The University of Alaska Fire Department

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the University Fire Department. We are a fully functioning fire and emergency medical service that protects the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ campus and its students, employees, and visitors. We also contract with the Fairbanks North Star Borough to provide these services to area residents and businesses. We operate a variety of engines, ladder trucks and ambulances out of two stations, one on campus and one off campus. The unique part is we are staffed entirely by full-time UAF students trained and supervised by a staff of ten career IAFF fire officers. Our student firefighters get the same training and certifications as professional firefighters anywhere and provide the highest available level of fire, rescue, and advanced life support care.

Working in close association with the Community and Technical College and the College of Business and Security Management, the UFD is an extraordinary program to prepare student firefighters for careers in fire and emergency services. Many of our student employees are enrolled in the Municipal Fire Control, Paramedic, and Bachelor of Emergency Management degree programs. Students work a full 56-hour per week shift schedule (48 hours on-96 hours off) which includes emergency responses, station upkeep, apparatus maintenance, training, and attending college classes. The combination of training, education, and real-world experience has resulted in an impressive placement rate for our alumni. Many of our alumni become top candidates in fire service jobs and often promote to management positions.

Having help every position now at the University Fire Department from student firefighter to Fire Chief over the last 24 years, I am confident in the service we deliver to our community, and the firefighters and leaders we are developing for the future of the fire service.  I invite you to explore our website and contact me directly if you have any questions.

Proudly serving,

Forrest Kuiper
(907) 474-7681

Chief Kuiper has over 20 years in the fire service. He has a Master’s degree in public administration, Bachelors in emergency management and Associates degrees in Fire Science-all from the University of Alaska. Additionally, Chief Kuiper is a National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer.

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