The third International Firefighter and EMS Safety Stand Down will be expanded from one day to one week this year to allow fire departments maximum flexibility for participating in the exercise. Sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the IAFC's Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, the stand down will be held June 17-23 and feature the theme "Ready to Respond."

The stand down includes both weekends so all firefighters can take part, whether career or volunteer. In addition to the expanded schedule, emergency medical services have been added because of the integral role EMS plays in emergency response. Fire and EMS departments are urged to save this date and plan to participate in the event.

It is estimated that up to 10,000 fire departments participated in the last International Fire Fighter Safety Stand Down.

"Sadly, 106 firefighters died in the line of duty last year. We must continue to take dramatic steps to reduce these alarmingly high firefighter deaths and injuries. We have already lost 18 firefighters this year and we need to do everything within our power to keep our first responders safe," said IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes in a press release. "Use the stand down to keep the focus on the safety and well-being of our firefighters."

The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the EMS Section will be providing recommended activities and resources online at www.iafc.org/standdown.