Volunteer Training Standards at Lookingglass Rural Fire District

Lookingglass Rural Fire District (LRFD) upholds rigorous training standards for all volunteer members. Our commitment to public safety means we align with the highest national and state guidelines, including those set by:

Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
Oregon Health Authority EMS Division

While we are a volunteer fire district, our personnel are trained and certified to the same standards required of career firefighters and emergency medical responders. This commitment ensures that every member is capable, confident, and ready to protect life and property.

Firefighters, in full gear, kneeling near a doorway with visible flames and smoke.

Interior Fire Attack and Code Response

Interior Firefighting Staffing Requirements
LRFD follows the OSHA “Two-In, Two-Out” standard (29 CFR 1910.134), which requires:

A minimum of four firefighters on scene prior to entering a structure fire
Two firefighters operating inside
Two standing by outside for immediate rescue if needed

These standards align with:

NFPA 1720 (Volunteer Departments): Requires at least four personnel on scene for initial attack.
NFPA 1710 (Career Departments): Recommends 15 personnel on scene within 8 minutes for full response.

Medical Code (Cardiac Arrest) Best Practices
Our EMS personnel are trained to provide high-quality care for cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies, including:

Clear team roles (compressions, airway, IV access, monitor/defibrillator)
Communication and leadership during resuscitation efforts
Adherence to current ACLS/BLS protocols
Use of Oregon EMS system protocols under the Oregon Health Authority

Emergency medical technicians use a device to assist a patient, suggesting an urgent medical situation.

EMS Certification Training Hours (Oregon Standards)

CertificationHours Required

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) - 40 to 60 hours

EMT Basic - 120 to 300 hours

Advanced EMT (AEMT) - 100 to 300 additional

EMT Intermediate (Oregon-specific)Varies

Paramedic - 1,500 to 2,500 hours

CPR / First Aid (BLS) - 6 to 8 hours

May contain: helmet, clothing, glove, person, footwear, shoe, car, transportation, vehicle, accessories, and glasses

Fire, Rescue, and Technical Training Hours

CertificationApproximate Hours

NFPA Firefighter 1 - 250 hours

NFPA Firefighter 2 - 100 hours

NFPA Fire Officer 1 - 60 hours

NFPA Fire Officer 2 - 80 hours

NFPA Fire Instructor 1 - 24 hours

NFPA Fire Instructor 2 - 24 hours

NFPA Apparatus Operator / Driver - 32 hours

NFPA Apparatus Operator with Fire Pump - 32 hours

NFPA Mobile Water Supply (Tender Operator) - 32 hours

NFPA Wildland Apparatus Operator - 40 hours

HazMat Awareness - 8 hours

HazMat Operations - 32 hours

Vehicle Extrication – Awareness - 8 hours

Vehicle Extrication – Operations - 24 hours

Vehicle Extrication – Technician - 24 hours

Rope Rescue Awareness - 8 hours

Rope Rescue Operations - 20 hours

Rope Rescue Technician24 hours

NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) - 38 hours

NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) - 40 to 60 hours

NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) - 40 hours

NWCG Strike Team Leader (STEN) - 40 hours

NWCG Task Force Leader (TFLD) - 40 hours

Firefighters working to rescue from an overturned car using tools, in an industrial area.

Annual Continuing Education Requirements

Per OAR 259-009-0062, all Oregon fire service personnel are required to maintain their skills through continuing education:

Operations Track: 60 hours per year
Instructor Track: 4 hours per year
Administrative/Prevention Track: 12 hours per year
EMS Providers: Must complete ongoing continuing education and skills verification per certification level

A firefighter in smoky woods with the text: "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."

The Reality of Volunteer Service

These standards are not just numbers on paper—they represent hundreds and even thousands of hours our volunteers invest to be ready for any emergency. This level of commitment comes with significant sacrifice.

Weekends spent in training are often the only time off volunteers have with family.
Nighttime calls often interrupt rest needed for work the following day.
The demands of training and response are shouldered without compensation.

Despite this, our volunteers continue to serve, train, and respond—because they care about our community.

Why We Require These Standards

To ensure firefighter and civilian safety
To maintain compliance with state and federal laws
To ensure the highest possible quality of emergency service
To support our mission: Protect life, property, and the environment

Firefighter extinguishing a gas tank fire with foam.

Join Us

Lookingglass Rural Fire District provides all training and equipment for those who are willing to serve. Volunteers will receive education that meets or exceeds national standards and the opportunity to be part of a respected, capable, and dedicated team.

For more information, visit the Volunteer or Contact pages or speak to one of our officers.

Lookingglass Rural Fire District
Protecting Our Community Since 1964