International Firefighters Assistance, Inc.

International Firefighters Assistance, Inc. (IFA) is a non- profit organization that provides humanitarian assistance, support, education and training to firefighters and emergency rescue workers in underprivileged countries. Through our relief programs, we hope to strengthen local communities by assisting its citizens to better prepare for emergencies and disasters. Our target country for the moment is the Republic of Haiti.

Many developing countries' public servants lack the necessary protective equipment and tools used to support the local communities during emergency situations. One of IFA's primary roles is to distribute donated firefighting, EMS, and public safety resources and equipment to those in need in developing regions of the world. IFA has been recently involved in delivering donated personal protective equipment to firefighters in the Republic of Haiti.

Beyond the need for equipment, many of these developing fire and rescue departments lack the vital element of training and instruction on proper use of the equipment and resources. IFA is committed, through training missions and continuous consultation, to aid members of these departments on how to properly use the donated equipment as well as techniques that may be helpful to local communities during emergency situations. Through IFA, members of U.S. fire and rescue departments have held classes in the Republic of Haiti instructing local workers on how to handle swift water and technical rescues as well as how to properly use their firefighting gear to protect themselves during fire suppression activities.

IFA has developed CEPP to assist communities in taking care of themselves in the aftermath of a major disaster when first responders are overwhelmed or unable to respond because of communication, transportation difficulties or delay.

This program will help strengthen local communities by teaching citizens the necessary skills needed to deal with emergencies and how to better prepare for disasters. CEPP will enable citizens of underprivileged countries to become more independent and not rely solely on the government during a crisis.

FAVACA will be acting as the fiscal sponsor for IFA until they receive their 501c3 status.  To make donations to IFA, please click here.