Attachment A - Fire Staffing and Response Time Report 261007.pdf

ATTACHMENT A
Fire Staffing and Response
Time Report
October 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 is 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.
Firefighter Recruitment and Hiring
Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2026.

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 1050 candidates participating.
The table below compares testing and recruits trained over the past five years.
Recruit Applicants Selected for Recruits
Applicants
Classes Tested Interview Trained
2026 1034 803 405 110
2025 1267 765 516 136
2024 1105 600 407 154
2023 1271 730 467 135
2022 1445 921 634 68
FY20-21 1348 896 594 95
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 most recent online application period
opened from July 20 through August 6, 2026, with testing closed on August 10, 2026, resulting
in 300 applicants advancing to the interview process.
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.
Note: Report Data Through August 31, 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 63 Recruits Graduated 05.15.2026
Recruit Class 26-2 47 Recruits Graduated 09.18.2026
Recruit Class 26-3 Starts October 2026 48 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 for recent social media interactions and engagement in July.
Posts Interactions Reach
Instagram Main PFD 26 44,763 1,548,344
Instgram Recruiting 4 3,470 69,995
Facebook 21 10,002 876,133
X (Twitter) 55 1,075 82,009
PFD Social Media Outreach - August 2026
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.
Note: Report Data Through August 31, 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 services, and the Arizona Department of Health
Services (AZDHS) established a 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
Total
ALS Unit (can First Arriving First Arriving
Ambulance Critical Incident Call
be any type) Engine (Water) to a Ladder to a Fire
EMS Volume
to Critical Fire Incident Incident
2026
EMS Incident
NFPA Standard 5:00 5:20 9:20 10:00
District 1 7:35 6:05 9:32 9:24 17,447
District 2 8:06 6:55 9:20 10:32 12,144
District 3 7:29 5:21 10:05 9:05 18,881
District 4 6:28 5:03 7:32 8:10 26,706
District 5 6:45 4:35 9:34 8:36 18,021
District 6 7:20 5:51 11:37 9:23 16,616
District 7 7:23 5:58 11:25 9:27 25,241
District 8 7:08 5:19 9:50 9:07 29,363
Citywide 7:15 5:46 9:54 9:11 164,419
Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2026.

Ten-Year Response Time Trend with Population Growth
This chart shows the citywide 90th-percentile (CEMS) critical emergency medical service
response time relative to 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 August 31, 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 August 2026 was 10,474, an 8.5 percent increase
from the 9,654 transports recorded in August 2025.
Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2026.