The Fire Department's response area covers nearly 144.67 square miles, from the I-40 / 85 interchange in the east to Hwy. 68 / Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) in the west, the lakes and reservoirs to the north, and the newly constructed Urban Loop south. The City has experienced significant growth in the last decade which has challenged the deployment strategies and resources of the Fire Department.

Geographic growth and development within the City has changed the nature and locations of some focal points and special hazards, and has added others. Expansion of services and community needs has also changed the typical response patterns for our Department's units.

The suppression and first responder mission are met through the deployment of 23 engine companies, seven quint companies, one rescue company, two hazardous materials response units, and an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. There are 23 fire stations strategically located throughout the City, all staffed on a 24-hour basis, 365 days a year, utilizing a three-shift configuration consisting of 432 assigned personnel.

Enhanced training in the areas of hazardous material handling and specialized rescues (confined space, high-level, trench, structural collapse and water) are components of this specialized response system. The Department operates one of the state’s seven Regional Response Teams (RRT) that covers a 14-county region within the state, providing technician-level hazardous materials response. In addition, the GFD operates one of the state’s 11 USAR teams, which provides technical rescue capability throughout the state for any catastrophic event that might overwhelm a local jurisdiction.