Charleston Fire is seeking individuals interested in being volunteer firefighters.  Training is provided and reimbursements and incentives are provided. 

Charleston Fire District covers 8 square miles and includes the areas of Charleston, Barview, Seven Devils, Crown Point and Cape Arago.  Major roads within the Fire District are Cape Arago Highway, Libby Lane and Seven Devils Road.   We serve a population of over 6,500 full time residents and a population of over 8,000 during the summer months with visitors to the local RV parks and the State and County beaches and parks.  Yearly we respond to roughly 1,000 calls for service and emergency calls.

Your fire district provides a wide range of fire suppression, public education, fire prevention, and emergency medical/rescue services.  There are three neighborhood fire stations within the district.  All of them are dependent upon neighbors volunteering time to come to the aid of people within our community.  Our slogan and mission: “To provide excellence in prevention, education, and emergency services to the area of Charleston, Oregon” is only made possible through community-wide volunteer support.  CFD has a significant need for more volunteers, particularly at the two Sub- stations on Crown Point Road and in the Boat Basin.

Why Volunteer?

Beyond the critical need for more personnel, there are many reasons why you should consider volunteering with Charleston Fire.  We offer excellent training and provide for all necessary training.  You will gain the satisfaction of helping others and providing an essential service to our community.  You will meet new and interesting people from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, occupations and interests.  You will have a broad support group and share a unique camaraderie.  You will experience exciting action and be given opportunities to enrich your education.  For some, volunteering can become a pathway to a career in the fire and/or emergency medical services.  The fire district reimburses you for expenses incurred in responding to alarms and drills.

What are the requirements to become a volunteer?

CFD requires you be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License.  Applicants must reside within Coos County.  You will be required to attend a “Recruit Academy”, which covers all the aspects of entry-level firefighter qualifications.  Completing this training is compulsory and will allow you to respond to emergencies and advance into other training disciplines.  After successful completion of the Recruit Academy you will be on a six-month probation.  During this time, you will be assigned a mentor and you will be expected to meet minimum standards related to knowledge and skills.  Other opportunities for training include E.M.T. (Emergency Medical Technician), Apparatus Driver/ Operator, Officer, High and Low Angle Rope Rescue and wildland firefighter.
    All required training is provided by the Fire District at no cost to the volunteer.

What are the benefits of Volunteering?

The benefits of volunteering for the Charleston Fire District are many.  Sense of fulfillment and helping your community are first and foremost, besides these feelings there are reimbursements and monetary incentives for volunteering.  The Fire District currently reimburses each member $10.00 per weekly training session and per alarm response to help defray the costs for fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle. 

Please call or email is interested in being a volunteer firefighter or EMT today.  The application process includes an application, an officers interview, physical abilities test, background investigation, and a medical evaluation.

Call us today at 541-888-3268 or email rshield.crfpd@gmail.com