How to Join

Joining the Burbank Fire Corps Program is straightforward, and no special skills are required! Here’s what you need to know:

Requirements

18+ years of age, 16+ with written consent of a parent.
A California resident. Applicants must present proof of residency with either a State of California Driver’s License or state-issued ID card.
Pass a basic Department of Justice background check.
And a have a desire to serve the community.

Application Process

Applying to join the Burbank Fire Corps is a simple, multi-step process that includes completing an application, undergoing fingerprinting (LiveScan), and passing a basic background check. Follow the steps below to begin your journey toward becoming a volunteer and serving the Burbank community.

Step 1: Complete VICNet Registration Form
Visit our Volunteer Registration Page and complete the registration form. This is the first step in beginning your journey as a Volunteer Candidate. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information to ensure a smooth application process.

Step 2: Await Further Instructions

After submitting your VICNet registration, you will receive an email from a member of our Admin Team with detailed instructions on how to proceed. This will include:

LiveScan Background Check:
You will receive instructions on how to schedule your LiveScan appointment, where you will complete the fingerprinting process required for the Department of Justice background check.
Policies & Procedures Manual:
A copy of the Burbank Fire Corps Policies & Procedures Manual will be provided to you. This document outlines the expectations, guidelines, and responsibilities of all members. You are required to review it thoroughly as part of your onboarding process.

Please note that the background check process may take up to 4-8 weeks to complete after you have submitted your fingerprints through Management Services.

All new applicants begin their journey as Volunteer Candidates. As a Volunteer Candidate, you have submitted your VICNet application, received instructions from the Admin Team, and completed the initial steps—including the LiveScan portion of the background check—and are now awaiting the final results.

During this time, we encourage you to begin working toward completing the training requirements for Volunteer I.

As a Volunteer Candidate, you are not yet an official member of the Burbank Fire Corps. Full membership is granted only after you have successfully completed all requirements to advance to Volunteer I within the program. Once these requirements are fulfilled, you will be issued your official BFCP Identification Card and gain full membership status.

Step 3: Complete Training Requirements for Volunteer I

While awaiting the results of your background check, you can begin working toward completing the training requirements necessary to advance from Volunteer Candidate to Volunteer I. These requirements are designed to prepare you for your role within the Burbank Fire Corps and ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to serve effectively.

Training Requirements for Volunteer I:

FEMA Independent Study Courses
Register for a FEMA Student Identification Number at https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid and complete the following FEMA courses:
- FEMA IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
- FEMA IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS-100)
California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Training
Register for the California Specialist Training Institute (CSTI) at www.csti.org (click the “Register” icon) and Complete the following CSTI course:
- SEMS G606: Standardized Emergency Management System Introduction (Online Course)

LiveScan Process & Background Check

As part of the application process, you will be fingerprinted (LiveScan) when you submit your application. The time it takes for your DOJ background check results to return can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks.

Important Details:

Appointment Required – Once contacted, follow the provided details to schedule your LiveScan appointment.
Background Check Fee – A $10 fee for the LiveScan service is required, payable in cash only at the time of your appointment.
Plan Ahead – The process typically takes 15–30 minutes

Documents to Bring When Submitting Your Application

When submitting your application, ensure you bring the necessary documents to complete the process efficiently. These include completed forms and valid identification.

If You Don’t Have a Printer:
Printed forms are available at Management Services during your appointment. If you plan to fill out the forms in person, allow extra time for this step.