The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters represents more than 5000 fire service personnel throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, organized in 96 chapters.
In September 1969, black and minority fire fighters of all ranks from municipalities across the United States met in New York City for two days of discussion on various problems and injustices affecting African-American firefighters: the recruitment of black youth into the fire service, firefighters-community relations with special emphasis on relations with the residents of neighborhoods inhabited by blacks, inter-group relations and practices in fire departments, and the need to improve fire prevention programs in the areas of greatest need. The meeting resulted in the founding of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters. In October 1970, the first convention of Black Professional Fire Fighters was held in Hartford, Connecticut. Its current president is Joseph Muhammad.