Mesa's fire department has evolved significantly since it was formed in 1898 and we are certain it will continue to do so. We are proud of our history and respect the traditions of the past, and are also committed to serving with CARE (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence) into the future.
Mesa’s first settlers arrived from Utah and Idaho in 1878 and incorporated the town in July 1883. The community’s first major fire occurred on October 21, 1898. Because no fire department had yet been formed, the citizens tried to extinguish the fire and limit damage. On November 1, 1898 City Council proposed new fire ordinances that included a ban on wooden buildings and bonfires. It also included plans for a water supply for the town and appointed Mayor D. LeBaron as Fire Warden.
June 26, 1909 – City of Mesa proposes a Fire Department. Within that same year, firefighters began earning pay for their work based on chemical hauling to fires and/or being the first or second hose company on scene (earning as much as $3.00 for being the first hose company to reach the fire).
Mesa grew slowly until after the Second World War. In 1950, the city was just over six square miles in area, had 1 traffic light, and had a population of almost 17,000. By now, the department had six firefighters and answered approximately 200 calls per year.
As Mesa has grown, more resources have been needed to protect the growing community. By the late 1970’s Mesa Fire grew to meet the needs of a population of 113,000 residents, spanning across more than 48 square miles. At that time, the department included 6 stations and 111 firefighters, split into 2 Battalions with the dividing line at Stapley Drive.
In addition to adding stations, equipment and firefighters, during this time the fire service was also expanding to provide new services. Mesa Fire officially began providing medical services on June 22, 1976, when our first paramedic rescue unit went into service and we also began building out our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division. Other services were also added as the need became clear, including HazMat, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) at Williams Gateway Airport.
The end of the last century also saw great advancement in technology and innovation: from computerizing data and business in the late 1980’s, to evolving fire suppression tactics, and advancements in protective gear, apparatus, and other equipment. By the end of the 1990’s Mesa Fire had over 300 department members - including Mesa’s first female firefighters hired in 1983 (one of whom was Mary Damiani, now Mary Cameli, our current Fire Chief.)
Progressing into the 2000's - 2020's, Mesa has continued to modernize suppression services and expand emergency medical programs and practices to best meet the needs of our community. From our humble beginnings in 1898, we have progressed to a full service “all hazards response” organization that provides the highest level of emergency medical care, fire suppression, rescue, and emergency transportation to the residents of Mesa.
Our fire and rescue operations are based on solid and effective training and education – focusing on minimizing life and property loss and firefighter safety. We operate special teams for Hazardous Materials (HazMat), Technical Rescues (TRT) , Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Wildland; and are proud to be a member of the largest regional automatic aide response system in the nation. Our Fire Prevention division supports our suppression efforts by inspection and education programs designed to prevent fires and other dangers before they occur.
Today, more than 80% of the 9-1-1 calls we respond to are medical in nature. As a result, all of our engines and ladders are staffed with two paramedics and two EMT’s. Additionally, we operate two-person low acuity units which respond to calls that have been triaged for this model which saves resources while maintaining a high level of patient care. In 2018, MFMD began emergency transport services (ambulance) to support continuity of care for the patients we serve.