By: Emergent Team
Fire departments across the U.S. operate on vastly different scales, with some standing out for their size, resources, and the volume of emergencies they handle. These departments play critical roles in protecting millions of people and responding to fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and more. Here’s a look at the top 10 largest fire departments in the United States, ranked based on a combination of metrics, including the number of stations, personnel, and annual call volume.
1. New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
- Number of Stations: 255
- Personnel: 11,000+
- Annual Calls: 1.5+ million
FDNY is the largest and busiest fire department in the country. Covering all five boroughs of New York City, FDNY handles a vast range of emergencies, from skyscraper fires to hazardous material incidents. Its extensive network of firehouses and specialized units makes it a global leader in firefighting and emergency services.
2. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
- Number of Stations: 106
- Personnel: Approximately 3,500
- Annual Calls: Nearly 500,000
Serving the sprawling city of Los Angeles, LAFD faces unique challenges like wildfires, earthquakes, and high-rise incidents. Its diverse terrain and urban density demand specialized training and a robust fleet of apparatus.
3. Chicago Fire Department (CFD)
- Number of Stations: 96
- Personnel: 4,500+
- Annual Calls: 500,000+
As the fire department for America’s third-largest city, CFD manages emergencies in a dense urban environment filled with residential, commercial, and industrial risks. Its comprehensive training programs and strategic placement of resources allow it to respond effectively to a wide variety of incidents.
4. Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD)
- Number of Stations: 177
- Personnel: 4,900+
- Annual Calls: 400,000+
LACoFD serves over 2,300 square miles, covering everything from coastal cities to rural communities. It is especially known for its wildfire response capabilities and its extensive use of helicopters and other specialized equipment.
5. Houston Fire Department (HFD)
- Number of Stations: 94
- Personnel: 4,000+
- Annual Calls: 300,000+
HFD is the largest fire department in Texas, protecting a rapidly growing metropolitan area. With its high call volume and wide geographic coverage, HFD plays a vital role in both urban and industrial emergency response.
6. Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (DFR)
- Number of Stations: 59
- Personnel: 2,000+
- Annual Calls: 300,000+
Dallas Fire-Rescue handles emergencies in one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the U.S. Its firefighters are trained for a variety of scenarios, from medical emergencies to large-scale urban fires.
7. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR)
- Number of Stations: 71
- Personnel: 2,800+
- Annual Calls: 200,000+
MDFR serves one of the most densely populated regions in Florida, addressing emergencies in urban areas, coastal regions, and the Everglades. Its proximity to hurricane-prone areas makes disaster response a critical part of its operations.
8. Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD)
- Number of Stations: 63
- Personnel: Approximately 2,800
- Annual Calls: 350,000+
PFD is the oldest fire department in the U.S., with a history dating back to 1736. Today, it combines tradition with modern technology to serve Philadelphia’s diverse and historic neighborhoods.
9. Phoenix Fire Department
- Number of Stations: 58
- Personnel: Around 1,800
- Annual Calls: 400,000+
Phoenix Fire Department operates in one of the hottest regions in the country, making heat-related emergencies a common occurrence. Its firefighters are well-versed in managing incidents in extreme weather conditions.
10. San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD)
- Number of Stations: 45
- Personnel: Approximately 1,700
- Annual Calls: 150,000+
SFFD serves a dense urban area with a high risk of earthquakes and fires in older buildings. Its unique challenges include navigating steep hills and densely populated neighborhoods.
The Scale and Impact of America’s Largest Fire Departments
The largest fire departments in the United States demonstrate incredible operational capabilities and serve as benchmarks for emergency response excellence. Whether it’s FDNY’s massive call volume or LACoFD’s specialized wildfire response, these departments showcase the importance of resources, training, and coordination in protecting their communities.
Understanding the scale and operations of these departments highlights their vital role in ensuring public safety. Fire departments of all sizes can draw inspiration and lessons from their strategies and innovations.
Emergent’s Fleet Management and Incident Command Software modules are scalable to departments large and small, designed to streamline operations from rural volunteer departments to incorporated metro departments. Reach out today for a demo to see how Emergent can improve your department’s operations.
