General Information

The City of Statesboro Fire Department is headed by Chief Dennis Merrifield and is housed in two different locations. Station #1 is located on West Grady Street across from the Police Department and the newer station is located on Fair Road.  The department offers a full range of fire and rescue services.  However, EMT and paramedic services are provided by the Bulloch County Emergency Medical Services which is located next door to Station #1.  Currently, the department operates with 32 certified firefighter and an administrative assistant.

              Statesboro firefighters work three shifts and each shift works for a 24-hour period.  An industry standard, these shifts are often referred to as “24on/48off” schedules.  This type of shift provides ten personnel on two of the shifts and nine on the other shift.  In addition, the Chief, the Fire Inspector, and the Administrative Captain work a normal 40-hour per week schedule and are also available during major fires or any other type of disaster.

The department is equipped with eight fire apparatus that includes five Pumpers, two Ariel Ladders, one Haz-Mat Special Operations Unit, and all apparatus are stocked with the usual firefighting equipment.  Recently, the department purchased three thermal imaging cameras to aid in search and rescue situations.  All units are radio dispatched by the E-911 Center and all personnel can be reached by pagers.  The level of personnel, upgraded equipment, emergency communications, and the City of Statesboro’s water system have all contributed to the City’s Insurance Service's Office, Public Protection Class 3 insurance rating.

              Also, contracted with Bulloch County, the department covers an area approximately five miles in circumference from each station and some of this area is outside of the City limits.  Property owners within this “fringe area” pay a fire district tax to the County, which in turn remits it to the City.  Yearly, the fire district pays for 25% of the Statesboro Fire Department’s operating and capital budgets. 

              Accordingly, the department also responds to other fire incidents within the unincorporated areas of the county in order to assist the Bulloch County volunteer fire departments.

Taking a pro-active stance, the Statesboro Fire Department is heavily involved in fire prevention.  Serving as the Fire Marshal, the Fire Inspector reviews building plans for compliance with the Life Safety Code and the International Fire Code.  He also works closely with the Chief Building Official in the City of Statesboro’s Engineering Department in the review of these plans.  In addition, every year the department presents fire safety programs to hundreds of school children throughout Bulloch County.  Finally, the department recently purchased a Fire Safety House, through a federal matching grant, to assist with fire safety education.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about the City of Statesboro Fire Department. Telephone: (912) 764-FIRE

OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE

STATESBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Safety Education:

Personnel from The City of Statesboro’s Fire Department are available to conduct “Fire Safety Classes” at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and in the workplace.  In order to give citizens hands on training, the fire department offers fire extinguisher classes with live fire to the public.  Our personnel will be happy to visit your clubs, civic organizations, or community meetings to discuss fire safety.  Also, we offer classes about Safe and Efficient Home Heating.  Please stop by the Fair Road Station and pick up our Fire Safety Education material, which is available to the public and free of charge.

In regards to Fire Safety Education, please do not hesitate to contact us at (912) 764-FIRE.

Home Fire Safety:

              At your request, Fire Department personnel will come to your home and conduct a safety inspection.  Also, they will offer suggestions to make your home as safe as possible. This includes suggestions on types, sizes, and placement of Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Detectors.

The Fire Department will assist with selections of Home Heating Devices and the proper installation procedures. This is especially important if you plan to install an insert or any type of wood burning appliances. Every year many homes are damaged by Chimney Fires caused by creosote buildup.  Accordingly, Fire Department personnel will come to your house and inspect your chimney, fireplace or insert.

Inspections:

Fire Department personnel will conduct inspections of businesses, rental property, and public places for your safety. If you know a particular location that you are concerned about, please contact the fire department.

Smoke Alarm Program:

The Department provides and installs smoke alarms at no cost to anyone that does not have smoke detectors in their home and can not afford to purchase them.

If you have questions concerning services the Statesboro Fire Department provides, please feel free to contact us at (912) 764-FIRE.