View the South Bend Fire Department History Collection 1852 - 1976* (67 Mb PDF - This is a large file and may take several minutes to download.)

View the History of the South Bend Fire Department, 1983 Edition

Since the early origins of the City, the South Bend Fire Department has held a reputation as one of the finest Departments in the Midwest.  The area's first organized fire protection commenced operations on January 29, 1853.  Twelve years before the incorporation of the city, the group consisted of a unpaid volunteers in two companies.  The Department grew to include three engines, three hose companies, and one hook and ladder and bucket company by 1868, and in 1887 became a full time paid fire department. 

The Department continued to evolve along with South Bend rapidly growing, and by 1919 boasted to sixty-seven men in twelve companies.

The Department presently employees 248 full time Firefighters in four divisions, and service a population of approximately 107,700.  Each division provides specialized functions to the effectiveness of the Department.

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South Bend Fire Department
1222 South Michigan St.
South Bend, Indiana 46601
574.235.9255