About Us

What does the AFCA do?

Educate

We strongly support quality training for our firefighters. During the late 90’s we were successful in getting the Fire Standards Council approved by the state legislature.

Our support of education does not stop with firefighters. We are also advocates of public education.

Train

Twice annually we have the opportunity to train together. We have fall and spring conferences during which we offer a wide variety of training for chief level officers.

Network

We have numerous opportunities to discuss our problems and concerns with our peers. The Department of Veteran and Military Affairs has, for years now, graciously allowed us to use the First Class e-mail system. The majority of our members are taking advantage of this.

We also have monthly teleconferences where we make decisions on the direction of our organization. Frequently, neighboring departments will gather and share the expense of the teleconference.

Finally, we get to meet in person, twice a year, at our conferences. This is a great time to learn from and share with our fellow chief officers.

Lobby

Every spring we travel to Juneau to take our concerns to the legislature. This is a great opportunity to get some of your community issues brought forth as well. We generally spend two afternoons “on the hill” talking with the legislators. The rest of the time is spent training.

Goals

In 1971 the State of Alaska had 1,081 actual fires that resulted in 33 fire fatalities, which was also the ten year average for fire fatalities in Alaska at that time. In that year, the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association was established. Now, just over a third of a century later, we find that there where 2,758 actual fires resulting in 12 fire fatalities. Our current ten year fire fatality average is 16.

The over 50% reduction in the 10 year fire fatality average rate has been the result of the combined efforts of the Alaska State Fire Marshal office, the Alaska State Firefighters Association, and the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association. In 2005 we welcomed the Alaska Professional Fire Fighters to our team. Few states can claim that their fire fatalities have been cut in half, while at the same time their fires have almost tripled and the population has quadrupled. We continue to work toward a year with no fire fatalities in Alaska.

The goals for our Alaska Fire Chiefs Association are:

Long term

Zero fire fatalities.
A sustainable funding source for the Alaska Fire Standards Council.
Short Term
Passage of a Fire Safe Self-Extinguishing Cigarette bill.
A statewide assistance program to assist registered fire departments with matching requirements for federal grants.
Assist registered fire departments with training and equipment needs.