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Probe: Pa. volunteer firefighters not required to train

Fewer than two percent of departments have all their firefighters fully trained

WTAE.com

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Action News Investigates has learned Pennsylvania does not require any training for volunteer firefighters.

But just over the state line, West Virginia requires 120 hours of training before a firefighter can set foot on a fire truck. Firefighters say that makes them better prepared to protect the public and themselves.

WTAE’s cameras were there as firefighters prepared for an attack, going inside a burning trailer and quickly putting out a fire that was set by trainers at the West Virginia University Fire Academy. It’s a part of the mandatory training required of all firefighters, paid and volunteer, in the Mountain State.

Full story: Pennsylvania does not require volunteer firefighters to be trained