The Arlington County Fire Department, a ‘world-class’ fire department for a ‘world-class’ community, provides essential fire, emergency medical, and allied public safety services for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. It is highly regarded within the profession as an innovator and leader in enhancing the industry ‘state-of-the-art’. Among its many firsts are the hiring of the first female professional fire fighter in the nation in 1974 and partnering with the US Public Health Service to develop the nation’s first Metropolitan Medical Strike Team to respond to the consequences of a chemical, biological or radiological terrorist attack.

The 302 employees of the Fire Department are committed to eliminating threats to the lives, safety and property of the Arlington community. We provide services through a combination of education, prevention and effective response to fire, medical and environmental emergencies.

The Arlington County Fire Department holds a Class 2 Rating from the Insurance Services Organization, the highest rating given to a Virginia fire department, and one of only 3 such ratings awarded in the state. This rating helps our community by bringing lower insurance rates to homeowners and businesses.