!!! Welcome !!!

Welcome to Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES). Feel free to page through our website and learn a little about the people on the other end of the phone when you have a fire, medical emergency, or other hazardous condition. Please take the time to also look at our information on fire safety and other educational program links.

PFRES, organized in 1830, is one of the oldest professional departments on the eastern seaboard. We are a consistent leader in modern fire suppression techniques, fire prevention, emergency medical services and public education. The department is staffed with 242 highly-trained firefighters, paramedics and support personnel who respond to approximately 17,000 calls for service each year.

Our department provides a wide range of comprehensive emergency services including fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and mitigation, heavy and technical rescue, maritime incident response, emergency management and disaster planning, arson and environmental crime investigation and public education.

PFRES operates out of eight fire stations strategically located throughout the city to minimize response times. Administrative offices are located in the Old Town area of Portsmouth. Operational equipment operated by the department includes:

• Nine Engine Companies

• Three Ladder Companies

• One Technical Rescue Company

• Two Fire Boats

• Five ALS Medic Units

• One EMS Supervisor 

• Hazardous Materials Response Team

• Marine Incident Response Team

Resources are divided into two response districts, each commanded by a District Battalion Chief. Ambulances and their crews operate under the direction of an Emergency Medical Supervisor. Operations personnel operate in a three platoon rotation.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact the department at 757-393-8689 to schedule a station visit or to request a visit by a fire company to your class, church or civic group.

(Mission and Vision)
(Department Newsletters)