The International Fire Photographers Association was organized in 1964 at the Chicago Fire Academy. This association of professional fire department photographers conducted its first training conference in 1965 with 150 delegate members from the United States and Canada. Conference attendees formed an organization for the primary purpose of advancing the effectiveness of fire photography. In 1965, the International Fire Photographers Association was officially formed.

Today, the International Fire Photographers Association magazine, the Fire Photographers Journal, reaches members throughout the United States, Canada and ten other countries. The Association established a Fire Photographers Certification Program that is available to all members. This program is divided into three levels of knowledge, education and expertise: Journeyman, Craftsman, and most honored, Master Fire Photographer. There are numerous training programs also available to the membership.