VOLUNTEERING In Maine
Become a Volunteer Firefighter in Maine
Serve Your Community. Save Lives. Make a Difference.
Across the state of Maine, volunteer firefighters are the backbone of local emergency response. From coastal communities along the Atlantic to rural towns in Aroostook County and the western mountains, thousands of residents depend on volunteer firefighters when emergencies happen. But today, many Maine fire departments are facing significant recruitment challenges—and communities need more people willing to step forward and serve.
The Need for Volunteer Firefighters in Maine
Maine’s fire service depends heavily on volunteers to protect communities across the state.
- Maine has approximately 433 fire departments, and 338 are led by volunteer fire chiefs, reflecting how many departments rely on volunteers.
- More than 90% of Maine’s fire departments are staffed mostly or entirely by volunteers.
- The state has roughly 7,700–8,000 volunteer firefighters serving communities statewide.
- In some counties, volunteer departments average fewer than 20–25 firefighters, meaning departments often rely on a small group of responders to cover large areas.
These numbers highlight an important reality: most Maine communities rely on volunteer firefighters for emergency protection. When volunteer numbers decline, departments can struggle to respond quickly to emergencies.
That can lead to increased reliance on mutual aid from neighboring towns, longer response times, and greater strain on the firefighters who remain.
Why You Should Become a Volunteer Firefighter
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is one of the most meaningful ways to serve your community. When emergencies happen, you’ll be there to help your neighbors when they need it most. You’ll gain valuable skills and training that can benefit your career and everyday life. You’ll also build lifelong friendships while making a real impact. Few volunteer opportunities allow you to make such an immediate and meaningful difference in people’s lives.
You don’t need experience to start. Take the first step today!
The need for Volunteer Firefighters in Maine has never been greater. By stepping up and getting involved, individuals like you can make a lifesaving difference in your community. No prior training or certifications are necessary to apply.
Although local governments and departments establish different selection criteria, many departments require that volunteers:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be healthy and in good physical condition
- Complete basic fire & EMS training
- Live in close proximity to the fire district
- Have a clean criminal record
- Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements
- Respond to a certain percentage of calls
Time requirements vary by department, and commitment will depend on several factors, such as the number of calls the department receives, training requirements, shift versus on-call structure, and community activities in which the department requires volunteers to participate.
Most Volunteer Departments will accept volunteers who are unable to leave work or have other obligations to respond to a call. In fact, many departments in Maine offer overnight and weekend programs for volunteers who want to contribute their time, but can’t break away from their obligations during the work week.
Volunteer Firefighters do not receive a traditional salary, however many departments offer financial incentives and benefits to support their service. Compensation varies by department, but common forms include:
- Stipends & Reimbursements
- Tax Incentives & Pension Plans
- Tuition Assistance
- Insurance & Health Benefits
- Professional Training & Career Advancement
- Non-Monetary Rewards
While Volunteer Firefighting isn't a paid job in the traditional sense, the benefits - both financial and personal - make it a rewarding commitment. Many departments are working to improve compensation and incentives to attract and retain volunteers.
State Resrouces
VolunteerFirefighter.org works with numerous fire associations to provide added resources and benefits to our Volunteer Fire Departments. Click the links below to learn more.
Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association (MFCA)
