The Clark County Fire Department (CCFD) Explorer program is for young men and women aged 16 to 21 to learn what it takes to become a firefighter. The program is styled after the CCFD Firefighter Academy and provides Explorers hands-on firefighter skills training. In addition to basic firefighting skills and fire ground tactics, the program teaches a strong work ethic and teamwork – attributes that can be used not only in the pursuit of a career in the fire service but any career or education path they may choose to pursue in the future.
“The Explorer Program is an invaluable experience for young adults interested in the fire service,” said Clark County Fire Chief Billy Samuels. “Countless dedicated Explorers have gone on to become firefighters, not only as members of the Clark County Fire Department, but for our neighboring departments as well.”
Explorers meet every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Clark County Fire Department Training Center located at 4425 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89103. A typical day includes physical training (PT), academic studies from the same material used in a CCFD Firefighter Academy, and basic firefighting drills. As Explorers progress through the program, they have the opportunity to do job shadowing at a CCFD fire station.
Those interested in joining the program should be aware of the following dates:
- June 7, 2025 - Observation Day: Join the CCFD Explorers to see first-hand what the program offers and to ask questions if interested in applying.
- June 21, 2025 - Test Day: Applicants will participate in a written test, physical test and interview
- July 12, 2025 - First New Explorer Meeting
A New Member Packet must be completed and presented on Test Day. For more information about the program, including how to receive a New Member Packet, please visit www.joinccfd.org or call (702) 455-8257.
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The Clark County Fire Department is the largest in the state, receiving 146,626 calls for service in 2023. The department has 32 full-time fire stations and 10 volunteer fire stations in rural areas, responsible for protecting a majority of the Las Vegas Valley, including the famed Las Vegas Strip, as well as the resort townships of Laughlin, Primm and Jean. The Department also maintains one of only 28 urban search and rescue teams in the country and provides fire and rescue services to the nation’s 5th-busiest airport.