Fargo Fire Department releases 2023 report

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Fargo Fire Department released its 2023 report, showcasing the highs and lows for the past year. One of their biggest goals for 2024 is to lower response times, and with the new station being built in south Fargo, that will help with the issue.

“It will help to have additional people working every day that will help meet the needs of any emergencies in the community. It will mean quicker response times.” said Fargo Fire Chief Steven Dirksen.

Dirksen says the department implemented a mental health check-in system last year to help their staff which he says was needed after the July 14 shooting death of Officer Jake Wallin.

Here is some highlights from their report:

The Fargo Fire Department’s annual report outlines several significant events that occurred in 2023:

• Fargo firefighters displayed exceptional heroism on July 14, by providing emergency medical care to Fargo police officers and a civilian injured during a critical incident.
• A groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 8 was held in June. The station is scheduled to begin operating in the fall of 2024 and will serve growing neighborhoods in south Fargo.
• The Fargo Fire Department collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to update its strategic plan, a roadmap that will shape the department’s goals, strategies and objectives for the next five years.
• For the first time since 1977, the Fargo Fire Department hosted the annual conference of the Missouri Valley Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Notable facts from the 2023 annual report:

• Fargo firefighters responded to 14,518 calls for service, including 288 fires, 163 hazardous material incidents, 58 technical rescue incidents and three water rescue emergencies.
• The Fargo Fire Department conducted fire safety inspections of all commercial property, hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes and churches in Fargo.
• The Fargo Fire Department provided fire safety lessons to nearly 5,000 school children.
• Fargo experienced two civilian fire deaths and eight civilian fire injuries. Five firefighters were injured while serving the community.
• Sixteen new Fargo firefighters completed the Joint Training Academy hosted by the Fargo and West Fargo Fire Departments.