Lexington Fire Department


The Lexington Fire Department provides fire prevention, firefighting, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials, aircraft firefighting, and dive rescue operations to the 325,000+ people who live in the 284 square miles of Fayette County, Kentucky. All of LFD's firefighters are at least EMTs, and more than 220 of them are Paramedics.

History

The Lexington Fire Department was formed in 1775 to protect the city of Lexington, Kentucky. In 1864, the Lexington career Fire Department was formed. In 1973, the Fayette County and Lexington governments merged, combining the county and city fire departments. Today, the Lexington Fire Department provides fire and EMS services to nearly 286 square miles and 325,000+ people. The Lexington Fire Department is also the largest single fire department in Kentucky.

Organization and operations

Organization

The Lexington Fire Department is organized into 5 battalions, or "districts", each commanded by a District Major. Each shift has a Shift Commander, who is in charge of all 5 District Majors and the units underneath them. Above the shift commander, there are various commands staff personnel, including Fire Chief Kristin Chilton. Most of the department's offices are at its headquarters station, Firehouse 1. Every engine in the fleet has Advanced Life Support Medical capabilities. Some engine Companies and ladder companies are also Hazmat or RIT companies that are part of SOC.

Stations and apparatus

Note that vehicles with a * are cross-staffed by the companies/personnel at its station.

Operations

The Lexington Fire Department provides fire & ems services, in addition to hazardous materials, technical rescue, aircraft firefighting, dive rescue, and fire prevention services.

Special operations companies

Many of LFD's companies are special operations companies, and are trained in some type of special operations. Some of the Engine Companies and Ladder Companies are Hazardous Materials Companies or Technical Rescue Companies. Paramedic Engine 23 is a Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Company. Many of these companies are strategically located throughout the county. All Ladder Companies provide auto-extrication rescue services.