Fire Department

The Markham Fire Department’s mission is to serve the community by protecting lives and property loss in a safe, efficient and professional manner. The Markham Fire Department provides fire and emergency rescue services, public education, fire prevention and emergency disaster services.  The department responds to about calls related to fire, recuse and non-transport EMS response; covering approximately seven (7) square miles of city limits, as well as providing protection on two (2) interstates, I-57 and Tollway 294 that intersects through the city.

The Fire Department has three fire stations:

• Station I - (Administration Office), 16313 Kedzie Parkway
• Station II - 15700 Central Park
• Station III - 16300 Dixie Highway

History

The Markham Fire Department was founded in 1925 as an all volunteer workforce, with 45 members. The department structure consisted of three fire stations in opposite corners of the city. Since the needs of the community grew in 1987, the City of Markham passed an ordinance to form a full-time Fire Department. The hiring and training of nine (9) full-time firefighters changed the dynamic of the department.  The part-time employees were also retained, of which both provided emergency medical services, fire and rescue emergencies. Training consisted of full-time employees obtaining a Fire-Fighter EMT-I Certification. In 1997, the City of Markham revamped the fire department and dissolved the part-time firefighter program.  All emergency medical services and medical transportation were outsourced to private services.

Top Tips for Home Fire Safety

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.