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National Fire Academy Overview

The National Fire Academy (NFA) provides free, specialized training courses and advanced management programs for middle- and top-level fire officers, fire service instructors, technical professionals, and representatives from allied professions.

If you have substantial involvement in fire prevention and control, emergency medical services (EMS), or fire-related emergency management activities, we welcome you to apply. Courses are delivered online; at our campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland; and throughout the nation in cooperation with state and local fire training organizations and local colleges and universities.

NFA by the numbers

1974

The NFA opened as part of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration in Washington, DC.

the orginal USFA location in Washington, DC

1977

The first NFA courses were taught in various states.

NFA students in the 1970s

1980

We delivered our first on-campus course.

NFA students in 1980

1985

The Executive Fire Officer Program began.

a fire officer's white cap
We trained 98,724 students through 2,228 course offerings in Fiscal Year 2021.
59 states and U.S. territories hosted an NFA class in Fiscal Year 2021.
40+. The number of online courses we offer.
We offer over 280 courses for fire and EMS personnel.
93% of our students report they can apply our training at their jobs.

See also: Campus history