Fire Rescue in Fort Lauderdale

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Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR), established in 1912, is a legally recognized agency serving the City of Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and the Town of Lazy Lake. With a proud history dating back over a century, FLFR has grown from a volunteer-driven operation to a full-service fire and rescue department, now comprised of 428 uniformed personnel.

Mission and Vision

FLFR is committed to saving life and property by providing the highest level of emergency services. Its vision is to be recognized as an internationally accredited agency, exemplifying PRIDE in its service to the community:
  • Professionalism: Adaptable, sustainable, and well-equipped services.
  • Responsibility: Supporting employee health, wellness, and career development.
  • Integrity: Enhanced communications, public education, and outreach.
  • Diversity: Reflecting and relating to the community served.
  • Empathy: Delivering customer service that meets or exceeds expectations.

Services & Operations

FLFR operates 12 fire stations and is the busiest fire rescue agency in Broward County, responding to over 55,000 calls for service annually. The department’s fleet includes:

  • 12 Fire Suppression Units
  • 3 Aerial Ladder Trucks
  • 17 Medical Rescue Units (MRUs)
  • 1 Heavy Rescue Squad
  • 1 Airport Truck
  • 1 Hazardous Materials Unit
  • 2 Fireboats

FLFR offers a comprehensive range of emergency and support services, including:

  • Fire suppression and prevention
  • ALS/BLS emergency medical transport
  • Fire investigation and origin/cause determination
  • Hazardous materials response
  • Dive, marine, technical high angle, trench, and confined space rescue
  • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Medical support
  • Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF)
  • Ocean Rescue: 20 lifeguard towers staffed seven days a week, protecting over 3.5 million visitors annually
FLFR also conducts fire prevention inspections for commercial and multifamily properties, reviews building plans for fire code compliance, and investigates fire origins and causes.

Emergency Management

FLFR leads **emergency management planning** for the city, operating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and supervising Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to ensure prompt and effective response and recovery during major emergencies and disasters.

Organizational Structure

FLFR is organized into two main divisions:

1. Office of the Chief
2. Fire Rescue

Both divisions are supported by four functional bureaus:
  • Emergency Service Operations: Fire/EMS response, special operations, staffing, communications, USAR, Ocean Rescue, station inspections
  • Strategic Prevention Services: Fire prevention, emergency management, fire plans review, accident review, accreditation and professional standards
  • Support Services: Technology, hiring & recruitment, research & development, fire logistics
  • Training/EMS: Labor management, legal, capital projects, EMS bureau, mobile integrated health, professional development, health, safety & wellness, C.O.R.E. program
Each bureau is overseen by a Deputy Fire Chief and organized into smaller units to ensure efficient management and support.

Community Commitment

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is dedicated to fastest unit response (FUR), partnering with neighboring agencies to ensure the fastest possible emergency response. The agency also implements advanced medical protocols, such as induced hypothermia (ICE alert) and a STEMI program for cardiac emergencies.

Saving Life and Property Since 1912—FLFR continues to evolve, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors through professionalism, innovation, and community-focused service.