The mission of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) is to promote safety and health through excellent pre-hospital medical care, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, homeland security preparedness, and fire prevention and education in the District of Columbia.

Summary of Services

FEMS provides emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, homeland security and special operations response for the District of Columbia, including planned events and activities unique to the nation’s capital. The department is responsible for fire and life safety code enforcement, along with community-based education and prevention programs. FEMS is the lead first-response agency for managing consequences resulting from natural disasters or other catastrophic events impacting the national capital region.