History of Philadelphia Fire Department in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2024

The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) is responsible for fire protection and emergency medical services in Philadelphia. Their mission is to ensure public safety through rapid emergency response and preventative measures. The PFD comprises fire suppression units, specialized airport and port teams, a Fire Marshal's Office for investigation and prevention, public education programs, and support services like the 911 center and Fire Academy.

1901: High-Pressure Fire System Commissioned

In response to rising insurance premiums and difficulties fighting fires in increasingly larger buildings, the City of Philadelphia commissioned the installation of a high-pressure fire system in 1901.

November 1903: World's First High-Pressure Fire System Completed

In November 1903, Philadelphia completed the world's first major city high-pressure water service dedicated to firefighting. The system, encompassing 26 miles of pipe and 434 hydrants, cost between $625,975 and $702,539.

1909: High-Pressure System Expansion

Around 1909, Philadelphia expanded its successful high-pressure fire system to cover the Textile Mill District in North Philadelphia, Port Richmond, and Kensington, adding a reservoir and more pumping stations.

1919: Engine Company 11 Becomes All-Black Unit

In 1919, Engine Company 11 was designated as the Philadelphia Fire Department's all-Black unit, highlighting the segregation within the department at the time.

1937: Fire Marshal's Office Transfer

In 1937, the fire marshal's office was removed from the Bureau of Police and placed directly under the Director of the Department of Public Safety.

February 1949: Desegregation Begins

The Philadelphia Fire Department began to desegregate in February 1949, ending the era of segregated fire companies.

1950: Fire Marshal's Office Returns to Bureau of Fire

The fire marshal's office was transferred from the Director of the Department of Public Safety back to the Bureau of Fire in 1950.

1951: City Charter Establishes Present Fire Department

The City Charter of 1951 abolished the Department of Public Safety and established the present Philadelphia Fire Department. Inspection duties were transferred to the Department of Licenses and Inspections, while fire investigation remained under the PFD fire marshal's office.

2005: High-Pressure System Decommissioned

After years of deterioration, Philadelphia's High-Pressure Fire System was officially decommissioned in 2005, marking the end of an era for this pioneering firefighting technology.

2013: Busiest EMS Division in US

In 2013, the Philadelphia Fire Department's EMS division was the busiest in the United States, with a single ambulance, Medic 2, responding to 8,788 calls.

2018: Record-Breaking EMS Responses

The Philadelphia Fire Department's EMS division continued its record-breaking pace in 2018, with Medic 8 responding to 9,011 calls.

November 2019: Engine Companies Reinstatement Announced

In November 2019, the Philadelphia Fire Department announced plans to restaff and reinstate four previously disbanded Engine Companies: Engine 1, Engine 8, Engine 14, and Engine 39.

December 2023: Ladder 1 Restored

Thanks to a $22 million FEMA grant, Ladder 1 in Fairmount was restored in December 2023, enhancing the department's firefighting capabilities.

April 2024: Ladder 11 Restored

Utilizing the same FEMA grant that funded Ladder 1's restoration, Ladder 11 was reinstated in April 2024, further strengthening the Philadelphia Fire Department's resources.