is offered for youth ages 14-21.

When does the academy start?

Recruit Academy begins in January, with a possible December pre-academy requirement for new hires.