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Madison Fire Department

City of Madison Fire Department

Steven Davis, Fire Chief

Invest in People Today!

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  1. City of Madison
  2. Fire
  3. Join MFD
  4. What We Do

What We Do

A Fire Engine parked in the station.

Fire Protection

Fire companies serve from fourteen fire stations across the city of Madison. Each company consists of one lieutenant (company officer), one apparatus engineer (driver), and two firefighters.

Life safety (search and rescue) is each company’s top priority, followed by incident stabilization, and property conservation.

Emergency Medical Service

Approximately 70% of the MFD’s emergency calls are medical in nature. All MFD firefighters are trained and licensed Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Basics.

In addition, there are eight Advanced Life Support ambulances across the city staffed by two paramedics each. All paramedics are certified firefighters and may occasionally serve on an engine or ladder. Engine 14 is staffed daily with one paramedic and three EMT-Basics.

Fire Prevention

The Madison Fire Department proudly employs a team of civilian fire prevention officers under the Fire Prevention Division. Our Code Enforcement Officers and commissioned fire companies inspect all public buildings twice a year to ensure local occupancies are in compliance with fire code and city ordinances.

Other duties of the Fire Prevention Division include testing new sprinkler and alarm systems and reviewing floor plans for new buildings to ensure they are constructed in compliance with fire code.

Fire companies provide ongoing support to our fire prevention efforts by participating in school visits, fire drills, and educational initiatives such as Safety Town and Safety Saturday.

A Day In the Life Of A Firefighter

In this job, no two days are alike, but each 24-hour shift typically consists of the following:

  • 7:00 am start time, 7:00 am end time
  • A thorough check of every apparatus for fully-stocked equipment and functionality
  • Firehouse cleaning and maintenance
  • Training drills and community events
  • Around-the-clock emergency response: Calls are always #1!

Join MFD

  • About the Process
    • Multiple-Choice Test
    • Interviews
    • Physical Ability Test
    • Academy
  • What We Do
  • Why MFD
  • What We Look For
  • Salary
  • Training
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Talk to a Recruiter

Get Recruitment Updates

Subscribe to the Join the MFD Team Updates email list

By participating on this list the Wisconsin Public Records Laws may subject your email address to disclosure to third parties. By selecting "Yes" you are requesting that we treat your email address that you have provided to this list as confidential and you are also stating that you would not participate in this service if the City is obligated to release your email address to such third party requesters.

Recruitment Questions

  • JoinMFD@cityofmadison.com
  • Phone: (608) 513-3446

City of Madison Fire Department

City of Madison Fire Department
314 W. Dayton St
Madison, WI 53703
  • Administration Phone:
    (608) 266-4420
  • Dane County Communications Non-Emergency Line:
    (608) 255-2345
  • Fax: (608) 267-1100
  • Email: fire@cityofmadison.com
  • Office Hours: M - F: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • WI Relay Service

Join MFD

  • Talk to a Recruiter
  • About the Job
  • About the Process
  • What We Look For
  • Frequently Asked Questions

I Want To...

  • Find my Fire Station
  • Smoke Alarm Information
  • Do I Need a Permit?
  • Pay an Ambulance Bill
  • Request a Fire Report

Stay Informed

  • Fire Chief's Blog
  • Fire Daily Reports
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