Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service

The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) provides fire protection, emergency medical response and rescue services to the city of Birmingham, Alabama. It is the largest fire department in the state of Alabama and a key part of the city’s public-safety operations.

What the Department Does

BFRS responds to structure and vehicle fires, medical emergencies, hazardous-materials incidents, technical rescues and other emergencies across Birmingham. Beyond emergency response, the department conducts fire-prevention and inspection work, public fire-safety education, and community outreach. As a combined fire and rescue agency, many of its calls are emergency medical responses in addition to fire suppression.

Emergency Medical and Specialized Response

A large share of modern fire-department calls are medical rather than fire-related, and BFRS crews are trained to provide emergency medical care alongside fire suppression. The department also maintains specialized capabilities for incidents that require more than standard equipment, including hazardous-materials handling and technical rescue. This breadth means a single station may respond to a house fire, a car crash and a medical emergency in the same shift.

Size and Stations

The department operates roughly 32 fire stations distributed across Birmingham’s neighborhoods and employs approximately 700 personnel, including firefighters, paramedics and support staff. This network of stations is designed to provide timely response coverage throughout the city, with station locations spread so that crews can reach most areas quickly.

Leadership

As of 2026, the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service is led by Fire Chief Cory Moon, a longtime member of the department with more than 25 years of service. The chief oversees operations, administration, training and the department’s strategic direction. Recent department initiatives have included expanded firefighter wellness and mental-health support programs.

Contact Information

• Emergency: 911
• Fire Administration Office: 205-254-2052

The administration office can assist with general information, fire-safety questions, records requests and how to reach specific divisions or the fire chief’s office.

Fire Safety and Community Programs

BFRS offers public education on fire prevention, smoke-alarm safety and emergency preparedness. Residents with questions about inspections, safety programs or community events can contact the administration office for current details and scheduling. Common requests include guidance on smoke-alarm placement, cooking and heating safety, and what families should do to prepare an escape plan. Working smoke alarms remain one of the most effective ways to reduce fire deaths, and the department’s outreach reflects that focus.

Fire Inspections and Code Enforcement

In addition to responding to emergencies, the department helps prevent them through inspections and fire-code enforcement, particularly for businesses, multi-family buildings and public spaces. Inspections check that exits, alarms, sprinklers and fire-safety systems meet code, reducing risk before an emergency happens. Property owners and businesses with questions about requirements or scheduling can reach the administration office for guidance.

A Department With Statewide Reach

As the largest fire department in Alabama, BFRS is a significant presence in regional public safety. Its combination of fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous-materials capability and technical rescue means it can respond to a wide range of incidents, and its scale allows it to support mutual-aid efforts with neighboring jurisdictions when major events stretch local resources. The department’s recent emphasis on firefighter wellness and mental-health support reflects a broader recognition of the demands the job places on personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions