National Volunteer Fire Council

10/09/2026

As a proud supporter of , the NVFC is reminding you to charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they fail. For more info: fpw.org.

10/08/2026

🔥 The first 15 minutes on the fireground can make all the difference.

Join the NVFC on October 21 at 2pm ET for Behind the 8 Ball: The First 15 Minutes on the Fireground, presented by Timothy Cowan.

Designed with volunteer and combination departments in mind, this webinar will explore incident priorities, the impact of limited staffing, and how departments can use staffing data to their advantage. We’ll also look at key standards and requirements that affect departments operating with fewer personnel.

📅 October 21 | 2pm ET
💻 Register today: https://buff.ly/NlnTtou

10/08/2026

The NVFC is a proud supporter of NFPA this . Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery. For more infofpw.org.

10/08/2026

🚨 A new funding opportunity is coming soon!

The NVFC is excited to partner with The AES Corporation to launch the AES Safer Tomorrow Fund. Through the program, 10 eligible volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue departments will each receive up to $20,000 to address critical needs that improve responder safety, strengthen operational readiness, and enhance community resilience.

Applications open October 15! Learn more and see if your department is eligible: https://buff.ly/OKWbxk3

10/08/2026

It’s , so this we’re giving a shoutout to the organization behind it all — the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)! 👏🔥

NFPA has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922, making it the longest-running public health observance in the U.S.

Thank you to NFPA for more than a century of helping keep communities safe and for supporting the volunteer fire and emergency services as an NVFC Chairman’s Club member!

Learn more at nfpa.org and fpw.org.

10/07/2026

One garment. Two certifications. More versatility for your crew.

Through the Ricochet PPE Award Program, eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for the opportunity to receive Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear.

NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1951 compliant, this lightweight, single-layer gear is designed for departments whose responders face a range of incidents, from wildland and brushfires to emergency medical and rescue operations.

Applications are open through October 30 at noon ET.
🔥 Learn more and apply: www.nvfc.org/ricochet

10/07/2026

🎉 Join us in congratulating Amanda Tegtmeyer on her promotion to Training Manager!

As the NVFC continues to expand its in-person and online training opportunities, Amanda has played an integral role in keeping it all moving. Her hard work, organization, and dedication have helped make countless trainings a success, and we’re thrilled to recognize her with this promotion.

Congratulations, Amanda! We appreciate all you do for the NVFC and the volunteer emergency services! 👏

10/07/2026

As a proud supporter of , the NVFC is reminding you to stop using your device right away if the battery smells strange, is warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire. For more info: fpw.org.

10/06/2026

What do volunteers really need to stay engaged in a combination department?

According to recruitment and retention strategist Walter A. Campbell, it comes down to four things:

🚒 A place to belong
🤝 A mentor who invests in them
📈 Opportunities to grow
💬 Confidence that they matter

In his latest article for the NVFC, Campbell explores why trust between career and volunteer personnel matters, the role leadership plays in department culture, and how stronger relationships can ultimately improve recruitment, retention, and service to the community.

Read it 👉 https://buff.ly/xYxuuk7

10/06/2026

Learn critical lessons for responding to silo fires.

Following a fatal oxygen-limiting silo explosion that claimed the lives of two volunteer firefighters in May, this NVFC webinar will examine what happened, the factors that contributed to the tragedy, and how the fire service can help prevent similar fatalities and injuries.

Wesley R. Attwood of the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program will review findings and recommended prevention actions, followed by Eric Rickenbach and Travis Martin of RescueTechs, LLC, who will discuss initial strategy and tactics for silo fire response.

📅 October 13
⏰ 2pm ET
💻 Register: https://buff.ly/pQevY6C

On May 15, 2026, two volunteer firefighters died following an explosion of an oxygen-limiting silo that occurred at a lumber mill. The incident was investigated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) so...