Fire Department 2023 Year in Review

By Jordan Wilson, Communications Coordinator, City of Sanford

In 2023, the department responded to 4,446 service calls, reflecting a 0.7% rise from 2022. These calls encompassed various incidents, such as 88 fires, 3,254 rescue and emergency medical service incidents, 386 service calls, and 188 hazardous condition calls. EMS calls constituted 73% of the total incidents, representing a significant portion of the department’s workload. 55% of the SFD patients were over the age of 60 years old, and a majority of the injuries the SFD responded to were caused by falls.

Central Station managed 2,968 calls, and the Springvale Station handled 1,478 calls. The department anticipates that the construction of two new stations in more strategic locations will help balance the call distribution. Monday and Friday were the busiest days for the department, with peak activity occurring at 10 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm.

Training hours increased and training topics expanded. Overall, the department invested more than 5,100 hours in training, covering areas such as EMS and firefighting training, ISO company training, and technical rescue training.

The Sanford Fire Department experienced another year of increased activity compared to the previous year. As the department navigated the challenges posed by the increased demand for emergency services, it remained dedicated to its mission of ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents.