Overview
Many Pennsylvania fire departments begin offering junior firefighting as an option to interested young people between the ages of 14 and 16. Precautions are in place to keep them safe.
General Rules
Volunteers who are at least 14 years old can participate in emergency service activities, including training, providing first aid, assisting with cleanup, and food service.
However, minors are not allowed to:
- Operate a truck, ambulance, or other official fire vehicle.
- Operate an aerial ladder, aerial platform, or hydraulic jack.
- Use rubber electrical gloves, insulated wire gloves, insulated wire cutters, life nets, or acetylene cutting units.
- Operate the pump of a fire vehicle at the scene of a fire.
- Enter a burning structure, except in certain, limited situations outlined below.
When Can a Minor Engage in Firefighting Activities?
All of the following conditions must be met in order for a minor to be allowed to engage in firefighting activities:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Successfully complete a training course equal to the standards for basic firefighting established by the State Fire Commissioner.
- Successfully complete a training equal to the standards for basic firefighting established by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- Be under direct supervision of the fire chief, an experienced line officer, or designated forest fire warden.
These qualified junior firefighters are permitted to participate in such activities as attacking fires with hose lines as part of exterior operations, setting up ladders, vehicle rescue, and more.
Other Considerations
Departments employing junior firefighters must follow rules set by the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act. These regulations include time limitations, hours of employment, required permits, and other rules to keep minors safe.
Restrictions begin on page five of our program compliance manual.
Interior Firefighting Training
As of January 2023, 17-year-old junior firefighters are able to receive interior firefighting training.
This is because the state legislature passed Act 155, which amends the Child Labor Law to allow junior firefighters to enter burning structures in certain, limited situations.
Nothing waives Child Labor Law prohibitions on minors performing any tasks prohibited by Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws in the field, regardless of their level of training and education, or any other act that the Department of Labor and Industry determines is dangerous to the health of a child.
Parental & Fire Chief Permission
Junior firefighters who meet the criteria must have written permission from their fire chief and legal guardian to participate.
Download, print, and fill out the Act 155 Permission Form with signatures from the legal parent or guardian and fire chief. Bring the completed form along on the first day of training and turn it in to the instructor.
