South Bend Fire Department

About Us

Since the early origins of the city, the South Bend Fire Department has held a reputation as one of the finest Departments in the Midwest. The area’s first organized fire protection entity commenced operations on January 29, 1853, twelve years before the incorporation of the city. The group consisted of unpaid volunteers in two companies. By 1868, the department grew to include three engines, three hose companies, one hook and ladder company, and one bucket company. In 1887, the department officially became a full-time paid department. By the turn of the century, the South Bend Fire Department consisted of six fire stations answering approximately 200 calls for service.

As the city continued to expand and grow, so did the department. By 1960, at its peak, the department operated out of 15 fire stations covering 24 square miles and included over 300 employees.

The department presently employs 256 full-time firefighters in four divisions and serves a population of just over 103,000 in over 42 square miles. The department’s function has changed from exclusively fighting fires to an all-hazards emergency response service. Examples of functions provided by the South Bend Fire Department are fire suppression, emergency medical services, water rescue, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, fire investigation, building inspection, public education, and community paramedicine. In total, the South Bend Fire Department answers approximately 24,000 calls annually.