Attachment A - Fire Staffing and Response Time Report 040126.pdf

Note: Report Data Through February 28, 2026. 
 
 
 
 
Fire Department Staffing 
Thanks to the continued prioritization and support of the Mayor and Council, as well as 
funding from Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) revenues, the number of authorized sworn 
positions has continued to increase. The current number of authorized sworn positions 
increased by 32 on January 1, from 2,027 to 2,059. 
 
The increase in authorized sworn positions is driving the department to move forward 
aggressively with accelerated recruit training academies to ensure these new roles are filled 
quickly and effectively. These academies are structured to align with the opening of new fire 
stations, the deployment of additional apparatus, and the procurement of critical equipment. 
In addition, supplemental sworn positions are being advanced to strengthen emergency 
transportation services (i.e., ambulances) across the City of Phoenix, addressing rising service 
demands and ensuring timely response to the community’s needs. 
 
 
Fire Staffing and Response 
Time Report 
March 2026 
Attachment A

Note: Report Data Through February 28, 2026. 
 
 
 
Firefighter Recruitment and Hiring 
The Fire Department recruits, hires, and trains new firefighters year-round to meet staffing 
needs. The Training Section ensures that each graduating firefighter is fully prepared to serve 
the residents of Phoenix. Testing frequency is determined by the number of applicants and the 
number of available full-time positions to maintain a strong candidate pool. The department 
hosted the Recruit Entrance Written Exam, with approximately 803 candidates participating. 
The table below compares testing and recruits trained over the past five years.   
  
 
 
 
Online Recruitment Process 
The Phoenix Fire Department officially transitioned from an in-person written exam to a fully 
online testing format for firefighter recruitment. The second online testing cycle has been 
completed, with the application window running from January 5 to January 22, and the online 
testing period closed on January 26. 
This process requires candidates to complete two separate exams: a public safety general 
exam (approximately 224 questions) and a department-specific exam (100 questions based on 
the official study packet). Although written testing is now conducted online, the first- and 
second-round interviews still take place in person. 
This new process takes place twice a year and is designed to offer greater flexibility and 
accessibility for applicants. By enabling remote testing over a longer window, candidates can 
better prepare and complete their exams at their convenience. The biannual schedule 
provides more frequent opportunities to apply, helping to streamline recruitment efforts and 
maintain a steady flow of qualified candidates for the department. 
Recruit 
Classes
Applicants
Applicants 
Tested
Selected for 
Interview
Recruits 
Trained
2026
1034
803
405
2025
1267
765
516
136
2024
1105
600
407
154
2023
1271
730
467
135
2022
1445
921
634
68

Note: Report Data Through February 28, 2026. 
 
 
 
Firefighter Recruit Training 
The chart below outlines the progress and graduation dates for the 2026 recruit training 
academies. Enrollment in each session is maximized whenever possible, with space also 
reserved for students from regional partners. Final graduation numbers may vary as the 
process advances.   
 
Recruit Class 25-3   
 
 
 
 
47 Recruits   
Graduated  01.09.2026 
Recruit Class 26-1   
Started January 2026 
63 Recruits   
Graduating  05.15.2026 
Recruit Class 26-2  
Starts June 2026  
47 Recruits  
Graduating  09.18.2026 
Recruit Class 26-3  
Starts September 2026 34 Recruits  
Graduating 01.22.2027 
 
Community Engagement 
The Fire Department actively engages with the community through social media and public 
events, ensuring consistent communication and outreach. The chart below presents key 
metrics on recent social media interactions and engagement levels for December. 
 
 
 
Community engagement extends beyond digital outreach to include social and community 
events, which are vital in strengthening connections with residents. The Fire Department 
actively hosts and participates in various events throughout the year to recruit new members, 
foster relationships, promote safety, and enhance public awareness. For more information on 
upcoming events and outreach programs, visit the Fire Department website:  
https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/fire/community-outreach.html. 
Posts
Interactions
Reach
Instagram Main PFD
31
23,997
661,470
Instgram Recruiting
9
6,060
140,227
Facebook
33
8,007
422,876
X (Twitter)
66
8,312
76,876
Nextdoor
2
20
7,321
PFD Social Media Outreach - February 2026

Note: Report Data Through February 28, 2026. 
 
 
 
Response Times & Call Volumes 
Response times are measured, monitored, and managed daily to maximize coverage and 
resource deployment. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established response 
time standards for fire and emergency medical service delivery, and the Arizona Department 
of Health Services (AZDHS) established the response time standard for emergency 
transportation services. 
 
The chart below displays response times by Council District for critical emergency medical 
service (EMS) incidents, including the first-arriving engine to a fire incident, the first-arriving 
ladder to a fire incident, ambulance response times for critical EMS, total incident call volume 
for each Council District, citywide totals, and the associated standard. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Arriving 
ALS Unit (can 
be any type) 
to Critical 
EMS Incident
First Arriving 
Engine (Water) to a 
Fire Incident
First Arriving 
Ladder to a Fire 
Incident
Ambulance Critical 
EMS
Total 
Incident Call 
Volume 
2026
NFPA Standard
5:00
5:20
9:20
10:00
District 1
7:33
4:41
7:52
9:33
4,040
District 2
8:11
6:12
11:04
10:22
2,924
District 3
7:28
5:20
10:39
9:07
4,483
District 4
6:30
5:36
8:47
8:07
6,118
District 5
6:48
5:00
8:59
8:33
4,265
District 6
7:11
5:55
11:03
9:25
3,885
District 7
7:27
5:48
8:51
9:36
5,517
District 8
7:05
5:00
8:47
9:09
6,783
Citywide
7:16
5:41
9:28
9:14
38,015
Based on 90th percentile response times, not averages from January 1, 2026, to February 28, 2026.

Note: Report Data Through February 28, 2026. 
 
 
 
Ten-Year Response Time Trend with Population Growth 
 
This chart shows the citywide 90th percentile (CEMS) critical emergency medical service 
response time in relation to the population from 2015 to the present. 
 
Over the past decade, the city has seen steady population growth, reflecting the region’s rapid 
urban development. For much of this period, the Fire Department's emergency service 
capacity did not increase at a corresponding rate, resulting in rising response times. Response 
times have stabilized in recent years due to the positive impact of adding emergency service 
resources to the system. This overall trend demonstrates that the city’s strategic investments 
in emergency services personnel, equipment, and infrastructure, including the construction of 
new fire stations, expansion of ambulance services, and technology upgrades, are positively 
impacting response times amid the city’s growth.

Note: Report Data Through February 28, 2026. 
 
 
 
Emergency Patient Transportation Activity 
The Fire Department has operated its emergency transportation service for nearly four 
decades. Analyzing the monthly average activity levels over the past three years reveals a 
consistent upward trend in service demand.  
The total number of patient transports for February 2026 was 8,447, a 5.8 percent increase 
from the 7,982 transports recorded in February 2025.