Entry-Level Firefighter Hiring Timeline

The following information is for candidates who have been placed on the current hiring register. Application periods open in the fall and registers are typically published in March. The first class hired from the register starts in August, and the second starts in February.

More information on the individual stages of the hiring process can be found here.

Tentative Schedule

March-April 2026: Employment packets, CPATs and suitability assessments for the August Recruit Class

May 2026: Fire Chief interviews and conditional offers for the August Recruit Class

June-July 2026: Background checks, medical assessments and psychological evaluations for the August Recruit Class

July-August 2026: Employment packets, CPATs and suitability assessments for the February Recruit Class

August 2026: Recruit Class begins

September 2026: Fire Chief interviews and conditional offers for the February Recruit Class

November-December 2026: Background checks, medical assessments and psychological evaluations for the February Recruit Class

December 2026: In-house EMT course for conditionally-offered candidates

February 2027: Recruit Class begins

Contact

Questions regarding pre-employment screening or the job of a Seattle firefighter should be directed to the Seattle Fire Department Recruitment Office via email to SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov.

Fire

Harold Scoggins, Fire Chief
Address: 301 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: 301 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98104
Phone: (206) 386-1400
FireChiefOffice@seattle.gov
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The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has 33 fire stations located throughout the City. SFD deploys engine companies, ladder companies, and aid and medic units to mitigate loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters.