Mission Statement

To maximize our ability to protect life, reduce injury, and conserve property through continuous training, planning, and public education.

To be a provider of professional public services through a CLASS 1 Fire Department.

To schedule any educational activities, such as station tours, classes, arson information, safety tips, smoke detectors for the elderly, etc., contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 354-1400. Also visit the Fire Prevention Bureau page on this site for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to become a firefighter?

To begin the process, an application must be submitted to the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board to take the Firefighters’ Entrance Exam. The following are requirements needed for initial qualification.

Be a United States Citizen, 18–35 Years of Age,
Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate,
Proof of registration with Selective Service System (males 18 and over).

Other criteria to be met after passing entrance exam but before beginning employment:

Pass TABE Test,
Pass Medical Exam,
Pass Physical Ability Test (11 timed events testing physical ability, stamina and endurance),
Possess No CRIMINAL RECORD

When or how often are applications accepted?

Applications are generally accepted once a year. However, exact dates for the application periods, test dates and additional information can be found by visiting these websites: 

LA State Examiner–www.ose.state.la.us
Fire Department Employment Page

Test scores from other jurisdictions may be transferable.  Specific information about this process can be obtained by contacting the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board at (225) 389-5449. 

No. There are 11 competitive positions in the Baton Rouge Fire Department. Specific requirements/qualifications can be obtained by calling the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board at (225) 389-5449. A complete list of departmental positions can be found on the LA State Examiner’s website www.ose.state.la.us  

I work for a fire department in another city/state.  Can I transfer to the Baton Rouge Fire Department?

No. All persons seeking employment with the Baton Rouge Fire Department must go through the entire employment process (submit application, take TABE test, interview, etc.) 

How do I to schedule fire safety/prevention classes or a visit from the fire truck? What fire safety classes do you offer?

For a list classes offered and information on scheduling the classes or contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (225) 354-1431.   

How can I get a fire report and where can I get help after a fire?

Fire reports are available at Baton Rouge Fire Department headquarters building, 8011 Merle Gustafson Drive (near the airport control tower). However, if you have recently experienced a structure fire, a customer service representative responded to the incident and will provide your fire report.   

Several agencies assist the residents of Baton Rouge after a fire. The two main agencies are the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. They can provide temporary shelter, clothing and medications to fire victims.  The IRS also has tax breaks for fire victims. The breaks are outlined in IRS Publication 547, Tax Information on Disasters, Casualty Losses and Thefts. 

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about possible fire code violations, parking in fire lanes or facility overcrowding?

The Fire Prevention Bureau enforces all codes of this sort.  They can be contacted at (225) 354-1431, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. If they cannot answer you question immediately, they will research it and get back with you as soon as possible. 

What is the starting salary for a firefighter?

The starting salary is currently $28,102 a year. Once the firefighter has completed one year of service and obtained EMT certification, firefighters also receive an addition $5100 annually from the State of Louisiana which increases firefighter salary to $34,046.

Are free smoke detectors available and can someone come to my home and do a  Courtesy “Fire Safety” Inspection? 

Through the Fire Prevention Bureau, the Baton Rouge Fire Department has a smoke detector installation program for elderly and handicapped. The Bureau is also responsible for conducting home “fire safety” inspections.  If you or someone you know needs a smoke a detector and/or a home inspection, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (225) 354-1431.