Quick Overview
- 1#1: First Due - All-in-one SaaS platform for incident reporting, shift scheduling, training management, and analytics tailored for volunteer fire departments.
- 2#2: FirePro 360 - Cloud-based scheduling and personnel management software designed specifically for volunteer firefighters and EMS.
- 3#3: Response Rack - Integrated website, member database, training tracking, and operations management tool for volunteer fire and rescue departments.
- 4#4: Firehouse Software - Comprehensive records management system handling incidents, inventory, payroll, and NFIRS reporting for fire departments.
- 5#5: Active 911 - Real-time mobile alerting and paging system that notifies volunteer responders instantly with incident details and maps.
- 6#6: ESO Fire - Cloud-native records management, CAD integration, and analytics suite for fire and EMS operations.
- 7#7: ImageTrend - NFIRS-compliant incident reporting, patient care, and data analytics platform for public safety agencies.
- 8#8: FireRMS - Records management software for incident documentation, apparatus tracking, and compliance reporting in fire departments.
- 9#9: AngelTrack - Open-source inspired software for dispatch, billing, and operations management in volunteer fire and EMS nonprofits.
- 10#10: Fire Station Software - Modular records management system covering rosters, inventory, maintenance, and reporting for fire stations.
We ranked these tools by prioritizing comprehensive, volunteer-tailored features, reliable performance, intuitive usability, and strong value, ensuring they align with the operational challenges faced by fire departments of varying sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top Volunteer Fire Department Software options, including First Due, FirePro 360, Response Rack, Firehouse Software, Active 911, and more, to guide readers in finding tools that align with their department's specific operational needs. It details key features, usability, and compatibility, offering a clear overview to enhance decision-making for volunteer teams.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Due All-in-one SaaS platform for incident reporting, shift scheduling, training management, and analytics tailored for volunteer fire departments. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | FirePro 360 Cloud-based scheduling and personnel management software designed specifically for volunteer firefighters and EMS. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Response Rack Integrated website, member database, training tracking, and operations management tool for volunteer fire and rescue departments. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Firehouse Software Comprehensive records management system handling incidents, inventory, payroll, and NFIRS reporting for fire departments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Active 911 Real-time mobile alerting and paging system that notifies volunteer responders instantly with incident details and maps. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | ESO Fire Cloud-native records management, CAD integration, and analytics suite for fire and EMS operations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | ImageTrend NFIRS-compliant incident reporting, patient care, and data analytics platform for public safety agencies. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | FireRMS Records management software for incident documentation, apparatus tracking, and compliance reporting in fire departments. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | AngelTrack Open-source inspired software for dispatch, billing, and operations management in volunteer fire and EMS nonprofits. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Fire Station Software Modular records management system covering rosters, inventory, maintenance, and reporting for fire stations. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
All-in-one SaaS platform for incident reporting, shift scheduling, training management, and analytics tailored for volunteer fire departments.
Cloud-based scheduling and personnel management software designed specifically for volunteer firefighters and EMS.
Integrated website, member database, training tracking, and operations management tool for volunteer fire and rescue departments.
Comprehensive records management system handling incidents, inventory, payroll, and NFIRS reporting for fire departments.
Real-time mobile alerting and paging system that notifies volunteer responders instantly with incident details and maps.
Cloud-native records management, CAD integration, and analytics suite for fire and EMS operations.
NFIRS-compliant incident reporting, patient care, and data analytics platform for public safety agencies.
Records management software for incident documentation, apparatus tracking, and compliance reporting in fire departments.
Open-source inspired software for dispatch, billing, and operations management in volunteer fire and EMS nonprofits.
Modular records management system covering rosters, inventory, maintenance, and reporting for fire stations.
First Due
specializedAll-in-one SaaS platform for incident reporting, shift scheduling, training management, and analytics tailored for volunteer fire departments.
Integrated real-time incident alerting with push notifications and live mapping for instant volunteer mobilization
First Due is a comprehensive cloud-based software platform tailored for fire departments, including volunteer fire departments, offering tools for incident management, NFIRS-compliant reporting, scheduling, personnel tracking, training, and inventory control. It enables seamless coordination through a mobile app that supports real-time dispatching, run reports, and apparatus status updates, crucial for on-call volunteers. The platform integrates GIS mapping and analytics to enhance response efficiency and decision-making.
Pros
- Robust mobile app with real-time alerts and GPS integration for volunteer responders
- Automated NFIRS reporting and compliance tools save significant administrative time
- All-in-one dashboard unifies scheduling, training, and inventory management
Cons
- Pricing scales with department size and can be costly for very small VFDs
- Initial setup requires data migration effort
- Advanced analytics may overwhelm users without dedicated IT support
Best For
Volunteer fire departments of any size looking for a scalable, mobile-first platform to streamline operations and improve response times.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $99/month for small departments, scaling based on users, stations, and features; free demo available.
FirePro 360
specializedCloud-based scheduling and personnel management software designed specifically for volunteer firefighters and EMS.
Real-time, automated scheduling engine with AI-driven shift filling and volunteer availability predictions
FirePro 360 is a cloud-based software platform tailored for volunteer fire departments, providing robust tools for personnel scheduling, training management, incident reporting, and NFIRS compliance. It includes a mobile app for real-time availability updates, call responses, and shift management, streamlining operations for on-call responders. The system also handles inventory tracking, maintenance scheduling, and department communications, offering a centralized hub for volunteer fire service needs.
Pros
- Highly customizable scheduling with real-time notifications and drag-and-drop interface
- Strong mobile app for volunteer responders to manage shifts on the go
- Comprehensive NFIRS reporting and training/certification tracking
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small departments under 20 members
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Limited integrations with some third-party dispatch systems
Best For
Mid-sized volunteer fire departments seeking advanced scheduling and mobile-first tools to improve response reliability.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on department size; starts around $199/month for small departments, scaling up to $1,500+/month for larger ones with full features.
Response Rack
specializedIntegrated website, member database, training tracking, and operations management tool for volunteer fire and rescue departments.
Real-time volunteer availability calendar with instant status updates via mobile app
Response Rack is a cloud-based software platform tailored for volunteer fire departments, EMS, and rescue squads, focusing on streamlining operations like personnel scheduling, training management, and incident reporting. It offers tools for real-time availability tracking, NFIRS-compliant reporting, and mobile access to keep volunteers connected during calls. The system emphasizes ease of volunteer coordination in understaffed environments, with features like automated notifications and roster management.
Pros
- Robust scheduling and real-time availability tools optimized for volunteers
- Strong NFIRS reporting and training tracking capabilities
- Affordable pricing model scaled for small departments
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited third-party integrations
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized volunteer fire departments seeking cost-effective scheduling and reporting without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $1.50 per active member/month (minimum 50 members), with Pro and Enterprise tiers up to $3/member/month including advanced features.
Firehouse Software
enterpriseComprehensive records management system handling incidents, inventory, payroll, and NFIRS reporting for fire departments.
Advanced NFIRS-compliant incident reporting with automated data validation and export
Firehouse Software is a veteran records management system (RMS) designed specifically for fire departments, including volunteer, career, and combination operations. It provides essential modules for incident reporting, personnel tracking, inventory management, training records, scheduling, and NFIRS compliance. The platform supports both desktop and web-based access, enabling efficient data handling and customizable reporting for departmental needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set covering incidents, personnel, inventory, and training
- Proven NFIRS compliance and robust reporting tools
- Scalable for small to large departments with customization options
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native solutions
- Steeper learning curve and setup time for new users
- Pricing may be steep for very small volunteer departments
Best For
Mid-sized volunteer fire departments requiring a reliable, feature-rich RMS with strong compliance and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on department size; typically $4,000-$15,000 initial license + annual maintenance fees around 15-20% of license cost.
Active 911
specializedReal-time mobile alerting and paging system that notifies volunteer responders instantly with incident details and maps.
Automatic CAD-synced push alerts with interactive maps and customizable responder paging
Active 911 is a mobile alerting platform tailored for fire departments, especially volunteers, that delivers real-time incident notifications directly to members' smartphones via push alerts, SMS, or pager. It integrates seamlessly with CAD systems to provide critical details like maps, hydrant locations, pre-plans, and apparatus assignments. The service also includes tools for group management, status updates, and strike team coordination to enhance response efficiency.
Pros
- Lightning-fast push notifications with embedded maps and incident details
- Simple setup and broad CAD integrations for quick deployment
- Robust mobile app supporting offline access to pre-plans and hydrants
Cons
- Primarily focused on alerting rather than full incident management or reporting
- Costs scale with department size, potentially expensive for large volunteer groups
- Relies heavily on cellular service, with occasional reports of delayed alerts
Best For
Small to mid-sized volunteer fire departments needing reliable, mobile-first incident alerting without complex dispatch software.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month for up to 20 members, then ~$1.25 per active user/month; annual discounts available.
ESO Fire
enterpriseCloud-native records management, CAD integration, and analytics suite for fire and EMS operations.
Automated, intelligent NFIRS reporting with one-click submissions and validation
ESO Fire is a robust cloud-based software platform designed for fire departments, offering comprehensive tools for incident reporting, NFIRS compliance, personnel scheduling, training management, and resource tracking. It includes mobile applications for on-scene documentation and integrates with CAD systems for seamless dispatch and response coordination. While scalable for various department sizes, it excels in data analytics and benchmarking to improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Automated NFIRS reporting saves significant administrative time
- Strong mobile app for field data capture and real-time updates
- Advanced analytics and benchmarking against peer departments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for smaller volunteer teams
- Pricing can be high for budget-constrained VFDs
- Overly complex for basic volunteer department needs
Best For
Mid-sized volunteer fire departments seeking enterprise-level reporting and analytics without full-time IT support.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $5,000-$10,000 annually for small departments, scaling with users, incidents, and modules; requires quote.
ImageTrend
enterpriseNFIRS-compliant incident reporting, patient care, and data analytics platform for public safety agencies.
Seamless, direct NFIRS integration with automated validation and national benchmarking
ImageTrend offers a robust suite of cloud-based software solutions tailored for fire and EMS agencies, including volunteer fire departments, with a strong emphasis on incident reporting, NFIRS compliance, and data analytics. Key modules cover patient care reporting, resource management, personnel scheduling, and apparatus maintenance, all accessible via web and mobile apps. It excels in interoperability, allowing seamless data sharing across agencies and integration with CAD systems for efficient operations.
Pros
- Superior NFIRS reporting and direct submission to national databases
- Powerful analytics and benchmarking tools for performance insights
- Mobile-first design for on-scene data capture and real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Custom pricing often too high for very small volunteer departments
- Volunteer-specific scheduling lacks some intuitive simplicity found in lighter tools
Best For
Mid-sized volunteer fire departments prioritizing regulatory compliance, detailed reporting, and data analytics over basic functionality.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on department size, modules, and users; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 annually for small VFDs (quote required).
FireRMS
specializedRecords management software for incident documentation, apparatus tracking, and compliance reporting in fire departments.
Integrated volunteer scheduling with automated notifications and availability tracking
FireRMS is a cloud-based records management system (RMS) tailored for fire departments, including volunteer operations, offering tools for incident reporting, personnel management, training tracking, and inventory control. It ensures NFIRS compliance with automated reporting and includes features like scheduling, GIS mapping, and a mobile app for field use. Designed to streamline administrative tasks, it supports volunteer fire departments by handling shift scheduling and certification tracking efficiently.
Pros
- NFIRS-compliant incident reporting with automated workflows
- Robust volunteer scheduling and personnel management tools
- Mobile app for real-time access and GIS integration
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking transparency
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited free trial or demo options for small departments
Best For
Small to mid-sized volunteer fire departments needing an all-in-one RMS for compliance and daily operations without extensive IT support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $99/month for small departments, scaling with users and features; no upfront costs mentioned.
AngelTrack
otherOpen-source inspired software for dispatch, billing, and operations management in volunteer fire and EMS nonprofits.
Powerful integrated billing engine that automates claims and maximizes reimbursements for volunteer EMS services.
AngelTrack is a web-based software platform tailored for EMS and ambulance services, particularly volunteer squads, offering dispatching, crew scheduling, electronic patient care reports (ePCRs), inventory management, and billing. It supports mobile access for responders and includes QA/QI tools to ensure compliance and efficiency. While excellent for EMS operations common in many volunteer fire departments, it lacks robust fire-specific features like NFIRS reporting or apparatus maintenance tracking.
Pros
- Strong EMS dispatching and scheduling for volunteers
- Integrated billing recovers revenue for non-profits
- Cloud-based with no installation and mobile-friendly access
Cons
- Limited support for fire incident reporting (e.g., no native NFIRS)
- Primarily EMS-focused, less ideal for fire-only departments
- Learning curve for advanced billing and QA features
Best For
Volunteer fire departments with heavy EMS transport responsibilities needing affordable operations and billing tools.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $125/month for small services, scales with active responders and vehicles (custom quotes available).
Fire Station Software
specializedModular records management system covering rosters, inventory, maintenance, and reporting for fire stations.
Volunteer-centric scheduling system that automatically accounts for member availability and notifies via email/text
Fire Station Software is a cloud-based management platform designed specifically for volunteer fire departments, offering tools for personnel scheduling, training records, inventory tracking, and incident reporting. It helps streamline daily operations, ensure compliance with NFIRS standards, and maintain apparatus maintenance logs. The software emphasizes affordability and simplicity for smaller departments without dedicated IT staff.
Pros
- Affordable per-user pricing model suitable for small budgets
- Comprehensive volunteer-specific tools like shift scheduling and availability tracking
- Strong focus on NFIRS-compliant incident reporting
Cons
- User interface appears dated and less intuitive than modern competitors
- Limited mobile app functionality, relying mostly on web access
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools like GIS or CAD systems
Best For
Small to medium volunteer fire departments seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly all-in-one solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $2.50 per active firefighter per month (minimum $50/month), with tiered plans based on department size and features.
Conclusion
The review of volunteer fire department software showcased tools with distinct strengths, led by First Due, which excels as the top choice with its all-in-one SaaS platform covering incident reporting, scheduling, training, and analytics. FirePro 360 stood out as a strong alternative for its specialized scheduling and personnel management, while Response Rack impressed with its integrated operations and member database tools. Together, these top three options demonstrate the best solutions for enhancing volunteer fire department efficiency.
Don’t wait—explore First Due to experience its comprehensive features firsthand and optimize your department’s operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison