When the alarm sounds, Cambridge firefighters answer the call—day or night, rain or shine. In 2025, that commitment was on full display as the Cambridge Fire Department (CFD) responded to an incredible 16,636 emergency incidents, generating 36,711 individual responses across the city and beyond.
More Than Fires
While the image of a blazing building might come to mind, the reality of modern firefighting is far more complex. Last year, CFD handled:
- 45 building fires involving structures
- 959 inside fires—from stove mishaps to rubbish ignitions
- 1,109 fires of all types, including vehicles and brush
- 7,885 EMS calls, providing both advanced and basic life support
- 235 elevator rescues
- Plus carbon monoxide alerts, gas and electrical hazards, hazmat situations, water rescues, alarm investigations, and countless public service calls.
Every number represents a moment when someone needed help—and CFD delivered.
Beyond City Limits
Cambridge firefighters didn’t just protect their own community. In 2025, CFD answered 248 mutual aid calls, assisting neighboring cities with fires, hazardous materials incidents, and emergency coverage. When others needed backup, Cambridge was there.
The Human Side of the Numbers
Behind these statistics are stories of courage and care: firefighters pulling residents from smoke-filled apartments, rescuing stranded passengers from stalled elevators, and providing life-saving medical aid before an ambulance arrives. Each response reflects a department built on skill, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.