About Auburn Hills Fire Department

We offer fire protection and advanced life support EMS services to over 26,000 residents within 17.4 square miles. Given the city's significant industrial and commercial presence, our daytime population can exceed 100,000 people. Annually, we respond to more than 4,000 calls.

Our team includes full-time personnel, paid-on-call firefighters, and part-time EMTs/paramedics. We participate in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), which streamlines automatic aid responses from neighboring fire departments for major incidents and fosters improved interagency cooperation and training.

The AHFD currently holds a Class 2 rating from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). This rating, on a scale from Class 1 to Class 10, reflects the fire protection capabilities of the department, with Class 1 representing an exemplary fire suppression program and Class 10 indicating a program that does not meet ISO's minimum standards.

Our Class 2 rating places the Auburn Hills Fire Department among the top 2% of fire departments in the state. We are committed to continually enhancing our ISO rating by improving fire suppression services and departmental effectiveness to ensure a safer community.

History

Since its inception in 1942, the Auburn Hills Fire Department has undergone remarkable transformation. Originally starting with a single station and 20 firefighters, the department now operates from three stations with a dedicated team of approximately 50 personnel. Although the core mission of protecting lives and property from fire remains unchanged, the department has evolved significantly over the decades.

The department's origins trace back to December 14, 1942, when the Pontiac Township Supervisor and 20 men established the Auburn Heights Fire Department. At that time, their only apparatus was a well-equipped 1936 Chevy truck. Communication was rudimentary; residents would dial FE4-6860, which rang at two homes. The two individuals then raced to the fire hall to set off the alarm and record the details on a blackboard. By August 15, 1945, a second truck was added and was often stored at a local gas station due to space constraints. In 1948, the department retired the Chevy and introduced a new International truck. The sirens that alerted the firemen of a call were tested daily at 6:00 PM.

The first fire hall was located at 3434 Auburn Road. On August 4th, 1950, eight years after the department’s inception, Station #220 was built and activated. The new station was active before the delivery of any apparatus. Trucks from Station #210 were used to respond to calls for Station #220. Firefighters would wait by the side of the street as the truck slowed down to pick them up. The station's initial equipment included a 1,000-gallon GMC tanker and a 500-gallon GMC pumper. Just two years later, on October 1, 1952, Station #230 was also put into service with a new 1,000-gallon GMC tanker.

A tragic event in January 1947 accelerated the need for additional stations. A fire at Lee Koyl’s residence, located near what is now Joslyn and Vinewood, highlighted the limitations of the existing fire response. The residents in the north end of the township had limited knowledge of the township government at the time, including the existence of the Auburn Heights Fire Department. The Pontiac Fire Department, unable to respond due to insurance restrictions outside city limits, led to the loss of a young life. This incident underscored the urgency for better fire protection, contributing to the establishment of Stations #220 and #230.

In 1965, the practice of sounding sirens for fire calls was replaced by home monitors for firefighters. Today, firefighters use radios to receive alerts. The department has responded to several significant fires, including the Pontiac Millworks fire in 1961, a blaze at King Brothers Tractor and Lawn Equipment, and a lightning-induced fire at Church’s Lumber in 1974

From its modest beginnings with single-vehicle fire halls and sirens, the Auburn Hills Fire Department now operates three stations with a fleet of 17 vehicles. The early firefighters held various full-time occupations such as clerks, salesmen, and construction workers. Today, the department’s members come from diverse professions, including all units of military service, mechanics, and various medical facilities.

Over the past 61 years, countless men and women have volunteered their time and expertise to serve the City of Auburn Hills, maintaining a high standard of protection against fires and natural disasters. Despite the progress and dedication, the department has faced its share of challenges, including the loss of three firefighters in the line of duty.

The Auburn Hills Fire Department remains committed to safeguarding the community and adapting to meet the evolving needs of the city.

Fire Stations and Fleet

Our Staff