Report to the Community 2025

We want your feedback
We want your feedback
Community Feedback
Report to the Community 2023 By the Numbers
Report to the Community 2023 Station Info
Report to the Community 2023 Prevention
Report to the Community Incident Response
Report to the Community 2023 In the Community

Message from the Chief

It’s hard to believe we’re already a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Take comfort in knowing that your fire department is both innovative and forward-thinking, constantly identifying and applying the latest research and technology to keep our community safe.

Over the last 50 years, changes in our built environment have dramatically increased the speed and intensity of fires, largely due to the prevalence of modern petrochemical-based furnishings (plastics). As population density increases, we are also seeing more highly technical rescues at construction sites in the City’s urban core and within the popular Ridge to Rivers trail system. Boise’s 21st-century fire service is staffed by incredibly passionate and talented firefighters who are trained and certified to provide:

  • Advanced life support medical care
  • Structural and wildland fire suppression
  • Hazardous materials mitigation
  • High-angle, trench, confined space, machinery, aircraft, structural collapse, and water rescue services

In addition to responding when our community calls 911, your fire department uses modern data science to identify and reduce risk before emergencies occur. Our Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction Divisions work every day to analyze trends and target the root causes of incidents.

To see this work in action, explore these links that highlight how we’re helping the community prevent common emergencies:

Chief Hummel, in dress fire uniform with flag in background.
Boise Fire Chief, Aaron Hummel

For a deeper look at our community’s risk profile and how we address it, you can review our Community Risk Reduction Plan here. Boise is repeatedly lauded as one of the best and safest places to live and raise a family, and the Boise Fire Department (BFD) is committed to providing industry-leading service to match that reputation. One of the many things that draws people to the Treasure Valley is our location in the Intermountain West at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills. However, our vibrant four seasons and position along the northern edge of the Great Basin Desert also mean that wildfire is a significant and growing threat.

Boise is home to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the nerve center of the nation’s wildland firefighting efforts. Beginning in January 2026, NIFC will host the nation’s first National Fire Chief. This will consolidate federal firefighting resources, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, into a
single agency. I am excited about the opportunities this will bring to the Treasure Valley and to BFD. BFD is one of only six cities partnering with the Western Fire Chiefs Association as a host community for the cutting-edge wildfire risk mitigation project “Mitigation that Matters.” This proactive program uses advanced fire modeling software to identify the most effective mitigation measures to improve our community’s resilience to large- scale wildfire events. The project is supported by mitigation grants from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation and coordinated with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to help reduce the likelihood of fire insurance cancellations by lowering overall risk. Lastly, BFD has also partnered with the City’s Office of Emergency Management to provide resident training and exercises focused on wildfire preparedness in some of Boise’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Excellence is a never-ending pursuit of growth and learning. As Mayor McLean reminds us, “There is nothing we can’t do better.” I want to personally recognize and thank the 321 members of the Boise Fire Department who logged more than 110,000 hours of training and responded to over 35,000 incidents in 2025 to protect a population of more than 300,000 people. To the residents and visitors of Boise: we are honored to be your first line of civil service that is here to protect and serve you.

In service,
Aaron Hummel
Fire Chief, Boise Fire Department

Major Accomplishment for 2025

We finished building Station 13 and it’s currently staffed with a 4-person crew.

Boise Response Area + Fire Stations

With 18 fire stations and 300+ employees, the Boise Fire Department responds to Ada County fire and rescue calls for service in Boise, NACFR, Sunset and Whitney fire districts.

By the Numbers

The Boise Fire Department works with other nearby Fire Departments and Fire Districts to respond to fire and rescue calls for service in Ada County. Use the small grey buttons below to filter between Boise, NACFR and Whitney fire districts as well as by year.

Station Information

Call Volume by Station Number

Investigations, Inspections and Resident Impact:

Comparing station information data across several years helps to identify the effectiveness of interventions and areas that may need improvement going forward.

Firefighter putting yard waste into a large chipper machine.

WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI)

Neighborhood Chipping

In 2025, Boise Fire chipped at 267 homes and several common areas. Crews also chipped sage brush that was removed from the Oregon Trail Reserve as part of our Fuel Break Project. Overall, we removed 135 cubic yards of chipped material and we cut about 1.5 miles of saw line to create a 30-foot-wide fuel break system within the Oregon Trail Reserve to protect homes and old growth sage brush.

NEIGHBORHOOD CHIPPING PROGRAM

HOME WILDFIRE EVALUATION

Incident Response

The Boise Fire Department responds to a wide range of incidents, including structural and wildland fires, hazardous materials mitigation, water rescues, and technical or trench rescues. In 2025, our firefighters responded to more than 35,000 incidents and completed over 110,000 hours of training. We remain committed to keeping Boise’s residents safe, and we are honored to protect this community.

Notable Incidents

A fire truck ladder extends over apartment structure.

Apartment Fire

On February 27, 2025 Boise Fire and Boise Police responded to a fire at a 3-story apartment complex on N. Harrison Blvd. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from the third-floor and immediately started evacuating residents. The response included 7 fire engines, 2 fire trucks, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 1 Division Chief, Ada County Paramedics and Boise Police.

Fire crew surrounds car partially immerging from building.

Vehicle Into Building

On April 21, 2025 Boise Fire and Garden City Police responded to reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a residential building on the 5700 block of N. Garrett Street. Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle with a single occupant that had crashed into the first floor of an apartment complex. The vehicle and apartment unit then caught fire. Firefighters quickly rescued the occupant from the vehicle while working to extinguish the fire and evacuate the remaining residents from the building. A total of 7 engines, 2 trucks, 2 battalion chiefs, 1 division chief, 2 medic units, a medic supervisor, a safety officer, a fire investigator, Garden City Police, Ada County Sheriff's Office and Boise Police all responded to the scene.

Trailer suspended from wrecker cables as it is extracted from the canal.

Boat Removed from Canal

On April 25, 2025 the Boise Fire Dive 1 Team assisted Engine 17, Ada County Sheriff's Office and B&W Wrecker in removing a dilapidated and sinking boat and trailer from the New York Canal. Thanks to the coordinated effort, the operation was a success.

Damaged structure after fire was extinguished.

Structure Fire

On August 10, 2025, Boise Fire responded to a report of a structure fire on the 13000 block of W. Paint St. Upon arrival, crews found the fire, which started on the deck in the backyard, had spread to nearby wood siding and into the overhead attic space. The family was alerted when the fire burned into the attic. They were able to safely evacuate the home trough the front door. Fire crews worked aggressively to contain the fire, initiating fire attack first on the back side of the home before adding a second line of attack from the front. The home was severely damaged and the family was displaced.

Fire crew works on residence with ladders propped against house and smoke lingering in air.

Structure Fire with Roof Collapse

On August 20, 2025, Boise Fire responded to a structure fire on the 2700 block of N. Cole Road. Crews arrived at a single family dwelling with heavy fire at the back of the house. Five engines, 2 trucks, 2 BC's, 3 EMS units and one safety officer responded. A chimney collapse and roof collapse required crews to withdraw but they managed to bring the fire under control from the exterior. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

Tractor trailer on its side exposing its undercarriage with fire crews along side.

Dump Truck Rollover

On October 27, 2005, Boise Fire responded to a rollover accident involving a grave-hauling truck full of road mix. The incident occurred at the intersection of Gowen Road and the westbound I84 offramp. Engine 12, Truck 7 along with Boise Police and Ada County Paramedics responded to the call. Police provided scene protection and traffic control. One patient required extrication from the truck. Because of an active fuel leak, Hazmat 14 was called out to secure the scene and control the leak.

Fire fighters in front of extinguished materials near residence.

Structure Fire

On November 6, 2025, Boise Fire responded toa call on a single-family single-story structure. Engine 4 was able to extinguish the fire while Engine 16 provided water supply. Truck 4 arrived to search the residence and found a missing dog that was reunited with its family. The fire was controlled quickly. It was determined to have been caused by an extension cord leading to a duck enclosure. The Burnout Fund was called and coordinated assistance for the family.

Crews work around a crashed plane.

Private Plane Crash

On November 8, 2025, Boise Fire, Boise Police, Gown Field Fire and Airport Operations were notified of a plane crash while on approach to Runway 10. The plan sustained heavy front end and wing damage. The pilot was able to exit the plane, but the passenger required extrication. Both patients were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Smokey 7 established Command while Smokey 9 and 10 were assigned to the Fire Attack Group. Truck 7, Engine 8, and Ladder 5 all assisted in the response, along with Boise Police and Ada County Paramedics.

Smoke immerging from structure, aglow with lights from the fire engines.

Structure Fire with No Hydrants

On November 23, 2025, Boise and Merdian Fire crews were dispatched toa structure fire on Hidden Valley Drive. Engine 17 advised that there were no hydrants in the area. Upon arrival crews found heavy fire extending to the second floor and attic. Multiple crews were able to extinguish the fire using water from the engines, while truck companies searched for occupants. Truck 4 performed vertical and horizontal ventilation, and the fire was brought under control. The burnout fund was called and provided support to the homeowners.

In the Community

Boise Fire maintains a strong community presence, engaging residents through outreach and educational programs. Boise Fire personnel, including firefighters, prevention captains, and civilian staff, participate in a wide range of public education and outreach events throughout the year. Firefighters connect with the community during National Night Out each August, Station Open Houses, parades, and special events. They also teach fire safety to first graders each fall during Fire Safety Week. During the spring, Prevention Captains bring fire safety education to second graders through the Safe House program, visiting 60 schools over six weeks.

The Public Education Division leads Boise Fire’s community risk reduction efforts, using data to guide targeted safety initiatives. This year, there was a focus on fall prevention, including bringing workshops to senior communities. The division also expanded outreach through the Hot Ash Can program, strengthened partnerships to advance CRR goals, and continued to provide general fire and life safety presentations, fire extinguisher training, and youth fire setting intervention services. In addition, the Smoke Alarm Program supports residents through installation and education.

A firefighter helps a child down from a latter on the Fire Safety House vehicle.

Public Education

  • Fire Safety Week: 3,945 students at 58 schools
  • Fire Safe House: 2,886 students at 60 schools
  • National Night Out: 34 parties with an estimated attendance of 3,425
  • 9 Fall Prevention Workshops with 156 participants
  • 45 Hot Ash Cans given out
  • 105 smoke alarms installed
  • 3 Open Houses with more than 1,000 visitors
Group of firefighters standing next to several people who use wheelchairs.
Firefighter giving a small child a high five.
Firefighter kneeling down with small children feeling his helmet.
Firefighter kneeling down next to a fire truck showing kids the fire hose.
Firefighter in a classroom reading a book to a group of kids.

We Want Your Feedback

The Boise Fire Department takes great pride in serving the people of Boise and we are always looking for ways to improve our service to the community. We launched a new ongoing community survey to gather feedback on our service after an incident. Whether we responded to a call at your house, your neighborhood, or we provided an inspection or other public service, we want to hear from you.

TAKE SURVEY

© 2026 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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