Welcome to the Salem Fire Department's website. We are proud to serve the residents of Salem and those that visit our community. Today's fire service is much more than just a "fire department" and in 2018 we re-examined our mission statement of what it is we do for the community, and the members came back with a most resounding, accurate answer "We are here to help."
Our motto has always been and will continue to be, "if you call us with a problem, we will do everything we can to help you." We hope you enjoy browsing our site and learning more about Salem Fire.
Overview
Today, the Salem Fire Department employs 83 men and women who are dedicated to protecting and serving the town and its visitors, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Salem Fire Department serves multiple roles in the community; providing Fire Suppression, Emergency Ambulance Transport, Fire Prevention, Inspectional Services and Education, Fire Alarm and Communications, as well as Disaster Control Services. Salem Firefighters also are trained in a number of specialized services including; serving on regional teams including hazardous material, specialized technical rescue situations, and Emergency Medical Services for the regional SOU team.
Shift Personnel
Salem Fire Department provides 18 personnel on duty 24 hours a day to respond to any request for help. These members are assigned to one of 3 fire stations and operate the apparatus designated at that station. Station 1 operates with 9 personnel, Station 2 with 3 personnel, and Station 3 with 5 personnel. Station 2 personnel operate the designated apparatus by "cross-staffing" their assigned units. What this means is that in Station 2, if the request for help is a medical aid - the 3 personnel take the Rescue. If the request for help is a fire call - the 3 personnel take the Engine. Station 3 personnel staff the Tower Ladder and Rescue, there is also a reserve Engine in quarters. We also have a minimum of 1 Fire Alarm Operator on duty 24/7.
Fire Response
In 2018 Salem Fire responded to 5,605 requests for help. This number represents an all-time high. We have experienced a greater than 80% increase in responses since 1990, which has stretched our fire department to its limits. For our department to continue to provide the community with rapid response times, additional firefighters have been requested by the Chief of the Department.
Awarded Funding
In 2017 the Salem Fire Department was awarded a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) for $1.5 million dollars to hire an additional 8 firefighters. With this award, the Chief of Department has begun to put in place the staffing it will take to ensure that our fire department provides the best services possible now, and in the future of our Town.
