The Fargo Fire Department has completed its annual report for 2023, offering a summary of the department’s continuous efforts to elevate public safety across the city. The 41-page report details the department’s accomplishments and provides key metrics on fire safety. “The annual report serves not only as a reflection of our collective efforts as a department but also as a testament to the values that guide us: professionalism, responsibility, integrity, dependability and empathy,” Fire Chief Steven Dirksen stated.
The Fargo Fire Department’s annual report outlines several significant events that occurred in 2023:
• Fargo firefighters displayed exceptional heroism on July 14, by providing emergency medical care to Fargo police officers and a civilian injured during a critical incident.
• A groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 8 was held in June. The station is scheduled to begin operating in the fall of 2024 and will serve growing neighborhoods in south Fargo.
• The Fargo Fire Department collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to update its strategic plan, a roadmap that will shape the department’s goals, strategies and objectives for the next five years.
• For the first time since 1977, the Fargo Fire Department hosted the annual conference of the Missouri Valley Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Notable facts from the 2023 annual report:
• Fargo firefighters responded to 14,518 calls for service, including 288 fires, 163 hazardous material incidents, 58 technical rescue incidents and three water rescue emergencies.
• The Fargo Fire Department conducted fire safety inspections of all commercial property, hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes and churches in Fargo.
• The Fargo Fire Department provided fire safety lessons to nearly 5,000 school children.
• Fargo experienced two civilian fire deaths and eight civilian fire injuries. Five firefighters were injured while serving the community.
• Sixteen new Fargo firefighters completed the Joint Training Academy hosted by the Fargo and West Fargo Fire Departments.
In the annual report, Chief Dirksen extended his gratitude to Fargo’s firefighters for their unwavering commitment to the department and the community. “Each call for assistance met with your dedicated response has made a positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Chief Dirksen stated.
Upon reviewing the annual report, Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney remarked “This report is further proof that the Fargo Fire Department is a world-class public safety agency full of firefighters devoted to protecting life and property. The service they provide our city is second to none.”