Eureka Springs Fire Department is a combination department, meaning that the agency uses both paid and volunteer personnel. The paid personnel staff the equipment at Station #1, located on Van Buren Avenue. Volunteer personnel respond to all fire calls and some EMS calls.
Fire Response:
The department has six fire stations. When a fire call is issued volunteers respond to the closest station and pick up any needed fire apparatus. The remainder respond direct to the scene with their fire gear. Paid staff bring the primary fire engine from Station #1 and are usually the first on scene. As the full time crew members must also maintain the staffing on the ambulance, the bulk of the fire response falls to the volunteer members.
Volunteer firefighters are trained to meet the minimum requirements set forth by the State of Arkansas. As time and funding permits, volunteers are trained to the national standard of IFSAC Firefighter I & II. This is a professional level of firefighter.
EMS Response:
Many of the department’s volunteers are also Emergency Medical Technicians. The two staffed ambulances can quickly become overloaded with calls in this busy tourist area. EMT’s are often called to provide additional staffing on the back-up ambulances. EMT and Emergency Medical Responders, EMR’s for short, may also respond direct to the scene of ambulance calls to assist the duty crew.
Becoming a volunteer:
There are several steps involved in becoming a volunteer with the Eureka Springs Fire
Department:
1. Application.
Interested parties may pick up or download an application. Please fill it out in its entirety and return it the department. Include copies of any relevant classes such as CPR, First Aid, lifeguard, and fire or EMT training. Please keep in mind that no previous experience is necessary and that the department will provide the needed training.
2. Review.
The Fire Chief will review the application and forward it to the Review Board.
3. Interview.
The department Review Board will contact each applicant and arrange an interview. 
Following the interview the Review Board will make a recommendation to the general membership regarding the applicant’s suitability.
4. Background check.
The department will conduct a background check of the applicant’s driving record and criminal history.
5. Vote.
The Review Board will present their recommendation to the general membership. The volunteer members of the department will then take a vote to accept or deny the new applicant.