The Chapel Hill Fire Department (CHFD) provides fire protection, basic rescue and first responder medical services to the Town of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The department operates from 5 fire stations located strategically across the community and staffed by about 100 employees.  We respond to more than 4000 incidents each year ranging from house fires and heart attacks, to vehicle accidents and hazardous conditions.  The CHFD proudly carries an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of 2 which enables residents and businesses to enjoy low property insurance premiums.

All Chapel Hill firefighters and fire officers are certified to at least North Carolina Level II Firefighters.  The department is also a partner in the Triangle Region 8 Urban Search and Rescue Team with Fire Departments from Cary, Durham and Raleigh.  These heavy rescue type teams are especially trained and equipped for major disasters.  The CHFD operates a fire training center adjacent to Fire Station #4 and the Durham Technical Community College Fire Academy is based there.  The annual budget of the CHFD is approximately $7 million. The department protects an estimated $7,036,258,326 worth of property, $4,782, 902,841 which is attributed to the University.

The CHFD is home to the famous Carolina Blue fire trucks and is proud to be the UNC Tar Heels fire protection.  Our firefighters are well trained and dedicated to provide the best possible emergency services to our citizens and visitors.  Visitors are always welcome at any fire station (especially children) and we provide a wide range of services and assistance daily.  As you browse our website you will learn of our many services and also ways to improve your own safety and protection.  Please have a safe day.

A Safe and Resilient Community Where People can thrive.

People want to live and work in a community where they feel safe…  

• Safe from the harm of catastrophic events such as fire and natural disaster
• Safe from harm induced by others – violence, acts of terror and the like
• Safe from discrimination & bullying in all its forms

People want to live and work in a community where they can thrive…

• Thrive in their work and career development
• Thrive in their nurture and support of family
• Thrive and make a difference as a part of something greater than themselves

Read our Mission and Values.

Duties and services of the Fire Department include:  

• Fire suppression
• First responder - Emergency Medical Technician level care
• Vehicle extrication and Technical Rescue response
• Fire code enforcement through an inspection program
• Disaster management and emergency operations center
• Participation in regional Urban Search & Rescue Team
• Child passenger safety seat inspections and installation education
• Public education through in-house and out-reach programs
• Fire cause and determination investigations
• Contact department for citizens’ inquiries on safety
• Development of domestic preparedness capability