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.

We, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), will strive to expand our services to meet the growing needs of Virginia’s fire service, ensuring that Virginia’s communities remain safe from fire and reducing community risk.

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. 

The Agency is composed of three functioning branches that directly report to the appointed Executive Director and Deputy Director, which serve as the commonwealth’s chief advisors on fire protection and safety. These branches include the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), Agency Administration, and Training & Operations.

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 also contains a training unit in the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy, which recruits instructors to teach programs and organizes training classes that are held throughout the commonwealth to train state and local fire marshals.

Agency Administration is responsible for the administrative management activities of the agency to include personnel and employee relations for 87 full time employees and over 300 adjunct instructors. It oversees the agency’s $65 million budget and manages all activities related to information technology, financial services, agency procurement, and grants and local aid. Agency Administration serves as the agency’s primary provider of funds for fire training and the construction of training facilities, administering over $36 million in Aid to Localities funding in fiscal year 2023 and overseeing the construction of state-funded live fire training structures. These structures, located throughout the commonwealth, provide dedicated training space for firefighters to practice in live fire environments. The branch’s other sections support agency initiatives such as online testing and the purchase of new fire training equipment.

Training and Operations coordinates and delivers fire/emergency services education and training programs for the fire and emergency response community for the purpose of protecting and defending the commonwealth against the loss of life and property. The agency conducts various types of fire related training, including Firefighter, Officer, Hazardous Materials, and specialty training. Training and Operations also assists in the development of national training standards and serves as the agency’s primary liaison during local, regional, and state emergencies. The branch, which has divisional offices located across the state, works to serve localities by providing fire training and coordination of state resources in conjunction with fellow state agencies.

The Commonwealth of Virginia began training firefighters in 1969 when the Fire Services Training section was initially established within the Virginia Department of Education. The responsibility for fire services training was later transferred to the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission, which later moved to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) when 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.

The Agency absorbed the SFMO in 2008 to improve fire prevention and protection in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today, the SFMO is responsible for inspecting facilities in approximately 63 counties and on all state property, as well as investigating violations of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. 

VDFP is deeply committed to improving fire protection in the commonwealth and continuing the long-held tradition of achieving excellence through training and fire prevention. 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 with little to no cost to students or fire departments.

VDFP’s focus is on improving services to stakeholders, increasing training opportunities for the fire service, providing research and analysis of issues affecting the fire service including funding and recruitment shortfalls, and promoting fire prevention and safety in the commonwealth. VDFP strives to provide training that meets the needs of the fire service through multiple delivery methods. The agency is in the process of implementing online testing, which will streamline testing for VDFP courses and improve instructors’ ability to better prepare students for retesting. Virginia is also at the forefront of electric vehicle fire training, with VDFP working in collaboration with regional and national partners to provide training for all Virginia firefighters by 2025. This training will be delivered utilizing the agency’s learning management system Cornerstone.  

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) continues to expand service across the commonwealth to better prevent fires and emergencies, enforce the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and make fire safety a way of life in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2023, SFMO conducted 5,062 inspections across both mandated structures and complaints, as well as oversaw 52 fireworks shows on state property. SFMO also assisted Virginia State Police on three arson investigations in 2023. SFMO is also working to further support localities requesting assistance during fire investigations, assisting other state agencies with enforcement of relevant code sections, and has implemented an expanded special operations section to address fireworks and inspections of hotels/motels. Through the implementation of new tracking tools such as Imagetrend, SFMO expects to provide higher quality data to stakeholders.

Agency Administration and the Office of the Executive Director continue to support the operations of the Training and Operations branch and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Administration facilitated the reimbursement of funds to adjunct instructors, coordinated agency purchases, and administered just over $40 million in grant funding through its five grant programs in fiscal year 2024. Staff in the Office of the Executive Director continue to support major projects, including a redesign of the VDFP website, the completion of the HB2175 (2024) Workgroup, supporting the newly created Office of First Responder Wellness, and coordinating community risk reduction initiatives across the commonwealth. As the chief advisor on fire related activities, the Executive Director continues to advise the Office of the Governor and Virginia General Assembly.

The agency remains committed to providing training that is both nationally accredited and meets the needs of Virginia’s fire service while also ensuring communities are safe from fires and other risks. The department also strives to promote the fire service at the state level and adequately distribute funds through effective business practices. The agency plans to effectively distribute grants through the Fire Programs Fund and other sources, as well as ensure that grant policies are regularly updated to reflect the needs of the fire service. The business practices of the Training and Operations branch will also be streamlined to better serve the fire departments around the commonwealth. Online testing will be phased into the agency to ensure faster test results and provide analytics to instructors. In addition, the agency will explore opportunities for greater fire training capabilities at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center and work to improve the capacity of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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The agency is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia with divisional offices located across the commonwealth. Components of VDFP based at headquarters include the Office of the Executive Director, Agency Administration, Training and Operations (T & O), the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), and the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy (VFMA). Division’s 1 and 7 of Training and Operations, and the Central Region of the State Fire Marshal, are also located at VDFP headquarters.

VDFP also utilizes space at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center (VPSTC) located in Hanover County, Virginia. The agency’s Logistics Division, Accreditation and Certification Division, and multiple classes/training events are conducted at VPSTC.  

The agency is unique amongst state fire training organizations because it provides training at the doorstep of fire departments. Most VDFP training is conducted in localities and does not require students to travel to a central location.

The agency, through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis completed by each major section of the agency, determined the following areas were key risk factors agency wide. This does not reflect specific risks identified in each section of the agency.

1. Staffing

The agency remains concerned over the total number of staff and the performance of the agency if key staff depart. The agency’s small size, coupled with budgetary constraints, limit the lateral movement of personnel and recruitment of qualified individuals. The agency must address these issues and work to increase retention to continue to provide adequate services to stakeholders. Through the realignment of business practices and changes sought through the General Assembly, VDFP hopes to address some of the issues related to staffing. Burnout among employees is attributed to understaffing in critical areas, including the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Agency Administration.

2. Technology

The agency’s use of technology, specifically related to servers and outdated systems, was identified as a key risk factor. VDFP’s reliance on internal servers, as well as the continued use of the Fire Service Training Records System (FSTRS) at the request of stakeholders, will need to be addressed. Additionally, the agency’s information security program and policies related to information technology must be addressed. The current reliance on internal servers and utilizing outdated systems create vulnerabilities related to system outages and data loss. 

3. Records Retention

The agency historically allowed each branch to manage records that complied with state policy. This created varying levels of records management and included both electronic and paper records. As a result, records are difficult to obtain, managed by various staff members, and staff are not held responsible for adequate record keeping. VDFP must enforce its Records Retention Policy and Procedure and adhere to a records management program.

4. State Fire Marshal’s Office Funding

The State Fire Marshal’s Office, funded at 81% from the General Assembly, contends with budgetary issues each year related to its operations. The office is expected to make up the difference through fee collection as outlined in the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. These fees have not increased in several years. When coupled with rising costs to conduct business, this creates a budget deficit year after year. The agency must work to address these funding shortfalls to ensure an effective delivery of services. The table below outlines the average rate of inflation as reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics since 2015, the last time the Virginia Fire Prevention Code fee schedule was updated. Although revenue from fees has remained at the same level since 2021, the costs to provide services has increased in many areas.

VDFP receives funding from a non-general fund (NGF), known as the Fire Programs Fund, and the general fund. The Agency's FY24 and FY25 Non-General Fund totaled $46,895,388 (FY24) and $62,455,185 (FY25) respectively. The Agency's FY24 and FY25 General Fund (GF) is $2,835,598 (FY24) and $3,467,610 (FY25) respectively.

The agency's total budget in FY2025 is $65,922,795 for both GF and NGF.

The Fire Programs Fund was created in 1985 to provide direct, pass-through funding, to Virginia localities to assist with fire protection. Over the years, this grant program has been expanded and altered to marginally increase funds and provide greater grant opportunities. Seventy-five (75) percent of the Fire Programs Fund is passed to localities, while the remaining twenty-five (25) percent is utilized to operate the Department of Fire Programs. Of note, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is funded through the General Fund and the remainder of VDFP is funded through the Fire Programs Fund, except in limited circumstances for special projects as directed by the Virginia General Assembly.

The Agency receives special revenue funds through its general fund for the following activities of the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO):

• The reduced ignition propensity cigarettes (RICP) program. This inspection ensures that cigarettes sold in Virginia are fire standard compliant. Funds from the administration of this program are provided as a special revenue fund for the SFMO.


• Permitting 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 pyrotechnician certification programs.

The remainder of the agency receives special revenue funds through the following activities:

• The operations of the agency bookstore, which sells training materials to Virginia's fire and emergency services personnel.


• Various federal grants to provide training services to local fire service personnel (less than 1% of agency funding).


• Modest revenues from general business activities, which include activities such as: bad check reimbursement fees; debt collection and carpool reimbursement.

The following statistics illustrates the comprehensive level of services as provided by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs dispersed amongst the three major branches of the agency.

• In FY23, the Agency successfully distributed $36.3 million dollars in Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant funding. For FY24, the Agency will distribute $40.5 million dollars in Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant funding. (Localities have one fiscal year to collect their ATL grant funding.)


• In 2023, the Agency offered 1,899 training sessions. As a result, the Agency issued 6,766 nationally accredited training certificates. A complete listing of the VDFP training programs issued in 2023 can be found in the below table.


• In calendar year 2023, the State Fire Marshal’s Office completed 5,329 inspections and oversaw 52 fireworks shows on state property.


• In calendar year 2023, the agency captured 808,452 of Virginia’s fire incidents in the voluntary Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS). From this voluntary reporting, the agency estimates there was $349,563,376 in property loss, 253 civilian injuries from fires, and 43 fire deaths in the commonwealth.

The agency expects the number of volunteer firefighters that it serves to decrease. Recent data from the U.S Fire Administration, as well as data collected to comply with HB2175 (2023), suggest that volunteerism is in decline. In response, VDFP expects fewer volunteer firefighters but increased requests for assistance related to localities working to address this issue.

Recent changes in the Statewide Fire Prevention Code will also result in the State Fire Marshal's Office inspecting mobile food preparation vehicles in localities without a fire marshal, creating a relativity new customer base.

VDFP provides products and services in three major areas provided through the three branches of the agency:

1. Fire service training


2. Enforcement of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC)


3. Providing assistance to localities.

Fire Service Training

1. 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.


2. Industry Leader – Training and Operations provides multiple members to assist organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ProBoard, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the International Fire Sercice Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in developing training standards. VDFP is also one of the first states in the nation to develop electric vehicle fire training at no cost to students.


3. The agency coordinates training and assists other state agencies in providing training to first responders and those interacting with first responders, including traffic incident management training, emergency vehicle operations training for the Department of Transportation, and other disciplines such as incident management.

Statewide Fire Prevention Code

1. Fire Prevention Inspections: Public Facilities – SFMO, through the utilization of inspectors, conducts fire safety inspections, building plans reviews for fire safety measures, and conducting construction inspections for fire safety systems in all state buildings. The office also inspects mandated facilities in counties without their own fire marshal, including public schools, daycares, and adult care centers.


2. Fire Prevention Inspections: Commercial Facilities – SFMO, through the utilization of inspectors, conducts fire safety inspections by complaint in localities that have not designated their own fire marshal. These include hotels, motels, restaurants, and other commercial structures.


3. Fireworks and Blasting – SFMO is responsible for certifying and licensing blasters and pyrotechnicians in the commonwealth. This is done through a holistic process that involves criminal background checks and proper documentation related to training. SFMO also tests and approves the list of permissible fireworks in the commonwealth.


4. Assistance to State Agencies – SFMO partners with other state agencies to enforce sections of the Code of Virginia where applicable. This includes assisting Virginia State Police with cause and origin investigation, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Emergency Management’s hazardous materials teams after a release.

Assistance to Localities

1. Funding - The Agency provides financial assistance to Virginia’s fire services through the distribution of the Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant program, which allocates funding based on population to localities for certain uses related to fire training and equipment. Other grant programs include the Live Fire Training Structure Grant, the Conference and Education Assistance Grant, Regional Fire Service Training Prop Grant, and the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System Grant.


2. Research: VFIRS - 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 Community Risk Reduction Coordinator utilizes VFIRS and other data to provide community risk assessments to localities by request and the commonwealth as a whole.


3. Research: Policy – As the sole state agency representing firefighters, VDFP works to analyze and interpret policy that affects the fire service at the state and national level. Through partnerships with stakeholder groups, the Office of the Governor, and the Virginia General Assembly, the agency works to further support the needs of firefighters and fire departments related to several issues, including funding, staffing, and equipment. VDFP also provides technical assistance and consultation services to Virginia’s localities through the completion of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) studies in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board.


4. 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. The agency is directly responsible for handling ES-6, the fire branch within the Emergency Operations Center.

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. The agency measures its performance in those key areas in multiple ways, including the number of training sessions offered, the total number of students served, the number of inspections conducted by the State Fire Marshal, the number of localities who received ATL, and the number of fire incidents reported through the VFIRS system.

The Training and Operations Branch is tasked with providing firefighter training in various disciplines, including in basic firefighting, instructors, officers, and technical rescue. In 2022 the branch offered 2,243 of training sessions and served 25,850 of students. This number decreased in 2023 to 1,899 training sessions and as of July 2024, has reached 1,463. The total number of students served in 2023 numbered 27,156 with 14,703 as of July 2024.

The State Fire Marshal, which enforces the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, conducts inspections on all state property, and is the fire marshal in 63 of Virginia’s counties, reported a total number of inspections in 2022 at 5,930 across all inspection types. This number decreased in 2023 to 5,329 inspections with 2,975 inspections through July 2024. The agency also collects data through the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS) on emergency incidents across the commonwealth. The total number of emergency incidents reported has increased from 838,526 in 2022 to 854,997 in 2023, with incidents in 2024 totaling 285,577 as of July 15th, 2024.

The agency, which statutorily provides funding to localities for certain expenses related to firefighting, measures its effectiveness by the number of localities who receive the funds. In 2022, 98.8% of localities received funds totaling $34,091,014. This number increased to 99.9% in 2023 and remained relatively steady at 98.8% in 2024.In 2024, the agency administered over $40 million to localities through its Aid to Localities Program.

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

Manage resources efficiently and effectively to ensure at least 90% of grant funding and entitlement payments are processed and issued within each fiscal year.

•  Assess the grant staffing levels to ensure there is adequate personnel to manage the workload experienced by the department.
• Maintain maximum fiscal staff capable of processing the required monthly and quarterly payments.
• Monitor and report on funding payments quarterly.

The agency plans to increase the capabilities of the State Fire Marshal in several areas including enforcing hazardous materials incidents with the Department of Environmental Quality, assisting Virginia State Police with arson investigation, and expanding the availability of deputy state fire marshals to inspect commercial facilities in counties the office is responsible for.

Expand the capabilities of the State Fire Marshal to better promote fire safety and fire prevention while enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code and other relevant code sections. The goal will also alleviate staffing issues and provide greater opportunity for staff of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

• Promote training opportunities for staff to become proficient in arson investigation and hazardous materials investigation.
• Increase funds to hire additional deputy state fire marshals to alleviate staffing concerns and expand the inspection of commercial facilities.
• Provide additional deputy state fire marshals to Special Operations for enforcement of blasting, fireworks, and other duties.
• Address funding deficiencies through the Board of Housing and Community Development.

In an effort to improve student outcomes and provide greater analytics to instructors, the agency will implement online testing to replace the traditional written testing methods throughout the commonwealth. Currently, instructors cannot see deficiencies in training due to written testing.

The agency will develop an online testing program that can be utilized by students, regardless of course, across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program will provide more timely results and analytics for use by the agency and its instructors to address deficiencies in training.

• Partner with a third-party contractor to provide online testing that complies with state policy and meets the needs of students.
• Develop internal policies on the use of online testing and the implementation of the program.
• Convert all courses to online testing.
• Provide metrics to course instructors on training deficiencies in students to produce better outcomes.

The Training and Operations Branch has historically been divided into seven regional divisions and other supporting divisions that support the creation and coordination of classes. As a result of this regional system, some practices varied leading to uncertain levels of service statewide.

The Training and Operations Branch will be reorganized to better serve students and create a uniform level of service statewide related to course development, implementation, and testing.

• Realign positions in the branch to better reflect business needs, including bolstering staff in the Learning Development Division and the Testing and Accreditation Division.
• Consolidate all testing into the Testing and Accreditation Division for consistency and uniformity.
• Establish standard procedure for the use of the agency’s learning management system.
• Shift some responsibilities away from regional Division Chief’s to provide greater flexibility in the field.

Virginia is one of a small handful of states without a dedicated fire training center or academy owned or operated by the state. The Virginia Public Safety Training Center, operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), offers facilities for limited use. VDFP seeks to expand capabilities at the facility to offer more advanced training.

The agency will work with DJJ, the Virginia Fire Services Board, legislators, and other partners to further develop training opportunities at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center.

• Work with DJJ to develop a holistic, multi-year development plan for the use of facilities at the site.
• Determine the possible cost and funding mechanism for the creation of lodging, the construction of training props such as a live fire training structure, and other training needs for the fire service.
• Approach legislators and leadership at the state level to determine what funding or approval is possible to promote a dedicated fire training academy.

Community risk reduction initiatives include community risk assessments, programming such as smoke alarm distribution, fire/life safety educator courses, assisting with Virginia Fire Services Board studies, and advising stakeholders utilizing a data driven approach to improve risk reduction efforts throughout Virginia.

The agency will provide qualified staff to identify and coordinate community risk reduction initiatives with the goal of creating safer communities.

• • Formalize the role of the Community Risk Reduction Coordinator within the Department of Fire Programs.
• Establish relationships with other entities, such as the Department of Forestry and the Department of Health’s Office of EMS, to holistically address community risks.
• Promote community risk assessments either as a component of Virginia Fire Services Board Fire and EMS Studies or by the agency.
• Develop and implement CRR initiatives such as smoke alarm distribution and fire/life safety education programs.
• Support the development and utilization of data driven processes.

The Department of Fire Programs, with approval from the Virginia Fire Services Board, administers five grant programs through the Fire Programs Fund. These programs fall under individual policies that outline requirements for grant recipients and for the board. These documents require regular revision and changes.

VDFP, in conjunction with the Virginia Fire Services Board, will update grant policies to meet the needs of stakeholders and the agency. Additionally, the agency will work with other state partners to remove unnecessary regulatory language and draft policies in line with precedent set by other grant programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• VDFP will work with the Department of Planning and Budget and the Office of Regulatory Management to remove policies that do not fall within the scope of regulatory documents.
• VDFP will annually review policies and make recommendations to the Virginia Fire Services Board for changes.

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 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. SFMO is also the authority having jurisdiction on all state property in the commonwealth. 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 childcare centers, adult day care centers, and assisted living facilities in accordance with the SFPC.

The SFMO is also responsible for explosives safety, which includes issuing permits for the storage, sale, and use of explosives on state property and in areas without local enforcement. The office also provides background clearances for blasters and explosive permit holders statewide. The office issues permit for fireworks on state property and oversees Virginia’s pyrotechnician certification program for individuals conducting fireworks displays in the commonwealth.

The office has twenty-eight fire marshals, as well as a small support staff contingent, to conduct inspections, assist with the investigation of fires, and oversee the above programs.

The duties and responsibilities of the State Fire Marshal or the State Fire Marshal’s Office are found in various sections of the Code of Virginia and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. § 9.1-206 provides the qualifications and powers of the State Fire Marshal, while § 9.1-207 mandates the office inspect certain facilities for safety standards. Other requirements and powers are found in Title 27 of the Code of Virginia.

The State Fire Marshal provides services through two sections: Field Operations and Special Operations.

Field Operations provides:

1. Annual inspections of adult care residences in localities where SFMO is responsible.


2. Annual inspections of all dormitories and other residential facilities owned or operated by a public university or college.


3. Annual inspections of public schools not inspected by a local fire marshal.


4. Assisting the Department of General Services on fire protection and prevention provisions for all new construction, renovations, and additions to state owned facilities.


5. Annual inspections of state-owned residential care buildings, including correctional and mental health facilities.


6. Annual inspections of childcare facilities that are exempted from inspection by the Department of Social Services in areas where SFMO is responsible.


7. Inspection of local correctional facilities by request of the Department of Corrections or a locality.


8. Response to complaints or inspection requests of commercial facilities in areas where the SFMO is the fire marshal.

Special Operations:

1. The certification of blasters, as well as issuing permits for the storage, use, and sale of explosives. This section also investigates complaints related to explosives in conjunction with law enforcement where applicable.


2. The certification of fireworks operators or pyrotechnicians to design, set up, or conduct or supervise the design, setup, or conducting of any fireworks display.


3. The SFMO issues permits and provides oversight of all fireworks, pyrotechnics and flame effect displays on state property.


4. Assisting with the investigation of fires by the Virginia State Police or other local entities by request.

The office is also responsible for a number of other programs including:

1. Reduced Cigarette Ignition Propensity (RCIP) program. The SFMO reviews and approves certificates of testing from manufacturers and conducts inspection of retail establishments to ensure cigarette packages are stamped in accordance with state law.


2. The SFMO also develops and presents education programs geared towards fire safety and prevention in coordination with the Community Risk Reduction section of VDFP.

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. These functions are critical in supporting the mission of the agency and ensure that agency operations support fire service training, code enforcement and fire safety, and funds directed to localities from the Fire Programs Fund.

Distribution of funds from the Fire Programs Fund is governed by Code of Virginia § 38.2-401, including that 75% of funds be distributed through Aid to Localities. The remaining functions of the service area are provided for by § 9.1-201 for assisting the Executive Director with carrying out provisions of the code.

The Administration Branch, through this service area, provides:

• Financial assistance to Virginia’s fire services through the distribution of the Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grants, as well as various other grant programs (i.e. Live Fire Training Structure Grant, Regional Fire Services Training Grant, & Technology Grants).


• Financial Services


• Procurement


• Budget and Grants


• Information Technology


• Human Resources

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

The Virginia Fire Services Board, a policy board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100 in the executive branch of state government, is comprised of 15 members from across the commonwealth representing various groups including the Virginia Fire Chief’s Association, Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, Virginia State Firefighters Association, the Association of Counties, and the Virginia Municipal League among others.

The board serves as the state level representation of the fire service, largely responsible for serving as the voice for the fire service, administering state grants, and advising the Department of Fire Programs. Through its fire and EMS study process, the board offers technical advice to localities and research capabilities through the Government Affairs section of the agency.

The Virginia Fire Services Board is established under Code of Virginia § 9.1-202, with its duties articulated in § 9.1-203. The role of the Government Affairs section is to support the mission of the Virginia Fire Services Board as directed by § 9.1-201 and the other duties outlined in that section.

The Code of Virginia provides for the following services by the Virginia Fire Services Board:

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.  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 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 the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and Pro-Board, two national accreditation bodies for the fire service. Both organizations provide third party review of the agencies certification testing methodology to ensure VDFP can 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 and with IFSAC since 2014. The agency is currently accredited to 26 levels of programs between the two accrediting bodies. Reaccreditation occurs every five years for both entities. The agency is in a reaccreditation cycle in 2024 and the total number of programs that will be accredited is expected to double by 2025.

Under Code of Virginia § 9.1-201, the Executive Director is empowered to appoint a director of fire services training. One of the agency’s primary roles is to provide firefighter training through this role. The Virginia Fire Services Board is also empowered in § 9.1-203 to review and approve a statewide plan for fire education and training.

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 provides training through its online learning management system Cornerstone OnDemand, which allows for students to register for in person and online courses. VDFP provides instruction through a network of adjunct instructors who have been certified to teach courses as developed by the learning management division and administered through the division chiefs. Courses include:

1. Special operations courses in disciplines such as:
   
   
   
   1. Vehicle Rescue
   
   
   2. Rope Rescue
   
   
   3. Trench Rescue
   
   
   4. Confined Space Rescue
   
   
   5. Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting
   
   
   6. Water Rescue
   
   
   
   


2. Professional development courses such as:
   
   
   
   1. Instructor I, II, III, and IV
   
   
   2. Officer I, II. II, and IV
   
   
   
   


3. Basic firefighter courses such as:
   
   
   
   1. Firefighter I and II
   
   
   2. Mayday Firefighter Down
   
   
   
   


4. Vehicle related courses:
   
   
   
   1. Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
   
   
   2. Basic and Driver Pump Operator
   
   
   3. Rural Water Supply
   
   
   4. Aerial Operator
   
   
   
   

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 the Chief Safety Officer, risk mitigation, emergency preparedness efforts, and projects related to the Virginia Public Safety Training Center (VPSTC). This area also provides funds for the agency’s bookstore operations.

The agency, through Code of Virginia § 9.1-201, is directed to assist the Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) in carrying out its responsibilities and duties as found in § 9.1-203. The VFSB is authorized to provide technical assistance to local government and advise the agency on fire personnel standards. These requirements of the VFSB relate to the role of the Chief Safety Officer in risk mitigation, as well as operations at VPSTC and the agency bookstore.

The products and services that fall under this service area are broad in scope and are listed below:

1. Tracking and identifying accidents and injuries that occur within VDFP training to develop preventative methods for the future.


2. Researching emerging safety issues in the fire service and aiding localities, and other state entities, with ensuring firefighter safety.


3.  Providing resources for the agency’s use of the Virginia Public Safety Training Center for firefighter training or the support of firefighter training.


4. Providing published training materials and support to firefighters in the field or to fire departments conducting training.

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 five geographic division offices across the commonwealth and has personnel at VDFP headquarters, as well as the Virginia Public Safety Training Center, with relevant experience and training to support local, regional, or statewide emergencies. These strategically located division offices provide the agency with a manageable span of coverage for deployment of resources and personnel at the request of localities through the Department of Emergency Management.

The Executive Director and the Deputy Director lead the agency’s response to fire and rescue  emergencies. 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 role of the agency during a declared emergency is established under the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan 7.1.4.9.5 under the authority found in Code of Virginia § 44-146.13.

VDFP provides support services to the Virginia Emergency Operations Center through the emergency services function. The emergency services function is a U.S 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) 9, which supports interstate and intrastate search and rescue 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 when requested.

Funding for these activities is through the Fire Programs Fund.

The Community Risk Reduction (CRR) section provides statewide leadership to the commonwealth’s community risk reduction educational programs. CRR educates members of the public, as well as public policy makers, on identifying what are the critical fire related issues and challenges in Virginia, identifying the best ways to communicate fire and life safety messages to the public, and developing and promoting the best practices to gain an understanding of the concepts to minimize the rate of civilian fire causalities. This objective is accomplished through the delivery of instructional programs for Virginia’s fire and rescue community, as well as emphasizing to the public that risk reduction is all encompassing. All certification programs are governed by the principles of National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 1035 and 1300 Standards.

The Virginia Fire Marshal Academy provides initial and continuing educational hours on topics to include fire investigations, fire inspections, environmental investigations and basic law enforcement. The Basic Law Enforcement Academy provides local fire marshals with relevant training to be provided police powers under § 27-34.2:1. These goals are met by using NFPA Standards such as NFPA 1031, NFPA 921, and NFPA 1033, along with subject matter experts within the various fields that fire marshals interact with, including environmental investigations and law enforcement partners such as the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The mission of the CRR section is found under § 9.1-201, where the Executive Director is empowered to employ staff to carry out the powers and duties of the chapter. The VFMA receives its power under § 27-34.2, which directs the Department of Fire Programs to develop and maintain courses for fire marshals. § 27-34.2:1 further requires that basic law enforcement training be provided for fire marshals that possess police powers.

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


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


• Assisting in the development the Virginia Fire Prevention and Control Plan.


• Through the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS), in conjunction with the NERIS reporting tool, identify key risk factors contributing to fires in the commonwealth and develop initiatives to minimize those risks.


• 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 CRR fire and life safety.


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


• Provide the commonwealth qualified fire inspectors and investigators, as well as fire marshals with relevant training for police powers through the use of motivated instructors and subject matter experts.


• Provide equipment and up to date materials for fire marshal training across the commonwealth.


• Communicate with local fire marshal offices and other components of the community to maintain dialog on current fire safety issues.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) is funded as a special revenue agency. Revenue is contained within the Fire Programs Fund from which 75% is allocated as annual entitlements to jurisdictions, known as Aid-to- Localities (ATL) Entitlements. These entitlements are population based and are allocated directly to the 322 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.

Financial assistance to local governments. Code of Virginia § 38.2-401.D

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, the Virginia Fire Services Board provides grants to localities for the renovation, repair, and construction of Burn Buildings, officially known as Live Fire Training Structures. Live Fire Training Structures are unoccupied structures whose sole use from point of initial construction is for the purpose of training firefighters in a controlled 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."

Financial assistance to local governments. Code of Virginia § 38.2-401.D

The Live Fire Training Structure Grant program provides 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). These structures must be minimum specifications in four (4) prototypes provided in the program.

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) Hardware 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.


• 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.

Financial assistance to local governments. Code of Virginia § 38.2-401.D

The categorical grant programs are designed to provide grant funds, when available, for specific purposes related to incident reporting, regional fire training, and conference assistance. These grant programs enhance the state’s ability to collect fire incident information, encourage fire training at the regional level, and provide funds to conferences that further fire education throughout the state.

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