Overview

For a brief introduction and orientation to the Department, please click here.

The Portsmouth Fire Department is a full-time, all-hazards, career fire and emergency services organization that serves the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Heavy tourism and a healthy work force increases the service population of the PFD. The Department is operated by a three-member Board of Fire Commissioners under a Council / Manager form of Government. The fire department is made up of 48 firefighters, 8 lieutenants, 4 captains, 2 fire prevention officers, 1 deputy chief, 1 assistant chief, 1 chief, 1 executive assistant, and 1 part-time secretary. The Portsmouth Fire Department responds to over 4800 request for services a year. The types of emergency and community requests consist of medical responses, motor vehicle accidents, structure and vehicle fires, fire alarm activations and services related to weather events such as flooding, lightning strikes and power lines down.

The department maintains three fire stations staffed 24 hours a day. Located in the historic downtown district, Station 1 houses the administrative and prevention offices, Engine and Ambulance Company 1 and command support resources. In the southern portion of the city, Station 2 houses Tower 5, Ladder 2, and Ambulance 2. Station 3, at the Pease International Trade Port, houses Engine and Ambulance Company 3 and Rescue 7. A forestry unit, rescue boat, two reserve engines, and a reserve ambulance compliment the fleet.

Firefighting personnel are constantly engaged in firefighting, emergency medical and rescue training. Through the support of the community and city officials, along with the dedication of the employees, the department is staffed with advanced EMTs and paramedics, NH Fire Standards and Training certified Firefighters, and highly credentialed shift and staff officers. Achieving and maintaining an educated and high caliber force ensures that the Portsmouth Fire Department is always poised to protect a diverse community.

The Fire Prevention Division is committed to the reduction of loss of life and the destruction of property from fire through fire safety education, code adoption and enforcement, property surveys, and investigation of fires.

Programs available through the Division include residential and commercial safety inspections, fire extinguisher and safety classes, and fire station tours