What is the primary purpose of the fire service?

The primary purpose of the fire service is to protect life, property, and the environment from fire hazards. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including responding to emergencies such as fires, rescuing individuals in peril, and taking measures to prevent fire-related incidents. Firefighters are trained not only to extinguish fires but also to educate the public on fire safety, conduct inspections, and deliver fire prevention programs that ultimately aim to reduce the risk of fire threats.

While providing medical assistance is part of the role of many fire departments, especially as they often serve as first responders, it is not the sole purpose of the fire service. Conducting fire drills and issuing building permits play important roles in fire safety and prevention, but they are functions that support the broader mission rather than define it. The core mission remains focused on the overarching goal of ensuring safety from fire hazards, making the emphasis on protection of life, property, and the environment the most central aspect of the fire service.