Raleigh Fire opens 2027 academy applications for firefighter recruits

Raleigh Fire opened applications July 1 for Fire Academy 59 and Fire Academy 60. Accepted recruits become full-time, permanent City of Raleigh employees on their first day of training and are assigned to one of Raleigh’s 28 fire stations. No previous firefighting experience is required, but the hiring window closes July 31, and applicants must be at least 18 by then, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have corrected vision of at least 20/30 in both eyes, a valid driver’s license and the physical and mental ability to do the work.

Recruits who are accepted receive the full benefits package from day one and remain on probation until six months after academy graduation. The firefighter salary is $57,677, set to take effect in the fall. Academy 59 is scheduled to begin in March 2027, giving applicants a long runway before the next class starts.

Raleigh Fire draws applicants from across North Carolina and the United States, and most academies have several dozen recruits. Raleigh Fire has held 54 academies and runs two each year. The regular academy lasts 28 weeks. Applicants who already hold EMT certification can pursue a 16-week program instead, while all recruits must complete EMT and firefighting skills and keep a minimum grade average of 70 percent to finish.

Raleigh Fire has more than 600 firefighters answering about 50,000 calls for service each year in a city that continues to grow. Those who complete the academy graduate with N.C. Firefighter I and II, N.C. HazMat Level 1 and N.C. EMT certifications at a minimum, then move into the city’s fire station system as permanent employees. Prospective applicants can also sign up for a Raleigh Fire Interest Form or Fire Academy Interest Form to get email updates on future hiring opportunities and academy application periods.