What We Do
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire was established on April 1, 1882 as a paid department with four engine companies, one truck company, 38 firefighters and one Fire Chief.
Today we operate three engine companies, one truck company and have a total of 74 uniformed personnel.
The Suppression Division accounts for the largest number of Fire Bureau personnel. The personnel assigned to Suppression are responsible for all emergency responses. There are three fire stations across the City and each is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2018, we responded to 3,855 calls for service.
The Fire Marshal division is comprised of one Fire Marshal and three Assistant Fire Marshals. The Fire Marshal Division works closely with Suppression to reduce the frequency and severity of fires and other life safety incidents.
Other divisions include Administrative Services, Maintenance, and Special Operations. The Administrative Services Division is responsible for recruitment, promotions, training, procurement, and personnel. Fleet maintenance is the sole responsibility of the Maintenance Division while Special Operations encompasses the Foam Task Force, hazardous materials and mass decontamination.
Services We Provide
The Fire Marshal Division works with residents and business owners on a variety of instances including inspections, permits, licensing, smoke detector installations and community outreach/education.
Fire Marshals are a resource for on-site fire and emergency planning for business, light industry and other commercial locations when consulted. The Fire Bureau maintains comprehensive and recurring inspection programs for school, day care, assembly, mercantile and other occupancies all subject to the currently adopted fire code provisions.