Volunteer firefighters have been helping to protect the Arcata and surrounding communities continuously for over 130 years. Originally formed as Arcata Fire Company #1 on January 24th, 1884, the volunteers began serving the community with eighteen “charter” members. While the organization’s name has gone through several iterations and the organization itself looks significantly different than it did in the early days, its purpose has always been to protect the lives, environment and property of the communities it serves.

The modern Arcata Volunteer Firefighter is a highly trained firefighter. These volunteer firefighters meet or exceed the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter 1 requirements and continuously work toward attaining California Firefighter 1 certification. This level of training is accomplished through completion of a Volunteer Firefighter Academy as well as ongoing training throughout their service as a volunteer firefighter with Arcata Fire District. 

Arcata Fire District's volunteer firefighters are an integral part of the emergency response to our communities.