The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) is committed to enhancing public safety throughout the Commonwealth. 

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) will be a nationally recognized leader in providing the highest level of fire services professional development and statewide risk reduction efforts. 

Integrity – We will value the thoughts, ideas and beliefs of all we work with, and ensure the work we perform will contribute to meeting and surpassing the performance goals of our agency and the Commonwealth.

Innovative - We encourage the acquisition of new skills, thoughtful risk taking, and openness and receptiveness to change.

Customer-Focused - We strive to understand and anticipate customer needs and constantly focus on delivering products and services of the highest quality in a timely manner.

Quality-Oriented - We endeavor to provide complete, accurate, timely and up-to-date information to our clients, co-workers and other constituents.

Ethical – We will adhere to the agency and Commonwealth’s Code of Ethics to ensure our business practices are compliant.

Dedicated – We will remain dedicated to the Mission & Vision of the agency and the Commonwealth at all times.

Efficient – We will ensure our actions preserve the agency and Commonwealth of Virginia’s resources.

Respect - We value individual contributions, treat each other with dignity, and assume positive intent in everyone.

Teamwork - We support each other, blend our diverse talents and backgrounds and willingly share information and resources.

Health, Wellness, & Safety - We will strive to promote and provide a safe and healthy environment. 

Civility - We will strive to create a work environment that values collaborative and solution oriented activities. 

Virginia has been on the cutting edge of technology in training firefighters since 1969 when the Fire Services Training section was initially established within the State Department of Education. The responsibility for fire services training was later transferred to the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission, and later moved to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), after the Agency was established, and the State Fire Commission was abolished. Throughout this period, agency leaders were instrumental in the development of the first national firefighter professional qualifications standards, and guided Virginia through the process of becoming one of the first states to have its fire-training programs fully accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro-Board). An accreditation the Agency still holds today.

Today, VDFP is deeply committed to improving fire protection in the Commonwealth and continuing the long-held tradition of achieving excellence through training. Virginia enjoys national prominence for a training system that offers one or more levels of competency certification in every discipline covered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. The Virginia system is unique in providing training and certification without cost to students or fire departments.

Information Technology: In an effort to bring superior customer services to stakeholders, the agency has an internal Information Technology (IT) Division which manages agency applications. VDFP further receives IT Services from Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) and its Partnerships (ITP) to perform day-to-day business functions.

VDFP’s focus is on improving services, reducing costs, providing research and analysis, and promoting safety in the Commonwealth.  In an environment with changing incident responses and advances in technology, VDFP strives to provide training that meets the needs of the fire service through multiple delivery methods.  In order to accomplish this, the Agency has embraced the use of the Learning Management System ( Cornerstone On Demand). In utilizing the system the agency has adapted all 23 accredited courses to have hybrid virtual delivery platforms/schedules. Additionally 9 courses contain asynchronous training delivery that fire and emergency services personnel can take online, anywhere, and at any time. The agency continues to advance it's online ondemand course content with partnerships and continuous creation annually.

Additionally, the agency is utilizing data from the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS) to modify and adopt training that mirrors the “real life” fire service issues and needs.  This provides the Agency the ability to adequately identify areas of need and fund training programs to improve fire service delivery and safety.

Over the past few years, the agency has implemented a cloud-based Learning Management System (CornerStone on Demand) and a Records Management System (ImageTrend). These applications represent a major agency investment, and help to support VDFP’s mission of training fire service personnel, and the State Fire Marshal Office’s fire prevention inspections. As both applications are cloud-based, they help bring the agency in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 19. 

CornerStone on Demand (CSOD) provides more than 47,000 fire service personnel and 700+ Virginia fire departments an agile product that will grow with them over time. This system grants users real-time and instant access to records, certifications, and instructor feedback, and will ultimately expand the scope of classroom learning beyond physical boundaries.

Image Trend aids the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) with statewide inspection, investigation, and reporting activities. The system records inspection data to the cloud and can be updated from anywhere with an internet connection. For investigations, all aspects (witnesses, evidence, etc.) can be documented, and reports can be generated in an ad-hoc fashion for statistical analysis. Image Trend represents a complete solution with a flexible approach that will serve to enhance SFMO functions.

The respective legacy systems for the Fire Service Training Records System (FSTRS) and the State Fire Marshal Database (SFMD), have been migrated in-state to newer server platforms in order to preserve the legacy data contained within. Additionally, the migration to VITA's new data center has helped to remediate end of life operating systems and the inherent security issues that stem from their continued usage.

As a Virginia Emergency Response Team (VERT) Agency, the Agency's roles and responsibilities have been rapidly changing to encompass the Commonwealth's preparedness needs. As such, the Agency continues to focus its hiring needs for certain positions on a prerequisite set of skills that focus on emergency management. The agency's staff is trained at the mission specific program areas for incident management team response.  In this capacity, the agency provides assistance to localities as subject matter experts, but only upon request from the locality and deployed through the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC). 

The methodology and curricula for training the fire service in Virginia is likewise changing and as a result, these requirements include a greater number of human capital resources than previously utilized. Moreover, this creates challenges throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia as related to staffing levels, recruitment and retention.

Additionally, with the increasing number of buildings and localities requiring the resources of the State Fire Marshal's Office, a greater number of man-hours and resources must be utilized. This in turn also creates challenges for the Agency.

The Agency’s headquarters office is located in Glen Allen, VA and houses multiple branches including the Administration Branch, Finance Branch, Training & Technical Services Branch, Training & Operations Branch, the State Fire Marshal’s central office and Division 1 office. The Agency’s headquarters is comprised of four (4) office buildings located within the same office complex.  The Agency’s division offices are located in six geographical areas, which include Division 2 – Orange; Division 3 – Farmville; Division 4 – Chilhowie; Division 5 – Fort Monroe; Division 6 – Roanoke; and Division 7 – Fairfax. 

All of the Agency’s office space is leased from either another state agency or private property management company.  To improve customer service as well as operational efficiency, the regional offices of the State Fire Marshal’s Office were combined with the Division Offices in FY2011 and FY2012.  Further, the Agency has acquired lease spaces to collocate staff with other services used by fire and emergency services personnel.  For instance, the Office of Emergency Medical Services is located next to the Agency headquarters office in Glen Allen and the Division 5 – Fort Monroe office.  Similarly, the Division 7 – Fairfax office is collocated within the regional offices of the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia State Police.

Several factors will have a significant impact on the agency over the next several years:

• Fire Service Evolution – Virginia’s fire service has seen a decline in purley fire related incidents with a continual shift towards rescue and other fire-related incidents.  This is partly due to better building and fire prevention codes as well as increased promotion of fire and life safety awareness programs.  However, as incident types shift and technology advances, fire service operations and tactics must change as well.  As a training agency, VDFP must adapt training and delivery methods to meet the ever changing needs and demands for Virginia’s fire service personnel.


• SFMO Inspections – The SFMO provides inspection services for those localities that have not adopted the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.  Additionally, the SFMO provides consultative services to all localities regarding the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.  There has been an increase in the number of inspections and requests for consultation; however, the current fee structure does not provide adequate funding to maintain staffing levels.  Additionally, budgetary reductions have caused staffing to be reduced.  In order to maintain adequate staffing and service delivery an updated fee structure is needed.


• Workforce – Another factor that presents a risk for agency operations is staffing.  The agency is authorized for a full-time equivalent level of 82 positions.  In the next five years, 30 percent of VDFP’s full time employees will be eligible to retire with unreduced benefits.  In addition, VDFP faces a high turnover rate for field positions.  As a result, the department expects to hire a large number of new employees over the next several years and will need to invest in extensive training in order to maintain or improve service and productivity levels.

VDFP receives funding from both a non-general fund, known as the Fire Programs Fund, and the general fund.

The Agency's FY23 and FY24 Non-General Fund is $46,895,388 (FY23), $46,895,388 (FY24), respectively. 

The Agency's FY23 and FY24 General Fund (GF) is $2,835,598  (FY23), $2,835,598 (FY24), respectively. 

Thus bringing the Agency's total budget to $49,730,986  (FY23) and, $49,730,986 (FY24), respectively for both GF and NGF.

The Agency receives special revenue funds through it's general fund for the following State Fire Marshal's activities. 

• One of the key responsibilities of the State Fire Marshal's Office is the inspection program for the reduced ignition propensity cigarettes (RICP) program.  This inspection program is done in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and the State Fire Marshal's Office receives special revenue funds through the fire standard compliant cigarette registration program. 
• The State Fire Marshal’s Office also charges various permit fees related to the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of explosives and fireworks within the Commonwealth.  These special revenue funds are received through the Blasters and Pyrotechnican certification programs. 
• The State Fire Marshal’s Office also provides contractual inspection services to several state government and private entities to include the inspection of college dormitories, correctional facilities, and health care facilities. 

The Agency receives special revenue funds through it's non-general funds for the following activities.

• Through the operations of the agency bookstore, which sells training materials to Virginia's fire and emergency services personnel.
• The Agency also receives less than 1% of the it's non-general funding from various federal grants to provide training services to local fire and emergency services personnel.
• The Agency's non-general fund also receives modest revenues from our general business activities, which include activities such as: bad check reimbursement fees; debt collection and car pool reimbursement. 

The following statistics illustrates the comprehensive level of services as provided by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. 

• In FY22, the Agency successfully distributed $34.1 million dollars in Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant funding.  For FY23, the Agency will distribute $36.4 million dollars in Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant funding. (Localities have one fiscal years to collect their ATL grant funding.)


• In FY22, the Agency offered 2,134 training programs.  As a result, the Agency issued 6,404 Pro Board nationally accredited training certificates for FY22.  A complete listing of the VDFP training programs issued in FY22 can be found in the below table.


• In calendar year 2021, the State Fire Marshal’s Office completed 5,499 inspections.  These inspections included:


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  • 96 (or 100%) of all critical infrastructure and key assets (CIKA) facilities/buildings in the Commonwealth;
  
  
  • 226 Complaint inspections;
  
  
  • 4,538 Fire Prevention inspections; and
  
  
  • 736 State Construction inspections. 
  
  
  
  


• In calendar year 2021, the Agency captured  718,899 of Virginia’s fire incidents in the voluntary Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS). 

No data

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs provides:

• Funding - The Agency provides financial assistance to Virginia’s fire services through the distribution of the Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant program as well as through various other grant programs (i.e. Live Fire Training Structure grant).


• Professional Development - As a nationally-accredited fire service training entity in Virginia, the Agency provides training programs for both career and volunteer emergency responders throughout the Commonwealth.


• Research - As the managing agency for the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS), the Agency is responsible for data collection, analysis, and information reporting to Virginia's fire services, Virginia's policy makers, and nationally to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). The Agency also utilizes the data it collects to both identify and promote fire services best practices.


• Operational Support & Technical Assistance - As a Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) agency, VDFP provides both operational and technical assistances to communities in need during emergencies of all types. This includes both support in the Virginia Emergency Operations center (VEOC) and in-the field.


• Fire Prevention Inspections – The State Fire Marshal’s Office [SFMO] has the responsibility of protecting life and property for the citizens of the Commonwealth through the utilization of inspectors to complete fire safety inspections; by conducting building plans reviews for fire safety measures; and by conducting construction inspections for fire safety systems in all state buildings.

VDFP also provides technical assistance and consultation services to Virginia’s localities through the completion of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) studies. The Agency, in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board, Department of Forestry and Office of Emergency Medical Services performs Fire & EMS Studies at the request of a locality to examine various operational and organizational issues within the locality.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) mission is to enhance public safety by providing supplemental funding, training, fire prevention and life safety education, along with statewide fire code enforcement.  VDFP strives to ensure that training meets the needs of Virginia’s fire and emergency services personnel.  Virginia is seen as a leader in the delivery of National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro-Board) certified training.   Pro-Board certified training is important to the Agency and those receiving the training because of the portability of that training certification within the state and to other states.

Training portability is becoming more crucial for the fire service because of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Personal Identity Verification-Interoperability/First Responder Authentication Credential (PIV-I/FRAC or FRAC) standard.  The FRAC standard developed a standard, interoperable, secure, role-based identity management technology that is vital to coordinated regional emergency response, such as the response to the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon in 2001.

The Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS) provides local fire departments and governments, as well as state and federal agencies, valuable information about the fire and emergency related responses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  VFIRS participation is reported annually on a calendar year basis.  The current calendar year's data is reported as a running total.

An important performance indicator for the State Fire Marshal’s Office is the number of inspections conducted annually as it is relates to the safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth.  This is a new measure that includes inspections related to the Life Safety Code, the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, state construction, and Critical Infrastructure/Key Assets (CI/KA).  Inspection numbers are reported annually on a calendar year basis.

Through improved communication with Virginia’s fire services, VDFP will achieve a high level of portability and accessibility to our training programs. VDFP will continuously enhance and improve its training programs in order to provide the Commonwealth's first responder the best possible training.

Through measured curriculum development, engaged staff and customer feedback, the Agency will ensure it's training remains up-to-date and accommodates the varying needs of the Virginia's fire services.

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Through the State Fire Marshal's Office of Community Risk Reduction, the Agency will educate members of the general public as well as public policy makers on the fire hazards in Virginia and best practices to minimize the rate of fire casualties, injuries and property loss. This objective is accomplished through the delivery of instructional programs governed by the principles of NFPA 1035 and 1300 standards.

VDFP provides technical assistance to local fire departments to assist with accurate code enforcement which results in protection of life and property.

Clear and concise business processes are essential to any organization. VDFP will continuously implement business processes and integrate new technology to ensure superior customer services.

Through a variety of entitlement and grant funding opportunities, VDFP is committed to enhancing financial assistance to communities and other organizations.

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The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) provides safety to life and property from the hazards of fire or explosion through inspections and advocacy. The SFMO has authority to enforce the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) in all areas of the Commonwealth and is mandated by the Code of Virginia (COV) or by regulations and agreements to inspect state residential buildings; state owned or privately operated college dormitories; public and private schools that are not inspected by the local fire marshal; adult living facilities that are not inspected by the local fire marshal; and child care facilities with religious exemption from licensure by the Department of Social Services.

The SFMO is under contract to inspect Health Care Facilities, primarily nursing facilities, hospitals, and mental health buildings, for conformance with federal standards (Life Safety Code). The SFMO inspects childcare facilities and local correctional facilities and responds to requests or complaints under provisions of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). The SFMO issues permits and collects fees for private hospitals, private college-university dormitories, and nightclubs. The SFMO also collects fees for the inspection of licensed child care centers, adult day care centers, and assisted living facilities in accordance with the SFPC.

The SFMO fee based Explosives Safety Program includes issuing permits for the storage, sale, and use of explosives on state property and in areas without local enforcement, and also includes the certification of blasters and provides background clearances for blasters and explosive permit holders statewide.

The fee based SFMO Fireworks Safety Program includes issuing permits for fireworks on state property and the oversight of Virginia’s pyrotechnician certification program for individuals conducting fireworks displays in the Commonwealth.

The inspection programs described above ensure fire protection and fire safety systems are maintained to standards under which they were constructed and ensure safe storage and use of hazardous materials, as well as providing for emergency planning and training for staff and occupants.

Through its inspection programs, the State Fire Marshal’s strives to make fire safety a way of life in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Adult Care Residences - Annual inspections are mandated by the COV in all areas of the Commonwealth not inspected by local fire officials. §9.1-207

Schools - Annual inspections are mandated by the COV in all areas of the Commonwealth not inspected by local fire officials. §9.1-207

Critical Infrastructure and Key Asset (CIKA) - The SFMO currently identifies and conducts annual fire prevention inspections of CIKA buildings in Virginia.  CIKA buildings are buildings of a critical nature that present a risk to the safety of the citizens and visitors of the Commonwealth, or reduce the ability of fire, rescue, and police services in the Commonwealth to respond to or mitigate emergencies.  In addition, CIKA buildings are those that present a possibility of a large loss of life and injury from an occurrence of fire, explosion, natural disaster, or terrorism.  The buildings in this category are not intended to replicate those of Homeland Security but include those that are critical in protecting life and property within the Commonwealth from all hazard events.  SFMO is working with SPSHS Staff and other State agencies to develop a consistent definition of critical infrastructure and identify methods of protecting these assets and improving resiliency.

Reduced Cigarette Ignition Propensity (RCIP) - As of July 2014, VDFP assumed full responsibility for the RCIP program and its administration and enforcement activities from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  The SFMO reviews and approves certificates of testing from manufacturers and conducts inspection of retail establishment to ensure cigarette packages are stamped in accordance to state law.

State Owned/Operated College/University Student Resident Facilities - Annual inspections are mandated by the COV. §9.1-207 for all dormitories and other residential facilities owned, leased or otherwise operated by a state college or university.

State Owned Buildings - The SFMO is mandated by the COV to provide assistance to the Department of General Services on the fire protection and prevention provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) for all new construction, renovations, and additions to state owned facilities.  SFMO performs construction inspections on behalf of DEB. §36-98.1.

State Owned Residential Care Buildings - Primarily Correctional and Mental Health Facilities, annual inspections are mandated by the COV - § 9.1-207.

Health Care Facilities - Primarily nursing homes and mental health facilities, SFMO is under contract with the Virginia Department of Health to inspect these facilities for conformance with the federal mandated Life Safety Code (LSC) and are reimbursed with federal money.

Child Care Facilities - The SFMO is mandated by the COV § 63.2-1716 and § 63.2-1717 to inspect childcare centers operated by religious institutions and private preschools, which are exempt from licensure by the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) if not inspected by local fire officials. In addition, SFMO responds to requests from the DSS to inspect other licensed child care centers.  Inspections of child care facilities that are not religious exempt from licensure is a fee based program as provided for in the SFPC. 

Local Correctional Facilities - SFMO responds to requests for inspections from the Department of Corrections. This is a fee based program as provided for in the SFPC.

Explosives Safety Program - As part of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), this includes certifications of blasters, issuing permits for the storage, use, and sale of explosives as well as investigating complaints. §27-97 COV and Section F107 SFPC.

Requests/Complaints - Approximately 2% of our inspection work load, the SFMO responds to complaints and requests for inspections based on the SFPC.

Technical Assistance - SFMO provides assistance to building and fire officials, architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners and occupants in support of our SFPC inspection programs. An extremely important function of the SFMO, 95% of this assistance is on the SFPC or fire safety provisions of the VUSBC including referenced standards on automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, standpipe systems and other fire suppression and protection systems. This program saves valuable time and resources in developing building profiles and our database as well as initial inspection times.  Portions of this program are fee based including assistance to local building officials on fire safety provisions of the USBC and includes assistance with plans review and construction inspections. 

Public Service and Education Programs - The SFMO also develops and presents education programs geared towards college administrators, inspectors, school principals and teachers. The SFMO makes public service announcements through the news media, including TV, radio and newspapers, during the year. News releases include warnings on the dangers associated with Christmas trees and tips to help prevent fires during the holiday and heating seasons, safety information during Fire Prevention Week, and dangers of fireworks during the 4th of July activities.

Certification of Pyrotechnicians – Effective March 1, 2011, the SFMO began certifying pyrotechnicians. The Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) was amended in accordance with §27-97 of the Code of Virginia to prohibit any person not certified by the State Fire Marshal's Office as a fireworks operator or pyrotechnician to design, set up, or conduct or supervise the design, setup, or conducting of any fireworks display, and that at least one person holding a valid certification is present at the site where the fireworks display is being conducted.  This is a fee based program as provided for in the SFPC.

Fireworks Permits - The SFMO issues permits and provides oversight of all fireworks, pyrotechnics and flame effect displays on state property.   This is a fee based program as provided for in the SFPC.

The chief source of funding for the State Fire Marshal's office is the general fund and special revenues.

This service area is responsible for the administrative activities of Virginia Department of Fire Programs. 

Virginia Department of Fire Programs provides:

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  Funding – The Agency provides financial assistance to Virginia’s fire services through the distribution of the Aid-to-Localities (ATL) Entitlements as well as various other grant programs (i.e. Live Fire Training Structure Grant, Regional Fire Services Training Grant, & Technology Grants). 

  
  


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  Professional Development – As the only nationally-accredited fire service training entity in Virginia, the Agency provides training programs for both career and volunteer emergency responders throughout the Commonwealth.

  
  


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  Research – As the managing entity for the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS), the Agency is responsible for data collection, analysis, and information reporting to Virginia's fire services, Virginia's policy makers, and nationally to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). The Agency also utilizes the data to reduce statewide fire related deaths and injuries. 

  
  


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  Operational Support & Technical Assistance – As a Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) agency, VDFP provides both operational and technical assistances to communities in need during emergencies of all types. This includes both operational support in the Virginia Emergency Operations center (VEOC) and in-the field.

  
  


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  Fire Prevention Inspections – The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has the responsibility of protecting life and property for the citizens by reducing the devastating impact of fires. Efforts utilization of inspectors to ensure fire safety, conducting building plans reviews for fire safety measures, and by performing construction inspections for fire safety systems in all State owned Buildings. 

  
  

Fire services management and coordination is comprised of VDFP's administrative functions, which are essential to the success of our Agency.

VDFP focuses on improving services, reducing costs, providing research and analysis, and promoting safety throughout the Commonwealth. VDFP strives to provide services that meet the needs of the fire services. To this end, the Administration Branch is responsible for:

• Government Affairs


• Virginia Fire Services Board


• Financial and Procurement Services 


• Budget, Grants and Local Aid


• Information Technology


• Human Resources

Funding for this service area is via the special revenue generated by the Fire Programs Fund.

Pursuant to § 9.1-202. Virginia Fire Services Board, the Virginia Fire Services Board (the Board) is established as a policy board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100 in the executive branch of state government. 

The Board has the responsibility for promoting the coordination of the efforts of fire service organizations at the state and local levels. 

The Virginia Fire Services Board is established under § 9.1-202, its duties are articulated in § 9.1-203.

The Virginia Fire Services Board has the following duties in accordance to § 9.1-203;

1. Ensure the development and implementation of the Virginia Fire Prevention and Control Plan;

2. Review and approve a five-year statewide plan for fire education and training;

3. Approve the criteria for and disbursement of any grant funds received from the federal government and any agencies thereof and any other source and to disburse such funds in accordance therewith;

4. Provide technical assistance and advice to local fire departments, other fire services organizations, and local governments through Fire and Emergency Medical Services studies done in conjunction with the Department of Fire Programs;

5. Advise the Department of Fire Programs on and adopt personnel standards for fire services personnel;

6. Advise the Department of Fire Programs on the Commonwealth's statewide plan for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data relating to fires in the Commonwealth;

7. Make recommendations to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security concerning legislation affecting fire prevention and protection and fire services organizations in Virginia;

8. Evaluate all fire prevention and protection programs and make any recommendations deemed necessary to improve the level of fire prevention and protection in the Commonwealth;

9. Advise the Department of Fire Programs on the Statewide Fire Prevention Code;

10. Investigate alternative means of financial support for volunteer fire departments and advise jurisdictions regarding the implementation of such alternatives; and

11. (Effective January 1, 2019) Develop a modular training program for volunteer firefighters for adoption by local volunteer fire departments that shall include (i) Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II certification pursuant to standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and (ii) an online training program.

The budget for Virginia Fire Services Research comes from the special revenue Fire Programs Fund.

VDFP coordinates and delivers specialized training across the Commonwealth to emergency response personnel. VDFP training programs also provide the opportunity for professional development with comprehensive, nationally-accredited training courses for career and volunteer emergency responders in specialized areas including:

• Structural Fire Fighting


• Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting


• Heavy & Technical Rescue


• Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations


• Officer Development


• Instructors


• Logistical Support

VDFP integrates training and education to enhance the professional development of fire and rescue personnel. VDFP serves as a fire/rescue training delivery and certification agency in an effort to provide an efficient path for fire service professional development. The focus of VDFP is to align the Virginia professional development pathway with emerging national models.

The agency is accredited through both IFSAC and Pro-Board.  Both of these organizations provide third party review of our agencies certification testing methodology to ensure VDFP is able to test all of the required criteria of the national consensus standards as developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

VDFP has been accredited with Pro-Board since 1982. The agency is also accredited by IFSAC for sixteen programs. Reaccreditation occurs every five years for both Pro Board and IFSAC. 

This service area supports the Agency's mission, as it provides professional development by delivering comprehensive, nationally-accredited training programs for career and volunteer emergency responders.

VDFP coordinates and delivers fire and emergency services education and training programs for the fire and emergency response community in an effort to protect and defend the Commonwealth from all hazards. 

VDFP delivers/coordinates training and certification programs in the form of funded, non-funded, partially funded and reimbursable programs. Funding for these programs is via the Fire Programs Fund.

This service area provides specialized assistance in support of Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) operational activities. Included within this service area are Chief Safety Officer, Risk Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness Efforts along with Quality Assurance. 

This service area aligns to the Agency's mission, ast it ensures specalized assistance is provided during VDFP operational activities. 

Tracking and identifying accidents and injuries that occur within VDFP training in an effort to develop preventative methods for the future. This area is also responsible for the Agency's third party accreditation through Pro-Board and IFSAC. 

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) is a member of the Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) as designated by the Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (VEOP). VDFP provides operational support to communities during emergencies of all types. VDFP maintains seven division offices across the Commonwealth. These strategically located division offices provide the agency with a manageable span of coverage for emergency-time deployment of resources and personnel.

The agency's staff is trained at the mission specific program areas for incident management team response.  In this capacity, the agency provides assistance to localities as subject matter experts, but only upon request from the locality and deployed through the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC).

This service area also provides staffing to Virginia's Fusion Center. 

This service area provides operational support to communities in need during emergencies of all types.

VDFP provides support services to the Virginia Emergency Operations Center through the Emergency Services Function. The Emergency Services Function is a Department of Homeland Security staffing protocol for all emergency operations centers. VDFP provides Emergency Services Function (ESF) – 4, which supports interstate and intrastate firefighting efforts, Emergency Services Function (ESF) – 13, which integrates state-level public safety and security capabilities and resources to support the full range of incident management activities, Emergency Services Function (ESF) – 7, which provides logistical support through emergency management assistance compacts (EMAC). Emergency Management Assistance Compacts (EMAC) are a federally supported program that provides avenues for seeking logistical resources. The agency also provides support to the Joint Information Center (JIC) during emergency declarations.

Funding for these activities is through the Fire Programs Fund.

The Virginia Fire Marshal Academy (VFMA) provides statewide leadership to the Commonwealth’s fire and life safety educational programs. VFMA educates members of the general public as well as public policy makers on the fire hazards in Virginia and best practices to minimize the rate of fire causalities. This objective is accomplished through the delivery of instructional programs for Virginia’s fire and rescue community, as well as the general public, governed by the principles of National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 1035 and 1300 Standards. 

To reduce fire injuries, deaths and property loss through education, advocacy and leveraging existing resources. 

• Create a Community Risk Reduction Strategic Plan to address fire related injuries, death and property loss. 


• Educate Virginia’s fire and rescue community on the importance of reliable data and the benefit of community risk reduction efforts in their local jurisdictions.


• Provide administrative staff support to the Virginia Fire Services Board’s Fire Prevention and Control Committee and develop the Virginia Fire Prevention and Control Plan.


• Through the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS), identify risk factors contributing to fires in the Commonwealth and develop initiatives to minimize those risk.


• Develop and disseminate fire and life safety education materials through multiple media platforms including PSA’s, printed brochures and social media.


• Serve as a liaison between federal, state, and local agencies and organizations involved in fire and life safety.


• Deliver the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1035 Standard curriculum through four certification courses and one attendee program.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) is funded as a special revenue account. Revenue is contained within the Fire Programs Fund from which VDFP allocates 75 percent of its total, after committed fixed obligations, as annual entitlements to jurisdictions, known as Aid-to-Localities (ATL) Entitlements. These entitlements, while subject to minimums are population based and allocated directly to the 323 Virginia counties, independent cities and incorporated towns. ATL may be used for fire services purposes within nine categorical areas which include training of firefighting personnel, public fire safety education, local or regional fire services training centers, firefighting equipment and supplies, fire vehicles/apparatus, protective clothing and prevention. ATL may not be used to supplant or replace local funding. The remaining funds, after disbursements to local jurisdictions, are used to provide direct funded training for localities and support Agency operations.

Funding by providing financial assistance to local governments.

Aid-to-Localities Entitlements to the 323 counties, cities, and towns throughout the Commonwealth solely for fire service purposes.

Fire Programs Fund distribution in the form of Aid-to-Localities (ATL) is 75 percent of the fund after committed, fixed obligations.

Per the Code of Virginia § 38.2-401. Fire Programs Fund, the Virginia Fire Services Board provides grants to localities for the renovation, repair and construction of Burn Buildings, also known as Live Fire Training Structure. Live Fire Training Structures are unoccupied structures whose sole use from point of initial construction is for the purpose of training firefighters in a controled live fire environment. The National Fire Protection Association refers to live fire training structure as "specifically designed for conducting live fire training evolutions on a repetitive basis."

Providing financial assistance to local governments.

Live Fire Training Structure grants provide funds to localities to construct or repair Live Fire Training Structures, which are essential to safely training firefighters under immediate danger to life and health environments (IDLH).

Live Fire Training Structure Grants are provided from the Fire Programs Fund. As set forth under policy guidance by the Virginia Fire Services Board, presently up to $480,000 may be awarded for a new construction Live Fire Training Structure project and repair projects are approved on a case-by-case basis.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and the Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) offer several grant opportunities via the Fire Programs Fund. These categorical grants include:

Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS) Technology Grant: Provides funding for eligible jurisdictions to purchase a computer (desktop/laptop/tablet) to enable VFIRS reporting.

Regional Fire Services Training Facilities Grant (RFSTF): Provides funding for training props for Regional Fire Services Training Facilities throughout the Commonwealth. 

Specialized Training and Conference Assistance Grants: Provides needed financial support for conferences and seminars sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations that further the education of fire and emergency services personnel throughout the Commonwealth.

Additionally, VDFP receives Federal grant funding to support Federal initiatives prescribed in the Department of Homeland Security’s national strategies for training delivery.

Providing financial assistance to local governments.

Financial assistance to local governments for fire services through grant funding.

Categorical grants are financed via the Fire Programs Fund, a special revenue fund.