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  1. Home

Detroit Fire Department

We’re here for you when emergency strikes.

The Detroit Fire Department provides a safe environment for Detroit’s citizens and visitors through public education enforcement of fire codes and deployment of efficient emergency response resources. 

DFD Environmental Audit Report


Hands Only CPR

Learn CPR using Hands Only


Detroit Fire Marshal Permit Invoices

Search by invoice number received


Job Subscription

Select job category to receive information for upcoming jobs


Fire Hydrant Use Information

Learn how to apply for the use of fire hydrants and more.


Job Openings

Current Fire Department job openings

CONTACTS

Detroit Fire Department
911, (313) 596-2900, Fax: (313) 224-4128
[email protected]
Emergency Medical Services
(313) 596-5180, For Medical Records Call:, (313) 224-4550
Detroit Public Safety Headquarters 1301 3rd Street Detroit, MI 48226
DFD Instagram
DFD Twitter
DFD Facebook

Sections

Fire Operations
Emergency Medical Services
Fire Marshal Division
Communications
Fire/Arson Investigation
Detroit Regional Training Center
Community Relations

News & Events

Nov 30
Badge Pinning & Graduation Ceremony
Event

 

Nov 10
City of Detroit to observe Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11
News

City of Detroit to observe Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11

Oct 09
Detroit fire department to host fire prevention week activities October 9
News

Detroit fire department to host fire prevention week activities October 9

MORE EVENTS
MORE NEWS

Featured

2PM: Mayor Duggan to update on City's Flood Response and announce new contract with Detroit Fire Fighters Association News
Mayor, Fire administration and Detroit Fire Fighter Association announce five-year tentative agreement with pay raises for firefighters & EMTs, reduced work week News
City of Detroit Announces Street Closures, Bus Reroutes and Parking for America's Thanksgiving Parade, Turkey Trot and Lions Game Nov. 25 News
City of Detroit offices scheduled to be closed Nov. 25 & 26 for Thanksgiving holiday News
City to conduct search for new Fire Commissioner as Mayor says department is ready for a new direction News

Updated

Detroit Fire Department Page
Chief James C. Harris Contact
Emergency Medical Services Contact

Contacts

Fire Operations
(313) 596-2920
Emergency Medical Services
(313) 596-5180, For Medical Records Call:, (313) 224-4550
Fire Marshal’s Division & Fire Prevention
Detroit Public Safety Headquarters 1301 3rd St Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 596-2961
Fire/Arson Investigation
(313) 596-2940, Fax: (313) 596-5173
[email protected]
Training Division
Fire: (313) 237-2775, EMS: (313) 237-3111, Fax: (313) 237-3177
Community Relations
(313) 596-2959
Office/Records
(313) 596-2963
Plan Review
(313) 224-1311

Related Links

National Fire Protection Association

Detroit Fire Department FAQ

How many people die in residential fires each year?

Unfortunately, Detroit has an average of 47 residential fire deaths each year. More importantly, the majority of the victims are children and senior citizens. Many of these fatalities occur as a direct result of a careless smoker, a careless cook, improper use of auxiliary heating appliances, or a child with a match (inadequate supervision of children). Most of the homes are not equipped with smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are an early warning detection device when there is a fire and can save lives. Every home should have at least one smoke alarm on each floor level, because the sooner the fire is discovered the greater the chance of saving lives and property. You can’t rely on a fire engine to save your life.

What is your department's average response time to fires?

Our average response time to fires is 6 minutes 59 seconds.

What is a typical workday for a firefighter?

The Commanding Officer assigns fire station duties to the crew for that day. Duties include cooking, cleaning, monitoring the dispatch radio, flag mounting, attendance reporting, and hydrant inspecting. Firefighters also participate in community events and in-service training activities. The in-service training involves classroom instruction and hands-on training at the fire station and/or the Department Training Academy. Emergency incidents may interrupt assigned duties, such as emergency and non-emergency incidents, which includes but are not limited to residential, commercial, vehicle, trash fires, and false alarms. Firefighters are permitted to rest and sleep during their 24-hour tour of duty.

How many firefighters are at each fire station?

The number of firefighters assigned to a firehouse can range from four (4) to twelve (12).  The number of Firefighters at any given firehouse varies according to the amount of apparatus assigned to the firehouse. There will be at least 4 firefighters who work 24 hours a day per Engine, Ladder, or Tactical Mobile Squad. Medic vehicles are staffed with a minimum of 1 paramedic and one (1) emergency medical technician who works 12-hour shifts around the clock. 

How many fire engines does each firehouse have?

There are 46 firehouses and 80% of the firehouses have at least one fire engine.

How many fire stations are in the city of Detroit?

There are 46 firehouses strategically located throughout the city.

How do I obtain a copy of a fire report?

Obtaining a fire report:

  1. A fire report may be obtained 24hrs. after a fire incident by calling Fire Marshal Budget Operations
  2. In order to obtain a fire report you must be able to show proof of residency or ownership
  3. Fire reports can be picked up at the Fire Marshal Budget Operations Office.
  4. 3rd party adjusters and non owners can also contact Fire Marshal Budget Operations for more info.

Location

Fire Marshal Budget Operations Office

How does a person become a Detroit firefighter?

The City of Detroit establishes an eligibility list for the position of Firefighter every two years or as economic budget constraints allows and through a selection process.

The selection process:

  1. Application

    Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. (at time of appointment). The Detroit Civil Service Commission will notify applicants of the time and place to report for your examinations.

  2. (Phase 1) Written Exam (Phase 2) Physical Capability Testing and Oral Assessment

    The initial testing will be conducted under the direction of the Detroit Municipal Civil Service Commission. Those applicants who score sufficiently high enough will proceed to the next level. Prior to the test, preparation materials will be provided.

  3. Background Investigation

    A personal history questionnaire will be required from each candidate along with a pre-interview and fingerprints. Candidates also will sign waivers allowing the Background Officer to conduct an extensive background investigation. At this time, the candidate must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D.

  4. Oral Interview

    The candidate will be required to go before an Oral Interview Board consisting of Fire Department and Human Resources representatives.

  5. Medical/Stress Evaluation

    This step will involve a physical examination including vision and cardiovascular stress tests. Candidates must be free of dependence and addiction to narcotics, alcohol or other controlled substances. The vision requirements state that vision must be correctable to 20/30 and no more than 20/100 binocular uncorrected in each eye.

  6. Appointment

    Firefighter candidate names will be submitted to the Executive Fire Commissioner for final selection and appointment to the Detroit Fire Department’s Training Academy. Fire candidates will be notified by letter of an appointment date to report to the Fire Academy. Fire recruits will be required to successfully complete approximately five months of paid training when they enter the Detroit Fire Academy. All trainees will be required to successfully complete a one-year probation from date of appointment.

Documents

Detroit Fire Department Environmental Audit Report

Detroit Fire Department Environmental Audit Report

Find a Fire Station

The list of all Fire Department Properties

Fire Permits Information

A permit that is required by Section 1-16.16 of the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA 1) Fire Prevention Code shall be obtained from the Fire

Newsletters

DFD Newsletter - Fall 2022

DFD Newsletter - Fall 2022

Fire Operations

The Detroit Fire Department provides a safe environment for Detroit’s citizens and visitors through public education enforcement of fire codes and deployment of efficient emergency response resources.

Emergency Medical Services

The Detroit Fire Department began providing dedicated ambulance treatment and transport services in the summer of 1972, with the mission to provide the citizens and visitors of Detroit with compassionate and professional emergency medical care.  

Medical Emergency

Medical Emergency

Fire Marshal Division

The mission of the Detroit Fire Department Fire Marshal Division is to provide the citizens and visitors of Detroit with the highest level of fire prevention using standards and guidelines set forth by the Michigan Building Code, City Ordinance and the NFPA for the purpose of fire prevention inspections, code enforcement, plan review, investigation and public education, all delivered with quality and outstanding customer service.

Safe Fireworks

Information on how to safely handle fireworks

Fire Prevention

Information about Fire Prevention

Plans and Exams

The Plans and Exams section of the Detroit Fire Department is responsible for analyzing all life safety and fire protection aspects of new construction, change of use, and major renovation for comm

Communications

Communications Division have a total of 30 Fire/EMS Dispatchers who dispatch Fire and EMS Responders for the City of Detroit when someone dials 9-1-1.

Fire/Arson Investigation

The Fire and Arson Investigation Division investigate fire incidents within the city of Detroit to understand how and why they started.

Detroit Regional Training Center

   
Fire Department Training aims to enhance the ability of the first responders that deliver emergency services to the citizens and visitors of the State of Michigan.

Community Relations

The mission of the Community Relations Division is to provide a safe environment for our customers through public education and community awareness programs to reduce burn  injuries and fatalities

Mobile Fire Safety House

Information about the Mobile Fire Safety House and how the Fire Department uses it as an educational tool.

Fire Department Speakers

How to request a speaking engagement from the Detroit Fire Department

Smoke Detectors

Information about the DFD Smoke Alarm Program

Fire Safety Tips

Fire Safety Tips

Holiday Fire Safety

Tips for fire safety during the holidays.

DFD Community Event Programs

Information on community events offered by the Detroit Fire Department.

Change your Clock, Change your Battery

Change your Clock, Change your Battery

Firehouse Tours

Firehouse Tours

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