This year, PERMA awarded $5,000 grants in partnership with NYSAFC to 19 fire departments from across New York state to purchase a new gear washer and dryer. NYSAFC salutes PERMA for its ongoing commitment to firefighter safety and wellness.

Open enrollment is available for 15 Regional Hands-On Training programs in 2026. Beyond the Basics is scheduled for Clinton, Dutchess, and Erie Counties. Fire Behavior On the Inside is coming to Albany, Clinton, Onondaga, Ontario, Schenectady, and Ulster Counties. Flashover will be held in Albany, Cayuga, Erie, Ontario, and Orange Counties. These live fire courses are scheduled on weekends through November 2026.

The New York State Fire Service Alliance 2026 Issues of United Concern Legislative Agenda has been updated to include bill numbers and additional details.

Fire departments across New York are warning about a “historic collapse” in volunteer firefighter staffing, which they say is causing a public safety crisis. Long Island's volunteer firefighter ranks are shrinking to what officials call crisis levels, but any potential fix will take a change in the law.

At a recent news conference, fire service leaders urged state lawmakers to consider new incentives, including nominal compensation, tax credits, and child care support, to help reverse the trend and keep departments operational.

When the Boonville church roof shifted under the weight of heavy snow, it damaged a propane line. Four firefighters and a church pastor were injured in the “catastrophic” explosion.

Five men were injured after explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church.

The City of Ithaca Fire Department has maintained a staff of roughly 70 uniformed firefighters for the last five years, even as the number of 911 responses has grown by over 40% through the same period.

Four years ago, the fire department had close to 50 vacancies. Since September 2023, it has hired 41 new firefighters and is now just one position short of full staffing at 120.

New FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore says low EMS pay is hurting recruitment and retention as medical calls make up the majority of the department’s workload.

A proposal to add civilian ambulance drivers to Lockport’s fire-based EMS system ignited a public dispute over overtime, staffing models, and accountability.

The $1.7 million truck is too big for the firehouse. Firefighters want to expand the building to make it work, but several village board members instead want to sell the truck.

Metered site: Mayor Bill Keeler says lawsuit, spanning early 2020s, is 'meritless.'

He is accused of writing and cashing two fraudulent checks from the fire department union account.

Feds Approve New York State Plan Amendment; Rural Ambulance Task Force Report Released.

Association Individual Members will receive a subscription to the firefighter lifestyle, health, and wellness magazine, CRACKYL. 

Chief David Gratch will retire after a long career in fire service.

The BFD marked the first anniversary of John “JR” Gaudet’s line of duty death as city leaders renamed West End Park in his memory.

In 2025, a firefighter faced a medical emergency while on a call. Now, Westchester Medical Center is sharing how Rombout Fire Company Assistant Chief John Lucariello was given a second chance at life.

Chief Jeff Kayser immediately knew he needed to make sure his team was okay.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.