About the Agency

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs provides:

• Funding: VDFP provides financial assistance to Virginia’s fire services through the distribution of the Aid-to-Localities (ATL) grant program as well as through various other grant programs (i.e. Live Fire Training Structure grant).
• Professional Development: As a nationally-accredited fire service training entity in Virginia, VDFP provides training programs for both career and volunteer emergency responders throughout the Commonwealth.
• Research: As the managing agency for the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS), VDFP is responsible for data collection, analysis, and information reporting to Virginia’s fire services, Virginia’s policy makers, and nationally to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). The Agency also utilizes the data it collects to both identify and promote fire services best practices.
• Operational Support & Technical Assistance: As a Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) agency, VDFP provides both operational and technical assistance to communities in need during emergencies of all types. This includes both support in the Virginia Emergency Operations center (VEOC) and in the field.
•  Fire Prevention Inspections: The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has the responsibility of protecting life and property for the citizens of the Commonwealth through the utilization of inspectors to complete fire safety inspections; by conducting building plans reviews for fire safety measures; and by conducting construction inspections for fire safety systems in all state buildings.

VDFP also provides technical assistance and consultation services to Virginia’s localities through the completion of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) studies. The Agency, in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board, Department of Forestry and Office of Emergency Medical Services performs Fire & EMS Studies at the request of a locality to examine various operational and organizational issues within the locality. 

VDFP maintains seven divisional offices across the Commonwealth. These strategically located divisions align with other Virginia public safety agencies and provide a manageable span of coverage for time sensitive emergency-deployment of resources.