Learn About Community Programs

We want a safe city!  The Durham Fire Department will provide you with tools and knowledge you need to prevent fires and emergencies before they happen. We offer programs and events to provide education about fire safety, injury prevention, work place safety and disaster preparedness. We even have a program for teenagers who may be interested in firefighting as a career.  

For fastest response to any requests referenced below, please email [email protected].  You may also call 919-560-4242 extension 19223 during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

We believe that  Fighting Fire is Everyone’s Fight and we invite you to partner with us on this important initiative.  

Fire is Everyones Fight Logo
Kids Touring Truck

Request a Visit


We take pride in our trucks and equipment. While they are primarily used for emergency response, we also use them as tools to assist with fire safety and fire prevention education. 
Schools, churches and other community groups, including neighborhoods and homeowners associations hosting large events, may request a fire truck by completing the Community Education Online Event Request Form.  Please make all requests at least three weeks in advance.

In our visits, fire personnel will present age appropriate safety information.  Some of the topics we may discuss include:
  • The importance of wearing seat belts
  • Having a fire escape plan
  • When to call 9-1-1. 
  • How our trucks, equipment and tools are used. Time permitting, trucks may stay for approximately one hour.  
Please be aware that all fire trucks remain in service during their appearance and may have to leave to respond to an emergency.  Additionally, the truck and crew may arrive late if they have an emergency call prior to their scheduled arrival time.  Due to extreme demand, fire trucks are not available for birthday parties. 

Steps to Safety

The updated Steps to Safety™ (STS) program includes an online professional training curriculum and new digitized and print assets to support learning and behavior change in the older adult population. The approach is one that promotes independence, collaboration, engagement, and empowerment. Rooted in fire and behavioral science and sound educational principles, STS provides the framework and tools for fire and EMS professionals and their health and social service partners to impact their community to reduce incidence and injury from home fire and falls.

ALARM FOR LIFE

If you cannot afford a smoke alarm, this program will provide one for you.  If you can provide your own alarms, but need help installing them, please complete the  
Community Education Online Event Request Form and someone will contact you with scheduling information.


NOTE: This program is not extended to landlords or apartment complexes.

Fire Ed Captain providing fire and fall prevention training to seniors

HOME ESCAPE PLANS

Contact us for assistance or visit Home Escape Plans for tips.

Fire Escape Plan


COMPLIMENTARY HOME EVALUATIONS

Fire personnel will visit your residence or business and discuss fire safety, recommend safety improvements based on the visit, and assist with planning an evacuation route in the event of a fire. Topics discussed include:

  • Cooking Safety
  • Heating Equipment
  • Home Escape Plans
  • Smoke Alarm Safety

Fire Extinguisher Training

This training teaches participants how to properly use an ABC class fire extinguisher. With verbal and hands on training that takes about two hours, the DFD offers this training as a free service to the community. In addition to our expertise, we provide instructors, a burn pan, an ignition tool, and other tools to support training. You’ll need to provide fire extinguishers for the participants, both diesel and gasoline fuels and an asphalt area such as an empty parking lot for the hands-on training.

Check out our Junior Fire Marshal Academy Information.

JFM Group in front of EMS Truck

Fire Station Tours


All 19 City of Durham fire stations are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Guests are welcome at our stations by appointment on most days. To tour a station, please complete the Community Education Online Event Request Form. Upon receipt of your request, we will contact you by e-mail or phone to confirm your request.  

Activities are planned based on the age and skill level of the audience. We look forward to your visit!
Group visiting Durham Fire Station 2