Safety Stand Down 2026 Focuses on Firefighter Physical Fitness

Being a firefighter is physically taxing.  It is more important than ever for first responders to be physically capable of handling an ever-widening variety of catastrophes. Safety Stand Down 2026, which takes place from June 14–20, will emphasize the fundamentals of physical fitness, how they can be met over time, and sustainable techniques for long-term success in order to assist firemen of all ages and abilities in meeting these standards.

The campaign website, www.safetystanddown.org, will reveal the official topic for Safety Stand Down 2026 in January.  The information, advice, and tools required to properly organize and carry out the campaign will be made available in the upcoming months.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health, and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters collaborated to create Safety Stand Down. The program, which takes place annually during the third week of June, aims to lower the incidence of avoidable injuries and fatalities in the fire and emergency services.

About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous material response, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more at www.iafc.org.

About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.  

About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)

Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

About the Fire Department Safety Officer Association (FDSOA)

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association was established in 1989 as a non-profit Association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue, and emergency services community. The Association is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. It is the Association dedicated to the issues that affect your critical role as Safety Officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities you have to your department, your community and yourself. In fact, so critical is the role of the Safety Officer in every department in the country, that we train and offer ProBoard Certifications for the Incident Safety Officer and Health Safety Officer to ensure the needed knowledge and skillsets to be successful. FDSOA works to help you achieve proficiency, promote the recognition of your skills and secure your future.

About the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is the driving force behind every advance in the fire and emergency services in the 21st century. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, the IAFF represents more than 344,000 professional fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and rescue workers. Our members protect more than 85 percent of the population throughout the United States and Canada.