The fire service helps to address recruitment and retention needs by bringing in younger members through a junior firefighter program.

State child labor laws specify what types of firefighting, emergency medical response, training, and non-operational activities junior firefighters may perform.

In most states, junior firefighters engage in training, but they may only perform support work at fireground, emergency medical services, or rescue operations. Support work may include establishing a water supply, rolling up hoselines, or assisting with patient care as directed by medical personnel.

However, some states have laws allowing junior firefighters to engage in training activities more consistent with their adult counterparts. These activities include “live fire” training to prepare junior firefighters to work in environments immediately dangerous to life or health. Performing activities such as live fire training places junior firefighters in an environment with a higher potential for injury and requires appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).