Office of the State Fire Commissioner – Harrisburg, PA

Office of the State Fire Commissioner

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) is the primary state agency responsible for supporting Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency services. Headquartered at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) building on Elmerton Avenue, the Commissioner acts as the state’s advocate for the fire service, overseeing training, funding, and safety programs. The office serves over 2,400 fire departments across the Commonwealth, the vast majority of which are volunteer-run.

Support and Training Services

OSFC manages critical programs to ensure firefighters are well-trained and well-equipped.

• State Fire Academy: While the physical academy is in Lewistown, the Harrisburg office coordinates the statewide curriculum and certification for thousands of responders.
• Grants and Loans: Administers the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program (FCEMS) and low-interest loans for purchasing apparatus and upgrading facilities.
• PennFIRS: Manages the Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System, collecting data on fire incidents to improve safety strategies.
• Act 172 Incentives: Oversees the tax credit program for volunteer firefighters.

Facility Information

The office is located within the PEMA headquarters, a secure facility. Visitors must have an appointment and pass through security. The location serves as the administrative hub; actual fire training takes place at the Academy or local level. The Commissioner also coordinates the State Fire Marshal’s duties in conjunction with the State Police.