Fire Rescue
Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, fire prevention, inspections, public records, emergency preparedness, community education, and other public-safety services. This article explains how the department is organized, where residents and businesses can locate official services, what information may be required for common requests, and how to avoid delays when requesting inspections, reports, payments, evacuation assistance, or employment information.
Fire Rescue Services
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue protects people, property, and the environment through emergency response and prevention services. The department operates 71 fire-rescue stations within unincorporated Miami-Dade County and serves 29 municipalities. Its responsibilities extend beyond structural fires and ambulance transportation.
The department maintains specialized units for air rescue, ocean rescue, marine incidents, hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, technical rescue, and venom response. Its rescue services include aero-medical transportation to trauma centers and other medical facilities. Air rescue helicopters may also support search-and-rescue missions, wildfire response, major fire operations, reconnaissance, and other large incidents.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue also provides lifeguard services at Haulover and Crandon beaches. The department supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation and operates the County Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates emergency plans, decisions, operations, and resources during significant incidents.
The official Miami-Dade Fire Rescue website is the main starting point for emergency incident information, station locations, payments, employment, inspections, permits, safety programs, and department contacts.
Emergency and Medical Response
Fire and medical operations are designed so that response crews can begin lifesaving action across a broad range of incidents. Fire suppression vehicles are equipped to respond to medical emergencies, and firefighters assigned to them are also emergency medical responders. Medical rescue transport vehicles carry specialized equipment that allows paramedic firefighters to provide medical care while also supporting fire suppression or search-and-rescue work.
Operational officers may assume command of an incident until it is resolved or a higher-ranking officer takes command. At fire scenes, an incident commander may request a fire investigator when the origin of a fire is suspicious or cannot be confirmed.
The department divides its regular fire and medical response operations into northern and southern districts. The North District includes unincorporated areas in northern Miami-Dade County and 20 municipalities. Its territory extends from the Atlantic coast to areas beyond the Urban Development Boundary and from the Broward County line to Miami International Airport.
The South District consists primarily of unincorporated areas and 10 municipalities. It extends from Biscayne Bay to areas beyond the Urban Development Boundary and from Doral to the Monroe County line. Much of the county’s rural and agricultural territory is within this district.
Current Fire Calls
Residents who hear emergency activity or dispatch traffic may review the department’s active fire and emergency calls. The page displays current incident responses and refreshes every 60 seconds.
The active calls page should not be treated as a complete record of every incident being handled by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Information that could violate confidentiality requirements is omitted, and some active incidents may not appear. The list is intended to provide general incident information rather than official documentation of a response.
An active call listing is also different from a fire property report, rescue patient report, fire investigation record, transport bill, or public records response. Anyone who needs documentation for insurance, legal, property, medical, or administrative purposes must request the appropriate record from the department.
Stations and Response Units
The department’s fire stations and units directory identifies station locations throughout the county and shows the equipment assigned to many locations. Depending on the station, listed units may include engines, rescue vehicles, ladder trucks, platforms, tankers, hazardous-material units, technical rescue equipment, airport firefighting vehicles, boats, helicopters, battalion units, and emergency medical support vehicles.
The directory is useful when locating a nearby station, but residents should not assume that a particular crew or vehicle will always be present. Firefighters may be responding to an emergency, training, completing an assignment, or supporting another station. If no one answers the station doorbell, the crew is likely away on a call.
Free blood pressure screenings are available at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue stations. Because emergency response takes priority, visitors should be prepared for a station to be temporarily unavailable.
Station Tours and Demonstrations
Station tours may be scheduled for groups of up to 35 participants. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. During a tour, assigned firefighters may explain firehouse operations, describe equipment, and provide a fire truck demonstration.
Truck demonstrations may also be requested for schools and community organizations. These presentations must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. An advance request does not remove the department’s emergency responsibilities, so participating crews may need to respond to calls.
Fire Inspections and Permits
The Fire Prevention Division handles fire inspections, permits, fire-code compliance, and related records. The official Fire Inspections service allows users to request inspections, review inspection history, track an inspection, pay inspection fees, and address requirements involving commercial properties.
New Construction Inspections
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is responsible for Certificate of Occupancy inspections for commercial buildings. This responsibility covers new construction and remodeling of existing commercial construction. Apartment buildings and townhomes are included in the commercial inspection process, but single-family homes are not inspected under this program.
Applicants should confirm that they are using the correct fire inspection category for the property and project. A construction inspection is not the same as an annual business inspection, an inspection following a life-safety complaint, or a request for copies of older inspection records.
Life Safety Operating Permits
Businesses are required to receive an annual inspection and a Life Safety Operating Permit to maintain compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The requirement is intended to protect employees, residents, visitors, and emergency responders.
Businesses and multi-unit residential buildings that need an inspection may submit an online request or contact the Fire Prevention Division. Inspections are prioritized according to occupancy type. The same applicable codes and standards are used consistently for covered occupancies.
Life-Safety Complaints
A possible fire or life-safety code violation in a commercial occupancy may be reported through the county’s online complaint process. Complaints may also be directed to the Fire Prevention Division during weekday business hours.
After a complaint is processed, an inspector is assigned to investigate the reported condition and inspect the occupancy for possible fire or life-safety violations. The reference material states that this investigation is assigned within three working days.
A complaint should identify the commercial occupancy and describe the suspected condition as specifically as possible. A life-safety complaint should not be used to request a routine annual permit inspection, construction inspection, record copy, or appeal of an existing violation.
Permit Forms and Checklists
Fire prevention projects may require specific applications, supporting documents, plans, or technical checklists. The county provides materials for operating permits, open burning, hydrant requests, emergency vehicle zones, special plan reviews, fire alarms, fire sprinklers, life-safety plans, fireworks displays, tents, indoor exhibits, access roads, radio enhancement systems, and other fire-code matters.
Applicants should select the form that matches the actual project. A municipal permit application requiring fire plans review, for example, serves a different purpose from an operating permit application or an open burning application. Submitting the wrong form can delay the review because the department may not receive the project details required for the requested action.
Payments and Billing
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue accepts online payments for several types of department charges. The county’s payment service covers new construction and renovation inspection activity, annual Life Safety Operating Permits, and emergency medical transportation.
Users should identify the type of payment before entering an online system. A permit or inspection payment is not the same as a payment for an emergency transport. Selecting the wrong category may prevent the payment from being connected to the correct permit, inspection, account, or transport record.
Permit and Inspection Payments
Businesses and contractors may schedule and pay for inspections involving new construction, repairs, remodeling, and renovation permits. Annual Life Safety Operating Permits may also be paid online, and permit holders can print the completed permit through the applicable service.
Before paying, users should have the relevant permit, inspection, property, or account information available. The exact identifying information will depend on the transaction shown in the county payment system.
Emergency Transport Charges
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue does not charge for medical treatment provided only at the scene. A fee applies when a patient is transported to a hospital. Transport billing is separate from the process for obtaining a confidential rescue patient report.
A bill does not automatically authorize the release of medical records. A person requesting a rescue patient report must still provide the identity, authorization, guardianship, estate, or representation documents required for that record.
Incident Reports and Records
The Records and Resources Bureau processes fire reports, rescue patient reports, public records, billing inquiries, and other department-generated records. The official Fire Rescue records and incident reports page explains the information and documentation required for different requests.
Fire Property Reports
A request for a fire property report should include the exact date, time, and location of the incident. The incident number should be provided when available. A person who does not have the incident number may contact Central Records.
If the exact date is unknown, the request should include the incident location and an approximate month and year. Requests involving fire-loss research for a property, or extensive research involving public places, should provide the property location and the date and year range to be researched. A fee may apply to extensive research.
Fire reports are generally public records. Arson investigation reports are an exception unless the investigation has been closed.
Rescue Patient Reports
Rescue patient reports contain confidential medical information and require more documentation than ordinary fire reports. A request should provide the exact incident date, time, and location, the incident number when available, and the patient’s full name, including any applicable alias. A police report or transport bill should also be included when available.
Requests by the Patient
A patient requesting his or her own report must include a copy of a driver’s license or another legal photo identification document.
Records for a Minor
A parent or legal guardian requesting a minor’s report must provide a birth certificate or legal documents establishing guardianship. The request must also include a copy of the requesting parent’s or guardian’s driver’s license or legal photo identification.
Deceased Patient Records
When the patient is deceased, the request requires a death certificate identifying the next of kin or legal documents identifying the estate representative. The requesting family member must also provide a driver’s license or legal photo identification. An attorney representing the estate may provide an attorney letter.
Law Firms and Insurers
A law firm or insurance company must provide a signed, notarized medical authorization. When the patient is a minor, the parent or legal guardian must sign the authorization and state the relationship to the child beneath the signature. An illegible signature should be accompanied by the signer’s printed or typed name.
Report Fees
Certified fire property reports and rescue patient reports cost $1 per certified page. Because the number of pages varies, the requester must contact the Records and Resources Bureau for the total cost before mailing payment. The check should be made payable to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Other public-record copy charges include 15 cents for a single-sided page and 20 cents for a double-sided page. Certified copies cost $1 per page. Preprinted reports and other materials may be charged at the department’s per-copy cost. Requests requiring more than 20 minutes of research or processing may include a service charge based on staff labor costs.
A mailed request should include the complete documentation, the payment amount provided by the department, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Fire Prevention Records
Copies of occupancy inspections and life-safety inspection reports may be requested from the Fire Prevention Division. These records cover commercial property inspections involving business occupancies, multi-unit residences, new construction, and existing structures.
Records may be received in person, mailed, or faxed. The estimated turnaround time stated by the department is one week after the request is received.
Public Records Requests
Public records requests may be submitted by mail, email, telephone, or in person. Written requests are preferred because they can improve accuracy, streamline processing, and help track progress. Email requests should include the individual or company name and the words “Public Records Request” in the subject line.
Florida law treats email addresses sent to public agencies as public records. A person who does not want an email address released in response to a public records request should contact the department by telephone or in writing rather than by email.
Some requested information cannot be released when state or federal law protects the record. Medical privacy requirements and other legal exemptions may limit access even when a request is submitted through the county’s public records system.
Evacuation Assistance
The Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program provides free assistance to eligible Miami-Dade County residents who need specialized transportation, specialized sheltering, or a wellness call after a disaster.
Residents should register before an emergency. Pre-registered residents receive priority when an evacuation is ordered. Registration closes before an evacuation order is announced, so an application submitted after an order may not add the resident to the registry for that event.
Who May Qualify
The program is intended for people living alone or with family who have access or functional needs. Eligibility may apply when a resident:
Cannot evacuate without specialized transportation.
Is homebound and cannot reach a bus pickup point.
Has medical needs that prevent independent evacuation.
Is bedbound.
Uses life-sustaining medical equipment that depends on electricity.
Needs help with daily living activities.
Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and other residential health care facilities do not qualify. Those facilities are required to maintain emergency plans and provide assistance to their residents.
Registration Requirements
Applications are accepted throughout the year. An approved resident applies once and remains a member of the program, but the resident or caregiver is responsible for reporting changes to contact or medical information.
Each eligible person in a household must submit a separate application. A resident who requires a higher level of medical care should have a primary care physician complete and sign the application.
After an application is submitted, emergency management personnel may contact the applicant to verify registration information. Accepted applicants receive a letter identifying the evacuation assistance available and explaining their responsibilities.
Preparing for Evacuation
An enrolled resident may be contacted by telephone, text, or another communication method when an evacuation order is issued. The resident will receive information about transportation, sheltering, the assigned facility, and the expected pickup period.
The resident and caregiver must be ready when transportation arrives. A missed scheduled pickup may not be repeated. Every evacuee must be accompanied by a caregiver or companion throughout the emergency period.
Required evacuation supplies include:
Comfort items contained in one carrier.
A seven-day supply of medications and written medication instructions.
Necessary medical equipment and supplies.
A three-day supply of food and water for the resident and caregiver.
Special dietary food when required.
Names and telephone numbers for emergency contacts and neighbors.
Emergency evacuation centers are shelters of last resort. They do not provide the same level of equipment or medical care available in a health care facility.
Community Safety Programs
The department offers educational programs, safety training, youth programs, station activities, and post-fire information through its community services and programs.
Fire and life-safety programs include fire extinguisher instruction, evacuation training, fire drills, and fire and fall safety presentations for older adults. High-rise and multi-residential programs include free Fire Extinguisher Training and Getting Out Alive Evacuation Training. These presentations must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
The Health Emergency Life Protection course is a two-hour workshop covering recognition of common life-threatening emergencies and immediate assistance before advanced medical providers arrive.
Youth opportunities include the Fire Rescue Cadet Program for high school students ages 14 through 18, the Emergency Medical Technician Scholarship Program, Junior Lifeguards, and the Juvenile Firesetter Prevention and Intervention Program. The cadet application period runs from January through March for a summer recruit class. The EMT scholarship program may award up to 40 scholarships to qualified recent high school graduates seeking an EMT certificate through Miami-Dade College.
The department also provides After the Fire materials for households affected by a fire, literature booths with fire and life-safety information, and event standby services using off-duty Fire Rescue personnel. Qualified residents in unincorporated Miami-Dade County may receive free hard-of-hearing smoke alarms and installation while supplies last.
Fire Rescue Employment
Applicants interested in firefighter, dispatcher, or other department positions should review the official Fire Rescue employment information. The county provides role descriptions, application requirements, hiring-process details, firefighter application materials, recruitment documents, and information about the Candidate Physical Ability Test.
Firefighter and fire rescue dispatcher positions have different duties and selection requirements. Applicants should review the materials for the specific job instead of relying on information for another position. Application instructions may also identify required documents, testing steps, accommodations, and online submission procedures.
Applicants who need materials in an accessible format or require a special accommodation may contact the department’s ADA coordinator. Hiring questions should be directed to the department’s recruitment office rather than an individual fire station.
Choosing the Correct Office
Directing a request to the correct unit can prevent unnecessary transfers and delays. Emergency calls requiring immediate fire, rescue, or medical response belong with 911. Administrative questions belong with Fire Rescue Headquarters.
Fire and medical incident reports, billing records, and report-cost questions belong with the Records and Resources Bureau. Permits, inspections, life-safety operating permits, fire-code questions, and inspection records belong with the Fire Prevention Division. Employment questions belong with the hiring office. School presentations and fire-safety training requests belong with Public Education and Community Outreach.
Before contacting an office, prepare the information associated with the request. For an incident report, this may include the incident date, time, address, incident number, patient name, identification, or authorization documents. For an inspection, it may include the property address, occupancy type, permit information, construction category, or inspection history. For billing, determine whether the charge concerns an emergency transport, inspection, construction permit, or Life Safety Operating Permit.
Fire Rescue Offices
9300 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178-2414
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department — 786-331-5000
Records and Resources Bureau — 786-331-4900
General Public Records Requests — 786-331-4903
Fire Prevention Division — 786-331-4800
Fire Engineering and Water Supply — 786-315-2771
Hiring Information — 786-331-4700
Public Education and Community Outreach — 786-331-4820
Training Division — 786-331-4200
Public Affairs Bureau — 786-331-5200
Emergency Management — 305-468-5400
Fire Rescue FAQs
Can a newborn be surrendered at a fire station?
Miami-Dade fire station personnel participate in the Safe Haven for Newborns service and will accept newborn infants without asking questions. A parent considering this option should go directly to a staffed fire station and place the infant in the care of fire rescue personnel rather than leaving the child outside or unattended. Because crews may be responding to an emergency, confirm that a staff member has physically received the newborn before leaving. The county lists this program within its official Fire Rescue services and information.
How can I appeal a fire code violation?
A property owner, business operator, or other affected party may request an appeal after receiving a Notice of Violation from a fire official. Review the notice carefully to identify the cited condition, compliance deadline, property involved, and any supporting inspection details. The county’s Fire Rescue permit forms and checklists include the Fire Prevention and Safety Appeals Board application. Filing an appeal does not automatically erase the violation, so applicants should continue following any safety instructions unless the county provides different written direction.
Does Fire Rescue offer business continuity guidance?
Miami-Dade County provides guidance for businesses and organizations preparing a Continuity of Operations Plan. A COOP addresses how essential functions will continue during hurricanes, hazardous-material incidents, power outages, facility closures, and other disruptions. Businesses should identify critical operations, backup locations, employee responsibilities, communication methods, important records, suppliers, and recovery priorities before an emergency occurs.
Can residents file a discrimination complaint?
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue maintains a Title VI nondiscrimination process for complaints connected to fire rescue or emergency medical services. The department’s Professional Standards Division evaluates allegations involving race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or limited English proficiency. A complaint should clearly describe the incident, when and where it occurred, the service involved, and the actions believed to be discriminatory. Supporting documents should be included when available.