• "How do I become a firefighter for the City of Kalispell?”

    To see current hiring announcements, job descriptions, and how to apply, please go to the City of Kalispell's Job Board. The city is currently accepting applications for Firefighter-Paramedics through September 27, 2021. Two positions will be filled and a hiring list will be made from this application process for potential future openings. Minimum qualifications include:


    • High school diploma or GED equivalent
    • Must be 18 years or older
    • Valid Montana State driver's license at time of hire.
    • NREMT Paramedic or Montana state equivalent.

    Selection guidelines include:


    • Written and signed City of Kalispell Job Applications will be reviewed.
    • Must register and complete the physical (CPAT) and written exams administered through the Public Safety Testing website. If you do not have an up to date CPAT certificate, the written exam can be completed online and the physical exams can be scheduled for 8/ 28 (Kent, WA), 9/10 (Kent, WA), 9/19 (Spokane, WA) or 9/25 (Kent, WA) through their website.
    • Upon the successful completion of the written and physical (CPAT) testing, applicants will be given the Johnson-Roberts psychological exam.
    • Upon completing and passing the Johnson-Roberts Personal History Questionnaire;
    • Applicants thereafter will be interviewed by an oral board
    • A comprehensive background check is required
    • Reference checks will be conducted
    • Successful applicants will then be ranked on a list for hire.
    • Applicants selected for hire must pass a post-offer comprehensive physical exam and drug screening prior to employment.

  • “Is the Kalispell Firefighters Association holding their annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament?”

    Unfortunately due to the continued staffing shortage, and continuing increase in call volume, we will not be holding our basketball tournament this year. While we know the community appreciates the tournament, the time and investment is impractical while still providing life safety to the citizens of our community.

  • “Can I volunteer for Kalispell fire?”

    While Kalispell Firefighters know and appreciates the value of volunteer firefighters, Kalispell is a Montana State Class 1 city. Because of this, it is a state law for class 1 cities to be staffed by fully career fire departments. If you are interested in volunteering, there are several departments bordering our city that accept volunteers. 

  • “Why is the union allowing such low staffing?"

    Staffing levels for the Kalispell Fire Department are dictated by the city of Kalispell, not our Fire Association. We cannot speak for the city, but this is a great question for them. Their contact info can be found by following the links below:

  • "How can I support the Kalispell Firefighters?"

    Remind the city government that they represent the community and it’s needs. If you think Kalispell deserves a fully staffed fire department, you can contact the city by:

    • Writing a letter
    • Writing an email
    • Going in to talk to them in person
    • Attending a city council meeting and speaking during the public comments period.
    • More information here

  • “Are local and national unemployment rates at blame for the low staffing in Kalispell?”

    Though unemployment rates are affecting all aspects of our local and national communities, there is no shortage of people that want to work for the Kalispell Fire Department. We have people message us almost every single day asking how they can be a firefighter with us.

  • “Does Kalispell Fire go out on wildland assignments, thus reducing staffing in Kalispell?”

    Kalispell Firefighters do not currently go out on state mobilized or any other wildland complex fires. All of our staffing, as well as apparatus currently stay in Kalispell.

  • “What does your contract between Kalispell Firefighters and the City of Kalispell say about pay, leave, etc?”

    Follow the link below to see our IAFF contract with the City of Kalispell.


  • “What happened to the EMS Study that the city paid over $40,000 to an outside agency to facilitate and advise staffing levels back in 2018?”

    You can read it here: