Safety Stand Down returns June 14-20 with the theme “Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life”
Safety Stand Down 2026 will take place June 14-20, encouraging fire departments and emergency response organizations across the country to focus training and education efforts on firefighter fitness under the theme “Firefighter FITNESS: Fit to Serve, Fit for Life.”
The annual initiative highlights the critical role physical fitness plays in keeping responders healthy, safe and prepared to serve their communities. Organizers are providing a range of new resources to help departments plan and implement Safety Stand Down activities throughout the week.
This year’s program is structured around seven daily topics designed to guide responders through the foundations of physical fitness and support sustainable wellness practices throughout the year. The daily themes are Foundations of Firefighter Fitness, Intentional, Technique, Nutrition, Evaluation, Sleep and Strategies for Success.
Departments can participate in the full Safety Stand Down week from June 14-20 or use the event as a starting point for fitness-focused training and education that continues over the following weeks and months.
To support implementation, the Safety Stand Down website offers a variety of tools and resources, including:
Short videos introducing each day’s theme
Two-page infographics for training and discussion
Educational modules for training sessions
Research SCANs that translate foundational research into practical applications
Activity ideas for departments
Webinars, articles and podcasts exploring the 2026 theme
Additional resources and training materials that reinforce key fitness messages
As part of this year’s initiative, responders are also encouraged to take the Safety Stand Down Quiz to test their knowledge of firefighter fitness and wellness. Individuals who complete the quiz by June 30 will be eligible to enter a drawing for one of 200 limited-edition challenge coins. Departments can incorporate the quiz into their Safety Stand Down activities to promote engagement and learning.
Additional information, planning resources and the Safety Stand Down Quiz are available at safetystanddown.org.
Safety Stand Down is a joint initiative of the National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health, and Survival Section, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Fire Protection Association and Fire Department Safety Officers Association.