Safety Office | Fire Academy | Abatement Extinguishment | Aviation | Fire Fighting Forces
Safety Office
The Safety Office is directed by a Battalion Chief, and is responsible for: reviewing and evaluating all personnel injuries and vehicular accidents, developing programs to promote safe driving techniques and ensure safety on the fire/emergency site and in the workplace, and evaluating all protective firefighting clothing.
Fire Academy ( Directions )
The Philadelphia Fire Academy is directed by a Deputy Chief, and is responsible for training new firefighting candidates, and coordinating and administering the Department's in-service training and outreach programs.
Abatement Extinguishment
Reporting Non Emergencies
Non-emergency concerns may be communicated to the PFD by calling the Fire Communications Center directly at (215) 922-6000.Reporting Fire Emergencies
All fire emergencies should be reported through 911. In the event of a fire, city residents should dial 911.
The 911 operator will then contact the Fire Communications Center (FCC). The FCC will then begin the initial dispatch of the appropriate emergency personnel.The Fire Communications Center
The FCC is the dispatch unit of the Philadelphia Fire Department. The FCC receives information from 911, and sends the appropriate resources to the scene of the emergency. The FCC also maintains communication with dispatched emergency personnel to determine if additional emergency resources will be needed.Response Time
The Philadelphia Fire Department prides itself on an average response time of 4.5 minutes for Fire Engines and 6.5 minutes for Medic Squads.Abatement and Extinguishment Vehicles
- Their Staffing and Primary Responsibilities
Engine Companies
An engine company consists of a fire engine staffed by 1 officer and 3 firefighters. One of the three firefighters on every engine must be an Emergency Medical Technician. This requirement assures that each engine company responding to a fire will be staffed by an individual capable of applying life preserving measures if necessary until more advanced medical assistance arrives. Engine companies respond on average to about 1500 calls a year.Ladder Companies
The primary objectives of a ladder company are search and rescue. A ladder company consists of a ladder equipped fire vehicle staffed by 1 officer and 4 firefighters. All PFD ladder companies are presently equipped with the Jaws of Life extrication device.Marine Units
There are two PFD Marine Units: one for use on the Delaware River and one for use on the Schuylkill River. A Marine Unit will respond to any river-related emergency. Typical river-related emergencies include pier fires and search and rescue situations.
Each Marine Unit is staffed by 1 fire boat engineer and 1 fire boat pilot. A Marine Unit will always respond to an emergency with an accompanying land-based fire company. Marine Units come equipped with small "whaler boats" which can be staffed by two firefighters if needed. Whaler boats can be deployed for additional support when needed on both rivers.
Aviation Marine Units
The Airport/Marine Unit is directed by a Battalion Chief, and is responsible for firefighting/emergency services to the Philadelphia International Airport, the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, and the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers.
Fire Fighting Forces (Fire Houses by District )
The Firefighting Units are separated into two divisions (Division1 and 2) - a Field Deputy Chief directs each division. The Firefighting Units are responsible for all firefighting operations, hazardous materials incidents, and delivery of emergency medical services.
