Resources for Current and Future Candidates

Hiring Events in King County

Future Women in Fire and EMS Workshop

Join King County EMS and host agency Redmond FD along with over 14 other King County agencies as we immerse you in a weekend of hands-on fire and EMS activities and provide you an opportunity to explore a career in the fire or EMS service. This opportunity includes interactive activities, discussion panels, viewing live demos, and networking with EMTs, firefighters and paramedics in our region. Must be 18+ to apply, King County residency preferred.

Workshop: Oct. 17 & 18, 2026,  0800-1700 both days

Host: Redmond Fire Department

Application: https://bit.ly/RFDFWIEF

Applications due Sept. 21, 2026

Send questions to: futurewomenems@kingcounty.gov

Other Resources

Testing and Hiring Process


FireTEAM practice tests may be purchased here.

Prior to completing the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test), candidates are encouraged to review the CPAT Orientation Guide, Candidate Preparation Guide, and Candidate Instruction Video on the NTN website.

Recruit Study Resources


The primary text used in recruit school is the IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th Edition. This text is used nationally for Firefighter I & II certification.

The Basic Skills Manual is published in-house by our Training Division. This material covers equipment and some manipulative skills used in the Seattle Fire Department: SFD Basic Skills Manual. This is historical content. The City of Seattle considers historical information to be used for reference only. Details about its limitations are available in our Terms of Use.

Video examples of knots:

Introduction to Knots
Clove Hitch
Round Turn and Two Half Inches
Square Bend (aka Square Knot)
Prussik Hitch (using a prussik)
Ring Bend (using webbing, aka Water Knot)
Figure Eight Follow Through Knot
Double Becket Bend
Long Tail Bowline Knot
Bowline Knot w/Double Overhand Back Up
Double Long-Tailed Bowline (running end greater than standing end)
Handcuff Knot
Butterfly Knot

Additional resource materials are available through the International Fire Service Training Association: IFSTA Website

For more information on a career with the Seattle Fire Department, we encourage applicants to view our Fire Connect Podcast series. This webseries features interviews with SFD members about their experience in the fire service and their advice for new recruits.

We are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We continually work to improve the accessibility of our website and content in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A and AA. Learn more about the City of Seattle's digital inclusion commitment and practices at https://seattle.gov/web-accessibility.  For accommodations, please call 206/733-9462 or email SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov.

Fire

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