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Fire Explorer Program

 

Fire Exploring is a national program for young adults interested in learning about careers in fire and EMS service.

The Carlsbad Fire Department is proud to provide a program that emphasizes character building, leadership, community service and physical fitness. Explorers will learn about fire department policies and procedures, the proper use of fire equipment and engage in firefighting training scenarios. Fire Explorers also participate in fire station ride-alongs, where they are a functioning member of the crew for the duration of a 12-hour shift.

Carlsbad Fire Explorer Post 2200 is one of eight Fire Explorer programs in San Diego County that falls under the rules and regulations of our charter sponsor, Learning for Life.

Update 8/20/2020: Due to COVID-19 closures and restrictions, our program is currently on hold. We will not be holding any in-person meetings or activities until further notice. However, we will soon be accepting applications for the 2021 academy. Please see the How to Apply section below for more info and follow us on Instagram for updates.

How to Become an Explorer

  • Be between 15-20 years old
  • Submit a completed application packet and successfully pass an oral interview
  • Successfully pass a background check, including criminal history, driving record and academic performance
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while in high school
  • Participate in a minimum of 24 volunteer hours monthly- these hours are made up of fire station ride-alongs, trainings, volunteer events, and fundraisers
  • Maintain a high level of physical fitness

How to Apply

Applications are currently closed and will reopen in August-September 2021.

All prospective explorers must complete the Carlsbad Fire Explorer Application Packet and submit completed application AND required documents via email or U.S. mail to: 

Carlsbad Fire Explorer Post 2200
2560 Orion Way
Carlsbad, CA 92010

or

fireexplorer@carlsbadca.gov

Once applications are received, selected applicants will be contacted for oral interviews and a final selection process will take place. Fire Explorers will be notified of parent orientation and academy dates.

The next Fire Explorer Academy is scheduled to run from February 13 to June 5, 2021, on alternating Saturdays. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, dates may be subject to change.

What Explorers Cannot Do

  • Be substituted for trained personnel
  • Mobilize individually to an emergency incident
  • Ride on any apparatus without an assigned seat
  • Drive department vehicles
  • Climb aerial ladders
  • Climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length, or are not supported against a structure
  • Enter or perform ventilation procedures on a burning structure
  • Use any tools or gloves on energizes electrical equipment
  • Operate cutting torches
  • Operate hydraulic rescue tools or equipment

Resources

Contact

We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at fireexplorer@carlsbadca.gov for additional inquiries.  

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