Explorer Program 

The image promotes the North County Fire Explorer Program, featuring young firefighters in training and various firefighting activities.

 APPLICATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 2!

North County Fire Protection District Fire Explorer Post provides young people with an opportunity to "explore" a career in firefighting. This program is designed to give young people a foundaton in firefighting, which they can build on if they choose. They will be exposed to may aspects of a firefighting career including fitness, training, academics, community involvement and ride alongs. The program will incorporate five (5) experiences: career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, service learning and character eduction. 

Qualifications:

  • Ages 15-21
  • Experience hands-on fire and EMS training
  • Ride along on fire department apparatus and respond to 911 calls
  • Minimum of 24 hours of ride alongs per month
  • Tuesday night meetings 3 weeks per month
  • Participate in various community events throughout the year
  • Work in a team environment and develop leadership skills

To apply, please complete the explorer application by October 31st, 5:00 pm.

Interviews tentatively scheduled for  November, 2026

Meetings begin November/ Early December

Academy begins in February 

  • 8:00 am- 5:00 pm every other Saturday 
  • Academy typically runs from February until late April/ early May 
firefighters working on a roof at night
Ventilation Drill
Upside-down image of a building with a firefighter in a window.
Ropes Rescue
Firefighters with equipment near a car, possibly during a rescue or training exercise. Image is rotated.
Car Extraction
firefighters spraying a fire hose over a wall while kneeling on asphalt
Hose Lay
Firefighters using rescue tools on a heavily damaged car in a training or real-life extraction.
Car Extrication
Firefighters on a roof with tools at sunset.
Ventilation Drill
people working on a ramp at night
Ventilation Drill
Firefighter practicing with a hydraulic rescue tool.
Forced Entry
A firefighter in gear is kneeling on a fire truck, with a hose spraying water and another fire truck in the background.
A firefighter in full gear standing beside a red fire truck.
firefighter standing outside on some rocks next to an American flag
person standing in front of a fire truck holding a helmet
A group of firefighters in uniform, one shaking hands, likely at a ceremony or event. (Note: Image is rotated 90 degrees)
A group of young individuals in blue uniforms posing in front of fire engines.
six people standing in front of a fire truck outside
firefighters working on a roof at night
Upside-down image of a building with a firefighter in a window.
Firefighters with equipment near a car, possibly during a rescue or training exercise. Image is rotated.
firefighters spraying a fire hose over a wall while kneeling on asphalt
Firefighters using rescue tools on a heavily damaged car in a training or real-life extraction.
Firefighters on a roof with tools at sunset.
people working on a ramp at night
Firefighter practicing with a hydraulic rescue tool.
A firefighter in gear is kneeling on a fire truck, with a hose spraying water and another fire truck in the background.
A firefighter in full gear standing beside a red fire truck.
firefighter standing outside on some rocks next to an American flag
person standing in front of a fire truck holding a helmet
A group of firefighters in uniform, one shaking hands, likely at a ceremony or event. (Note: Image is rotated 90 degrees)
A group of young individuals in blue uniforms posing in front of fire engines.
six people standing in front of a fire truck outside

Steps to work in the Fire Service:

CLICK HERE for a detailed document on the educational path towards working in the Fire Service.

- Courtesy of Palmoar college 

For an informational flyer click the link below:

Career Path.pdf