Fire-Rescue Operations

Fire Suppression/Emergency Medicine/Technical Rescue/Hazardous Materials

The Fire Rescue Section makes up the most significant portion of the agency and remains the bread and butter of the fire service. Winter Park operates on a three-shift system, with each working 24-hours on-duty followed by 48 hours off-duty. Each shift has 23 firefighters who respond from three fire stations. These stations are strategically located throughout our city to help us provide the closest possible response to any reported incident.

Our firefighters operate three Engine Companies, One Truck Company, Three ALS transport Rescue Companies, EMS Supervisor, and Battalion Chief. All units are capable of delivering advanced life support medical care, and our Rescue units transport an average of 1800 patients annually.

Fire Suppression

Firefighting, while something we strive to reduce the frequency of, remains the foundation of our organization. Protecting the community from the ravages of uncontrolled fire is our top priority. Our firefighters are well-trained and well-equipped with the latest tools and tactics to make strategically aggressive fire attacks with practices that help us rapidly control structure fires.

All pumper fire apparatus (Engine Companies) are equipped with a minimum of 750 gallons of on-board water and more than enough supply fire hose to reach any fire hydrant located within the city limits. Fire attack lines are calculated to flow enough water to allow firefighters the ability to feel confident in their decision to be aggressive with their tactics. This ability to deliver higher water flows along with our closely coordinated ventilation skills allows our crews to safely search active fire buildings allowing any victims the most significant opportunity for survival.

To help achieve this highly effective firefighting capability, Winter Park developed a full-service Truck Company operation. Staffed with a minimum of four firefighters operating in two teams, the Truck crews have the training and equipment to handle most fire ground situations. Equipped with a 70-gallon compressed air foam firefighting system, the Truck Company can initiate a fire attack should it arrive and find the need to perform fire extinguishing activities. The Truck also carries all of the equipment needed to perform vehicle extrication, technical rescues, fire scene overhaul, and salvage as well as elevated rescues. It is a highly capable unit.

Emergency Medicine

All WPFD units are staffed and equipped to provide advanced life support medical care. No matter the type of medical emergency, the closest Fire Rescue unit will be dispatched, including enough personnel to manage the reported condition effectively, this is why you may see a fire truck responding to your request for medical care or an ambulance. WPFD is the sole provider of emergency medical services within the city limits.

All of our patient information is confidential and protected by law under the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act” of 1996.

Technical Rescue

Firefighters in Winter Park maintain a Light Technical Rescue Team (LTRT) capability. More commonly, this is known as an Urban Search Rescue Team. The Winter Park LTRT can perform rescues of victims from what is considered the difficult or “technical” situation. As an example, workers who become trapped in trenches or above ground at heights requiring the use of ropes and ladders to bring them to the ground. A technical rescue could also include the removal of a victim in a construction or building collapse.

Hazardous Materials

Winter Park firefighters are trained and equipped to deal with most of the more common responses such as gasoline spills and leaks involving natural and liquefied petroleum (LP) gasses. For any releases of large quantities of hazardous materials such as from a truck or railcar or which involve more complex chemicals, the city maintains a cooperative agreement with the City of Orlando Fire Department, who will respond to their team and work with us to resolve the matter.

Our firefighters regularly train with the members of the Orlando Fire Department’s Haz-Mat team and are familiar with their roles and responsibilities should a mutual aid response be warranted. Orlando Fire also provides Arson/Bomb services to the city for the examination and security of suspicious devices and packages.