The Fargo Fire Department has completed its annual report for 2024, providing a detailed account of the department’s commitment to enhancing public safety in our community. The report offers important statistics on fire safety and outlines the significant accomplishments achieved by the department’s firefighters and support staff in the past year.
“The members of the Fargo Fire Department are the heart of our organization, and their steadfast dedication to ensuring they are trained and ready to respond at a moment’s notice is nothing short of inspiring,” Fire Chief Steven Dirksen stated. “Their commitment to protecting life and property is the foundation of our department’s mission, and I could not be more proud of their service.”
Notable facts from the Fargo Fire Department’s 2024 Annual Report:
• Fargo firefighters responded to 14,222 calls for service, including 239 fires, 151 hazardous material incidents, 85 technical rescue incidents and 15 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 4,500 school children.
• Fargo experienced one civilian fire death and two civilian fire injuries; five firefighters were injured while serving the community.
• In 2024, 13 new Fargo firefighters completed the Metro Fire Academy hosted by the Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead Fire Departments.
The Annual Report highlights several significant events that occurred in 2024:
• The newly built Fire Station 8 became fully operational in October 2024 and is serving neighborhoods in south Fargo. The $5.3 million project was completed in 16 months and came in under budget.
• Fire Station 5 temporarily closed in September 2024 for reconstruction and renovation work. The closure is expected to last until August 2025. During this time, the station’s calls for service will be handled by nearby stations and through mutual aid with the West Fargo Fire Department.
• Chief Dirksen announced that he will be retiring on May 16, 2025, after serving the Fargo Fire Department for more than 13 years.
“Chief Dirksen has been a tremendous asset to our entire metro area in his tireless work to elevate public safety and improve disaster prevention and preparedness,” Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney remarked. “The impressive facts compiled in the Fargo Fire Department’s 2024 Annual Report are further evidence of the lasting positive impact Chief Dirksen has had on this community as an outstanding leader in the fire service.”