Portsmouth Fire Rescue & Emergency Services Station 1

Formed in 1830, the Portsmouth Fire Department is responsible for fire suppression, prevention and investigation, emergency medical services, building inspections, hazardous material spills and fire apparatus maintenance. It is comprised of more than 240 paid personnel who respond to over 15,000 calls for service per year. The department also maintains training and marine divisions. The Portsmouth Fire Department also operates technical rescue and hazardous materials teams. It has a fire prevention bureau that is responsible for arson and pre-employment background investigation, the enforcement of the statewide fire prevention code, business inspections, public education and prevention and environmental crime examination. The department operates more than five fire stations and utilizes engines, rescue vans, ambulances, trucks and support vehicles. The Portsmouth Fire Department is located in Portsmouth, Va.