According to the most recent published accounts, in 1897 Charles Debaillon, the commissioned census taker in 1900 with the assistance of Judge William Campbell organized the first firefighting group in Lafayette. The membership consisted of twenty-five volunteers. These efforts were greatly assisted by a five-mill tax that was passed one (1) year prior for the development of an electric light system and a water works plant. This group would become known as the “Hobo Volunteer Fire Company” . . . 123 years later the Lafayette Fire Department comprises five divisions with a total personnel roster of about 285 employees.

Currently, we have 14 fire stations-thirteen responding stations with station #1, Central Fire Station, housing Administration, Communication Divisions, and Investigators. Lafayette Fire Department has a Class 2 fire rating protecting over 135,000 citizens over 54 square miles.

With the expansion of the Lafayette Fire Department our dedication to provide high quality of customer service to our community remains constant. Our 13 fire stations are divided amongst four districts operating three crews 24 hours a day. Each of the 13 stations is staffed with a minimum of 3 firefighters deploying pumpers and 4 aerial trucks geographically placed within the city.  We have two dedicated teams that provide specialized service to the community and regional: Rescue Team and Hazardous Material Team. In 2017, Lafayette Fire Department became the central agency for the Louisiana State Fire Marshal Urban Search and Rescue, Regional Response Team 4.

Interactive Map of Lafayette Fire Department Stations