Fargo Fire Department
| "Professionalism, Commitment to quality, Pride in your work, Responsibility, Accountability, and Integrity" | |
| Operational area | |
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  North Dakota |
| County |  Cass |
| City | Fargo |
| Agency overview | |
| Established | 1875 |
| Annual calls | 14,200+ (2024) |
| Employees | 125[1] |
| Staffing | Career |
| Fire chief | Gary Lorenz |
| EMS level | BLS |
| IAFF | 642 |
| Facilities and equipment | |
| Battalions | 2 |
| Stations | 8 |
| Engines | 8 |
| Trucks | 2 |
| HAZMAT | 1 |
| USAR | 1 |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
The Fargo Fire Department (FFD) is the principal fire and emergency services agency serving the city of Fargo, North Dakota. It provides fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical support services. The department is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and holds an ISO Class 1 rating.[2]
History
Volunteer Era (1875–1903)
Fargo appointed its first fire wardens in 1875. Early firefighting efforts included bucket brigades and volunteer companies such as the Pioneer Fire Company and Continental Hose Company No. 1. John Haggart served as the first official fire chief beginning in 1880.[3]
Great Fargo Fire (1893)
On June 7, 1893, a massive fire swept through 31 blocks of downtown Fargo, destroying over 200 buildings. This incident prompted reforms in building codes, fire prevention practices, and ultimately led to the department becoming fully professional.[4]
Professionalization and Modernization
In 1903, Fargo transitioned to a career department under Chief J.W. Sutherland. By 1916, the department had introduced its first motorized fire apparatus.[3]
Organization and Divisions
FFD is organized into four core divisions:[2]
- Operations Division – Manages emergency responses to fires, rescues, EMS calls, and hazardous incidents.
- Fire Prevention Division – Conducts inspections, code enforcement, public education, and fire investigations.
- Training Division – Provides firefighter certification and ongoing training in fire suppression, EMT, technical rescue, and hazardous materials.
- Emergency Management Division – Coordinates Fargo’s emergency preparedness and interagency cooperation.
Apparatus and Stations
As of 2025, the Fargo Fire Department operates eight stations throughout the city:[5]
| Station | Address | Core Apparatus | Specialty Apparatus | Battalion | Area Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 637 NP Avenue | Engine 801, Battalion 1 | Rescue Boat | 1 | Downtown |
| 2 | 3020 25th St S | Engine 802 | 2 | Southeast Fargo | |
| 3 | 1101 25th Ave N | Engine 803 | 1 | North Fargo & NDSU Campus | |
| 4 | 2701 1st Ave N | Engine 804, Truck 1 | 1 | Westside Fargo | |
| 5 | 930 40th St S | Engine 805 | 1 | West Acres | |
| 6 | 4630 15th Ave N | Engine 806 | USAR 856 | 1 | Industrial Park |
| 7 | 3957 Village Ln S | Engine 807, Truck 2, Battalion 2 | HazMat 857 | 2 | Osgood |
| 8 | 6617 33rd St S | Engine 808 | 2 | South Fargo |
Advanced life support and EMS transport in the City of Fargo is provided by Sanford Ambulance.
Accreditation and Ratings
The Fargo Fire Department received international accreditation through CFAI in 2010 and has maintained this status since. It also holds an ISO Class 1 rating, placing it among an elite group of U.S. fire departments.[6]
Mutual Aid and Regional Response
FFD participates in regional emergency response networks in Cass County and the greater Red River Valley. It offers hazmat and technical rescue capabilities to nearby jurisdictions in both North Dakota and Minnesota.[7]
Community Programs
The department conducts community outreach programs including:
- Free smoke alarm installation
- CPR and first aid classes
- Fire station tours
- Fire safety programs in schools
Notable Incidents
- 1893 Great Fargo Fire: Resulted in major policy and structural changes.
References
- ↑ "Fargo Fire Department Team". City of Fargo. Retrieved July 23, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Fargo Fire Department". City of Fargo. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Fargo Fire Department History". City of Fargo. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Fargo's Conflagration (1893)". Fargo History Project. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Fire Stations". City of Fargo. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Fargo Fire Department Pursues Continued Accreditation". City of Fargo. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ↑ "Community Risk Assessment: Standards of Cover" (PDF). City of Fargo. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
External links
References
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