National Fire Department Registry Quick Facts – FEMA.gov

By GovPrepare News Desk – December 9, 2025

Standfirst: FEMA has released updated quick facts on the National Fire Department Registry, a key database that supports resource planning, risk reduction, and emergency response nationwide. Participation is voluntary but plays a vital role in community safety planning and federal policymaking.

Key Highlights

• Over 27,000 U.S. fire departments are registered as of 2025, covering 81% of the nation’s population.
• The registry supports national-level data collection, resource allocation, and policy planning.
• Participation is voluntary, designed to help departments receive federal support and recognition.
• Managed by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) under FEMA, part of DHS.
• Data collected includes staffing types, apparatus inventory, and jurisdiction coverage.
• Registry information supports FEMA grant eligibility and nationwide emergency readiness.

Background and Context

The National Fire Department Registry was established by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an agency within FEMA, in response to the growing need for comprehensive information on local fire departments. Prior to its creation, centralized national data on fire services was limited, complicating emergency preparedness and policy formulation.

Authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, the USFA aims to reduce loss of life and property due to fire through better data collection, education, and resource coordination. The registry now serves as a vital tool to understand the nation’s firefighting capacity and infrastructure as of 2025.

In addition to informing the public and policymakers, registry data underpins other major national resources like the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), and supports FEMA’s broader resilience and disaster recovery missions.

The New Development

As of 2025, FEMA has released the latest summary statistics for the National Fire Department Registry, showcasing increased participation and expanded data capabilities. According to the update, over 27,280 fire departments are currently registered, representing roughly 81% of the U.S. population through their service areas. This marks a measurable increase from previous years, reflecting growing recognition of the registry’s value.

The updated database includes detailed organizational profiles covering paid, volunteer, and combination staffing models, number and types of apparatus, and types of services provided (e.g., EMS, hazmat, wildfire). The registry also includes key performance and capacity indicators that can be used to assess readiness at the local and national levels.

While registration remains voluntary, departments that participate are eligible for certain federal grants and technical assistance programs, including those under FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. FEMA emphasized that participation costs nothing and takes less than 10 minutes to complete or update a profile online.

Expert and Industry Reaction

Fire safety experts and public administration analysts welcome the latest update. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), maintaining high registry participation is “essential to accurately assess national fire service capacity and advocate for resources.”

Similarly, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) noted in a 2025 policy brief that the registry enables critical planning for interagency coordination and mutual aid during large-scale emergencies such as wildfires and hurricanes. “Without a comprehensive registry, the federal government cannot fully understand or support our fire service ecosystem,” the IAFC stated.

Academic institutions such as the University of Maryland’s Center for Fire and Rescue Services echo that sentiment, pointing out the registry’s role in generating data for workforce trends, recruitment gaps, and access to rural firefighting resources.

Alignment with Global or National Standards

The National Fire Department Registry aligns with standards from several international and domestic frameworks. It complements the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction by enhancing data-driven resilience planning. Nationally, the registry supports FEMA’s National Preparedness Goal and is in line with recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Additionally, the structure of the registry supports integration with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and enables improved compliance with the National Response Framework (NRF). These alignments bolster the U.S. capacity to respond to multihazard events through coordinated, well-informed decision-making at all levels of government.

Impact on Stakeholders

For Local Fire Departments: Participation enhances visibility, supports grant eligibility, and aids in internal benchmarking. Fire departments can use registry data to justify staffing or equipment needs to local governments and boards.

For Emergency Managers and Policymakers: Access to registry data improves strategic planning, resource deployment, and legislative advocacy nationwide. It supports interjurisdictional readiness assessments in both urban and rural contexts.

For the Public: The registry strengthens the national emergency response posture, ultimately contributing to safer communities. Indirect benefits to the public include improved firefighting capabilities, targeted federal aid, and better emergency coverage.

For Federal Agencies: The updated database allows FEMA, DHS, the USDA and others to perform equitable geographic analyses, identify underserved regions, and tailor stimulus or disaster funding in line with documented needs.

Official Guidance

• National Fire Department Registry – FEMA
• U.S. Fire Administration Fire Data & Statistics
• FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
• National Volunteer Fire Council
• National Fire Protection Association

Conclusion

The U.S. Fire Administration’s continued updates to the National Fire Department Registry underscore the importance of transparent, data-driven emergency planning. With over 27,000 departments now registered, this national resource enables enhanced grant access, policymaking, and interagency collaboration across the country.

Departments are encouraged to join or update their profiles to strengthen federal, state, and local partnerships in fire safety and emergency response. The registry will remain a central pillar in America’s fire resilience strategy for years to come.

For regular updates and best practices in emergency preparedness, continue visiting GovPrepare.com.

Excerpt (Meta Description): FEMA’s National Fire Department Registry now includes 27,000+ departments nationwide. Here’s why this matters for fire safety planning and emergency readiness.

Tags: FEMA, fire department data, National Fire Department Registry, USFA, emergency preparedness, public safety, fire service statistics, disaster response, US fire administration, federal grants, first responders, community resilience