Resource by IAFC's Training and Education Department
Abstract
Recent large-scale emergency incidents have exposed critical gaps in firefighter readiness and interagency coordination. From the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, to the fatal shipboard fire aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio in Port Newark, New Jersey, it is clear that the fire service must expand its operational scope and adopt a more comprehensive approach to training and qualifications. In response, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has introduced NFPA 1010: Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters, consolidating several foundational firefighter standards into a single, adaptable framework. This paper explores the need for NFPA 1010, its structure and scope, its relationship to recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations, and its implications for fire departments across the United States.
Introduction
Modern firefighting has evolved dramatically over the last several decades. Once centered primarily around structural firefighting, today’s fire service is regularly called upon to manage hazardous materials incidents, mass transportation emergencies, wildland-urban interface fires, airport disasters, and maritime rescues. These expanding responsibilities require a cohesive, all-hazards approach to firefighter training—one that standardizes qualifications and emphasizes interagency coordination.
NFPA 1010 was developed to meet that demand. By combining multiple existing standards into a single, forward-looking document, NFPA 1010 simplifies training expectations, enhances responder safety, and improves operational effectiveness. As national attention focuses on preparedness and response capabilities, this standard presents a critical opportunity for the fire service to evolve.
Background: Incidents That Shaped the Need
East Palestine Train Derailment
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The resulting fire and chemical release highlighted limitations in local preparedness, mutual aid coordination, and specialized hazmat response capabilities.
Port Newark Shipboard Fire
Later that year, a fire broke out aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a roll-on/roll-off cargo ship docked at Port Newark, New Jersey. The fire resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and required a multi-day, multi-agency suppression effort. It exposed challenges in marine firefighting training, equipment readiness, and communication protocols.
These two incidents, among others, prompted the NTSB to issue safety recommendations R-24-23 and M-25-09 urging fire service organizations to address identified training deficiencies through the adoption of updated NFPA standards.
The NFPA 1010 Standard: Structure and Scope
NFPA 1010 serves as a comprehensive replacement and consolidation of four existing standards:
- NFPA 1001 – Firefighter Professional Qualifications
- NFPA 1002 – Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications
- NFPA 1003 – Airport Firefighter Professional Qualifications
- NFPA 1005 – Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters
The unified document supports certification and training for the following responder categories:
- Structural Firefighters
- Driver/Operators
- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Personnel
- Marine and Shipboard Firefighters
- Wildland and Specialty Responders
By aligning terminology, performance benchmarks, and learning objectives, NFPA 1010 promotes clarity, consistency, and interoperability—especially critical during high-risk, low-frequency incidents that require multi-jurisdictional response.
Alignment with NTSB Recommendations
In safety recommendation R-24-23, the NTSB directed organizations such as the IAFC to:
- Disseminate lessons learned from East Palestine and similar incidents
- Identify fire departments not training to the NFPA 1010 standard
- Encourage adoption of NFPA 1010 nationwide
- Promote awareness of grant-funded training opportunities
In safety recommendation M-25-09, the NTSB further called for:
- Evaluation of firefighter training programs against NFPA standards
- Identification of gaps in hazmat and marine incident response capabilities
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has responded by launching a strategic outreach and support campaign.
Benefits of Adoption
Operational and Interagency Readiness
NFPA 1010 supports seamless coordination between agencies, particularly during complex emergencies that require specialized capabilities. Departments that adopt the standard will improve mutual aid effectiveness, reduce response time errors, and enhance the overall safety of firefighters and civilians alike.
Responder Safety and Performance
The standard reinforces best practices in:
- PPE and SCBA use
- Situational awareness and hazard recognition
- Tactical decision-making under stress
- Firefighter health and wellness
With line-of-duty deaths and serious injuries remaining an ongoing concern, NFPA 1010 provides a clear framework for preventing avoidable tragedies through rigorous, competency-based training.
Simplified Implementation and Funding Opportunities
Adopting NFPA 1010 is streamlined by existing resources:
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Fire Service Leaders
NFPA 1010 is more than a training standard—it is a fundamental shift in how we prepare our firefighters for the realities of today’s all-hazards environment. It embodies a commitment to professionalism, safety, and resilience.
As fire service leaders, it is our responsibility to embrace this change, ensure our departments are prepared, and advocate for the tools and resources that will keep our personnel safe and capable.
Resources and Further Reading