Fire Department

The Alexandria Fire Department holds a special place in the history of The City of Alexandria. Founded in 1774, it counts George Washington among its early members. The first paid professional firefighters were hired in 1855.

Page updated on Sep 15, 2017 at 4:38 PM

Dedicated to Our Community, Our Profession & Each Other

Chief Robert Dube image

Today, the Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 250 professional personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of 10 stations protects nearly 16 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations and the Special Operations Team.

Alexandria also has a volunteer organization, the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD). The AVFD has served the citizens of our fine City for more than two hundred years. AVFD members provide assistance in the areas of firefighting, emergency medical services, communications, canteen and administration.

Chief Robert C. Dubé

What's New

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The Fire Department, Police Department, and Sheriff's Office will host a ceremony to mark the tragic events of 9/11 on Monday, September 11, at 10 a.m. in Market Square. The event will pay tribute to those who responded without fear, acted without hesitation, and gave their lives to save others. Click on 9/11 Remembrance for more information.

Alexandria Community Fire Academy Accepting Applications

Alexandria Community Fire Academy photoThe purpose of the Alexandria Community Fire Academy is to educate the Alexandria community about fire safety and emergency medical response, while learning about the history, administration, operations and apparatus of an urban public safety agency. The goal of the Academy is to build partnerships within the community by helping participants understand how the fire department works, and to encourage volunteering within the community.

Participants will also have an opportunity, through hands-on training, to experience a "day in the life" as a firefighter/paramedic. They will learn skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to stretch a hose line, ladder operations, and how an engine and truck operate, along with special operations skills.

Classes begin September 5, 2017, and will be held every Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the exception of two classes on Mondays, September 25 and October 30; and the last two classes on Saturdays, November 4 and Saturday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Most classes will be held at the Station 210 Training Center, 5255 Eisenhower Ave., and other locations in the City.  Visit the  Alexandria Community Fire Academy page for more information and the application form. 

CPR Saves Lives

Earlier this year, the Alexandria Fire Department and Metro honored citizens and first responders who used CPR and an AED to save the life of a cardiac arrest victim at the Braddock Road Metro Station. This incident showed how immediate action – CPR, followed by advanced cardiac care and transportation to a medical facility – can help save a life. The incident also revealed the importance of community education and training in CPR, a technique that helps preserve blood flow to the brain and heart, and can help "buy time" until more advanced care arrives.

Learn how you can help save a life.  For information on local CPR training, visit:



Celebrating EMS Providers

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. During EMS Week (May 21-27), the Alexandria Fire Department presented brief videos, featuring Alexandria's EMS providers explaining their roles and the special skills they possess to help make the Alexandria Fire Department's EMS system one of the best in the region.



EMS Week 2017 Videos:

  • Response to STEMI (Heart Attack) and Stroke
    Alexandria Fire Department EMS Battalion Chief Brian Hricik discusses the coordination between EMS personnel and the hospital in caring for heart attack and stroke victims.
  • Special Events Team
    Alexandria Fire Department EMS Captain Brian Meckes talks about his role as the Coordinator for the EMS Special Events Team, the history of the Team, and its duties.
  • Dr. Marfori, the Operational Medical Director
    Dr. Benjamin Marfori explains his role and responsibilities as the Operational Medical Director (OMD). Dr. Marfori will also discuss how his position plays a huge part in Fire, Police, and Department of Emergency Communications' daily operations.
  • Emergency Medical Services Simulation Lab
    Alexandria Fire Department Paramedic Leddyanne Dell discusses the Professional Development Center East training SimLAB, and its uses and capabilities.


Alexandria Fire Department Celebrates its 150th Anniversary

The year 2016 marked the 150th anniversary of the Alexandria Fire Department.  From water buckets and horse drawn steamer engines to state-of-the art fire stations, equipment, apparatus, and technology, the Fire Department has enjoyed a storied history.



Firefighter-Medic Program and Dual Role Medic Providers FAQs

In 2014, the Alexandria Fire Department began transitioning from a single-role staffing model to a dual-role or "all-hazards" model. The primary purposes of this transition are to provide a higher level of service to our community by ensuring that at least one member of every fire or ambulance crew will be certified to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) care, and that all fire engines and trucks will have a crew of four instead of three. Learn more by reading frequently asked questions, an infographic, and updates. 

Alexandria Fire Stations 

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call 703.746.4444

The following is a listing of the 10 stations of the Alexandria Fire Department. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Alexandria Fire Department is to plan for and deliver responsive and caring emergency service, mitigate emergencies and disasters, prevent the loss of life, protect property and enforce applicable construction, fire, and building maintenance codes for the City residents and the general public in order to maintain and enhance public safety. 

Vision Statement

Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other​

Core Values

Unity - Community - Dedication - Professionalism - Preparedness


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