Detroit Fire Department

Our Mission

Under the leadership of Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms, the Detroit Fire Department is committed to protecting the lives, property, and well-being of the residents and visitors of Detroit. Through dedicated service, rapid emergency response, fire prevention, and public education, we strive to ensure the highest level of safety for our community. With courage, professionalism, and integrity, we work as a team to save lives, reduce risks, and uphold our proud tradition of excellence.

Each of the Detroit Fire Department’s specialized divisions play a critical role in our mission. Fire Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation, Training, Communications, and Community Relations—work together to provide comprehensive emergency response, education, and public safety initiatives to the city of Detroit.

We are Detroit Fire.

Detroit Fire Department FAQs

How does a person become a Detroit firefighter?

The City of Detroit establishes an eligibility list for the position of Firefighter every two years or as economic budget constraints allows and through a selection process.

The selection process:

Application
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. (at time of appointment). The Detroit Civil Service Commission will notify applicants of the time and place to report for your examinations.
(Phase 1) Written Exam (Phase 2) Physical Capability Testing and Oral Assessment
The initial testing will be conducted under the direction of the Detroit Municipal Civil Service Commission. Those applicants who score sufficiently high enough will proceed to the next level. Information about the CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test) can be found here.
Background Investigation
A personal history questionnaire will be required from each candidate along with a pre-interview and fingerprints. Candidates also will sign waivers allowing the Background Officer to conduct an extensive background investigation. At this time, the candidate must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D.
Oral Interview
The candidate will be required to go before an Oral Interview Board consisting of Fire Department and Human Resources representatives.
Medical/Stress and Psychological Evaluation
This step will involve a physical examination including vision and cardiovascular stress tests. Candidates must be free of dependence and addiction to narcotics, alcohol or other controlled substances. The vision requirements state that vision must be correctable to 20/30 and no more than 20/100 binocular uncorrected in each eye. Candidates will also be evaluated for psychological fitness for a career in emergency services.
Appointment
Firefighter candidate names will be submitted to the Executive Fire Commissioner for final selection and appointment to the Detroit Fire Department’s Training Academy. Fire candidates will be notified by letter of an appointment date to report to the Fire Academy. Fire recruits will be required to successfully complete approximately five months of paid training when they enter the Detroit Fire Academy. All trainees will be required to successfully complete a one-year probation from date of appointment.

How do I obtain a copy of a fire report?

A fire report may be obtained 24 hours after a fire incident by calling the Fire Marshal Budget Operations Office , or by emailing [email protected].

You may call 313.596.2954 for emergency circumstances fire report requests, Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm.

What is a typical workday for a firefighter?

The Commanding Officer assigns fire station duties to the crew for that day. Duties include cooking, cleaning, monitoring the dispatch radio, flag mounting, attendance reporting, and hydrant inspecting. Firefighters also participate in community events and in-service training activities. The in-service training involves classroom instruction and hands-on training at the fire station and/or the Department Training Academy. Emergency incidents may interrupt assigned duties, such as emergency and non-emergency incidents, which includes but are not limited to residential, commercial, vehicle, and trash fires as well as medical calls and spills or leaks of hazardous materials. Firefighters are permitted to rest and sleep during their 24-hour tour of duty which is split between Fire and EMS apparatus.

How many firefighters are at each fire station?

The number of firefighters assigned to a firehouse can range from four (4) to twelve (12). The number of Firefighters at any given firehouse varies according to the amount of apparatus assigned to the firehouse. There will be at least 4 firefighters who work 24 hours a day per Engine, Ladder, or Tactical Mobile Squad. Medic vehicles are staffed with a minimum of 1 paramedic and one (1) emergency medical technician who works 12-hour shifts around the clock.

How many fire stations are in the city of Detroit?

There are 36 firehouses strategically located throughout the city.

City of Detroit

Services

Our Mission

News & Events

Detroit Fire Department FAQs

The selection process:

Documents

2024 Annual Surveillance Technology Use Report

2024 Annual Surveillance Technology Procurement Report

Cardiac Arrest Vs. Heart Attack Flyer

Joining the safety series

2023 Annual Surveillance Technology Procurement Report

2023 Annual Surveillance Technology Use Report

Newsletters

DFD Newsletter - Winter 2025

Contacts City Directory

Detroit Fire Department

Services

Our Mission

News & Events

Related Links

The selection process:

Documents

Newsletters

Contacts City Directory