Youth and Prep Programs

Camp S.P.A.R.K

Service Professionalism, Attitude,
Respect, Knowledge

S.P.A.R.K. is a rewarding and challenging empowerment camp specifically designed to "spark" young girls' ages 14 -18, aiming to introduce them to the exciting world of firefighting. Your child will develop confidence, character, and teamwork skills through hands-on training exercises, including hose handling, ladder climbing, CPR and first-aid instruction, power tool operation, and much more. It's an opportunity for your child to explore and learn in a dynamic environment, introducing them to a rewarding career in fire service. This program is held once a year.

Registration for Camp S.P.A.R.K will re-open in March 2025

Firefighter/EMS Magnet HIGH SCHOOL (FEMS)

As a Firefighter/EMS Magnet student, committing to the program offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience and knowledge, including:

LAFD Fire Station Visits
CPR Instruction
Development of Core Leadership Values and Principles
Teen Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) Certification
Community Service Projects Opportunities
Fire Life Safety Awareness
Preparation for the Firefighter Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
L.A.F.D. Fire Cadet Program
Understanding and Experiencing L.A.F.D
Engagement with an LAFD firefighter to learn about a career in the fire service.

Please select one of the schools listed below to enroll in the Firefighter/EMS Magnet Program.

Phineas Banning High School

Woodrow Wilson High School

Susan Miller Dorsey High School

James Monroe High School

Youth F.I.R.E Academy

Fire, Instruction, Recruitment & Education

This program is an introductory, hands on experience and is geared as a pathway into our Cadet Program. Priority registration will go to students living in the City of Los Angeles or attending LAUSD schools.

Programs are offered at the following locations:

Valley - Drill Tower 81

14355 Arminta St, Panorama City, CA 91402

Metro and East LA -
Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center

1700 Stadium Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Harbor - Drill Tower 40

330 Ferry Street, Los Angeles, CA 90731

CADET Program

The LAFD Cadet program is the top tier of a progressive pathway to becoming a Los Angeles City Firefighter. Cadets work side by side with LAFD members to learn the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter. Following an introductory one-day orientation, the youth get assigned to an approved LAFD Cadet Post, located at one of our Fire Stations in the City. Cadet Post activities are organized by firefighters that act as advisors and have completed all youth protection training through the Exploring Program/Boy Scouts of America. Many of the Cadet Post Advisors have been Cadets themselves.

To participate in the LAFD Cadet program candidates must have have the following:

Be at least age 14, and no older than age 20.
Live within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles.

Before being assigned to a Cadet Post and participating in any activities, all prospective Cadets must:

Attend a one-day, six-hour orientation
Pass the Cadet Physical Agility Test
Complete a medical release form signed by a doctor

LAFD Cadets are eligible to participate in, and take advantage of, the following benefits:

Fire Station Ride-along
Paramedic School Sponsorship
Firefighter I Academy Sponsorship
EMT Scholarship
California Fire Exploring Academy
Wildland Fire Exploring Academy
Dave Russon Memorial Emergency Exercise

LAFD Cadets expectations are:

Be courteous and embody the Core Values of the LAFD
Abide by LAFD Cadet Policy
Work through the Cadet Task Book with Cadet Post Advisors and mentors
Perform Community Service as outlined in the Cadet Task Book

Becoming an LAFD Cadet is an excellent way to develop essential skills, gain self-confidence, and acquire valuable experience that will be helpful in a fire service career.